Sewa which translates to selfless service is an integral part of Hindu dharma (path of righteousness). For this reason, National Hindu Students Forum (UK) [NHSF] provides a platform for Hindu students to undertake regular sewa. Although this could just be a charitable donation, it goes way beyond this. Sewa lies not in the action, but the state of mind that precedes it.
Every year NHSF hold a Sewa Week, where 1 whole week is dedicated to selfless service. From March 1st to March 5th, Hindu students at universities across the UK will be undertaking a variety of activities in the name of sewa.
Encouraged by the Hindu youth Tony Blair said, Myself and the rest of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation team are delighted to see National Hindu Students Forum holding Sewa Week starting on 1st March. I hope the actions of students during Sewa Week not only alleviates suffering and uplifts communities in the present, but inspires others to continue this selfless service on a regular and sustainable basis in future
Yesterday Leicester University Hindu Society held an event called Leicesters Got Talent where all proceeds went to the Haiti Earthquake Appeal. Students at Portsmouth University will be celebrating Holi, the Hindu festival of colour on Wednesday at Ravelin Park. Up North on Friday, the male members of Leeds University Hindu Society committee will be getting their legs waxed for charity!
These are only a few of the events taking place during Sewa Week alongside others such as volunteering at hospices, litter picking and bake sales. In addition, on Thursday there is the National Fast where Hindu students across the country will be fasting for 24 hours. The money raised will go to Saraswati Vidyalaya, an educational charity in Nepal that sets up schools for tribal children.
Kajal Valani, President of National Hindu Students Forum (UK), said NHSF encourages sewa in all forms. Hindu Dharma guides one to the realisation that there is divinity in all. Therefore, Manav Sewa Madhav Sewa, service to man is service to God.
We are the largest organisation in UK and mainland Europe that represents the views of Young British Hindus. For more information and photos from Sewa Week please contact: Varun Anand from the National Hindu Students Forum on
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, +44 (0) 7912 618084.
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National Hindu Students Forum (UK) has been working consistently for almost 20 years to support Hindu students across the country, to provide space for their continued spiritual development and to encourage them to excel and become integral contributors to British society. We now have active Chapters in over 30 Universities across the UK.
