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{{short description|Indian Voluntary Social Service Organization}}
{{short description|Indian voluntary social service organization}}
{{Multiple issues|
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{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
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{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
| name = Seva Bharati
| name = Rashtriya Seva Bharati
| logo =File:Sevabharathi.png
| logo =File:Sevabharathi.png
| type = Community service
| type = Community service
| founded_date = 1989
| founded_date = 1989
| founder = Balasaheb Deoras
| founder = [[Balasaheb Deoras]]
| location = India
| location = India
| origins =  
| origins =  
| area_served = Health-care, education
| area_served = Healthcare, education
| focus =  
| focus =  
| method =  
| method =  
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| num_members =  
| num_members =  
| owner =  
| owner =  
| website = {{URL|www.sevabharathikeralam.in}}
| website =  
| dissolved =  
| dissolved =  
| native_name = सेवा भारती
}}  
}}  
[[File:European Union MP talking to children at child labor rehab centre.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A European Union, Member of Parliament talking to children of the rehabilitation centre for child labor run by Seva Bharati]]
[[File:European Union MP talking to children at child labor rehab centre.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A [[European Union]] [[Member of parliament|MP]] talking to children at a child labor rehabilitation center run by Seva Bharati.]]
'''Seva Bharati''' (Hindi:'' सेवा भारती'') is a [[Non-governmental organization|non-governmental organization (NGO)]] working among the economically weaker sections of Indian society, including tribal and indigenous communities.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Bharatiya Janata Party: People and Performance|last = Swain|first = Pratap Chandra|publisher = Ashish Publishing House|year = 2001|location = New Delhi|pages = 88}}</ref> It also works among urban slum dwellers and resettlement colonies by introducing welfare and social service programs, such as free medical assistance, free education, and vocational training.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Religion, Caste, and Politics in India|last = Jaffrelot|first = Christophe|publisher = Primus Books|year = 2010|location = New Delhi}}</ref>
'''Rashtriya Seva Bharati''' (Seva Bharati) is an Indian [[non-governmental organization]] (NGO) that coordinates community service projects in areas such as healthcare and education.<ref>{{cite news |date=5 May 2021 |title=Sewa Bharti performs cremations of 65 virus victims |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/sewa-bharti-performs-cremations-of-65-virus-victims/article34493720.ece |access-date=25 September 2025 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>


== History ==
== Organisation ==
On 8 April 1979 veteran social worker and the then [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] [[Sarsanghachalak]] Shri [[Balasaheb Deoras]] addressed a mammoth gathering of volunteers at [[Ambedkar Stadium]], [[Delhi]], where he called upon them to start service activities among the neglected sections of the society. He asked the volunteers to raise self-respect of the socially and economically deprived people of India. This speech is considered to be the initiating first step that led to starting the Seva Bharati. Although the volunteers of RSS and other allied organisations had been informally working for the betterment of the under-privileged, it was opined that a formal structure would help coordinate the service programs all over the country. Seva Bharati was thus established later that year.<ref>[http://organiser.org//Encyc/2004/4/18/Sangh-Samachar-br----br---Seva-Bharati-Delhi-organises-Mass-marriage-on-Dr-Hedgewar-s-birthday.aspx?NB=&lang=3&m1=&m2=&p1=&p2=&p3=&p4=]{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Seva Bharati is affiliated with the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) as well as the official [[community service]] umbrella of allied organisations.  


== Organisation ==
The ''Akhil Bharatiya Saha Seva Pramukh'' (All India Joint Service Chief) of the RSS guides the organisation, which is also represented in the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, a decision-making body of the [[Sangh Parivar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=227040 |title=ABPS session begins in Puttur RSS leaders to focus on Corruption |work=mangalorean.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402144440/http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=227040 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref>
Seva Bharati is inspired from the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) and is the official [[community service]] umbrella of allied organisations. The ''Akhil Bharatiya Saha Seva Pramukh'' of the RSS guides the organisation and is also represented in the A''khil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha'', the highest decision making body of the [[Sangh Parivar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=227040 |title=ABPS session begins in Puttur RSS leaders to focus on Corruption |work=mangalorean.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402144440/http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=227040 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://samvada.org/2014/news/rss-top-3day-annual-meet-akhil-bharatiya-pratinidhi-sabha-abps-to-be-held-on-march-7-9-at-bangalore/|title=RSS top 3day Annual meet Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) to be held on March 7–9 at Bangalore|work=samvada.org|date=3 March 2014}}</ref>


'''Akhila Bharatiya Seva Pramukhs'''
'''Akhila Bharatiya Seva Pramukhs'''
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* Shri Sitaram Kedilaya (2007–2012)
* Shri Sitaram Kedilaya (2007–2012)


* Shri Suhasrao Hiremath (2012–2015)
* Shri Suhasrao Hiremath (2012–2015)
 
* Shri Ajit Mahapatra(2015–2017)


* Shri Ajit Mahapatra(2015-2017)
* Shri Parag Abhyankar (since 2017)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parag Abhyankar Ji Akhil Bhartiya Sewa Pramukh, RSS |url=https://www.sewabharathi.com/2018/12/parag-abhyankar-ji-akhil-bhartiya-sewa.html |access-date=2025-07-11 |language=en}}</ref>


* Shri  Parag Abhyankar (2017- )
==Health==
[[File:Seva volunteers with children with cancer.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Volunteers with the children with cancer at Kidwai hospital, Bangalore]]
According to its organisational report, Seva Bharati operates over 5,000 healthcare centres spread across India, including 4,200 rural healthcare centres, 960 mobile clinics, 480 urban resident clinics, 200 counselling centres, 6,500 ambulances, and 7 [[Leprostatic agent|leprosy medication]] and rehabilitation centres. Furthermore, it operates 450 [[Blood bank|blood banks]], alongside over 300 [[blood donation]] centres which are mobilised during emergencies.<ref name="report">Rashtriya Seva Bharati report [http://www.sevabharathi.org/activities_details.htm Seva Activity report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704123956/http://www.sevabharathi.org/activities_details.htm|date=4 July 2008}}</ref><ref name="tribuneindia.com">[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030209/region.htm Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs]. ''The Tribune''. (9 February 2003).</ref> Additionally, Seva Bharati provides free and subsidised medicines to patients in need.


According to media reports, the organisation operates on a limited budget and provides affordable medicines to patients.<ref>Tomar, Anjul (24 April 1998). [http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19980424/11451264.html "Financial difficulties hinder aid to poor patients"]{{dead link|date=May 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}, ''The Indian Express''</ref> There are an estimated 234 medicine collection and redistribution centres across India.<ref name="report" />


== Activities ==
Rashtriya Seva Bharati has collaborated with several premier technological institutions to modernise India's health infrastructure. {{Citation needed|date=January 2026}}
The massive relief work carried out by Seva Bharati following the [[2001 Gujarat earthquake]], the [[2008 Bihar flood]] [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]]  and the [[Kerala Flood 1st and 2nd]] came in for considerable appreciation from various quarters.<ref>Tughlaq, 12 January 2005</ref><ref name="india-today.com">[http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20010212/state2.shtml India Today Magazine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903194637/http://india-today.com/itoday/20010212/state2.shtml |date=3 September 2010 }}. India-today.com (12 February 2001).</ref> The organisation is also known for its efforts in rehabilitating the victims of terror, especially the children who are rendered orphans by terror attacks.


The volunteers of Seva Bharati today are involved in more than one hundred thousand service projects in remote areas of the country.<ref name="report">Rashtriya Seva Bharati report [http://www.sevabharathi.org/activities_details.htm Seva Activity report] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704123956/http://www.sevabharathi.org/activities_details.htm |date=4 July 2008 }}</ref><ref>[http://news.oneindia.in/2006/06/25/jk-rss-adopts-militancy-hit-muslim-children.html Kashmir]. News.oneindia.in (25 June 2006).</ref> Volunteers have been the first to reach many natural calamities, be it floods,<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://archive.is/20070619123422/http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=145&page=30 |title = Organiser - Content}}</ref> accidents or other natural calamities such as earthquake or tsunami. Seva Bharati is reported to have 17.500 projects in education, 12,000 in health care, 26,000 in social welfare and 9238 self-reliance projects.<ref>[http://newstodaynet.com/2006sud/06apr/0604ss1.htm] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120205345/http://newstodaynet.com/2006sud/06apr/0604ss1.htm |date=20 November 2008 }}</ref> These projects, serving the economically weaker and socially neglected sections of the society range from medical assistance, crèche, library, hostel, basic education, adult education, vocational and industrial training, upliftment of street children and the [[Leprosy|lepers]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.kendram.org/ |title = :: Sri Vivekananda Maharogi Arogya Kendram ::}}</ref> Through these projects Seva Bharti aims at making the underprivileged sections of the society self-reliant in all aspects of their lives.
In partnership with the [[BITS Pilani|Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani]], Seva Bharati has established telemedicine centres to deliver healthcare services across distances using telecommunication. Using the internet and the software "Remedy Kit," developed by the institute, patients' vital health information, including pulse rate, heartbeat, blood pressure, and ECG, can be transferred over using the broadband link from Seva Bharti to Medical Centre, [[Bits-pilani]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2026}}


==Health==
Free healthcare camps are organised in slums and economically impoverished areas with the assistance of hospitals, where hundreds of patients undergo medical examinations, including being examined for cardiac and diabetic ailments. In these camps, teams of technicians, conduct charge-free [[Electrocardiography|electrocardiography (ECG)]], [[echocardiography]], and [[blood glucose monitoring]]. Apart from check-ups, dietitians also advise patients on healthy diets, physical exercises, and medicines.<ref>CWS – BITS Pilani using Telecom Technology to Provide Healthcare Services, 30 August 2007, {{cite web |url=http://www.i4donline.net/news/news-details.asp?catid=4&newsid=10429 |title=CWS - BITS Pilani using Telecom Technology to Provide Healthcare Services: News |access-date=2009-07-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706151706/http://www.i4donline.net/news/news-details.asp?catid=4&newsid=10429 |archive-date=6 July 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
[[File:Seva volunteers with children with cancer.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Volunteers with the children with cancer at Kidwai hospital, Bangalore]]
The Seva Bharati organizational report states that it has over five thousand health care centers spread across India, including 4200 rural health care centers, 960 mobile clinics, 480 resident clinics in urban areas, 200 counseling centers,, 6500 ambulances and 7 leprosy medication and rehabilitation centers. It has a chain of 450 Blood banks and over three hundred blood donation indexes that serve in times of emergencies.<ref name=report/><ref name="tribuneindia.com">[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030209/region.htm Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs]. ''The Tribune''. (9 February 2003).</ref> Seva Bharati helps poor patients get medicine for free or for subsidized amounts. It is reported that although the organization runs on "shoestring budget", it has been considered a "savior for those desperately in need of un-affordable medicines".<ref>Tomar, Anjul (24 April 1998). [http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19980424/11451264.html "Financial difficulties hinder aid to poor patients"]{{dead link|date=May 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''The Indian Express''</ref> It is reported that there are 234 such medicine collection and redistribution centers across India.<ref name=report/>


