Bedford-based international charity, SEVA Trust UK, recently marked its 7th anniversary with an awards evening and community dinner at Indian Summer Restaurant in Bedford. The event recognised the exceptional contributions of volunteers from diverse backgrounds who work tirelessly for the betterment of local and international communities.
Special guests at the event included Mohammed Yasin (MP for Bedford and Kempston), Cllr Mohammed Nawaz (Mayor of Kempston), Emma Freda (CEO Healthwatch), Gloria Chukwuji (Community Outreach Officer, Healthwatch) and Ashok Khandelwal (Director BAPIO training academy and Healthwatch Bedford).
“We feel honoured to have all the guests and truly proud and thrilled to celebrate 7 years of SEVA trust launch. We are very pleased to celebrate the success of projects both in the UK and India, strengthening our community cohesion and the diversity of our great town, Bedford, which is known for its generosity and supports various charities across the town,” said Dr Baljit Upadhyay, Vice Chair of SEVA Trust UK, opening the evening by expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests and celebrating the charity’s milestones.
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Dr Upadhyay highlighted SEVA Trust's achievements, including delivering over 5,000 food parcels and supporting more than 350 families and 750 international students during the pandemic. She also emphasised the organisation’s impact in India, where SEVA Trust is developing a multi-facility home for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a computer skills centre for girls, and other community services.
"We operate on the concept of sewa, selfless service, without a single paid staff member," said Dr. Upadhyay, attributing the charity's success to Chairman Charan Sekhon MBE and dedicated volunteers.
MP Mohammed Yasin praised SEVA Trust for its contributions: "The amount of support SEVA Trust has delivered in Bedfordshire and India has been phenomenal. Today, SEVA Trust not only celebrates its own successes but honours unsung heroes who work tirelessly for our communities."
Mayor Mohammed Nawaz also acknowledged the charity’s efforts, noting how SEVA Trust has brought together Bedford's diverse communities and organisations.
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Awards were presented to several individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions:
· Devnider Kaur Garbri: 40 years of voluntary work in education, charity, and community service in Bedfordshire.
· Dr Parvati Rajamani: Promoted Indian classical dance and contributed to community service in Bedfordshire.
· Dr Viriedra Soni: 50 years of service to charities and the community in Bedfordshire.
· Shaminder Singh Garcha and team: Voluntary work in Punjab for SEVA Trust UK.
· Nirmal Sondhi: Volunteered in equality advocacy and supporting disadvantaged groups in Bedford and Punjab.
· Indian Summer Restaurant: Supported local charities and voluntary organisations in Bedfordshire.
· Jaimuni Rahi: 60 years of service promoting Indian poetry, classical music, and community work.
· Shaheedi Sports Council, Bedford: 55 years of promoting sports, multicultural activities, and community cohesion.
*Info: SEVA Trust UK