The Courage to Share Our Work
As I reflect on my journey, I realise that serving others has been a powerful catalyst for my personal transformation. Through my involvement in service activities connected with the One World One Family Mission, I have learnt that seva is not only about helping others — it is also about growing within. In the beginning, my group and I struggled with openly sharing our charity work because our culture valued humility and quiet giving. However, with the wise and compassionate guidance of my mentor, Dr Navab, who himself leads large-scale charitable initiatives in Dar es Salaam, we gained the courage to share our work. We began to understand that transparency and accountability can strengthen trust and inspire more people to serve.
Love That Teaches You to Love
Growing up, I was surrounded by love and affection, and my beloved husband has always showered me with care. This unconditional love taught me how to love others. Yet it was through seva — and through the spirit encouraged by the One World One Family Mission, that I reached a deeper level of spiritual understanding. Serving selflessly brought me a profound sense of inner peace and fulfilment. It shifted my perspective and expanded my heart to understand the struggles and choices of those around me.
A Brother’s Dream Fulfilled
One experience that deeply shaped my understanding of seva was when my younger brother had to leave school to support our father’s work. I offered him emotional support, encouragement, and financial help whenever possible. Today, he has fulfilled his dream and earned a PhD in Law. This journey showed me the ripple effect of service, how even small acts of support can change a life forever.
Giving Without Losing
The joy of giving is a feeling that is difficult to put into words – a deep sense of warmth, fulfilment, and connection that resonates within. Through serving others and through the values I have learnt along my journey with Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, I have gradually learnt to let go of ego and expectations, embracing humility and gratitude instead.
This understanding reminds me of a story I used to read to my son, the story of Elmer, the patchwork elephant who shared his colours with a colourless rainbow. When asked how he still had colours left, Elmer replied that some things like happiness, love, and kindness can be given endlessly without ever being lost. In the same way, seva is not about depletion; it is about abundance. When we share love and compassion, we do not lose anything, we only gain more.
Service as Sacred Responsibility
As someone who enjoys solitude and reflection, I often take long walks. During one such walk, I saw someone throw a wrapper on the ground and walk away. At first, I judged the person. Then a teaching from my tradition came to mind, if you see something wrong, correct it with your hands; if you cannot, then with your words; and if not, then with your heart. Instead of judging, I simply picked up the litter. As I passed the person, we exchanged a gentle smile. That moment reminded me that true service begins with taking responsibility and acting with compassion rather than criticism.
Today, every act of seva has become a pathway for inner growth and spiritual reflection. Service feels like a sacred responsibility, bringing purpose, deep fulfilment, and a profound sense of oneness with all of creation, reflecting the spirit of One World One Family.