There are countless inspiring stories of individuals who have dedicated their lives to Seva, selfless service, making a significant impact on the lives of others and society at large. Here are a few examples:
- Mother Teresa (1910-1997): One of the most renowned figures in the history of Seva, Mother Teresa, was a Roman Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Kolkata, India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, an organisation that provided care, shelter, and support to the needy, sick, and dying. Mother Teresa’s unwavering compassion and dedication to the marginalised and suffering inspired millions worldwide and earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
- Dr V. Shanta (1927-2021): Dr V. Shanta, an Indian oncologist, was a pioneer in cancer care and Seva. She co-founded the Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai, India, which provided affordable and quality cancer treatment to thousands of patients, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr Shanta’s commitment to compassionate care and her efforts to make cancer treatment accessible to all earned her several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
- Abdul Sattar Edhi (1928-2016): Abdul Sattar Edhi, a Pakistani philanthropist, founded the Edhi Foundation, one of the largest and most prominent social welfare organisations in Pakistan. The foundation provided shelter, healthcare, education, and other essential services to orphans, abandoned children, the elderly, and the mentally ill. Edhi’s humble and selfless dedication to serving humanity, regardless of caste, creed, or nationality, inspired people worldwide.
- Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma): Mata Amritanandamayi, affectionately known as Amma or the “Hugging Saint,” is an Indian spiritual leader known for her immense Seva and humanitarian work. She has embraced and comforted millions of people across the globe, offering solace and love. Amma’s charitable activities include providing medical care, education, housing, and disaster relief to those in need through her organisation, Embracing the World.
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948): Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian independence movement, exemplified the principles of Seva in his lifelong commitment to serving humanity. His philosophy of nonviolence and his tireless efforts towards social justice, equality, and the upliftment of the oppressed continue to inspire generations worldwide.
- Dr Paul Farmer: Dr Paul Farmer is an American physician and medical anthropologist who co-founded Partners In Health (PIH), a nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing quality healthcare to impoverished communities worldwide. Dr Farmer’s work has focused on battling infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings, making significant strides in improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
These are just a few examples of individuals who have dedicated their lives to Seva, profoundly impacting countless people’s lives. Their selfless service, compassion, and dedication serve as a testament to the transformative power of Seva and its ability to create positive change in the world. These inspiring stories continue to inspire and motivate others to follow the path of selfless service and make a difference in the lives of others.