It has partnered with premier technological institutions to upgrade the health infrastructure. In a project partnered with the Birla Institute of Technology, Pilani, telemedicine centers have been formed with the aim of delivering of health care services across distances using telecom technology. Using the software 'Remedy Kit' and internet technology, developed by the institute, vital information regarding pulse rate, heartbeat, blood pressure, ECG can be transferred over the broadband link from Seva Bharti to Medical Center, [[Bits-pilani|BITS-Pilani]]. The health care personnel at Medical Center will analyze and diagnose the health condition and prescribe the medicines that will be available at Seva Bharti Complex. The entire procedure will take merely 3–5 minutes. These techniques will be beneficial towards improvisation of health care accessibility, immunization drives, educating young mothers and children about hygiene and general cleanliness.<ref>CWS – BITS Pilani using Telecom Technology to Provide Healthcare Services, 30 August 2007, {{cite web |url=http://www.i4donline.net/news/news-details.asp?catid=4&newsid=10429 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-07-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706151706/http://www.i4donline.net/news/news-details.asp?catid=4&newsid=10429 |archive-date=6 July 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Medicines are distributed free of cost, and counseling on psychiatric ailments is also provided.<ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid= 202027 "Cardiac and diabetic check-up camp held"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328213140/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid= |date=28 March 2009 }}, ''The Indian Express'', 20 September 2006</ref><ref>Medical camp in bhat inda, ''The Tribune'', Tuesday, 3 October 2000, Chandigarh, India [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001003/region.htm]</ref><ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030715/region.htm The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123115037/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030715/region.htm |date=23 January 2017 }}. ''The Tribune''.</ref><ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030704/region.htm Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs]. ''The Tribune''. (4 July 2003).</ref> Seva Bharati also organises [[naturopathy]] and other wellness camps for the general public, with the organisation's reports indicating regular attendance at these camps.
Free health care camps are organized in the slums and economically poor areas with the help of hospitals, where hundreds of patients among other checkups are examined for cardiac and diabetic ailments. In the camps, teams of technicians, conduct free ECG, Echo cardiography and blood sugar testing. Apart from the checkups, there are dietitians who advise the patients about healthy diet, exercises and medicines. Medicines are distributed free of cost and counseling on psychiatric ailments is also provided.<ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid= 202027 "Cardiac and diabetic check-up camp held"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328213140/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid= |date=28 March 2009 }}, ''The Indian Express'', 20 September 2006</ref><ref>Medical camp in bhat inda, ''The Tribune'', Tuesday, 3 October 2000, Chandigarh, India [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001003/region.htm]</ref><ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030715/region.htm The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs]. ''The Tribune''.</ref><ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030704/region.htm Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs]. ''The Tribune''. (4 July 2003).</ref> It also organizes naturopathy and other wellness camps for general public and thousands of people have benefited from these camps.<ref>NGO to hold neuropathy treatment camp Chandigarh, ''The Indian Express'', 1 April [http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=48099]{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


===AIDS awareness===
===AIDS awareness===
Seva Bharati also conducts AIDS awareness programmes targeting lorry drivers, taxi drivers, [[dhaba]] owners and the youth where hundreds of participants participate and discuss topics including "General health and hygiene", "STD symptoms and mode of transmission", "HIV-AIDS symptoms and mode of transmission" and "Safe sex". Exhibitions are also organized and literature is distributed to make people aware about the disease and its prevention.<ref>AIDS awareness programme for truck drivers held, ''The Indian Express'', Friday, 20 November 1998</ref> Besides this, the organization regularly has health awareness drives like the ones on the world heart day.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/30/stories/2007093059350300.htm Karnataka News : Rally taken out to create awareness]. The Hindu (30 September 2007).</ref>
Amongst a wide range of activities, Seva Bharati conducts [[AIDS]] awareness programs targeting lorry drivers, taxi drivers, [[dhaba]] owners, and the youth. Hundreds of participants attend these sessions, which cover topics such as "General Health and Hygiene", "[[Sexually transmitted infection]] Symptoms and Modes of Transmission", "HIV/AIDS Symptoms and Modes of Transmission," and "Safe Sex." Exhibitions are also organised, and literature is distributed to raise awareness of the disease and its prevention.<ref>AIDS awareness program for truck drivers held, ''The Indian Express'', Friday, 20 November 1998</ref>  
 
Moreover, the organisation regularly organises health awareness drives, similar to the ones on World Heart Day.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/30/stories/2007093059350300.htm Karnataka News : Rally taken out to create awareness] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209161214/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/30/stories/2007093059350300.htm |date=9 December 2007 }}. The Hindu (30 September 2007).</ref>


===During swine flu epidemic===
===During the swine flu epidemic===
The volunteers of the RSS, coordinated with the officials of various organizations, including the National Institute of Virology (NIV), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the [[Indian Medical Association]] and held awareness campaign against swine flu. The volunteers helped the governmental authorities and people in tackling flu.<ref>[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-08-11/pune/28196662_1_rss-office-rss-workers-atul-kulkarni "RSS begins swine flu awareness drive"]. ''The Times of India''. (11 August 2009).</ref>
The volunteers of the RSS coordinated with officials of various organisations, including the [[National Institute of Virology]] (NIV), the [[Pune Municipal Corporation]] (PMC), and the [[Indian Medical Association]], to organise an awareness campaign against [[Swine influenza|swine flu]]. The volunteers assisted the governmental authorities and ordinary citizens in tackling the flu.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/RSS-begins-swine-flu-awareness-drive/articleshow/4879351.cms "RSS begins swine flu awareness drive"]. ''The Times of India''. (11 August 2009).</ref>


The team of RSS workers, which included medical professionals, helped the people at the screening centers. They provided leaflets to various housing societies and hoped to reach out to up to 1,000 societies in this way.<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/RSS-closes-shakhas-till-August-17/501112/ '&#39;Indian Express'&#39;, Wednesday, 12 Aug 2009]. ''The Indian Express''. (12 August 2009).</ref>
The team of RSS workers, which included medical professionals, assisted the staff of the [[Screening (medicine)|screening]] centres. They distributed leaflets across numerous housing societies, intending to reach over 1,000 societies in this way.<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/RSS-closes-shakhas-till-August-17/501112/ "Indian Express", Wednesday, 12 Aug 2009]. ''The Indian Express''. (12 August 2009).</ref>


==Empowerment of differently abled children==
==Empowering children with different disabilities ==
[[File:Aruna Chetana.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Children at a center for differently abled in Bangalore]]Seva Bharati has many schools, rehabilitation and recreation centers for differently abled and special needs children and adult.<ref name=hindu_17_08_00>[http://www.hindu.com/2000/10/17/stories/0417402k.htm Club planned for disabled children], ''The Hindu'', Tuesday, 17 October 2000</ref> The organization reports that it has 179 such centers across India, including special schools, hostels and recreation centers.<ref name=report/>
[[File:Aruna Chetana.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Children at a center for special needs in Bangalore]]Seva Bharati operates numerous schools, rehabilitation and recreation centres for children and adults with [[Disability|disabilities]] and [[special needs]].<ref name=hindu_17_08_00>[http://www.hindu.com/2000/10/17/stories/0417402k.htm Club planned for disabled children] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105033105/http://www.hindu.com/2000/10/17/stories/0417402k.htm |date=5 November 2012 }}, ''The Hindu'', Tuesday, 17 October 2000</ref> The organisation reports that it has 179 such centres across India, including special schools, hostels, and recreation centres.<ref name=report/>
It also organizes awareness drives about the needs of the special needs children.<ref name=hindu_17_08_00/> Special meetings for disabled persons held by the organization serve as a platform for them to interact with specialists and others associated with them. Pediatricians, gynecologists, audiologists, ophthalmologists and other specialists participate in such camps.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/13/stories/2005121318000300.htm Special meet for the disabled]. ''The Hindu''. (13 December 2005).</ref>
It also organises awareness days on the subject of the needs of children with special needs.<ref name=hindu_17_08_00/> Special meetings for people with disabilities held by the organisation serve as a platform for them to interact with specialists and others associated with them. [[Pediatrics|Paediatricians]], [[Gynaecology|gynaecologists]], [[Audiology|audiologists]], [[Ophthalmology|ophthalmologists]], and other specialists participate in such camps.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/13/stories/2005121318000300.htm Special meet for the disabled] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105034222/http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/13/stories/2005121318000300.htm |date=5 November 2012 }}. ''The Hindu''. (13 December 2005).</ref>


===Activities for visually impaired===
===Activities for the visually impaired===
Seva Bharati and allied organizations have many eye banks that regularly conduct eye donation camps. They have provided hundreds of blind persons with eyes.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020910/region.htm '&#39;The Tribune'&#39;, Tuesday, 10 September 2002, Chandigarh, India]. ''The Tribune''.</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020426/region.htm The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs]. ''The Tribune''. (26 April 2002).</ref> The organization in collaboration with other eye hospitals runs eye care initiatives for the urban poor. The initiatives have covered thousands of slum children and aim at eradicating blindness and eye diseases in children.<ref>''Indian Express'' 29 Jun 2009, [http://newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/article113123.ece "Eye camp for slum children"]</ref><ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/09/stories/2009030952550200.htm "Reaching eye care to children in slums"]. ''The Hindu'', 9 March 2009</ref> In one of the initiatives to provide free pediatric eye care to slum children, held in association with the [[Narayana_Health#South_India|Narayana Nethralaya]] in Bangalore, over 1010 slum children were screened. 200 children were detected to have visual problems and some of the conditions detected were corneal problems (18), squint (11), retinal (09), eyelid problems (16) and cataract (03). All these children requiring surgery & treatment received the same free of cost at Narayana Nethralaya over 143 received spectacles and other treatment free of cost. The project has put a target of screening 10,000 slum children before the end of 2009. In the last two camps, a team of doctors, paramedical workers, and volunteers from NGOs examined and treated over 2400 children and even operated those requiring surgery – free of cost.<ref>[http://newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/article44501.ece "A better vision for 1010 slum kids"], 9 March 2009. Newindianexpress.com.</ref> Camps are also held in which corneal plantation is performed on hundreds of patients, which cure the eye ailments and help them regain their eyesight.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
Seva Bharati and allied organisations operate several [[Eye bank|eye banks]] that regularly conduct eye donation camps. Among others, they have provided [[ocular prosthesis]] or [[visual prosthesis]] for hundreds of [[Visual impairment|blind or partially sighted]] individuals.


==Rehabilitating lepers==
<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020910/region.htm "The Tribune", Tuesday, 10 September 2002, Chandigarh, India]. ''The Tribune''.</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020426/region.htm The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs]. ''The Tribune''. (26 April 2002).</ref> The organisation, in collaboration with other ophthalmological hospitals, runs eye care initiatives for the indigent citizens. These initiatives have covered thousands of slum children and aim at eradicating blindness and [[Eye disease|eye diseases]] in children.<ref>''Indian Express'' 29 Jun 2009, [https://archive.today/20130616150531/http://newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/article113123.ece "Eye camp for slum children"]</ref><ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/09/stories/2009030952550200.htm "Reaching eye care to children in slums"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329060518/http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/09/stories/2009030952550200.htm |date=29 March 2009 }}. ''The Hindu'', 9 March 2009</ref> In one of the initiatives to provide free paediatric ophthalmological care to slum children, held in association with the [[Narayana_Health#South_India|Narayana Nethralaya]] in [[Bengaluru]], over 1,010 slum children underwent [[Eye examination|eye examinations]].
Seva Bharati has rehabilitation centers for [[Leprosy|lepers]]. One such center is near [[Rajamundry]] in Andhra Pradesh. The center was founded in 1975 by Colonel D.S. Raju who had been a personal doctor to Netaji [[Subhash Chandra Bose]] in [[Indian National Army|INA]]. In 1982, it was handed over to the RSS and since then has been managed by RSS and Seva Bharati volunteers. It houses 106 leprosy patients and has a hospital adjoining the centre that caters to their medication needs. The {{convert|11|acre|m2}} is surrounded by greenery and also maintains a '''gosala''<nowiki/>' and a library.<ref>Bhaskar, B.V.S. (4 February 2006), [http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/04/stories/2006020413890400.htm "All for a noble cause"], ''The Hindu''</ref> The yeomen service rendered by the organisation has found mention in the case study in rehabilitation of leprosy patients authored by Dr [[A P J Abdul Kalam]], the former President of India.<ref>[http://www.disabilityindia.org/djartfeb08C.cfm Rehabilitation with Compassion – APJ Abdul Kalam] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009111945/http://disabilityindia.org/djartfeb08C.cfm |date=9 October 2010 }}</ref>


