Latest news with #Sewa
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A Year of Impact: Sewa International Announces New Leadership
SAN FRANCISCO, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sewa International USA, the leading Hindu faith-based non-profit organization, announced a change in leadership at its 19th national conference held in the Bay Area from May 3 to 5. Srikanth Gundavarapu, a prominent Indian American businessman from Atlanta, GA, became its fifth president, taking over the reins from Arun Kankani. Suresh Jain, Chairman of Sewa's Board of Directors, informed attendees that Arun Kankani would continue to serve as Sewa's Executive Vice President, guiding its operations. He announced that the San Antonio Chapter will host Sewa's 20th National Conference. The conference brought together over 140 volunteers, including Sewa's directors, advisory board members, executive teams, chapter presidents, coordinators, and other functionaries. Led by an all-volunteer executive team, Sewa has earned a distinction of serving in over 34 disasters since its inception in India in the 1980s as a social movement. Arun Kankani, who led the organization to unprecedented heights during the COVID-19 pandemic, handed over the baton to Gundavarapu. In 2020, when COVID-19 ravaged the world, Sewa volunteers risked their lives to serve across the US cities by distributing millions of pounds of food and more than 100,000 hot meals to first responders, caregivers, and the public. It also saved several lives by sending over 10,000 oxygen concentrators to India during the pandemic. Over 4,500 Sewa volunteers served in the US during COVID-19. Sewa raised $45 million in 2021 from 140,000 donors, leading Benevity to rank Sewa among the top 10 charitable organizations supported by employers and their employees in 2021. Accepting his new responsibility, Srikanth Gundavarapu said, "I'll lean on the strong shoulders that built this foundation. Sewa, which began as a small organization in an Atlanta garage, has now grown into an entity with strong systems and processes. Sewa's real strength lies in its thousands of volunteers and donors nationwide. Their dedication and hard work have built Sewa, and I am proud to carry forward its legacy". Sewa's founding President, Srikant Konda, participated in the chat and recalled the organization's humble beginnings—forming chapters, raising local funds, and managing logistics with minimal resources. Sewa's second President, Gautam Desai, spoke of serving locally in the US, starting with Hurricane Katrina and the Bhutanese Refugee Empowerment Project across the US cities, and expanding its focus on international causes. Prof. Sree Srinath, Sewa's third president, recalled building systems and scaling Sewa into a nationally effective organization. Leadership Means CareIn the concluding session, Advisory Board Member Saumitra Gokhale said, "This gathering reminded us that our progress stems not from chance, but from sustained effort, planning, and the dedication of volunteers over two decades. Sewa leadership isn't about titles—it's about continued service." Sewa's board members, Dr. Ajay Singhal, Sridhar Talanki, Vishal Khera, and Sewa's Advisory Board Members, Shyam Parande, and Yashwant Pathak, attended the conference. About Sewa InternationalSewa International ( is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable non-profit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. Contact:Vidysagar Tontalapur949-414-6624394987@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sewa International Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Balochistan conflict resurfaces as South Indian links draw fresh attention
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the Indo - Pak conflict and escalating tensions along the border, Islamabad finds itself grappling on another front, with its perennial Balochistan headache. The Balochistan Liberation Army, an internal uprising in the southwest, remains a worry for Pakistan, often putting military pressure on its western defence. In such a backdrop, what if Balochistan carries a slice of south India, within it? The current tension along the border has brought to focus the South Indian links with Balochistan, split across Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Despite being one of the largest Pak provinces, this region remains relatively underdeveloped and least populated. 'Brahui', a Dravidian language written in a Perso-Arabic script, is reportedly being spoken by close to 2 mn people in this Pakistani province. That Brahui shares similarities with Dravidian languages and points to historical ties between the two regions. There are many theories about this unusual historical link between two regions, situated about 2000 km apart. However, it's well established that the two regions share some undeniable bonds through linguistic and historical links, in addition to possible migration and settlement. Going by reports, there are records indicating that Hindu rulers from South India, like the Sewa dynasty, ruled some parts of Balochistan, until the seventh century. Dravidian linguist Ravishankar S Nair pointed out that there are two theories frequently being discussed. 'Going by the first, South Indians are people who have migrated from this region, while another says Baloch people are those who migrated from South India. The first one has more credibility, as per studies,' he said, adding that the time period could be about 2000 years ago.
