VT Seva Maryland Team Hosts Successful On November 24th, 2024, the VT Seva Maryland team organized a comprehensive CPR training session, aligned with the American Heart Association's (AHA) guidelines. This engaging and informative experience equipped participants with essential skills to respond effectively in emergency situations. The training covered critical topics, including CPR techniques, burn management, abdominal thrusts for choking victims, and effective blood loss control. Through hands-on scenarios, participants learned the importance of remaining calm and decisive during emergencies, while also emphasizing teamwork and quick thinking. This experience not only imparted knowledge about CPR and emergency response but also provided practical skills that can be applied in daily life. Participants gained confidence in handling situations involving burns, choking, blood loss, and cardiac emergencies. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Ms. Sharon and Ms. Tamara for their expertise and guidance throughout the training. We are proud to announce that the following youth leaders are now CPR certified and ready to respond in case of need: - Mridula Vasudevan - Mahati Konduri - Yashmita Dillibabu - Inika Keranahalli - Sreedhav Jayaraman - Hasini Viswasarathy - Divya Putthana - Akanksha Subramaniam - Sana Shenoy I appreciate everyone who contributed to the success of this event. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this initiative. Thank you, Mridula Vasudevan Youth President, VT Seva Maryland Team

VTSeva Maryland - Multicultural Event/PVSA Ceremony On Saturday, November 09, 2024, the VT Seva Maryland team hosted our first ever, Multicultural Event/PVSA Award Ceremony. This event marked a significant milestone for our team, bringing together numerous, unique, diverse cultures and communities to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and community service. The Multicultural Event was a vibrant showcase of different cultures, where attendees were able to experience various performances, art, and cuisine, all while learning more about the importance of unity in diversity. It serves as an example of the heartwarming benevolence and altruism, behind each and every religion or heritage, furthermore, fostering the ideology of community. In addition to the cultural celebration, the PVSA Award Ceremony was a highlight of the evening. The ceremony recognized the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service. We were proud to celebrate their achievements by awarding them the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which honors individuals who have volunteered a significant number of hours to their communities, as well as the unwavering dedication they have shown. These volunteers truly exemplify the pinnacle of volunteerism, serving as a beacon of inspiration for our new youth to step up and stand firm in their commitment to serve others. We would like to take a moment to give a special shout-out to our PVSA Awardees, whose experiences with VT SEVA have been truly inspiring. Their dedication to service has brought them immense fulfillment and continues to light the way for others. By embodying the spirit of volunteerism, they demonstrate the profound impact one individual can have in strengthening and uplifting the community. - Mahati Konduri, a pre-med student, has cultivated valuable skills in leadership, charity, and patience through VT Seva. Her kindness and commitment inspire meaningful connections in academics and volunteer work. - Mridula Vasudevan, an aspiring astronaut, has cultivated empathy, positivity, and personal growth through her work with VT Seva. Inspired by remarkable individuals, she is driven to make a profound impact on those around her. - Yashmita Dillibabu, future surgical oncologist, balances academics and service through VT Seva, cultivating leadership, empathy, and driving positive change. - Bhavya Yarlagadda is a passionate and purpose-driven individual, combining compassion, curiosity, and determination to drive environmental change. - Vivek Konduri, aspiring aerospace engineer and Linganore HS sophomore, develops leadership and teamwork skills through VT Seva volunteer work. - Rashmika Sai Patel, a sophomore at Linganore High, joined VT Seva to gain experience and give back to her community, learning the value of service and dedication along the way. - Mahesh Chandra Gandam, Linganore HS sophomore, is a diligent individual driven to learn, grow, and make impactful contributions. - Kaviya Karthik Kumar Emerging leader, arts advocate, and dedicated community servant driven by empathy and responsibility. - Divya Putthana , Linganore HS freshman, strives for a law career, actively volunteering with VT SEVA through community events and initiatives. - Akanksha Subramaniam, leverages VT Seva to combine passions for criminal justice and community work, developing leadership skills to support underprivileged children. - Sana Shenoy , Urbana HS freshman, aims for a gene editing career, actively volunteering with VT SEVA through community events and initiatives. - Taara Vasudevan, emerging leader, passionate change-maker, and dedicated community servant. - Lakshitha Sai Patel, rising volunteer, dedicated to community advancement through continuous learning. This event was a beautiful reminder of the power of giving back, the importance of working together as a team, and the impact that volunteerism can have on individuals and communities. We are incredibly proud of the volunteers who were recognized, and we are grateful for their continuous efforts in making a difference. Glimpse: PVSA AWARDEE Write Ups-> - Mridula Vasudevan: “The multicultural event was a wonderful chance to see and celebrate the diversity in our community. It was amazing to watch people share their traditions, talents, and cultures through performances, food, and conversations. Being part of the event allowed me to connect with others, learn from their experiences, and appreciate the different backgrounds that make our community unique. It was a great reminder of how much we can learn from each other when we come together to celebrate our differences. My journey with VT Seva has been just as rewarding. As the VT Seva Youth President and a member of the VT Seva FEARLESS team, I’ve had the opportunity to lead and be a part of many meaningful events. I helped organize the Science Fair, which allowed me to combine my love for science with helping the community. I also had a lot of fun writing the emcee script and helping with event planning, which helped me grow as a leader. Through my time with VT Seva, I’ve learned the importance of serving others, teamwork, and making a