==Education==
Consequently, 200 children were diagnosed with ophthalmological disorders, with some of the conditions detected including [[Cornea|corneal]] disorders (18), [[squint]] (11), [[Retina|retinal]] diseases (9), [[eyelid]] issues (16), and [[Cataract|cataracts]] (3). All of these children, who required [[Eye surgery|ophthalmic surgery]] or noninvasive eye treatment, received the charge-free treatment at Narayana Nethralaya, with over 143 children undergoing various eye surgeries.  
Seva Bharati has numerous hostels for the economically underprivileged children across the country, especially the tribal and the rural poor.<ref>Hostel for tribal children opened, Monday, 27 Oct 2008, ''The Hindu'',</ref> The organization reports over ten thousand educational projects in India, including hostels for boys and girls, primary education centers in rural areas and in slums, adult and informal education centers for street children and single teacher schools in the remote places of the country.<ref name=report/> It also helps students from the remote tribal areas to enroll in schools in different parts of the country and sponsors all their educational and other needs.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/06/stories/2006070603720200.htm "A home away from home for these students"]. ''The Hindu'', 6 July 2006</ref> It conducts camps for children that teach them folk songs and dances, making arts and crafts and painting to encourage creativity among them.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001004/region.htm '&#39;The Tribune'&#39;, 10-04-2000]. ''The Tribune''. (4 October 2000).</ref>


The organisation has run many literacy initiatives for adults and children. A project in the slums of [[Delhi]] aims at making Delhi hundred percent literate.<ref>[http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=India&month=February2006&file=World_News200602025851.xml "RSS campaign to make Delhi 100pc literate"], ''The Peninsula'', 2 February 2006 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165833/http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=India&month=February2006&file=World_News200602025851.xml |date=3 March 2016 }}</ref>
The project's target was to provide eye examinations for 10,000 children from slums by the end of 2009. In the last two camps, a team of doctors, paramedical workers, and volunteers from different non-governmental organisations examined and treated over 2,400 children and even operated those requiring surgery – free of cost.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130616150600/http://newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/article44501.ece "A better vision for 1010 slum kids"], 9 March 2009. Newindianexpress.com.</ref> Camps are also held in which [[corneal transplantation]] is performed on hundreds of patients, curing their eye ailments and enabling them to regain their eyesight.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> During the 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the organization collaborated with the Saksham Foundation to operate "Netra Kumbh," a major free eye care camp that provided eye examinations, spectacles, and medicines to pilgrims over a six-week period.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rashtriya Sewa Bharati - Recent Activities |url=https://www.rashtriyasewabharati.org/ |access-date=2026-03-04 |language=en}}</ref>


==Orphanages==
== Rehabilitation of people affected by leprosy ==
Seva Bharati has rehabilitation centres named "Matri Chhaya" or (Mother's care) for destitute children. The project plans to envisage the "Matri Chaya" to be different from an orphanage and aims to provide ll facilities for children abandoned by their parents.. It is intended to provide the 'adopted' children education and other facilities till they settle in their life. "The aim of this project" as explained by one of its volunteers "is to facilitate a good, healthy life for those children who are generally termed 'unwanted'". Seva Bharati ties up with all the hospitals and the police to get information about all such children who are abandoned after their birth by their parents. These children are sent to schools and thereafter, to the vocational centers run by the organization, education for these children also includes coaching for higher studies after they clear their secondary level education.<ref>C.B. Singh, (5 June 2006), ''The Indian Express'' [http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=186202 "Someone is opening loving arms to abandoned children"]{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Seva Bharati runs several rehabilitation centres for people affected by [[leprosy]]. One of these centres is located near Rajahmundry in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It was established in 1975 by [[Datla Satyanarayana Raju]].  


==Empowerment of women==
In 1982, responsibility for the centre was transferred to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Since then, it has been managed by RSS and Seva Bharati volunteers. The centre provides long-term housing for 106 residents and includes a hospital next door that supports their medical care.
[[File:Seva Bharati British Deputy High Commissioner's visit.jpg|thumb|left|300px|British Deputy High Commissioner Stuart Innes visiting Seva Bharati's rehabilitation centre for child labor, Telangana]]
Seva Bharati has large number of centers that provide vocational training to economically underprivileged women. It trains women in making [[handicrafts]] and decorative items and helps to market these products. Hundreds of girls trained by Seva Bharati over the years are transforming handicrafts into a successful cottage industry mostly in the [[North-east India|North Eastern states of India]]. Seva Bharati also conducts camps and organises exhibitions of handicrafts churned out at such camps and works as a catalyst in marketing these items. The participants are usually trained in fabric painting, hand stitching, pot-painting, glass painting, jute work, flower-making, cane and bamboo craft, pith and banana fibre craft. As volunteer notes, the best part is that the items produced by these women are in demand because of their quality and hence are getting bulk orders. The handicrafts are today finding their way into homes across India.<ref name = telegraph>Girls craft their destinies, The Telegraph, Friday, 8 June 2007</ref>


Seva Bharati reports that it has a total of 1404 such training projects across India, including centers that teach computers, tailoring, shorthand, stitching, sweater making, typing, carpentry, nursing,<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/14/stories/2008011461220400.htm Training in-home nursing], 14 January 2008. ''The Hindu''. (14 January 2008).</ref> arts and handicrafts and recreational activities<ref name=report/> These training programs help the participants find jobs and earn a livelihood.
The site covers about 4.5 hectares (11 acres) and is set within landscaped grounds. It also includes a ''[[goshala]],'' or cattle shelter, and a library.<ref>Bhaskar, B.V.S. (4 February 2006), [http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/04/stories/2006020413890400.htm "All for a noble cause"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060904104157/http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/04/stories/2006020413890400.htm|date=4 September 2006}}, ''The Hindu''</ref>  


Seva Bharati also has many initiatives aimed at creating awareness among women regarding socio-economic programmes and health. The programmes create awareness about minor ailments, health, hygiene and nutrition, environment, pregnancy and rights of women, besides prevention of addiction.<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19990223/ige23128.html "Awareness project by Seva Bharti launched"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621232752/http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19990223/ige23128.html |date=21 June 2008 }}. ''The Indian Express'', 23 February 1999</ref>
== Education ==
Seva Bharati runs hostels for children from economically underprivileged backgrounds, including those in tribal and rural areas across the country.


===Human rights campaign===
<ref>Hostel for tribal children opened, Monday, 27 Oct 2008, ''The Hindu''.</ref> The organisation reports more than 10,000 educational projects in India, including hostels for boys and girls, primary‑education centres in rural areas and slums, adult and informal‑education centres for street children, and single‑teacher schools in remote parts of the country.<ref name="report" /> It also helps students from remote tribal areas to enrol in schools in different parts of the country and sponsors their educational and other needs.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/06/stories/2006070603720200.htm "A home away from home for these students"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060828091427/http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/06/stories/2006070603720200.htm |date=28 August 2006}}. ''The Hindu'', 6 July 2006.</ref> It conducts camps for children that teach folk songs and dance, arts and crafts, and painting to encourage creativity.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001004/region.htm "The Tribune", 10-04-2000]. ''The Tribune''. (4 October 2000).</ref>
From the Valley of Kashmir to the Hills of the North-eastern India Seva Bharati works tirelessly for the basic human rights. The campaign for the [[Kashmiri Pandits]] or the campaign for the Pardhees of Maharashtra (labeled at birth as criminal tribe) or the Chenchu tribals of Nallamala Andhra Pradesh or the Gonds of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh the campaign for a better life and rights continues.


Pardhees are one of the 150 communities that the British notified as criminals in 1871. Though the Indian republic denotified them in 1952, 60&nbsp;million of them continue to be social outcasts and victims at the hands of the police. Phase Pardhis form one third of the Pardhee clan).<ref>{{Cite journal|url = http://www.manushi-india.org/pdfs_issues/PDF%20file%20123/4.%20Declared%20Criminal%20at%20Birth.pdf|title = Declared Criminal at Birth: India's "Denotified Tribes"|last = D’Souza|first = Dilip|date = 1999|journal = Manushi|access-date = January 11, 2014}}</ref> Under the banner of Bhatke Vimukta Vikas pratishtan and the Yamgarwadi Mitra Mandal fight for the rights and betterment of Pardhis continues. The rehabilitation of the Pardhis and the fight has brought eminent social worker [[Girish Prabhune]] several laurels in the field.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://rmponweb.org/projects-antyodaya-puraskar.php|title = Antyodaya Puraskar|access-date = January 11, 2015|website = Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini|publisher = rmponweb.org|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150103164748/http://www.rmponweb.org/projects-antyodaya-puraskar.php|archive-date = 3 January 2015|url-status = dead|df = dmy-all}}</ref>
The organisation has run many literacy initiatives for adults and children. A project in the slums of Delhi aims to make the city fully literate.<ref>[http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=India&month=February2006&file=World_News200602025851.xml "RSS campaign to make Delhi 100pc literate"], ''The Peninsula'', 2 February 2006 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165833/http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=India&month=February2006&file=World_News200602025851.xml |date=3 March 2016}}.</ref> As of 2024, Sewa Bharati had established 1,250 Ekal Vidyalayas (single-teacher schools) in the Kashmir Valley, representing a significant expansion of its informal education networks in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sewa Bharati Expands Educational Initiatives in Kashmir |url=https://www.sewabharathi.com/ |access-date=2026-03-04 |language=en}}</ref>


Seva Bharati has stood by the Assam violence victims of July 2012. The Volunteers have set up medical aid, food and shelters to the victims [http://www.sewabharathi.com/2012/08/assam-violence-seva-bharatis-relief.html]. The activities extended to 60,000 victims providing food and shelter. Medical aid was provided with the help of 3 mobile dispensaries and 4 teams of doctors. Two truck loads of utensils were provided to the victims.
== Empowerment of women ==
[[File:Seva Bharati British Deputy High Commissioner's visit.jpg|thumb|left|300px|alt=Stuart Innes visits a Seva Bharati rehabilitation centre for child labour in Telangana|British Deputy High Commissioner Stuart Innes visiting a Seva Bharati rehabilitation centre for child labour, Telangana]]
Seva Bharati runs centres that provide vocational training to economically underprivileged women. It trains women in making [[handicrafts]] and decorative items, and helps to market these products. Over the years, many girls trained by Seva Bharati have developed handicrafts as a cottage industry, particularly in the [[Northeast India|north-eastern states of India]]. Seva Bharati also conducts camps and organises exhibitions of handicrafts produced at such camps, and supports the marketing of these items. Participants are trained in fabric painting, hand stitching, pot painting, glass painting, jute work, flower making, cane and bamboo craft, and pith and banana fibre craft. The handicrafts are sold across India.<ref name=telegraph>Girls craft their destinies, ''The Telegraph'', Friday, 8 June 2007.</ref>


===Fighting for the rights of underprivileged women===
Seva Bharati reports that it operates 1,404 such training projects across India, including centres that teach computers, tailoring, shorthand, stitching, sweater making, typing, carpentry, and nursing,<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/14/stories/2008011461220400.htm Training in-home nursing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117235942/http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/14/stories/2008011461220400.htm |date=17 January 2008}}, 14 January 2008. ''The Hindu''.</ref> as well as arts, handicrafts, and recreational activities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Girls craft their destinies |work=The Telegraph |date=8 June 2007}}</ref> These training programmes aim to help participants find jobs and earn a livelihood.
Seva Bharati is also known for fighting for the rights of women who are taken as domestic help to the cities and are exploited and abused. It has taken up issues such as wage deprivation, assault, and abuse and has also represented their concerns to various governmental bodies.<ref>Week after help's death in Gurgaon, no headway, Siddhartha Sarma, ''The Indian Express'', New Delhi, 31 January, [http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=115958]{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> It has coordinated with the governmental agencies to save rescue girls from abuse and harassment.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/10/stories/2006031005360700.htm "Teenage girls brought back to Kochi from Goa"], ''The Hindu'', 10 March 2006</ref><ref>Driver roams with body in ambulance for 5 days, Sify.com, 22 February 2008 23:02:06 [http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14609349]</ref>