Trade Arabia
17-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Sewa implements over 19 energy transmission projects in 2024
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (Sewa) has completed a number of strategic projects aimed at enhancing the emirate's energy transmission capabilities and stabilising the electrical grid. More than 19 projects were accomplished in 2024 including a 220kV station at Al Tay as well as 33/11 kV units at Al Jadah and Souq Haraj. This initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to improve energy infrastructure and enhance network efficiency, said a statement from Sewa. The executed projects included the 220 kV Airport Station, the dynamic development project at Al-Tay Station for energy transmission, and other initiatives aimed at improving electrical transmission efficiency at Wasit, Al-Shanouf, and Al-Ghubayba stations. Additionally, upgrades and modernisation of current transformers at several main stations were carried out to ensure operational stability. Hamad Al Taniji, Director of the Energy Transmission Department, said several projects have been successfully completed in 2024, contributing to the development of electrical grid infrastructure and providing high-quality services that meet future needs. He emphasised the authority's commitment to achieving further excellence and innovation, ensuring the reliability of the electrical network in line with future developments and achieving the highest levels of performance and efficiency. Partial discharge detection systems (GIS PD) were also installed at both the Sports Centre Station and Al-Liyah 132 kV Station, enhancing the reliability of the electrical system, said the statement. Furthermore, the project to lower overhead lines in the areas of Al-Ma'ahid, Al-Hoshi, and Al-Tay was implemented to support the Union Train project, a pivotal step in promoting sustainable transportation, it stated. Abdullah Al-Kous, Deputy Director of the Energy Transmission Department, stated that in 2024, several energy transmission stations were completed and operational. These including 33/11 kV units in Al-Jadah, Souq Haraj and Al Madina, which supply the Al-Milihah Dairy Project and nearby projects. As part of the work, the network modifications in the Al Milihah area to connect to Al Madina Station, Al Rahmaniyah - 4 (33/11 kV), and Al-Falah - 1 (33/11 kV) were also accomplished, along with network modifications in Al Tay.
Khaleej Times
31-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah: New power plant to reduce summer outages, boost electricity supply
Residents of Al Hoshi and nearby areas in Sharjah can now expect a more reliable electricity supply, even during the peak summer months, due to a major infrastructure project by the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (Sewa). The newly inaugurated Al Hoshi power plant, built for Dh23 million, is now fully operational and is set to reduce power outages by strengthening the electricity network, the authority noted. With summer around the corner — when energy demand soars due to air conditioning and cooling systems running at full capacity - SEWA said it has taken a proactive step to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. The 33/11 kV plant is equipped with the latest technology to improve efficiency and support the growing number of homes and businesses in the area. "This plant is a crucial step in enhancing our electricity transmission and distribution networks, ensuring that residents receive the best possible service without interruptions," said Eng Hamad Al-Tunaiji, director of the Power Transmission Department at Sewa. The project is part of a broader vision led by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, to continuously improve the emirate's infrastructure and provide a better quality of life for all residents. More power and water projects The Al Hoshi power plant is just one of the many infrastructure developments Sewa has completed. The authority has been upgrading electricity networks at 133 locations, reducing power disruptions across the emirate. In Kalba, six major lighting projects worth Dh24.4 million have been completed, making roads safer and neighbourhoods brighter. Meanwhile, SEWA has added over 3,200 new water connections this year to serve growing residential and commercial areas. "These improvements mean fewer power cuts, better lighting, and stronger water supply for thousands of residents across Sharjah," Al-Tunaiji added. Other major projects are also in the pipeline. This year, six more lighting projects in Kalba will be completed, further enhancing safety and urban development. In the water sector, Sewa is launching a massive Dh50 million expansion of its network in Kalba to meet the rising water demand. Additionally, a new desalination plant in Hamriyah will soon produce 90 million gallons of water per day, securing a sustainable water supply for residents.
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sewa launches largest 220 kv substation in Sharjah
The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) has announced the launch of the largest 220 kV substation in its network, located at the airport area in Umm Fannin. This strategic move, with a cost exceeding AED500 million ($136 million), is aimed at boosting the energy infrastructure of Sharjah city, said Sewa in a statement. The project was carried out in collaboration with Siemens Energy and General Projects Company for Mechanical and Electrical Contracting. The new substation includes four 400 MVA transformers (220/132 kV) and four 75 MVA transformers (132/33 kV), offering a total capacity of over 1,200 MW, serving vital areas of Sharjah. According to Sewa, this expansion will help meet the city's growing energy demand and improve the electrical grid's reliability and flexibility. The new substation will also support the city's economic and urban growth, ensuring future energy demands are met, it added. Hamad Al Tunaiji, the Director of Energy Transmission, said Sewa remained committed to continually developing power transmission and distribution networks across Sharjah. The project was implemented following the highest global standards to ensure quality, efficiency, and reliability in providing sustainable energy. Abdullah Al Koos, Deputy Director of Energy Transmission, said the opening of this station represents a major achievement for Sewa, reinforcing its commitment to providing a reliable and modern energy infrastructure for Sharjah. Earlier, Sewa had reported that it had successfully connected electricity to 1,540 projects across residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and governmental areas in Sharjah City. The total load exceeded 142.2 MW during the third quarter of 2024.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
