In a small brightly colored one-room schoolhouse, Dr. Rekha Srinivasan leads the community in prayer, “May All become Happy, May All be Free from Illness. May All See what is Auspicious, May no one Suffer. Peace, Peace, Peace”.

The WISER SEVA group is just about this, to promote education and global citizenship so others can feel happy and peace. This past January, Dr. Srinivasan was able to deliver school supplies for the school and children made possible by the contributions of WISER SEVA fundraising throughout the year. These supplies range from books to backpacks to a refurbished computer to pots and pans for the school’s cooks. This is the 8th school WISER SEVA program has helped.

Since 2009, students and faculty have been supporting WISER SEVA to help promote education and global citizenship. The program was started during a discussion with Dr. Srinivasan and her former student, Nandini Sharma (‘12) who was searching for a way to help impact and promote women in education. Seva, Sanskrit for “service”, was born.

For 8 years, WISER students and faculty mentors have supported these efforts, coordinated by the SEVA student coordinator. Students volunteer their time to sell samosas every Wednesday in the Fall semester to raise money for purchase of school supplies. They also coordinate, plan, and run a fundraising dinner in the spring. All proceeds go to Soujanya Sevaashrama’s Nurture a School Annually Program.

The WISER-SEVA banquet will be on March 29, 2018. You are welcome to come enjoy an Indian buffet, purchase authentic Indian clothing and accessories, and enjoy wonderful performances by various campus groups. WISER SEVA volunteers and Dr. Srinivasan will share more about the WISER SEVA program and her January visit to the school. If you are interested in how you can help support the WISER SEVA program please feel free to contact Dr. Rekha Srinivasan (rekha.srinivasan@case.edu)