== Relief and rehabilitation during natural calamities==
Seva Bharati also runs initiatives to raise awareness among women regarding socio-economic programmes and health. The programmes cover minor ailments, health, hygiene and nutrition, environment, pregnancy, and women’s rights, as well as prevention of addiction.<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19990223/ige23128.html Awareness project by Seva Bharti launched] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621232752/http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19990223/ige23128.html |date=21 June 2008}}. ''The Indian Express'', 23 February 1999.</ref>


===Following the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake===
===Advocacy for domestic workers===
As many as 25,000 volunteers, including 600 doctors, from Seva Bharati, worked to rescue and rehabilitate the victims of the [[2001 Gujarat earthquake]]. Nearly 10,000 operations were performed and over 19,000 patients were treated of injuries and other ailments. Besides, the organisation sent huge amounts of relief material for the quake-hit victims from different parts of the country.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010208/region.htm '&#39;The Tribune'&#39;, Chandigarh, 02-08-2001]. ''The Tribune''. (8 February 2001).</ref>
Seva Bharati advocates for women working as domestic help in cities who face exploitation. It has addressed issues such as wage deprivation and abuse, representing these concerns to governmental bodies.<ref>Week after help's death in Gurgaon, no headway, Siddhartha Sarma, ''The Indian Express'', New Delhi, 31 January, [http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=115958]{{dead link|date=February 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> It has also coordinated with governmental agencies to rescue girls from abuse.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/10/stories/2006031005360700.htm "Teenage girls brought back to Kochi from Goa"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212090832/http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/10/stories/2006031005360700.htm |date=12 February 2007 }}, ''The Hindu'', 10 March 2006</ref><ref>Driver roams with body in ambulance for 5 days, Sify.com, 22 February 2008 23:02:06 [https://archive.today/20120715004450/http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14609349]</ref>


News magazine ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]'' reported "Literally within minutes RSS / Seva Bharati volunteers were at the scenes of distress. Across Gujarat, the (RSS) cadres were the saviours. Even as the state machinery went comatose in the first two days after the quake, the cadre-based machinery of the Sangh fanned out throughout the state. Approximately 35,000 RSS members in uniform were pressed into service."
== Relief and rehabilitation during natural calamities==


In the words of the district collector of Ahmedabad K. Srinivas: "This is an old tradition in the RSS. To be the first at any disaster strike: floods, cyclone, drought and now quake. In [[Kachchh]], too, the RSS / Seva Bharati was the first to reach the affected areas. At Anjar, a town in ruins, the RSS was present much before the Army and took the lead in finding survivors and fishing out the dead."
=== Following the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake ===
As many as 25,000 volunteers, including 600 doctors, from Seva Bharati worked to rescue and rehabilitate victims of the [[2001 Gujarat earthquake]]. Nearly 10,000 operations were performed, and over 19,000 patients were treated for injuries and other ailments. Additionally, the organisation sent large amounts of relief material to quake-affected victims from various parts of the country.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010208/region.htm "The Tribune", Chandigarh, 02-08-2001]. ''The Tribune''. (8 February 2001).</ref>


''[[India Today]]'', arguably India's most respected weekly, reported in its issue of 12 Feb 2001, that "It is conceded by even their worst detractors that the RSS through Seva Bharati has been in the forefront of the non-official rescue and relief (operations). This has led to an upsurge of goodwill for the Sangh".<ref name="india-today.com"/>
Following the earthquake, approximately 35,000 RSS and Seva Bharati volunteers participated in initial rescue operations across Gujarat. They assisted in locating survivors and recovering bodies in affected areas such as Anjar and Kachchh. Media outlets, including ''[[India Today]]'', noted the prominent role of the organization's volunteers in the non-official relief efforts.<ref name="india-today.com">[http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20010212/state2.shtml India Today Magazine] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903194637/http://india-today.com/itoday/20010212/state2.shtml|date=3 September 2010}}. India-today.com (12 February 2001).</ref>


===Following the 2004 tsunami===
=== Following the 2004 tsunami ===
When the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|2004 tsunami]] hit the southern coasts of India, thousands of volunteers, under the aegis of the Seva Bharati, engaged in relief work. The volunteers, in cooperation with organisations like Ramakrishna Mutt in Tamil Nadu, Nair Service Society, Sri Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana Yogam and Mata Amrithanandamayi Mutt in Kerala and Janakshema Samiti in Andhra Pradesh, set up relief camps in tsunami-affected districts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They distributed thousands of food packets, organised teams doctors and cremated thousands of dead bodies.
In the aftermath of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]], the southern coasts of India were also among the areas struck by the tsunami waves. To assist the inhabitants of the affected areas, thousands of volunteers affiliated with Seva Bharati engaged in relief work. They cooperated with several Indian humanitarian organizations, including [[Ramakrishna Math]] in Tamil Nadu, Nair Service Society, [[Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam]], [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math]] (in Kerala), and Janakshema Samiti in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. They have set up relief camps in tsunami‑affected districts of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Kerala]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], and the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]. Volunteers distributed food packets, organised teams of doctors, and performed cremations for thousands of victims.  


''Tughlaq'', a magazine based in Chennai, carried a report on the relief work of the tsunami that hit the coasts of Tamil Nadu. It reported that when the tsunami left the whole government machinery paralysed, it was because of the immediate relief work of Seva Bharati that hundreds of lives were saved. "Seva Bharati had started rehabilitating people fleeing from the waves, losing their houses, boats, nets, etc., by feeding them, settling them in dry places, etc. during the first day itself. Medical relief was also made available in all the 208 places spread over nine districts." It further adds "The task of even taking the dead bodies to the medical centres appeared too daunting. It was the Seva Bharati workers who dared to venture into seashores and retrieve the bodies. From the beginning of the calamity on the morning of the 26th up to writing this on 2 January, the number of dead retrieved by Seva Bharati is 2,469! There have been occasions when some have been rescued alive while searching for bodies." The editor of Tughlaq, and noted dramatist Cho Ramaswamy says "The concerned authorities admit privately that it was the RSS-sponsored Seva Bharati, which did yeoman service everywhere. Politics forbids them to acknowledge this in public".<ref>[http://www.hvk.org/articles/0305/22.html Tughlaq, January 12, 2005 (Translated version)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212174102/http://www.hvk.org/articles/0305/22.html |date=12 December 2008 }}</ref>
In Tamil Nadu, Seva Bharati provided food and shelter to displaced individuals on the first day of the disaster. Medical relief was made available in 208 locations across nine districts. Volunteers assisted in retrieving 2,469 bodies by 2 January, and participated in further rescue operations.<ref>[http://www.hvk.org/articles/0305/22.html Tughlaq, 12 January 2005 (translated version)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212174102/http://www.hvk.org/articles/0305/22.html |date=12 December 2008 }}</ref>


After the tsunami, Seva Bharati with other allied organisations conducted a survey of the affected areas and rehabilitated the people of the worst-hit villages and helped them build homes and other basic infrastructure facilities.<ref>1,500 RSS volunteers helping with relief work', Wednesday, 5 Jan 2005, ''The Hindu''</ref><ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/02/26/stories/2005022616430300.htm "Rs. 5.75-cr. relief for tsunami-hit"]. ''The Hindu''. (26 February 2005).</ref><ref name="hindu.com">[http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/27/stories/2004122713750300.htm "Relief missions from Delhi"]. ''The Hindu''. (27 December 2004).</ref><ref>Slum Board raising 527 tsunami houses, ''The Hindu'', Thursday, 22 January 2009 [http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/22/stories/2009012258930300.htm]</ref> It also conducted counseling sessions for the victims, mostly the children to help them face the trauma after the calamity.<ref>Sanchita Sharma, Dealing with nightmares, 5 January 2005, ''Hindustan Times''</ref>
After the tsunami, Seva Bharati and allied organisations conducted surveys of affected areas and supported rehabilitation of the worst‑hit villages, including assistance to rebuild homes and basic infrastructure. It also conducted counselling sessions, especially for children, to help address trauma following the calamity.<ref>'1,500 RSS volunteers helping with relief work', 5 January 2005, ''The Hindu''.</ref><ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/02/26/stories/2005022616430300.htm “Rs. 5.75‑cr. relief for tsunami‑hit”] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103000606/http://www.hindu.com/2005/02/26/stories/2005022616430300.htm |date=3 November 2007 }}. ''The Hindu''. 26 February 2005.</ref><ref name="hindu.com">[http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/27/stories/2004122713750300.htm “Relief missions from Delhi”]. ''The Hindu''. 27 December 2004.</ref><ref>“Slum Board raising 527 tsunami houses”, ''The Hindu'', 22 January 2009. [http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/22/stories/2009012258930300.htm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125034204/http://hindu.com/2009/01/22/stories/2009012258930300.htm|date=25 January 2009}}(http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/22/stories/2009012258930300.htm) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125034204/http://hindu.com/2009/01/22/stories/2009012258930300.htm|date=25 January 2009}}</ref><ref>Sanchita Sharma, “Dealing with nightmares”, 5 January 2005, ''Hindustan Times''.</ref>


===During floods in South India (2009)===
=== During the 2009 South India floods ===
In the floods that swept across the Southern states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Floods affected the southern states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.  


In the first phase of relief operations, they distributed over 100 thousand food packets collected from neighboring villages and districts in the interior rural areas of Kurnool, Mahaboobnagar and Nalgonda districts. Since links to Kurnool had been cut off, material was brought in from Anantapur, Kadapa, Nellore in the Andhra Pradesh and Raichur in Karnataka. Relief camps were set up in Karnool town at Saraswati Sishu Mandir and G Pulla Reddy Engineering College. Volunteers from Adoni cleaned the Raghavendra Swamy temple in Mantralayam and cleared the carcasses of the cows of Goshala and other animals, and handed them over to the police.<ref name=ieflood>RSS volunteers fan out to do relief work, First Published : 8 October 2009 03:27:00 AM IST, ''The Indian Express'', [http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article136398.ece]</ref>
In the first phase of relief operations, volunteers distributed over 100,000 food packets collected from neighbouring villages and districts in the interior rural areas of Kurnool, [[Mahbubnagar]], and Nalgonda districts.  


In Hyderabad, 2,000 volunteers went round the city collecting money, food and other material needed for the flood-affected. Two donation collection centres have come up at the State headquarters of RSS and the Keshav Memorial School. Every day four truckloads of food material, two trucksloads of other essentials were dispatched to flood-affected areas. Besides, 200 volunteers from the city are engaged in sanitation work there.<ref name=ieflood/>
Since links to Kurnool had been cut off, material was brought in from [[Anantapur]], [[Kadapa]], and [[Nellore]] in Andhra Pradesh, and [[Raichur]] in Karnataka. Relief camps were set up in Kurnool at Saraswati Sishu Mandir and G. Pulla Reddy Engineering College. Volunteers from Adoni cleaned the [[Raghavendra Math (Mantralayam)|Raghavendra Swamy temple]] in [[Mantralayam]], cleared the carcasses of cattle and other animals, and handed them to the police.<ref name="ieflood">RSS volunteers fan out to do relief work, First Published: 8 October 2009 03:27:00 AM IST, ''The Indian Express'', [https://web.archive.org/web/20131106054230/http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article136398.ece](https://web.archive.org/web/20131106054230/http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article136398.ece)</ref>


In the second phase of relief operations, the RSS surveyed the affected areas of Mahaboobnagar district and found that 58 villages were badly destroyed and 16,000 families were devastated. The organisation decided to supply kits to 5,000 families to enable them to lead a normal life. Each kit consists of kitchen utensils, foodgrains and other material of daily use.<ref name=ieflood/>
In [[Hyderabad]], 2,000 volunteers went around the city collecting money, food, and other materials needed for the flood‑affected. Two donation collection centres were set up at the state headquarters of the RSS and the Keshav Memorial School. Each day, four truckloads of food and two truckloads of other essentials were dispatched to flood‑affected areas, and 200 city volunteers were engaged in sanitation work there.<ref name="ieflood"/>


In Kurnool district, 250 to 300 villages were still underwater hampering their survey. In the third and final phase of operations, the RSS planned to rehabilitate devastated people and reconstruct destroyed villages.<ref name=ieflood/>
In the second phase of relief operations, the organisation surveyed affected areas of [[Mahbubnagar]] district and found that 58 villages were severely damaged and 16,000 families were devastated. It supplied kits to 5,000 families to help them; each kit consisted of kitchen utensils, food grains, and other daily‑use materials.<ref name="ieflood"/>


"We have identified various means of rehabilitation of people like supplying them implements required for their occupation," volunteers said, adding that they were involving several voluntary organisations.<ref name=ieflood/><ref>[http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/article136869.ece Relief pours in, doesn't flow to flood-hit, '&#39;Indian Express'&#39;]. Newindianexpress.com.</ref>
In the Kurnool district, 250–300 villages remained underwater, hampering the survey. In the third and final phase, the organisation planned to rehabilitate affected people and reconstruct destroyed villages.  


