January is not only a time for new beginnings but also a moment to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who championed equality and nonviolence. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of peace, King believed that justice and compassion should guide communities toward unity.
In Aurora, Illinois, youth volunteers from SewaDiwali, representing organizations like HSS, Sewa, HUM, Aaina, and CAA, were recognized for their dedication to service. The city’s mayor, Richard Irvin, presented them with the MLK Service Above Self Award for their outstanding contributions.
Each year, SewaDiwali organizes a nationwide food drive around Diwali, mobilizing communities to collect non-perishable food items for local food pantries. In 2024, Aurora’s youth volunteers worked tirelessly, spreading awareness in neighborhoods, gaining community support, and successfully collecting 3,000 pounds of food along with $3,000 in donations for the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry.
The recognition is a testament to their commitment to the values that Dr. King stood for—helping those in need and fostering community solidarity. The volunteers expressed deep gratitude for the award and pledged to continue making a difference.
As the new year unfolds, their efforts serve as a reminder of King’s enduring words: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
