Sewa International summit brings together over 140 professionals to address health, education, youth mental health and social welfare in the US
Indian diaspora leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, educators and community representatives have identified seven key areas for community welfare initiatives at a leadership summit held at Stanford University, with a proposed mentorship programme aiming to support 1,000 local students.
More than 140 participants attended the CXOs for Sewa leadership summit on October 24, organised by Sewa International’s Bay Area chapter at the Stanford Faculty Club. The discussions focused on translating professional expertise and community resources into practical initiatives addressing local needs.
The seven priorities identified were preventive healthcare, youth mental health, family support, healthy ageing, food security, disaster preparedness, and education and career development.
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Sewa International President Srikanth Gundavarapu delivered the keynote address, drawing on a story from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad to explain the values of self-control, compassion and giving
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He connected these principles with the organisation’s philosophy of sewa, or service to others
Anurag Mairal, president of Sewa Bay Area, outlined a proposal to mobilise industry professionals to contribute 1,000 hours of mentorship to 1,000 students. The initiative would help young people acquire industry-ready skills and explore career opportunities, particularly in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).
Entrepreneur and investor Kanwal Rekhi also participated in a fireside conversation moderated by Rakhi Israni, Sewa’s vice-president for public affairs, legal and thought leadership. The discussion covered AI, employment, ethics and the role of community service.
Participants proposed cardiovascular risk education and screening through schools and community organisations, alongside stronger mentorship networks and improved access to professional support for young people facing mental health challenges.
The summit also discussed coordinated assistance for families dealing with medical emergencies, including housing, transport and emotional support. A 12-week pilot programme to provide nutritious meals weekly to 50 homeless people was proposed as part of efforts to address food insecurity.
Sewa International, a US-based non-profit with 43 chapters across the country, works in disaster recovery, education and community development.