===Following the 2013 Uttarakhand Floods===
===Following the 2013 Uttarakhand Floods===
In the Floods and cloudburst that created havoc and mayhem in Uttarakhand, June 2013 Seva Bharathi had 5,000 RSS volunteers taken up relief and rescue along with the Indian Armed forces. The Largest ever rescue mission for the 100,000 pilgrims and locals.
Following the June 2013 floods in Uttarakhand, 5,000 Seva Bharathi and RSS volunteers assisted the local population and the [[Indian Armed Forces]] with relief operations, providing aid to pilgrims and locals. From the beginning of their aid (16 June), 20 truckloads of relief material were delivered to flood-affected areas from Dehradun.  
From day 1 (16-June) till now 20 truckloads of relief material sent to flood-affected areas from Dehradun. RSS Sewa Vibhag surveying the area assessing the loss of life property. 1.Badrinath-Hemkund Sahib, 2. Kedarnath, 3. Gangotri-Yamunotri. Approx 200 villages are worst affected in the floods and some of them are totally washed out.
 
<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDauHMyNNcc RSS Relief work in Uttarakhand on CNN IBN, '&#39;CNN IBN'&#39;]. YouTube.com (24 June 2013).</ref>
RSS Sewa Vibhag surveying the area and assessing the loss of life property, 1.Badrinath-Hemkund Sahib, 2. Kedarnath, 3. Gangotri-Yamunotri. Approx. 200 villages were worst affected in the floods, and some of them were completely washed away.  
<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDauHMyNNcc RSS Relief work in Uttarakhand on CNN IBN, "CNN IBN"]. YouTube.com (24 June 2013).</ref>


===During floods in Chennai (2015)===
===During floods in Chennai (2015)===
Following the 2015 flood in Chennai, about 5900 Volunteers from Seva Bharati participated in rescue and relief work in flood-affected areas. According to a press note, the relief work was divided under 15 departments like medical, rescue, distribution of relief materials, counselling, preparing and distributing food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), co-ordinating etc. i. Around 12,00,000 food packets were distributed. Medicines, dress materials and water were distributed. Seva Bharati volunteers also helped Indian Army in various rescue operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newstodaynet.com/chennai/seva-bharati-volunteers-step-relief-work |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210235418/http://newstodaynet.com/chennai/seva-bharati-volunteers-step-relief-work |archive-date=10 December 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Following the [[2015 South India floods|2015 floods in Chennai]], approximately 5900 Volunteers from Seva Bharati participated in rescue and relief work in flood-affected areas. According to a press note, the relief work was divided into 15 departments, including medical, rescue, distribution of relief materials, counselling, preparation and distribution of food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), coordinating, etc.  


===2018 Kerala floods===
Around 1.2 million food packets, medicines, dress materials, and water were distributed. Seva Bharati volunteers also assisted the Indian Army in various rescue operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newstodaynet.com/chennai/seva-bharati-volunteers-step-relief-work |title=Seva Bharati volunteers step in for relief work &#124; News Today |access-date=2015-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210235418/http://newstodaynet.com/chennai/seva-bharati-volunteers-step-relief-work |archive-date=10 December 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Seva bharathi participated in relief activity in 2018 Kerala floods.<ref>{{cite news |title=Seva Bharati relief materials to flood victims |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/seva-bharati-supplies-relief-690109.html |work=Deccan Herald |date=29 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Seva Bharati, CPI(M) cadre provide services for relief across flood-hit Kerala |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/videos/news/seva-bharati-cpim-cadre-provide-services-for-relief-across-flood-hit-kerala.html |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=19 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=http://www.uniindia.com/seva-bharati-creates-history-rescues-75-600-flood-hit-in-kerala/states/news/1335052.html |url=http://www.uniindia.com/seva-bharati-creates-history-rescues-75-600-flood-hit-in-kerala/states/news/1335052.html |agency=UNI}}</ref>


Various relief camps were directly organized by Seva Bharati with the support of well-wishers and volunteers in which food, accommodation, and medical services were provided to the flood-affected people. 350 Sevabharathi units and 5,000 volunteers were engaged in the relief works in the flood-affected districts in the state. 350,000 food packets were distributed to the needy and 10 Blood donation camps were organised within a week.20 medical camps were conducted in Kuttalanadu regions in Alapuzha District, one of the most flood-affected areas in the state during flood times. 40 Ambulances of Sevabharathi were engaged in the flood relief work in different areas. Various relief camps were directly organized by Sevabharathi with the support of well-wishers and volunteers in which food, accommodation, and medical services are provided to the flood-affected people. Hundreds of common people were joining hands with Sevabharathi to support these initiatives and the organization was mobilizing cloths, food grains, drinking water bottles and other requirements from the public to serve the affected people. In each district, a collection center was opened to collect the materials from the public and to arrange the transportation to relief places. The state officials of Deseeya Sevabhrathi were directly monitoring the activities in each district.
=== 2018 Kerala floods ===
During the Kerala floods in 2018, Seva Bharati organised relief camps across flood-affected districts, providing food, shelter, and medical services with support from volunteers and donors.<ref>{{cite news |title=Seva Bharati relief materials to flood victims |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/seva-bharati-supplies-relief-690109.html |work=Deccan Herald |date=29 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Seva Bharati, CPI(M) cadre provide services for relief across flood-hit Kerala |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/videos/news/seva-bharati-cpim-cadre-provide-services-for-relief-across-flood-hit-kerala.html |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=19 August 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831110722/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/videos/news/seva-bharati-cpim-cadre-provide-services-for-relief-across-flood-hit-kerala.html |archive-date=31 August 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Seva Bharati creates history, rescues 75,600 flood-hit in Kerala |url=http://www.uniindia.com/seva-bharati-creates-history-rescues-75-600-flood-hit-in-kerala/states/news/1335052.html |website=United News of India |date=29 August 2018 |access-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831105827/http://www.uniindia.com/seva-bharati-creates-history-rescues-75-600-flood-hit-in-kerala/states/news/1335052.html |archive-date=31 August 2018}}</ref>


==Rehabilitating the victims of terrorism==
350 Seva Bharati units and 5,000 volunteers participated in relief operations. They distributed 350,000 food packets, organised ten blood-donation camps within a week, and held 20 medical camps in the Kuttanadu region of Alappuzha district. Forty Seva Bharati ambulances operated in various areas.  
Seva Bharati has adopted a hundred children from the insurgency and militancy affected regions of Jammu and Kashmir including Gul, Mohore, Dharmani and Buddhal Tehsils in Udhampur and Rajouri districts. The children, both Hindu and Muslim, who have been adopted have been rendered orphans by terrorist attacks in which many of the family members have been killed. The children are in the age group of five to fifteen. They will study till Class 12 in boarding schools in Delhi, which are funded or supported by the Seva Bharati.


The project by Seva Bharati hopes to give these children a life away from bloodshed and give them back their lost childhood and new dreams to chase. Their parents and guardians are happy that their children are in safe hands.
In each district, collection centres were set up to receive donations of clothing, food grains, drinking water, and other essentials, which were then transported to relief sites. State-level Seva Bharati officials monitored activities in every district.


The Indian Army, which has selected the NGO for adoption, says that they are optimistic that these children after 10 years, will be some of the finest citizens of the country. The army sees a bright future for these children and believes that the humane gesture of NGOs like Seva Bharati and similar organisations from various parts of the country will go a long way in boosting the efforts to bring in an era of peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir and more so root out the evil of terrorism from this region.<ref>[http://ibnlive.in.com/news/jammu-kids-get-home-away-from-guns/14093-3.html?from=search Jammu kids get home away from guns, IBN live, Wed, 28 Jun 2006]. Ibnlive.in.com (28 June 2006).</ref><ref>[http://news.oneindia.in/2006/06/25/jk-rss-adopts-militancy-hit-muslim-children.html JK: RSS adopts militancy-hit Muslim children, Sunday, 25 June 2006]. News.oneindia.in (25 June 2006).</ref>
=== Recent relief operations (2024–2025) ===
In 2024, the organisation participated in disaster relief across multiple states, including rescue efforts and supply distribution following the July 2024 landslides in [[Wayanad]], Kerala, and floods in [[Assam]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rashtriya Sewa Bharati - Relief Work 2024 |url=https://www.rashtriyasewabharati.org/ |access-date=2026-03-04 |language=en}}</ref> These efforts continued into 2025, with volunteers providing dry rations, medicine, and temporary housing during the August 2025 floods in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and cloudbursts in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and Dharali village in Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sewa Bharati Volunteers Assist in 2025 Floods |url=https://vsktelangana.org/ |access-date=2026-03-04 |language=en}}</ref>


==Other activities==
==Other activities==


===Drinking water===
===Drinking water===
It has several schemes that provide drinking water to the remote parts of India, mostly those facing water scarcity.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/05/stories/2008030553530400.htm Lanka island thirsty for potable water, Wednesday, 5 Mar 2008]. ''The Hindu''. (5 March 2008).</ref> Places that face severe water shortage are supplied water through the tankers at subsidized rates or for free.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2004/04/30/stories/2004043003640300.htm Drinking water crisis hits Gorantla, '&#39;The Hindu'&#39;, Friday, 30 Apr 2004]. ''The Hindu''. (30 April 2004).</ref> Free food distribution is also conducted in hospitals for ailing poor patients.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/03/stories/2006040310340300.htm Engagements / Kozhikode : In Kozhikode Today]. The Hindu (3 April 2006).</ref> It distributes warm clothing and sweaters for the under-privileged children to cope with the chilling winters.
It has several schemes that provide drinking water to the remote parts of India, mostly those facing [[water scarcity]].<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/05/stories/2008030553530400.htm Lanka island thirsty for potable water, Wednesday, 5 Mar 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105035336/http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/05/stories/2008030553530400.htm |date=5 November 2012 }}. ''The Hindu''. (5 March 2008).</ref> Places that face severe water shortages are supplied with water through tankers at subsidised rates or for free.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2004/04/30/stories/2004043003640300.htm Drinking water crisis hits Gorantla, "The Hindu", Friday, 30 Apr 2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040623233557/http://www.hindu.com/2004/04/30/stories/2004043003640300.htm |date=23 June 2004 }}. ''The Hindu''. (30 April 2004).</ref> Free food distribution is also conducted in hospitals for ailing poor patients.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/03/stories/2006040310340300.htm Engagements / Kozhikode : In Kozhikode Today] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060502041745/http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/03/stories/2006040310340300.htm |date=2 May 2006 }}. The Hindu (3 April 2006).</ref> Additionally, the organization distributes warm clothing and sweaters to underprivileged children to cope with the chilling winters. Under the aegis of Seva Bharathi, a water conservation forum, Jala Bharathi has been started. Jala Bharathi organises seminars and training programs on water conservation and rainwater harvesting.  
Under the aegis of Seva Bharathi a water conservation forum Jala Bharathi has been started. Jala Bharathi organises seminar and training programs on water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990121/02151425.htm "Indian Express", Thursday, 21 January 1999]. ''The Indian Express''.</ref>
<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990121/02151425.htm '&#39;Indian Express'&#39;, Thursday, 21 January 1999]. ''The Indian Express''.</ref>


===Environment awareness===
===Environment awareness===
The organisation conducts environment awareness programs among the general public. Such awareness campaigns have resulted in many environmental friendly steps being taken by the people. A pledge to shun environmentally hazardous disposable plastic items was taken by the residents of Jakkacombai Badaga hamlet in a remote part of Kotagiri a small village on the tip of Nilgiri hills.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/06/stories/2006010616210300.htm Hamlet pledges to shun plastics, '&#39;The Hindu'&#39;, Friday, 6 Jan 2006]. ''The Hindu''. (6 January 2006).</ref>
The organisation conducts environmental awareness programs among the general public. Such awareness campaigns were met with favorable reception.  
 
