Hindu YUVA, University of Washington

We are proud to announce that Shikta Sapkota, a student of Political Science department at UW has decided to volunteer for the ‘Yuva for Sewa’ (Youth for Service) project through HinduYUVA. Indeed it is a matter of great pride for us as she is the second person from HY(Shobhit Mathur being the first one who volunteered to serve in the Caribbean) to do so. And she happens to be the first woman to do so too. Last Saturday we gave her a small farewell party at an ice-cream shop and asked her about her motivation and plans. HY: So Shikta what motivated you to volunteer for ‘Yuva for Sewa’ ?

Shikta: My motivation to be a volunteer is that I want to reach out to the neglected elements of our society and help them feel like they are one among us. I want to involve the children in different activities that will instill positive characteristics in them. By doing so, not only do I hope to uplift the mindset of these kids, I also hope to learn the meaning of life from them.

HY: Where exactly are you volunteering ?

Shikta: I am volunteering at a rehabilitation center for street children in Bangalore through Yuva for Sewa.

HY: Is this your first time in India ?

Shikta: Yes

HY: Hope you like Sun and spicy food.

Shikta: Yes, I do.

HY: So, do you have your shopping list ready ?

Shikta: (Laughs… ) I have to first spend time on working with the street children but if get some free time I might buy some clothes.

We hung out a bit more with Shikta and bid her a last farewell. She is already in Bangalore now. We will definitely quiz her again about her experiences when she comes back. Best wishes to Shikta till then.

If you would like to volunteer through the Youth for Service project please let us know. For more info, goto http://www.sewausa.org/yuva-for-sewa .