positive impact. Looking to the future, I’m excited to follow my dream of becoming an astronaut. As an aspiring Astrophysicist and Pilot, the skills I’ve gained through VT Seva have strengthened my commitment to leadership and service. I’m motivated to keep working toward my goals, knowing that I can make a difference while also chasing my passion for space exploration.” - Mahati Konduri “Being part of the multicultural night gave me the opportunity to actively engage in coordinating with the team, organizing meetings, and ensuring we stayed on track throughout the planning process. Through this experience, I developed strong communication skills as I worked collaboratively and navigated different perspectives. I also learned the importance of effective time management and gained valuable insights into key aspects of event planning, such as arranging the performance lineup and crafting the emcee script. This opportunity greatly enhanced my organizational and leadership abilities.” - Yashmita Dillibabu “As the Youth Vice President for VT Seva Maryland, I have had the privilege of playing a leadership role in fostering community engagement and promoting meaningful causes. One of the highlights of this journey was organizing the Multicultural Night event, where I was deeply involved in planning and coordinating various aspects. I managed the finances for decorations, ensuring we stayed within budget while creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, I helped with fundraising efforts, which not only supported the event’s success but also advanced VT Seva’s broader mission of education and service. Working on this event was incredibly rewarding as it allowed me to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals and celebrate cultural richness while making a tangible impact. Being a part of VT Seva Maryland has been an enriching experience that has strengthened my leadership and organizational skills. As a youth leader, I have contributed to various initiatives that support education for tribal and visually impaired children, which aligns with my passion for service. Whether it’s coordinating events, raising funds, or spreading awareness about our mission, my role has taught me the importance of teamwork and perseverance in driving positive change. These experiences have not only deepened my connection with the community but also inspired me to continue serving and leading with purpose.” - Vivek Konduri: “Helping with our Multicultural Night was a meaningful experience that gave me insight into the work involved in organizing such an event. The cafeteria was transformed with flags from different countries, which we hung up to represent the diverse cultures being celebrated. I helped with setting up tables and organizing food stalls, ensuring each had enough space for the displays. We also worked on smaller details, like arranging tablecloths, placing signs, and placing the chairs in the area to make it inviting for attendees. During the event, it was interesting to see people walking around, trying foods from different cultures, and engaging with the information shared at each stall. While the tasks were straightforward, they helped me appreciate the importance of preparation and teamwork in creating an event where people could connect and learn about one another. Seeing the people come together in this way made the event feel better and showed the value of celebrating diversity.” - Rashmika Sai Patel: “The multicultural event was an incredible opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community. From vibrant traditional attire to delicious foods and engaging performances, the event brought people together in a spirit of unity and learning. Being part of it allowed me to connect with others, share cultural insights, and gain a deeper appreciation for the unique stories that make up our world. Similarly, my involvement with VT Seva has been a journey of purpose and growth. As the President of the Healthcare Pillar and former Disaster Relief lead, I’ve had the privilege of organizing impactful initiatives, like the Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon, that empower the community. VT Seva has strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my commitment to serving others, fueling my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.” - Akanksha Subramaniam “The VT Seva multi-cultural night was a fun and educational event for me. It showed me how I could be independent and get things done and how successful it could be. This event was also fun as it gave all the kids a chance to work together and organize such a successful event. This also ties to how my experience has been these past 2 years as a VT Seva Youth Lead. I have learned many new things, and I got the chance to spread my wings and show myself how successful I can become. VT Seva has given me a sense of responsibility that I will carry with me my whole life. This journey has been an amazing experience and I am looking forward to the lessons I will learn in the future.” - Bhavya Yarlagadda “The VT Seva Multicultural Night was a wonderful experience for me and my family. We enjoyed learning about diverse cultures and found it inspiring to see youth volunteers leading every aspect of the event. Although the planning process was challenging and filled with obstacles, we persevered with the support of our team and branch directors. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity.Through this organization, I found a way to channel my concerns into action. Organizing events like recycling drives, plant sales, and workshops has not only allowed me to make a tangible impact but also deepened my commitment to environmental stewardship. VT Seva has shaped me into a more empathetic leader and strengthened my passion for creating a sustainable future.” - Sana Shenoy “The multi-cultural night hosted by VT Seva was a great experience that I enjoyed being a part of. This event allowed me to seek independence and take the opportunity to have a role in major event planning. Multicultural night was fun since it was nice to see all the cultures and their cuisine and dance styles. It also let all of us leads work together as a strong team to organize this outstanding event. This relates to what I’ve been a part of as a VT Seva Youth lead. This organization has made me learn several things about how to plan and conduct events, help the community, and be a better person overall. It has made me more successful and responsible by giving me roles and tasks that I can strive to succeed in. My experiences in VT Seva have been wonderful and encouraging so far, and I can’t wait to learn more things and become more successful