A pledge to shun environmentally hazardous disposable plastic items was taken by the residents of Jakkacombai Badaga hamlet in a remote part of [[Kotagiri]], a small village on the tip of the [[Nilgiri Mountains]].<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/06/stories/2006010616210300.htm Hamlet pledges to shun plastics, "The Hindu", Friday, 6 Jan 2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060913135743/http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/06/stories/2006010616210300.htm |date=13 September 2006 }}. ''The Hindu''. (6 January 2006).</ref>


===Activities for senior citizens===
===Activities for senior citizens===
Seva Bharati has daycare centre named 'Aasare' for the senior citizens who face constant neglect from their families and the society.<ref>Mangalore: 'Aasare' – Senior Citizens Get a New Home to Revitalize Themselves, Monday, 5 October 2009 1:37:06 PM (IST), [http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=66557&n_tit=Mangalore%3A+%91Aasare%92+-+Senior+Citizens+Get+a+New+Home+to+Revitalize+Themselves]</ref>
Seva Bharati has a day-care centre named 'Aasare' for senior citizens who face constant neglect from their families and society.<ref>Mangalore: 'Aasare' – Senior Citizens Get a New Home to Revitalize Themselves, Monday, 5 October 2009 1:37:06 PM (IST), [http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=66557&n_tit=Mangalore%3A+%91Aasare%92+-+Senior+Citizens+Get+a+New+Home+to+Revitalize+Themselves]</ref>


===Volunteer activities===
===Volunteer activities===
Seva Bharati serves as a platform for volunteers who help manage large community events. The volunteers have helped in crowd management, maintaining order and providing essential services to the pilgrims in centers that witness huge number of people like the Sabarimala temple in the South Indian state of Kerala.<ref>Unprecedented rush at Sabarimala temple, ''The Hindu'', Sunday, 14 Jan 2007,[http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/14/stories/2007011403500600.htm]</ref><ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/09/stories/2005030916540300.htm Thousands perform 'Pitrutarpanam', '&#39;The Hindu'&#39;, Wednesday, 9 Mar 2005]. ''The Hindu''. (9 March 2005).</ref> They set up medical camps and provide basic amenities such as drinking water.<ref>All roads lead to Attukal temple, lakhs offer pongala, ''The Hindu'', Tuesday, 14 March 2006</ref> The organisations help is regularly sought by Governmental agencies in maintaining order during festivals.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/27/stories/2005012703520300.htm Puthiyakavu pongala on 11 March, '&#39;The Hindu'&#39;, Thursday, 27 Jan 2005]. ''The Hindu''. (27 January 2005).</ref> The organization organizes blood donation camps where volunteers and other youth are encouraged to donate blood.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/>
Seva Bharati serves as a platform for volunteers who help manage large community events. The volunteers have helped with crowd management, maintaining order, and providing essential services to pilgrims in centres that are frequented by a large number of people, such as the [[Sabarimala Temple|Sabarimala temple]] in the South Indian state of Kerala.<ref>Unprecedented rush at Sabarimala temple, ''The Hindu'', Sunday, 14 Jan 2007,[http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/14/stories/2007011403500600.htm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127212757/http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/14/stories/2007011403500600.htm|date=27 November 2007}}</ref><ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/09/stories/2005030916540300.htm Thousands perform 'Pitrutarpanam', "The Hindu", Wednesday, 9 Mar 2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105035213/http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/09/stories/2005030916540300.htm |date=5 November 2012 }}. ''The Hindu''. (9 March 2005).</ref> They set up medical camps and provide basic amenities such as drinking water.
 
<ref>All roads lead to Attukal temple, lakhs offer pongala, ''The Hindu'', Tuesday, 14 March 2006</ref> The organisation's help is regularly sought by Governmental agencies to maintain order during festivals.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/27/stories/2005012703520300.htm Puthiyakavu pongala on 11 March, "The Hindu", Thursday, 27 Jan 2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204122712/http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/27/stories/2005012703520300.htm |date=4 February 2005 }}. ''The Hindu''. (27 January 2005).</ref> Seva Bharati organises blood donation camps where volunteers and youth are encouraged to donate blood.<ref name="tribuneindia.com" />
 
== Controversies and criticism ==
=== Ideological agenda and discrimination allegations ===
As an affiliate of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS), Seva Bharati has faced allegations that its social welfare and disaster relief programs are utilized to advance the RSS's [[Hindutva]] political ideology and consolidate Hindu communities. Critics and secular organizations have accused the organization of prioritizing relief materials for predominantly Hindu areas and neglecting minority Muslim and Christian communities during natural calamities, such as following the [[2001 Gujarat earthquake]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Relief or politics? |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/relief-or-politics/214566 |work=Outlook India |date=25 February 2002}}</ref> It has also been accused of utilizing its presence in disaster-struck zones to build temples and promote Hindu religious functions while ignoring the religious infrastructure of minority faiths.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saffron Relief |url=https://peoplesdemocracy.in/2004/0307/03072004_edit.htm |website=People's Democracy |date=7 March 2004}}</ref> Seva Bharati has consistently denied these allegations, stating that its services are provided without discrimination based on religion or caste.
 
=== Misuse of funds allegations ===
In 2004, the UK-based South Asia Watch rights group Awaaz published a report alleging that international funds collected for disaster relief by RSS-affiliated charities, including Seva Bharati, were diverted to establish sectarian schools, spread ideological propaganda, and fuel inter-communal tensions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ramesh |first=Randeep |title=Charity 'funds Hindu extremists' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/feb/26/india.randeepramesh |work=The Guardian |date=26 February 2004}}</ref> The report claimed that funds ostensibly raised for victims of the 1999 Odisha cyclone and the 2001 Gujarat earthquake were channeled to further the RSS's political objectives.<ref>{{cite news |title=UK charity 'funds Hindu extremists' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/uk-charity-funds-hindu-extremists/articleshow/520846.cms |work=The Times of India |date=26 February 2004}}</ref> Representatives of the RSS and its affiliated organizations dismissed the Awaaz report as defamatory and maintained that all their financial records were fully audited and transparent.
 
=== Child trafficking allegations ===
In June 2015, investigations by the Assam State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) and subsequent media reports in 2016 alleged that individuals connected to Seva Bharati and the [[Rashtra Sevika Samiti]] were involved in the trafficking of 31 tribal girls from [[Assam]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Bhatnagar |first=Gaurav Vivek |title=Operation #BetiUthao: Right-Wing Outfits Trafficked 31 Tribal Girls From Assam, Claims Report |url=https://thewire.in/politics/operation-betiuthao-right-wing-outfits-trafficked-31-tribal-girls-from-assam-claims-report |work=The Wire |date=30 July 2016}}</ref> The girls, aged three to eleven, were reportedly transported to [[Gujarat]] and [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] under the pretext of providing them with education, but allegedly in violation of the Juvenile Justice Act and without the required permissions from local Child Welfare Committees.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pande |first=Neha |title=Assam to Gujarat and Punjab: How 31 tribal girls were 'trafficked' by Sangh Parivar outfits to 'Hinduise' them |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2016/07/28/assam-to-gujarat-and-punjab-how-31-tribal-girls-were-trafficked-by-sangh-parivar-outfits-to-hinduise-them |work=Newslaundry |date=28 July 2016}}</ref> Critics alleged the relocation was part of the RSS's ''[[Ghar Wapsi]]'' (homecoming) program intended to assimilate tribal populations into mainstream Hinduism.<ref>{{cite news |title=RSS denies trafficking 31 tribal girls from Assam to 'Hinduise' them |url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/rss-denies-trafficking-31-tribal-girls-from-assam-to-hinduise-them |work=National Herald |date=30 July 2016}}</ref> Seva Bharati leadership strongly refuted the allegations of trafficking, terming the reports as "frivolous propaganda," and asserted that the girls were receiving legitimate education with the consent of their parents.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Medical and health organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Medical and health organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Hindu organizations]]
[[Category:Sangh Parivar]]
[[Category:Sangh Parivar]]
[[Category:Hindutva]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1979]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1979]]
[[Category:Non-profit organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Charities based in India]]
[[Category:Volunteer organisations in India]]
[[Category:Development charities based in India]]
[[Category:Social welfare charities]]

Latest revision as of 15:47, 4 March 2026


Rashtriya Seva Bharati
File:Sevabharathi.png
Founded1989
FounderBalasaheb Deoras
TypeCommunity service
Location
  • India
Area served
Healthcare, education
Parent organization
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
AffiliationsSangh Parivar
File:European Union MP talking to children at child labor rehab centre.jpg
A European Union MP talking to children at a child labor rehabilitation center run by Seva Bharati.

Rashtriya Seva Bharati (Seva Bharati) is an Indian non-governmental organization (NGO) that coordinates community service projects in areas such as healthcare and education.[1]

Organisation[edit | edit source]

Seva Bharati is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as well as the official community service umbrella of allied organisations.

The Akhil Bharatiya Saha Seva Pramukh (All India Joint Service Chief) of the RSS guides the organisation, which is also represented in the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, a decision-making body of the Sangh Parivar.[2]

Akhila Bharatiya Seva Pramukhs

  • Shri Yadavrao Joshi (1989–1991)
  • Shri K. Suryananarayan Rao (1991–1999)
  • Shri Bhaiyyaji Joshi(1999–2004)
  • Shri Premchand Goel (2003–2007)
  • Shri Sitaram Kedilaya (2007–2012)
  • Shri Suhasrao Hiremath (2012–2015)
  • Shri Ajit Mahapatra(2015–2017)
  • Shri Parag Abhyankar (since 2017)[3]

Health[edit | edit source]

Volunteers with the children with cancer at Kidwai hospital, Bangalore

According to its organisational report, Seva Bharati operates over 5,000 healthcare centres spread across India, including 4,200 rural healthcare centres, 960 mobile clinics, 480 urban resident clinics, 200 counselling centres, 6,500 ambulances, and 7 leprosy medication and rehabilitation centres. Furthermore, it operates 450 blood banks, alongside over 300 blood donation centres which are mobilised during emergencies.[4][5] Additionally, Seva Bharati provides free and subsidised medicines to patients in need.

According to media reports, the organisation operates on a limited budget and provides affordable medicines to patients.[6] There are an estimated 234 medicine collection and redistribution centres across India.[4]

Rashtriya Seva Bharati has collaborated with several premier technological institutions to modernise India's health infrastructure. [citation needed]

In partnership with the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Seva Bharati has established telemedicine centres to deliver healthcare services across distances using telecommunication. Using the internet and the software "Remedy Kit," developed by the institute, patients' vital health information, including pulse rate, heartbeat, blood pressure, and ECG, can be transferred over using the broadband link from Seva Bharti to Medical Centre, Bits-pilani.[citation needed]

Free healthcare camps are organised in slums and economically impoverished areas with the assistance of hospitals, where hundreds of patients undergo medical examinations, including being examined for cardiac and diabetic ailments. In these camps, teams of technicians, conduct charge-free electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, and blood glucose monitoring. Apart from check-ups, dietitians also advise patients on healthy diets, physical exercises, and medicines.[7]

Medicines are distributed free of cost, and counseling on psychiatric ailments is also provided.[8][9][10][11] Seva Bharati also organises naturopathy and other wellness camps for the general public, with the organisation's reports indicating regular attendance at these camps.

