Gripped by a sense of urgency as Covid19 raged unabated across the world, Board members and Trustees of Hindus of Greater Houston have stepped up their efforts to help the community during this crisis.

In a conference call on March 22nd, Sewa International, the organization leading the relief efforts, shared an update of their activities.

About 400 Sewa volunteers are on the ground across the nation coordinating the relief endeavors from providing food to doctors and first responders to procuring masks and gowns for hospitals.

Sewa has put together a team of attorneys who are volunteering their time to help with immigration issues along with a team of doctors who have been helping people with their medical concerns. Sewa’s helpline 281-909-7392 is manned by volunteers round the clock.

Stranded students are being placed in volunteer homes. Several more organizations, Sewa leader Nikhil Jain noted, have joined Sewa in their efforts.

Star Pipes CEO Ramesh Bhutada urged Sewa to ensure that the vulnerable sections of society – senior citizens and international students were also helped. He also advised people to review their stocks and 401k plans.

Sewa leaders Vasudev Singh and Gitesh Desai highlighted the dire need for funds to support their work and are working to raise $450,000. Advisor Rasesh Dalal urged all the leaders to communicate this to their members and help in raising funds. Ramesh Bhutada immediately pledged $25,000, Patanjali Yogpeeth President Shekhar Agrawal contributed $5000 while Ravi Goel President of Hindu Worship Society donated another $5,000 on behalf of the Society.

Hindu American Foundation Houston Chapter Coordinator Rishi Bhutada was pressed to start an email campaign immediately to include faith based houses of worship in the Governments’ relief package. Advisor Parthasarthy Krishnaswamy highlighted the dilemma of Hindu temples who need to cover the costs of running the temple but are no longer receiving donations as members have stopped visiting the temple.