with the help of VT Seva.” - Kaviya Karthick Kumar “My experience helping with the multicultural night was incredibly exciting and rewarding. I had a great time contributing to the creation of decorations, and I especially enjoyed the process of setting up for the event. It was such a fun experience to see everything come together and to interact with others throughout the event. Not only did I get the chance to learn about different cultures, but I also made new friends and connected with people from various backgrounds. Being part of VT Seva has had a huge impact on me, as it has not only allowed me to build meaningful friendships but also helped me improve my social and communication skills. Engaging in these activities has made me more confident in my ability to talk with others and has given me a sense of belonging in a diverse and supportive community.” - Taara Vasudevan “The Multicultural Night was of excitement and happy times. I got the opportunity to understand and learn about numerous different countries, as well as their significant uniqueness. I also had an amazing time along with my fellow youth leads, and peers. It was truly inspiring to see how much each and every person accomplished. I joined VTSeva because I had the passion to help visually challenged and tribal kids. VTSeva helped me develop confidence and helped me connect with other people. VTSeva changed my perspective on everything because after i left taekwondo i wasn’t able to connect with people but when i joined VTSeva i felt more optimistic and joyful again. VTSeva transformed into an empathetic person by teaching me how to help visually challenged and tribal kids. First and Foremost, we would like to give a round of thanks, to our inspiring chief guests, who These individuals serve as the pinnacle of volunteerism, inspiring youth to make a meaningful impact in their communities: ● Rev. Lawrence E. Walker, Sr., Executive Director for the Governor's Office of Community President, leads with a strong commitment to public service. ● Brad Young, an accomplished educator and Certified Financial Planner, has earned degrees in Business, Economics, and Organizational Leadership, showing how education can empower community leaders. ● Dr. Yang Yu, appointed by Governor Wes Moore, chairs the Governor’s Commission on Asian-Pacific American Affairs, using her expertise in geography and leadership to promote diversity and inclusion. ● Arti Bhatt, a leader in DEI initiatives at PCAOB, advocates for cross-cultural understanding and community building, making a lasting difference in society. ● Archana Thakkar, with over 25 years in healthcare, leads community outreach and charity initiatives, showing how long-term commitment can positively affect many lives. ● Officer Maggie Lee, a dedicated School Resource Officer with the Frederick Police Department, supports students and the community through her work with her K9 partner, Fred. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the following performing groups, who graced us with their exceptional talents: ● GVES Chorus Group ● Naach Performing Arts ● Born to Dance ● Natya Darpana ● Swaraalaya School of Music and Arts ● Stella Yoon (Korean Performance) ● VT SEVA MD youth Leads Dance We also wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the adult team of VT SEVA MARYLAND for their unwavering support: ● CB Events: A special thank you to Anurag Ji, Cheena Ji, and Arjav for their invaluable expertise in planning and executing our event. Your contributions were vital to its success. ● Sewa Team: Our deep appreciation for your exceptional assistance throughout the event. ● Srinivas Pollisetty Ji: Thank you for your generous philanthropic support and your instrumental role in the candy donation drive. Your humility and compassion inspire us all. ● Vasu Ji: We are immensely grateful for your leadership and dedication as Youth Director. Your guidance over the past months enabled our youth team to execute the event flawlessly. Your mentorship has paved the way for Mahati’s growth as our future Youth Director. ● Dillibabu Ji: Our heartfelt thanks for your strategic guidance as Treasurer. Your unwavering support was crucial to the event’s success. ● Srini Ji: We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts as Secretary. Your commitment, from setup to cleanup, ensured everything ran smoothly. ● Subbu Ji: Thank you for your dedicated support, managing setup and cleanup with grace and efficiency. ● Sai Ji: We are grateful for your prompt and effective assistance in finalizing last-minute details. ● Sujatha Ji and Prashamsa Ji: A special thank you for your outstanding leadership in coordinating our volunteers. Your efforts in educating and assigning tasks to new volunteers, especially Mahesh and Vivek, were crucial to the event's success. ● Prashamsa Ji: We are particularly grateful to you and your sons, Akul and Anay, for your vibrant representation of Indian culture and your remarkable contribution to the event. ● Swetha Ji and Shwetha Ji: Your dedication and exceptional multitasking skills were instrumental in the success of the cultural segment. ● Sudha Ji: We sincerely thank you for your leadership in our decoration team, transforming the space with elegance. ● Suneetha Ji and Vijay Ji: We deeply appreciate your generous support and active involvement in the decoration initiatives. ● Shwetha Ji: Your warm hospitality at the registration counter made attendees feel welcome, and your efforts were deeply appreciated. ● Padmaja Ji and Charu Ji: We thank you for your expert guidance at the cultural desk, ensuring smooth execution of the performances. ● Padmaja Ji: Special thanks for your unwavering dedication, arriving early and staying until the event’s conclusion, ensuring its success. ● Senthil Ji: We are truly grateful for your expertise in providing and managing the audio system, ensuring seamless support throughout the event. ● Vasu Ji, Dillibabu Ji, and Anurag Ji: Your tireless efforts ensured the event’s triumph, and we are deeply thankful for your contributions. ● High School Students: Our heartfelt thanks to the high school students who participated in cultural representations, showcasing their diversity and talent. ● Sam: Special thanks to Sam, the student photographer from Urbana High School (UHS), for volunteering to capture the precious moments of our event. Finally, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated, attended, and helped make this event a resounding success. We look forward to many more events that celebrate the incredible work of our volunteers and the diverse cultures that enrich our community. Thank you! - Mridula Vasudevan Youth President of VT SEVA Maryland