AIDS awareness[edit | edit source]

Amongst a wide range of activities, Seva Bharati conducts AIDS awareness programs targeting lorry drivers, taxi drivers, dhaba owners, and the youth. Hundreds of participants attend these sessions, which cover topics such as "General Health and Hygiene", "Sexually transmitted infection Symptoms and Modes of Transmission", "HIV/AIDS Symptoms and Modes of Transmission," and "Safe Sex." Exhibitions are also organised, and literature is distributed to raise awareness of the disease and its prevention.[12]

Moreover, the organisation regularly organises health awareness drives, similar to the ones on World Heart Day.[13]

During the swine flu epidemic[edit | edit source]

The volunteers of the RSS coordinated with officials of various organisations, including the National Institute of Virology (NIV), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and the Indian Medical Association, to organise an awareness campaign against swine flu. The volunteers assisted the governmental authorities and ordinary citizens in tackling the flu.[14]

The team of RSS workers, which included medical professionals, assisted the staff of the screening centres. They distributed leaflets across numerous housing societies, intending to reach over 1,000 societies in this way.[15]

Empowering children with different disabilities[edit | edit source]

Children at a center for special needs in Bangalore

Seva Bharati operates numerous schools, rehabilitation and recreation centres for children and adults with disabilities and special needs.[16] The organisation reports that it has 179 such centres across India, including special schools, hostels, and recreation centres.[4]

It also organises awareness days on the subject of the needs of children with special needs.[16] Special meetings for people with disabilities held by the organisation serve as a platform for them to interact with specialists and others associated with them. Paediatricians, gynaecologists, audiologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists participate in such camps.[17]

Activities for the visually impaired[edit | edit source]

Seva Bharati and allied organisations operate several eye banks that regularly conduct eye donation camps. Among others, they have provided ocular prosthesis or visual prosthesis for hundreds of blind or partially sighted individuals.

[18][19] The organisation, in collaboration with other ophthalmological hospitals, runs eye care initiatives for the indigent citizens. These initiatives have covered thousands of slum children and aim at eradicating blindness and eye diseases in children.[20][21] In one of the initiatives to provide free paediatric ophthalmological care to slum children, held in association with the Narayana Nethralaya in Bengaluru, over 1,010 slum children underwent eye examinations.

Consequently, 200 children were diagnosed with ophthalmological disorders, with some of the conditions detected including corneal disorders (18), squint (11), retinal diseases (9), eyelid issues (16), and cataracts (3). All of these children, who required ophthalmic surgery or noninvasive eye treatment, received the charge-free treatment at Narayana Nethralaya, with over 143 children undergoing various eye surgeries.

The project's target was to provide eye examinations for 10,000 children from slums by the end of 2009. In the last two camps, a team of doctors, paramedical workers, and volunteers from different non-governmental organisations examined and treated over 2,400 children and even operated those requiring surgery – free of cost.[22] Camps are also held in which corneal transplantation is performed on hundreds of patients, curing their eye ailments and enabling them to regain their eyesight.[19] During the 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the organization collaborated with the Saksham Foundation to operate "Netra Kumbh," a major free eye care camp that provided eye examinations, spectacles, and medicines to pilgrims over a six-week period.[23]

Rehabilitation of people affected by leprosy[edit | edit source]

Seva Bharati runs several rehabilitation centres for people affected by leprosy. One of these centres is located near Rajahmundry in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It was established in 1975 by Datla Satyanarayana Raju.

In 1982, responsibility for the centre was transferred to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Since then, it has been managed by RSS and Seva Bharati volunteers. The centre provides long-term housing for 106 residents and includes a hospital next door that supports their medical care.

The site covers about 4.5 hectares (11 acres) and is set within landscaped grounds. It also includes a goshala, or cattle shelter, and a library.[24]

Education[edit | edit source]

Seva Bharati runs hostels for children from economically underprivileged backgrounds, including those in tribal and rural areas across the country.

[25] The organisation reports more than 10,000 educational projects in India, including hostels for boys and girls, primary‑education centres in rural areas and slums, adult and informal‑education centres for street children, and single‑teacher schools in remote parts of the country.[4] It also helps students from remote tribal areas to enrol in schools in different parts of the country and sponsors their educational and other needs.[26] It conducts camps for children that teach folk songs and dance, arts and crafts, and painting to encourage creativity.[27]

The organisation has run many literacy initiatives for adults and children. A project in the slums of Delhi aims to make the city fully literate.[28] As of 2024, Sewa Bharati had established 1,250 Ekal Vidyalayas (single-teacher schools) in the Kashmir Valley, representing a significant expansion of its informal education networks in the region.[29]

Empowerment of women[edit | edit source]

Stuart Innes visits a Seva Bharati rehabilitation centre for child labour in Telangana
British Deputy High Commissioner Stuart Innes visiting a Seva Bharati rehabilitation centre for child labour, Telangana

Seva Bharati runs centres that provide vocational training to economically underprivileged women. It trains women in making handicrafts and decorative items, and helps to market these products. Over the years, many girls trained by Seva Bharati have developed handicrafts as a cottage industry, particularly in the north-eastern states of India. Seva Bharati also conducts camps and organises exhibitions of handicrafts produced at such camps, and supports the marketing of these items. Participants are trained in fabric painting, hand stitching, pot painting, glass painting, jute work, flower making, cane and bamboo craft, and pith and banana fibre craft. The handicrafts are sold across India.[30]

Seva Bharati reports that it operates 1,404 such training projects across India, including centres that teach computers, tailoring, shorthand, stitching, sweater making, typing, carpentry, and nursing,[31] as well as arts, handicrafts, and recreational activities.[32] These training programmes aim to help participants find jobs and earn a livelihood.

Seva Bharati also runs initiatives to raise awareness among women regarding socio-economic programmes and health. The programmes cover minor ailments, health, hygiene and nutrition, environment, pregnancy, and women’s rights, as well as prevention of addiction.[33]

Advocacy for domestic workers[edit | edit source]

Seva Bharati advocates for women working as domestic help in cities who face exploitation. It has addressed issues such as wage deprivation and abuse, representing these concerns to governmental bodies.[34] It has also coordinated with governmental agencies to rescue girls from abuse.[35][36]

Relief and rehabilitation during natural calamities[edit | edit source]

Following the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake[edit | edit source]

As many as 25,000 volunteers, including 600 doctors, from Seva Bharati worked to rescue and rehabilitate victims of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Nearly 10,000 operations were performed, and over 19,000 patients were treated for injuries and other ailments. Additionally, the organisation sent large amounts of relief material to quake-affected victims from various parts of the country.[37]

Following the earthquake, approximately 35,000 RSS and Seva Bharati volunteers participated in initial rescue operations across Gujarat. They assisted in locating survivors and recovering bodies in affected areas such as Anjar and Kachchh. Media outlets, including India Today, noted the prominent role of the organization's volunteers in the non-official relief efforts.[38]

Following the 2004 tsunami[edit | edit source]

In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the southern coasts of India were also among the areas struck by the tsunami waves. To assist the inhabitants of the affected areas, thousands of volunteers affiliated with Seva Bharati engaged in relief work. They cooperated with several Indian humanitarian organizations, including Ramakrishna Math in Tamil Nadu, Nair Service Society, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, Mata Amritanandamayi Math (in Kerala), and Janakshema Samiti in Andhra Pradesh. They have set up relief camps in tsunami‑affected districts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Volunteers distributed food packets, organised teams of doctors, and performed cremations for thousands of victims.

In Tamil Nadu, Seva Bharati provided food and shelter to displaced individuals on the first day of the disaster. Medical relief was made available in 208 locations across nine districts. Volunteers assisted in retrieving 2,469 bodies by 2 January, and participated in further rescue operations.[39]

After the tsunami, Seva Bharati and allied organisations conducted surveys of affected areas and supported rehabilitation of the worst‑hit villages, including assistance to rebuild homes and basic infrastructure. It also conducted counselling sessions, especially for children, to help address trauma following the calamity.[40][41][42][43][44]

During the 2009 South India floods[edit | edit source]

Floods affected the southern states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

In the first phase of relief operations, volunteers distributed over 100,000 food packets collected from neighbouring villages and districts in the interior rural areas of Kurnool, Mahbubnagar, and Nalgonda districts.

Since links to Kurnool had been cut off, material was brought in from Anantapur, Kadapa, and Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, and Raichur in Karnataka. Relief camps were set up in Kurnool at Saraswati Sishu Mandir and G. Pulla Reddy Engineering College. Volunteers from Adoni cleaned the Raghavendra Swamy temple in Mantralayam, cleared the carcasses of cattle and other animals, and handed them to the police.[45]

In Hyderabad, 2,000 volunteers went around the city collecting money, food, and other materials needed for the flood‑affected. Two donation collection centres were set up at the state headquarters of the RSS and the Keshav Memorial School. Each day, four truckloads of food and two truckloads of other essentials were dispatched to flood‑affected areas, and 200 city volunteers were engaged in sanitation work there.[45]

In the second phase of relief operations, the organisation surveyed affected areas of Mahbubnagar district and found that 58 villages were severely damaged and 16,000 families were devastated. It supplied kits to 5,000 families to help them; each kit consisted of kitchen utensils, food grains, and other daily‑use materials.[45]

In the Kurnool district, 250–300 villages remained underwater, hampering the survey. In the third and final phase, the organisation planned to rehabilitate affected people and reconstruct destroyed villages.

Following the 2013 Uttarakhand Floods[edit | edit source]

Following the June 2013 floods in Uttarakhand, 5,000 Seva Bharathi and RSS volunteers assisted the local population and the Indian Armed Forces with relief operations, providing aid to pilgrims and locals. From the beginning of their aid (16 June), 20 truckloads of relief material were delivered to flood-affected areas from Dehradun.

RSS Sewa Vibhag surveying the area and assessing the loss of life property, 1.Badrinath-Hemkund Sahib, 2. Kedarnath, 3. Gangotri-Yamunotri. Approx. 200 villages were worst affected in the floods, and some of them were completely washed away. [46]

During floods in Chennai (2015)[edit | edit source]

Following the 2015 floods in Chennai, approximately 5900 Volunteers from Seva Bharati participated in rescue and relief work in flood-affected areas. According to a press note, the relief work was divided into 15 departments, including medical, rescue, distribution of relief materials, counselling, preparation and distribution of food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), coordinating, etc.

Around 1.2 million food packets, medicines, dress materials, and water were distributed. Seva Bharati volunteers also assisted the Indian Army in various rescue operations.[47]

2018 Kerala floods[edit | edit source]

During the Kerala floods in 2018, Seva Bharati organised relief camps across flood-affected districts, providing food, shelter, and medical services with support from volunteers and donors.[48][49][50]

350 Seva Bharati units and 5,000 volunteers participated in relief operations. They distributed 350,000 food packets, organised ten blood-donation camps within a week, and held 20 medical camps in the Kuttanadu region of Alappuzha district. Forty Seva Bharati ambulances operated in various areas.

In each district, collection centres were set up to receive donations of clothing, food grains, drinking water, and other essentials, which were then transported to relief sites. State-level Seva Bharati officials monitored activities in every district.

