Sewa Youth Convention Promotes Leadership and Service
NYC 2026 brings together young leaders to discuss civic engagement, community service and their role in shaping America’s future
- 587 participants joined the virtual National Youth Convention.
- 1,700+ youth participated in Sewa LEAD across 27 chapters.
- Participants contributed 70,000+ service hours through community initiatives.
- Youth delegates adopted a resolution on shaping the future of America.
GG News Bureau
Sugar Land, Texas, 21st Sept: Sewa International USA held its sixth National Youth Convention (NYC 2026) virtually on August 30, bringing together about 587 participants from across the United States and several hundred more through social media from around the world.
The convention was organised under the theme “250 Years of America’s Independence: Honoring the Past, Leading the Future” and highlighted youth leadership, community service and civic engagement.
Through its Sewa LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) programme, more than 1,700 participants across 27 chapters contributed over 70,000 service hours.
Sewa International USA President Srikanth Gundavarapu welcomed the participants and emphasised the organisation’s focus on selfless service, unity and leadership. He encouraged young people to continue contributing to their communities with purpose and commitment.
Focus on Civic Engagement
US Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, representing Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, delivered the opening address and highlighted civic engagement, youth leadership and community service.
The convention also featured a LEAD Alumni Plenary, where former participants discussed how the programme contributed to their personal, academic and professional development.
Keynote speaker Aakash Selvaraj, Founder and CEO of Sastrah.ai, encouraged participants to identify real-world challenges, develop innovative solutions and pursue their goals with perseverance.
The delegates passed a resolution titled “Youth Commitment to Shaping the Future of America”, receiving 99 per cent of the vote. The resolution highlighted liberty, equality, inclusion, democracy, community service and civic engagement.
The event also featured 10 Leadership Lab sessions covering issues and opportunities relevant to young people, with experts and panelists sharing practical insights.
Closing speaker Sarika Gehani, Sewa Board Director, urged youth to draw on both Indian and American values and carry the spirit of service into their everyday lives.
International youth delegates, including representatives from Sewa Nigeria, also participated as observers.
About Sewa International USA
Sewa International USA is a 501(c)(3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit working in disaster recovery, education and development. The organisation has 43 chapters across the United States and provides services without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin.