VTSeva Campaign at Local Event On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the VT Seva Maryland team participated in the Diwali celebration, hosted by CB events, by setting up a stall to promote our cause and engage with the community. This event provided an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness about the impactful work of VT Seva, while also connecting with attendees on a personal level. Throughout the event, we communicated with numerous individuals, regarding the powerful initiatives VTSeva supports, such as educational programs, healthcare camps, and disaster relief/environmental efforts. These interactions were incredibly significant and valuable in conveying our mission and the overall representation of our work. The success of this specific event was a testament to the strength of our team. Every member worked together seamlessly, highlighting the commitment to our cause. It was clear that the collaboration and dedication of our leaders and volunteers played a crucial role in making this event successful. This specific event was a valuable learning experience for our team, teaching us the priceless lessons of leadership and hard work. - Leadership, in this context, meant not just overseeing the event but inspiring and motivating the team, guiding each individual toward the common goal of spreading awareness and making an impact. - Hard work was evident in every aspect: setting up the stall, answering questions, engaging with the public, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly. The dedication of each volunteer was clear, and the event reinforced how much can be achieved when everyone works together towards a shared mission. With that being said, We would like to extravagantly appreciate CB Events, for providing us with the opportunity to participate and represent ourselves, through this inspiring initiative. We would also like to thank: - Sobana Vasudevan - Vasudevan Akkoor - Prashamsa Muppavaram - Vivek Konduri - Mahesh Chandra Gandam - Mridula Vasudevan - T aara Vasudevan - Akul Pallerla - Sohan - Daksh - And all other volunteers. VTSeva Campaign at Local Event Your help and volunteering serves as a huge impact towards our journey, as VT SEVA MARYLAND youth leads!

