The picturesque grounds of Dharma Bhakti Manor Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Stanmore, London, was the site chosen for the official launch recently of Sewa UK Rickshaw Run 2023, a unique diaspora-led initiative of sewa or selfless service.
The primary goal of the adventure is to raise over £500,000 for underprivileged children, making a substantial impact in their lives. A total of 108 self-funded participants, driven by a shared spirit of philanthropy and adventure, will embark on an extraordinary journey, driving rickshaws from Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh to Kutch in Gujarat, covering a distance of over 2,000 kilometres in the heart of India.
The expedition is scheduled to take place from December 10 to December 23, spanning 12 days of adventure wrapped up in a spirit of giving. The Rickshaw Run will traverse through four states of India, raising crucial funds and awareness for Sewa UK’s noble project to refurbish a dental unit in Arogyadham, Chitrakoot.
“The refurbished dental unit in Chitrakoot will offer free or highly affordable cleft palate surgeries, with the potential to impact the lives of over 500 villages in the vicinity. Every penny raised during the Rickshaw Run 2023 will be chanelled directly into this humanitarian cause, providing countless individuals with the precious gift of a voice and a brighter future,” Sewa UK said in a statement.
Dr Pomi Datta, a longstanding supporter of Sewa UK, shared his heartfelt sentiments and connection with the charitable organisation. Having flown out to Chitrakoot over the years to provide hands-on medical treatment, Dr Datta expressed his delight at the prospect of Rickshaw Run 2023 participants visiting Chitrakoot to witness the transformative work in progress and the profound impact it will have on the lives of many.
Dr Ashok Sethi, a leading dental implant surgeon based in London who has been volunteering for Sewa UK, emphasised the life-changing nature of their efforts. Dr Sethi, along with medical professionals from Canada and the UK, regularly travels to Chitrakoot to dedicate their time and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. He expressed his profound satisfaction in witnessing the smiles on the faces of individuals whose lives have been transformed through such Sewa UK efforts.
The Rickshaw Run 2023 has been described as a journey of compassion, unity, and change.
(Courtesy: I. Global)
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Fantastic and very apt initiative Wish them all the best!