By Yajur Shah
NHSF (UK) National President
Amongst the busy streets of Punjabi Bhag, Delhi, selfless workers devote themselves to one of the many Sewa Bharati centres that are spread throughout Delhi and the rural areas of North India. I had the pleasure of witnessing this work in action and I must say that I have seen Sewa at it’s best and through this article I shall attempt to share my experience, although words may not do it justice.
It had just gone 11am on a relatively mild morning in Delhi and Digvijayji, my companion during my tour of Delhi, and I had survived yet another Rickshaw journey to arrive at a modestly decorated 2-storey building. The building had a clean look about it, painted in blue with Hindi scribing throughout distinguishing it as a Sewa Bharati centre. Outside was Shyamji Gupta waiting to receive us with a cheerful smile.
After a short introduction to Sewa Bharati and its activities, which can be found at www.sewabharati.org. Shyamji gave us a quick tour of the venue. The entrance opens out to an open, square and very well kept courtyard with 4 classrooms on the first floor and an open balcony on the second floor leading to a larger activities room.
We hear beautiful Bhajans resonating from the activities room above us. Shyamji explains that they hold daily Bhajan classes where women come and learn not only how to sing in a group, but also how to organise themselves to create a performance that could bring in all important income for their often deprived families. Digvijayji commented on how impressive it is that Sewa Bharati has managed to engage so many women who are often confined to their household duties.
On the first floor, 4 classes were being taught. Sewa Bharati’s philosophy is not education for the sake of education, but rather education that will allow families to generate household income and this was telling in the type of classes being undertaken. Sewing, primary level education for those under the age of 5, make-up & beauty and computing were key focuses at the centre. Each class was brimming with well-mannered, determined but ultimately happy children and teenagers with one or two teachers dedicated to their success.
Every teacher showed a love that can only be found in a parent figure and that showed in their mannerisms. Their sole purpose was to support every child until that child was ready to leave. Often these children would then return to help others also succeed. What Sewa Bharati had done was to create a strong family unit – one that was determined to succeed together.
It was the love and care in that centre that had made the work Sewa. There was no pity or belittlement present, but rather an attitude to serve one another as brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers.
I walked away with a new lease of life and a glimpse of what true Sewa is. I would encourage everyone I know to visit Bharat and see the work being done. It will undoubtedly change you. To donate or to find out more, do visit the central website – www.sewabharati.org.