Keith Vaz MP presented Lopa Patel MBE a photo marking her time as Deputy Chair of volunteering initiative Sewa Day for the past two years and her involvement with the charity since its inception five years ago. The event saw big business, schools, politicians and Sewa Day celebrate continued service to the community at the third Sewa Pioneers Awards at Portcullis House, Westminster on Wednesday 24th June 2015. Hosted by actress and producer, Nina Wadia and British-Tamil comedian Kutti Hari, the awards recognises the participation of global volunteers on the international day of ‘selfless service’ Sewa Day 2014.
The awards honour schools and voluntary organisations who, empowered by the ethos of Sewa Day, make a valuable contribution to help improve the lives of members within their community, through organising inspiring community projects, either by relieving poverty, protecting the environment or by bringing a little joy. Sewa Day 2014 was a record-breaking year with more than 350 projects executed globally, and a considerable rise in the number of projects continuing its service throughout the year.
Bharat Vadukul, Trustee and Chairman, Sewa Day says: “Now in its sixth year, Sewa Day has more people offering their time to the community than ever before. As important as fundraising is, we believe that carrying out ‘Sewa’ is an important tool to improve ourselves and our society. The awards are a great opportunity for us to honour true community pioneers: the inspiring groups and individuals who have worked hard to make a real difference in their community“.
Sewa Day provides people with a chance to give back to the community through volunteering on a single day to make a difference. As such, each event organised must be based on at least one of the guiding principles below:
• To relieve hardship and poverty
• To bring a little joy
• To help the environment
Sewa Day 2015 will be held on 04 October 2015. All the events take place on the same day or for schools during the week and do not include fund-raising activities. From infants through to pensioners, anyone can get involved and make a difference. Community groups, local councils, schools, temples, mosques and businesses have enlisted their support for this initiative.
Visit www.sewaday.org for more information