On October 19, the VT SEVA Maryland team volunteered for a clothing distribution event in partnership with Friends of the Child Advocacy Center at Frederick High School. Our team efficiently sorted and distributed a vast selection of clothes to underprivileged families. Event Highlights Families in need received essential clothing items. Grateful recipients expressed appreciation for the initiative.

VTSeva Campaign at Local Event On September 14, 2024, the VT Seva Maryland team had the honor of volunteering at the Ganesha Visarjan celebration hosted by CB Events. We were thrilled to be part of this special occasion, where we sang devotional songs, helped set up the event space, and supported the procession. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with the community, contribute our time, and be a part of such a meaningful celebration. Throughout the event, we worked closely with CB Events, assisting with the setup and ensuring everything was in place. We also supported the attendees during the procession, adding a spiritual touch by singing devotional songs, which created a joyful and peaceful atmosphere. Our team worked together to ensure the procession went smoothly, making sure everyone was safe and able to fully enjoy the celebration. This experience taught us valuable lessons about passion, perseverance, and teamwork. Our passion for service was clear in everything we did—it inspired us to give our best and make a meaningful difference. Perseverance was key as we faced challenges throughout the day, but we stayed focused and committed, determined to support the event until the very end. T eamwork was the foundation of our success. Every volunteer played an important role, whether it was setting up, singing, or assisting attendees. We worked together with a shared purpose, supporting each other every step of the way. The strength of our teamwork was evident as we accomplished our goals and contributed to the event’s success. We are incredibly grateful to CB Events for providing us with the opportunity to be part of this important celebration. It was truly an honor to contribute to such a meaningful event. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following individuals for their dedication and hard work: ● Sobana Vasudevan ● Vasudevan Akkoor ● Mahati Konduri ● Mridula Vasudevan ● Yashmita Dillibabu ● T aara Vasudevan ● Inika Keranahalli ● Sreedhav Jayaraman ● Shambhav Jayaraman ● Rashmika Sai Patel ● Bhavya Yarlagadda ● Kaviya Karthick Kumar ● Dheesidan Karthick Kumar ● Stella Yoon And all our other fantastic volunteers, for making this initiative possible!

VT Seva Maryland team conducted Fire safety event at the Urbana Fire and safety Rescue services. All our youth leader participated in this event with much enthusiasm.

