Spokesman for SEWA North London, Arup Ganguly, said “with 677 participants, we are overjoyed with the response to the event. This clearly shows that British Asians are keen to support local charitable initiatives – and not just repatriate money to projects in their countries of origin”. Ganguly added, “We must seize the opportunity and harness the UK Indian community’s willingness and ability to help those less fortunate. SEWA Volunteers is well placed to channel this philanthropic energy toward worthy causes”.

The nightwalk kicked off at 7.00 pm from St Gregory's RC School on Donnington Rd, Kenton, and followed a 5 km route finishing back at the school. The walk was flagged off by chief guest Hitesh Nathwani, to a fanfare of dhols and conch shell blowing. Also in attendance were Cllr Paul Lorber (Leader of Brent Council), Cllr Harbhajan Singh, Cllr Vina Mithani, David Pearce (from MAB) and Dhruv Patel (from the City Hindus Network).

“The Association (MAB) was delighted to be chosen as one of the charities to benefit from the SEWA Walking in the Dark event. It was a great night. Our thanks to everyone who organized and attended the event. The funds raised will go a long was to helping Visually Impaired People both locally and in India", said David Pearce. MAB anticipates that “monies will be used to purchase equipment for the Resource Centre and to support visually impaired people through the Home Visiting Service”.

ABOUT SEWA

In the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, Sewa means Service. In line with this definition, Sewa International is committed to working with local causes and charities by motivating a volunteer network to provide their selfless service and providing their know-how, expertise, money and most importantly – by giving their time.

Sewa International is a charity of Indian origin that came into prominence in the 90s when huge natural disasters affected India. Working in partnership with business leaders, politicians, civic society and local communities, Sewa International has raised substantial funds for various calamities internationally.

SEWA UK recently launched its own volunteer network, the UKs first structured volunteering scheme to target the Indian diaspora. The 1.3 million Indian community in Britain is recognised to be charitable and supportive of causes internationally and in Britain, often repatriating huge sums of money to causes in India and elsewhere.

However, this new initiative seeks to take advantage of their interest in volunteering by making it easier for them to find local groups and charities, which can make good use of their time, skills, and experiences. Monty Panesar, international cricketer and the face of the scheme, said: “I support SEWA Volunteers, please give some time”.

Further information can be found at www. sewavolunteers.org

Sewa International is a service project of HSS (UK) which is a registered charity (no: 267309).