SEWA Diwali, lighting the path to compassion in Aurora and Naperville
In this world, who does not live for oneself? Yet, the one who lives for the sake of others is the one who truly lives!
Sewa is a Sanskrit word that encapsulates the essence of selfless service. This principle is a cornerstone in Sanatana Dharma, commonly known as Hinduism, resonating across various religions stemming from it in the spiritual landscape of Bharat, India. The practice of Sewa contributes to the collective well-being of society and is performed without grand expectations or concern for personal gain.
In the revered Shri Bhagavad Gita, one of the most sacred Hindu texts, Shri Krishna advocates selfless service as a means of spiritual development, closely aligning with the principles of Yoga, particularly Karma Yoga. While contemporary interpretations of Yoga often focus on physical postures (Asanas) for bodily transformation, engaging in Sewa holds the power to positively shape and elevate an individual's character.
Sewa, synonymous with selfless service, transcends specific roles or capacities and is often associated with the altruistic efforts of volunteers and volunteer-based organizations.
During this season of giving, and on the auspicious occasion of the Hindu festival of Diwali, organizations and numerous individuals in the Chicago area and across the country came together to collect donations for food pantries.
The Sewa Diwali food drive was coordinated by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), along with other organizations rooted in the Dharmic value of Sewa, such as Indian American organizations like Sewa International USA, AIANA, ICO, Hindu Satsang, KS Foundation, Happy Feet Walkers Club, Jai Ganesh Group, HUM, Sanskrita Bharati, USOGC, IUSA Media, Shivalli Kutumba of NA, A3N Media, Kalibari Temple, AASOA, Chinmaya Mission, and Liberty Create.
During this food drive, hundreds of "Karyakartas" (volunteers), many of whom were young, energetic children, made their homes "collection centers" for their neighbors to contribute. People were encouraged to donate canned goods and non-perishable items, which could be donated to food pantries or homeless shelters.
In the suburb of Naperville, 3,750 pounds of food were donated to Loaves & Fishes of Naperville and were accepted by Juan Jacquaz, food marketing manager. This event was graced by community and interfaith leaders Lynn Pries, president of NILA, and Porus Dadabhoy, president of United for Peace.
Similarly, in the suburb of Aurora, 2,527 pounds of food and $2,000 were donated to Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry and were accepted by Heather Short.
The Cities of Aurora and Naperville also issued individual Proclamations to recognize the efforts of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and the other Dharmic organizations in Chicagoland and commending their selfless efforts during the Sewa Diwali food drive.
In the current challenging economic times, when many people are struggling to make ends meet, the 'Karyakartas' (volunteers) of Dharmic organizations in Aurora and Naperville metaphorically illuminated the suburbs just like the lamps of Diwali through their selfless act of Sewa.