VT Seva Maryland Team Commemorates 78th Indian Independence Day with Community Parade On August 15, 2024, the VT Seva Maryland Team proudly celebrated India's 78th Independence Day with a vibrant parade through the Landsdale community, home to over 1,250 residences. The procession, spanning over a mile, was led by our dynamic MD Youth Vice President, Yashmita Dillibabu. A Joyful Celebration The parade was a resounding success, with enthusiastic participation from community members of all ages, including children, youth, adults, and senior adults. As they marched through the streets, the air was filled with patriotic fervor, echoing the rallying cry of "Bharath matha ki jai!" Leadership and Inspiration Under Yashmita's guidance, the event was a testament to the power of community spirit and leadership. Her dedication and passion for promoting cultural heritage and unity shone brightly throughout the celebration. A Personal Reflection We invite you to read Yashmita's personal account of her experience leading the parade, as she shares her insights and reflections on this momentous occasion. On August 15, 2024, I had the distinct honor of leading the Indian Independence Day Parade, a significant event that underscored the spirit of unity, pride, and cultural celebration within our community. As the Youth Vice President and Treasurer of VT Seva Maryland, this occasion was not only a personal milestone but also a profound demonstration of our collective dedication to commemorating India's journey to freedom. The parade commenced at the Landsdale Gazebo, where participants gathered under a clear sky, their faces beaming with excitement and anticipation. The Landsdale Gazebo, known for its central location, served as the perfect starting point for our celebration. As the parade started, I could feel the palpable energy and enthusiasm of everyone involved. From the Landsdale Gazebo, we embarked on a vibrant journey towards the amphitheater. The route was adorned with flags and enthusiastic participants who marched in step, embodying the essence of Indian heritage. As we made our way through the route, the parade not only celebrated India’s historical significance but also fostered a sense of togetherness among the participants and spectators alike. The amphitheater, our final destination, was a venue that allowed us to close the celebration with a spectacular display of cultural pride and community spirit. This event was a testament to the hard work and dedication of many individuals. I am profoundly grateful for the support of my volunteers who contributed their time, energy, and creativity to ensure the success of the parade. I would like to extend a special thanks to my dad Mr. Dillibabu, Sobana Aunty, Vasudevan Uncle, Prashamsa aunty, Geetha aunty, Sarathy uncle, Mridula, Taara, Rashmika, Bhavya, Harshita, Akanksha, Sana, Sreshta, Geethika, Akul, Anwesha, Hasini, Inika, and our new volunteers who are Abhinav, Sahasra, Samruthi, Anay, Arnav and Kavin. I would also like to thank everyone who joined us on the parade. Your unwavering commitment and enthusiasm were instrumental in making this celebration a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved. Thank you for helping to bring our vision to life and for your continued support of our community’s cultural endeavors. Yashmita Dillibabu, VT Seva Maryland Youth Vice President and Treasurer

The VT SEVA Maryland summer camp, led by youth leader Mridula Vasudevan in July, has successfully concluded. The camp provided students with valuable instruction on topics relevant to their upcoming academic year, as well as engaging activities such as chess, yoga, and arts and crafts to stimulate their minds and bodies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mridula Vasudevan, camp leader, shares her experience: During this camp, our students received instruction on topics relevant to their upcoming academic year, as well as engaging activities such as chess, yoga, and arts and crafts to stimulate their minds and bodies. Through this experience, I had the opportunity to refine my communication and organizational skills. As a leader, I was responsible for coordinating with volunteers, managing the camp schedule, and communicating with parents and students. This taught me the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and effective problem-solving. I extend my gratitude to the parents, students, and volunteers who collaborated to make this project a success. Each individual played a vital role in making this experience memorable. *Special Acknowledgments I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to: Our students, whose enthusiasm and intelligence made this experience truly rewarding. The VT SEVA Maryland youth leads, whose dedication and teamwork were instrumental in achieving our accomplishments: - Taara Vasudevan - Kaviya Karthickkumar - Akul Pallerla - Dheesidan Karthickkumar - Anwesha Parida - Mahesh Chandra Gandam - Bhavya Yarlagadda - Charithra - Kabir Rajpurohit - Aahana Gupta - Chaitra I am proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the support and cooperation that made this event a resounding success. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

The intent of this workshop was to introduce kids to the field of engineering and the various career options it offers