Recent relief operations (2024–2025)[edit | edit source]

In 2024, the organisation participated in disaster relief across multiple states, including rescue efforts and supply distribution following the July 2024 landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, and floods in Assam and Himachal Pradesh.[51] These efforts continued into 2025, with volunteers providing dry rations, medicine, and temporary housing during the August 2025 floods in Punjab and cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir and Dharali village in Uttarakhand.[52]

Other activities[edit | edit source]

Drinking water[edit | edit source]

It has several schemes that provide drinking water to the remote parts of India, mostly those facing water scarcity.[53] Places that face severe water shortages are supplied with water through tankers at subsidised rates or for free.[54] Free food distribution is also conducted in hospitals for ailing poor patients.[55] Additionally, the organization distributes warm clothing and sweaters to underprivileged children to cope with the chilling winters. Under the aegis of Seva Bharathi, a water conservation forum, Jala Bharathi has been started. Jala Bharathi organises seminars and training programs on water conservation and rainwater harvesting. [56]

Environment awareness[edit | edit source]

The organisation conducts environmental awareness programs among the general public. Such awareness campaigns were met with favorable reception.

A pledge to shun environmentally hazardous disposable plastic items was taken by the residents of Jakkacombai Badaga hamlet in a remote part of Kotagiri, a small village on the tip of the Nilgiri Mountains.[57]

Activities for senior citizens[edit | edit source]

Seva Bharati has a day-care centre named 'Aasare' for senior citizens who face constant neglect from their families and society.[58]

Volunteer activities[edit | edit source]

Seva Bharati serves as a platform for volunteers who help manage large community events. The volunteers have helped with crowd management, maintaining order, and providing essential services to pilgrims in centres that are frequented by a large number of people, such as the Sabarimala temple in the South Indian state of Kerala.[59][60] They set up medical camps and provide basic amenities such as drinking water.

[61] The organisation's help is regularly sought by Governmental agencies to maintain order during festivals.[62] Seva Bharati organises blood donation camps where volunteers and youth are encouraged to donate blood.[5]

Controversies and criticism[edit | edit source]

Ideological agenda and discrimination allegations[edit | edit source]

As an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Seva Bharati has faced allegations that its social welfare and disaster relief programs are utilized to advance the RSS's Hindutva political ideology and consolidate Hindu communities. Critics and secular organizations have accused the organization of prioritizing relief materials for predominantly Hindu areas and neglecting minority Muslim and Christian communities during natural calamities, such as following the 2001 Gujarat earthquake.[63] It has also been accused of utilizing its presence in disaster-struck zones to build temples and promote Hindu religious functions while ignoring the religious infrastructure of minority faiths.[64] Seva Bharati has consistently denied these allegations, stating that its services are provided without discrimination based on religion or caste.

Misuse of funds allegations[edit | edit source]

In 2004, the UK-based South Asia Watch rights group Awaaz published a report alleging that international funds collected for disaster relief by RSS-affiliated charities, including Seva Bharati, were diverted to establish sectarian schools, spread ideological propaganda, and fuel inter-communal tensions.[65] The report claimed that funds ostensibly raised for victims of the 1999 Odisha cyclone and the 2001 Gujarat earthquake were channeled to further the RSS's political objectives.[66] Representatives of the RSS and its affiliated organizations dismissed the Awaaz report as defamatory and maintained that all their financial records were fully audited and transparent.

Child trafficking allegations[edit | edit source]

In June 2015, investigations by the Assam State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) and subsequent media reports in 2016 alleged that individuals connected to Seva Bharati and the Rashtra Sevika Samiti were involved in the trafficking of 31 tribal girls from Assam.[67] The girls, aged three to eleven, were reportedly transported to Gujarat and Punjab under the pretext of providing them with education, but allegedly in violation of the Juvenile Justice Act and without the required permissions from local Child Welfare Committees.[68] Critics alleged the relocation was part of the RSS's Ghar Wapsi (homecoming) program intended to assimilate tribal populations into mainstream Hinduism.[69] Seva Bharati leadership strongly refuted the allegations of trafficking, terming the reports as "frivolous propaganda," and asserted that the girls were receiving legitimate education with the consent of their parents.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Sewa Bharti performs cremations of 65 virus victims". The Hindu. 5 May 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  2. ↑ "ABPS session begins in Puttur RSS leaders to focus on Corruption". mangalorean.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015.
  3. ↑ "Parag Abhyankar Ji Akhil Bhartiya Sewa Pramukh, RSS". Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Rashtriya Seva Bharati report Seva Activity report Archived 4 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs. The Tribune. (9 February 2003).
  6. ↑ Tomar, Anjul (24 April 1998). "Financial difficulties hinder aid to poor patients"[permanent dead link], The Indian Express
  7. ↑ CWS – BITS Pilani using Telecom Technology to Provide Healthcare Services, 30 August 2007, "CWS - BITS Pilani using Telecom Technology to Provide Healthcare Services: News". Archived from the original on 6 July 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2009.
  8. ↑ 202027 "Cardiac and diabetic check-up camp held" Archived 28 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine, The Indian Express, 20 September 2006
  9. ↑ Medical camp in bhat inda, The Tribune, Tuesday, 3 October 2000, Chandigarh, India [1]
  10. ↑ The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs Archived 23 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine. The Tribune.
  11. ↑ Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs. The Tribune. (4 July 2003).
  12. ↑ AIDS awareness program for truck drivers held, The Indian Express, Friday, 20 November 1998
  13. ↑ Karnataka News : Rally taken out to create awareness Archived 9 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu (30 September 2007).
  14. ↑ "RSS begins swine flu awareness drive". The Times of India. (11 August 2009).
  15. ↑ "Indian Express", Wednesday, 12 Aug 2009. The Indian Express. (12 August 2009).
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Club planned for disabled children Archived 5 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine, The Hindu, Tuesday, 17 October 2000
  17. ↑ Special meet for the disabled Archived 5 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. (13 December 2005).
  18. ↑ "The Tribune", Tuesday, 10 September 2002, Chandigarh, India. The Tribune.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Regional Briefs. The Tribune. (26 April 2002).
  20. ↑ Indian Express 29 Jun 2009, "Eye camp for slum children"
  21. ↑ "Reaching eye care to children in slums" Archived 29 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu, 9 March 2009
  22. ↑ "A better vision for 1010 slum kids", 9 March 2009. Newindianexpress.com.
  23. ↑ "Rashtriya Sewa Bharati - Recent Activities". Retrieved 4 March 2026.
  24. ↑ Bhaskar, B.V.S. (4 February 2006), "All for a noble cause" Archived 4 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine, The Hindu
  25. ↑ Hostel for tribal children opened, Monday, 27 Oct 2008, The Hindu.
  26. ↑ "A home away from home for these students" Archived 28 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu, 6 July 2006.
  27. ↑ "The Tribune", 10-04-2000. The Tribune. (4 October 2000).
  28. ↑ "RSS campaign to make Delhi 100pc literate", The Peninsula, 2 February 2006 Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine.
  29. ↑ "Sewa Bharati Expands Educational Initiatives in Kashmir". Retrieved 4 March 2026.
  30. ↑ Girls craft their destinies, The Telegraph, Friday, 8 June 2007.
  31. ↑ Training in-home nursing Archived 17 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine, 14 January 2008. The Hindu.
  32. ↑ "Girls craft their destinies". The Telegraph. 8 June 2007.
  33. ↑ Awareness project by Seva Bharti launched Archived 21 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine. The Indian Express, 23 February 1999.
  34. ↑ Week after help's death in Gurgaon, no headway, Siddhartha Sarma, The Indian Express, New Delhi, 31 January, [2][dead link]
  35. ↑ "Teenage girls brought back to Kochi from Goa" Archived 12 February 2007 at the Wayback Machine, The Hindu, 10 March 2006
  36. ↑ Driver roams with body in ambulance for 5 days, Sify.com, 22 February 2008 23:02:06 [3]
  37. ↑ "The Tribune", Chandigarh, 02-08-2001. The Tribune. (8 February 2001).
  38. ↑ India Today Magazine Archived 3 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine. India-today.com (12 February 2001).
  39. ↑ Tughlaq, 12 January 2005 (translated version) Archived 12 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  40. ↑ '1,500 RSS volunteers helping with relief work', 5 January 2005, The Hindu.
  41. ↑ “Rs. 5.75‑cr. relief for tsunami‑hit” Archived 3 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. 26 February 2005.
  42. ↑ “Relief missions from Delhi”. The Hindu. 27 December 2004.
  43. ↑ “Slum Board raising 527 tsunami houses”, The Hindu, 22 January 2009. [4] Archived 25 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine(http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/22/stories/2009012258930300.htm) Archived 25 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  44. ↑ Sanchita Sharma, “Dealing with nightmares”, 5 January 2005, Hindustan Times.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 RSS volunteers fan out to do relief work, First Published: 8 October 2009 03:27:00 AM IST, The Indian Express, [5](https://web.archive.org/web/20131106054230/http://newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article136398.ece)
  46. ↑ RSS Relief work in Uttarakhand on CNN IBN, "CNN IBN". YouTube.com (24 June 2013).
  47. ↑ "Seva Bharati volunteers step in for relief work | News Today". Archived from the original on 10 December 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  48. ↑ "Seva Bharati relief materials to flood victims". Deccan Herald. 29 August 2018.
  49. ↑ "Seva Bharati, CPI(M) cadre provide services for relief across flood-hit Kerala". Deccan Chronicle. 19 August 2018. Archived from the original on 31 August 2018.
  50. ↑ "Seva Bharati creates history, rescues 75,600 flood-hit in Kerala". United News of India. 29 August 2018. Archived from the original on 31 August 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  51. ↑ "Rashtriya Sewa Bharati - Relief Work 2024". Retrieved 4 March 2026.
  52. ↑ "Sewa Bharati Volunteers Assist in 2025 Floods". Retrieved 4 March 2026.
  53. ↑ Lanka island thirsty for potable water, Wednesday, 5 Mar 2008 Archived 5 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. (5 March 2008).
  54. ↑ Drinking water crisis hits Gorantla, "The Hindu", Friday, 30 Apr 2004 Archived 23 June 2004 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. (30 April 2004).
  55. ↑ Engagements / Kozhikode : In Kozhikode Today Archived 2 May 2006 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu (3 April 2006).
  56. ↑ "Indian Express", Thursday, 21 January 1999. The Indian Express.
  57. ↑ Hamlet pledges to shun plastics, "The Hindu", Friday, 6 Jan 2006 Archived 13 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. (6 January 2006).
  58. ↑ Mangalore: 'Aasare' – Senior Citizens Get a New Home to Revitalize Themselves, Monday, 5 October 2009 1:37:06 PM (IST), [6]
  59. ↑ Unprecedented rush at Sabarimala temple, The Hindu, Sunday, 14 Jan 2007,[7] Archived 27 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  60. ↑ Thousands perform 'Pitrutarpanam', "The Hindu", Wednesday, 9 Mar 2005 Archived 5 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. (9 March 2005).
  61. ↑ All roads lead to Attukal temple, lakhs offer pongala, The Hindu, Tuesday, 14 March 2006
  62. ↑ Puthiyakavu pongala on 11 March, "The Hindu", Thursday, 27 Jan 2005 Archived 4 February 2005 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. (27 January 2005).
  63. ↑ "Relief or politics?". Outlook India. 25 February 2002.
  64. ↑ "Saffron Relief". People's Democracy. 7 March 2004.
  65. ↑ Ramesh, Randeep (26 February 2004). "Charity 'funds Hindu extremists'". The Guardian.
  66. ↑ "UK charity 'funds Hindu extremists'". The Times of India. 26 February 2004.
  67. ↑ Bhatnagar, Gaurav Vivek (30 July 2016). "Operation #BetiUthao: Right-Wing Outfits Trafficked 31 Tribal Girls From Assam, Claims Report". The Wire.
  68. ↑ Pande, Neha (28 July 2016). "Assam to Gujarat and Punjab: How 31 tribal girls were 'trafficked' by Sangh Parivar outfits to 'Hinduise' them". Newslaundry.
  69. ↑ "RSS denies trafficking 31 tribal girls from Assam to 'Hinduise' them". National Herald. 30 July 2016.

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