VT SEVA Maryland Youth Leaders Successfully Conclude Summer Camp 2024! The VT SEVA Maryland youth leadership team is thrilled to announce the successful completion of their 3-week summer camp, which took place from June 10 to June 29. The comprehensive program encompassed a range of activities, including Yoga, Math, English, Science, Social Studies, Chess, and Arts. The summer camp culminated in an annual celebration on June 28, marking a memorable conclusion to the event. We are delighted to share a detailed report from Mridula Vasudevan, the VT Seva Maryland Youth President and summer camp Lead, which highlights the key moments and achievements from the program. ‐--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greetings from Mridula Vasudevan, Youth President of VT SEVA MARYLAND Branch As a Youth leader in the VT SEVA Maryland Branch, I have had the privilege of developing a more optimistic and proactive outlook through my involvement in volunteer initiatives. I firmly believe that maintaining a positive attitude, recognizing the good in others, and serving as a beacon of hope can transform an individual's life. Moreover, it fosters effective leadership. One event that significantly tested my abilities and helped me grow as a leader was the VT SEVA Maryland 2nd Annual June Summer Camp. During this camp, our students received instruction on topics relevant to their upcoming academic year, as well as engaging activities such as chess, yoga, and arts and crafts to stimulate their minds and bodies. The camp culminated in an Annual Day celebration on June 27th, featuring performances, games, and certificate distribution. This milestone event not only showcased our community's growth but also provided valuable leadership lessons for our volunteers. Through this experience, I had the opportunity to refine my communication and organizational skills. As a leader, I was responsible for coordinating with volunteers, managing the camp schedule, and communicating with parents and students. This taught me the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and effective problem-solving. I extend my gratitude to the parents, students, and volunteers who collaborated to make this project a success. Each individual played a vital role in making this experience memorable. *Special Acknowledgments I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to: Our students, whose enthusiasm and intelligence made this experience truly rewarding Parents and family members, whose support was invaluable _Sandhya Ji, for her generous contributions to the Annual Day setup_ The VT SEVA Maryland youth leads, whose dedication and teamwork were instrumental in achieving our goals: - Rashmika Sai Patel - Mahesh Chandra Gandam - Sana Shenoy - Divya Puthana - Geethika Pamani - Kaviya Karthickkumar - Akul Pallerla - Rohan Putthana - Dheesidan Karthickkumar - Taara Vasudevan - Samanvi Tammana - Anwesha Parida - Sasha Gandraju - Sreshta Sree Veldanda - Anvitha Nakka - Janelle Davies I am proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the support and cooperation that made this event a resounding success.

This event was for Middle and High School students to encourage them to speak with confidence.

VT Seva Maryland team conducted our 1st Math competition on 04/28/2024 as part of our STEAM activities which turned out to be a super successful event. All Elementary School Math lovers participated in this event and showcased their talents! A small write up from the youth leader Sana Shenoy who conducted this event with her team's help. ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- I'm Sana Shenoy, currently an 8th grader at WKMS & the Event Coordinating Lead of the VT Seva Maryland Education Pillar. On 04/28/2024, I conducted a math competition for kids in grades 1 - 5, at Urbana Regional Library, in which 35 mathletes registered! It turned out great! Thank you to everyone that participated in the event. Everyone that showed up did amazing! I'm very proud of how successful this event turned out to be. Thank you to all the volunteers that helped me out, I couldn't have done it without you guys! For this math competition, we created a google form so that the parents could register their kids for the event. At the event, we made three brackets to organize who will be playing against each other. Two mathletes of the same bracket went against each other at the same time, while a challenging question was being displayed on the screen with a one minute timer. When they got an answer, they simply hit the buzzer and gave the answer. Whoever got the most out of 3 questions right would progress to the next round. This kept continuing until we found the winners and runners-up in each bracket. I want to take a quick moment to thank once again my parents all the youth leads for helping me conduct this event! Mridula Akanksha Divya Bhavya Niveditha Vivek I had a great time conducting this event, and it was amazing to see the number of people that showed up and participated, displaying their skills! Thanks everyone! Sana Shenoy ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐----- ‐-----

VT Seva Maryland Youth leads conducted their First Chess competition for kids in the Urbana Regional Library on March 16th, 2024. Vivek Koduri, Youth leader of the VT Seva Maryland conducted this event.

This is an event created by Maryland youth committee team which gave an opportunity for elementary kids to showcase their interests in science and exhibits the experiment they have performed and earn exciting prizes!

VT Seva Maryland Youth leads conducted our first recycling workshop for kids in the Urbana Regional Library on February 25th, 2024.

VTSeva Maryland Team supported American Red Cross conducting blood drive on Feb 3. 38 Good hearts signed up for the blood donation drive. 27 donors were able to successfully donate their blood (per American Red Cross) it could save more than 70 lives. HatsOff to All our Donors who came forward to make a change in the community!! Proud of all VTSeva Maryland Youthleads and parents of youth leads who supported for this cause. Kudos to the entire team! Blood donation drive Event Lead Yashmita Dillibabu and Event Co-Lead Mridula Vasudevan worked closely with the entire VTSeva Maryland youth leads to make this event a real success. Kudos to the entire team!! Appreciating all the youth leads and our Adult team who came forward rolling their sleeves to help for this event. Yashmita Dillibabu Mridula Vasudevan Mahati Konduri Anvitha Nakka Rashmika Patel Mahesh Gandham Vivek Konduri Inika Keranahalli Kaya Wright Taara Vasudevan Niveditha Murugesan Abhiram Tammanna Stella Yoon Sreshta Sree Veldanda Geethika Pamani Rahul Yarlagadda (Bhavya's Brother) Dillibabu (Yashmita's Dad) Shweta (Inika's Mom) Raju (Inika's Dad) Vasudevan Akkoor (Mridula/Taara's Dad)

VTSeva Maryland youth leaders participated and showed their support in giving back to the community by participating in the community clean up activity conducted by City of Frederick on 11/16. Inika Keranahall lead the event and our other youth leaders Akul, Arjun, Dhanvi, Mahesh, Mridula and Taara helped showing their support for this event. Thank you City of Frederick Parks and Rec for this wonderful opportunity and looking forward to support our City parks! Thank you Shweta, Sirisha and Prashamsa for volunteering and helping guide the kids.

VT Seva Maryland Team recently got an opportunity to showcase effectiveness of Volunteer Services at a Diwali function conducted by CB Events. CB Events supported us by providing us with a booth station and all our volunteers used the opportunity to demonstrate the great Services done by VT Seva. In the function, CB Events gave a shout out for VT Seva volunteers and helped us in educating the huge crowd about different pillars of VT Seva and how VT Seva creates an impact to the community. Our Youth leaders presented different events and activities that we had completed through VT Seva. So many impressed audiences and good hearts from CB Events signed up for VT Seva Volunteering services. Following Youth leads participated in the event! Vivek Konduri - Event Lead. Mahati, Yashmita, Rashmika, Bhavya, Mahesh, Taara Vasudevan, Dilli Babu, Vasudevan Akkoor, Sobana Vasudevan - Participated in the event and helped with Volunteering/Campaigning. Sana Shenoy - Helped with creating a re-usable donation Box. We would like to thank CB Events for providing us this opportunity.

VT Seva Maryland Youth leaders conducted a 5K Walkathon on 10/22/2023 from 8 AM - 10 AM to bring Breast Cancer Awareness around Frederick County. Breast cancer awareness aims to educate people about breast cancer risk factors, tests, and ways to get involved with advocacy. Information empowers people and gives them the tools and knowledge they need to get regular mammograms and screenings for breast cancer, which helps make early detection possible. Close to 20 MD VT Seva youth leaders participated in this event supporting the cause. We met a few Breast Cancer Survivors during our walk, and they showed their support, felt grateful for sharing the knowledge, and created awareness through youth! Our youth leads baked some Pink cookies supporting the cause and made Pink ribbons to showcase the Breast cancer awareness support! Thank you everyone for the support. Following Youth leads participated in the event! Rashmika - Event Lead for the Walkathon Mahati, Bhavya - Helped with Baking cookies to show support and creating posters! Kaviya - Made Breast cancer ribbons for all the youth leads and shared the ribbons with the supporters. Mridula, Taara, Lakshitha, Samanvi, Yashmita, Cindy, Inika, Mahesh, Vivek, Deechu, Abhiram, and Kayden - Helped with campaigning by holding Breast Cancer awareness posters, VT Seva Banners, Campaigning about Breast Cancer awareness, and carrying the donation boxes to support people who are impacted with Breast Cancer.

VTSeva Maryland conducted and interactive session for making clay Ganesha idols for the occassion of Ganesha Chathurthi. Its really a great opportunity to all the youth to learn how to make idols out of clay and also learnt why we celebrate the festival and the story behind it! Great job Mahesh Chandra Gandham for leading this event. Huge shout out to all the VT Seva Maryland Youthleaders who supported this event. Bhavya Yarlagadda Dheechu Karthick Inika Keranahalli Kaviya Karthick Lakshita Patel Mahati Konduri Mridula Vasudevan Rashmika Patel Sana Shenoy Taara Vasudevan Vivek Konduri Yashmita Dillibabu Sahasra K