Nepheli, 22, Greek English, Administrative Assistant
“The ability to have a dream and establish it is something truly inspiring; Veerayatan is a living embodiment of that precious ability. Veerayatan constantly looks ahead to see how else it can help uplift humanity… The people on Veerayatan’s staff are the best example of their community… My work with Veerayatan was wonderful in every way. I felt useful, and I enjoyed working with such inspirational people and projects… I plan to continue to help Veerayatan… it’s truly a great cause.”
Duration of Stay: 1 month, 2002
Seva: Distributed relief goods, researched potential donors, established base for Sponsor-A-Child Program, played with children, served food

Hemal, 22, Indian English, Software Engineer
“My experience at Veerayatan was insightful, inspirational and above all life-changing. Speaking to the children and absorbing myself in their lives was extremely emotional. Even though I was only at Veerayatan for a short while, it made such an impact on my life…I’m continuing to work for Veerayatan’s causes from England.”
To find out more about my experience with Veerayatan, email me at hemal_shah@msn.com
Duration of Stay: 1 week, 2002. Continues to work for Veerayatan in England.
Seva: Designed and drafted proposal for Veerayatan database, designed Veerayatan donor form and sponsor-a-child form, acted out plays (“The Three Little Pigs and a Big Fat Boar”) for children,

Harriet, 59, American, Homemaker
“Incredibly enjoyable!! I worked and lived full time on the Veerayatan campus and it was simply a wonderful, life-changing opportunity… The work and dedication of organizations like Veerayatan are clearly appreciated by the local residents [in Bhuj, Kutch]; this is shown through the many words of thanks bestowed by students and staff upon the sadhvis and staff of Veerayatan…I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with this organization. The lessons I have learned from the staff, the students and the children of Veerayatan are ones that will impact every aspect of my life. I look forward to returning to work with Veerayatan…”
Duration of Stay: 1 month, 2002; 1 month, 2003
Seva: Administrative assistant, taught English

Anish,28,Indian English,Management Consultant
“I wanted to offer my hands to Veerayatan because of the reputation it has of being an honest and worthwhile organization… I wasn’t let down. I came because I wanted to contribute by using my physical and mental resource instead of simply sending money. I have had an incredible time, using my skills as a consultant to help Veerayatan administratively, and using my background in athletics and love of children to play with and teach the kids… I have worked with Veerayatan for only a month and I already feel like I have another family. I firmly believe that the love and affection that Veerayatan and the kids of Veerayatan have given me is giving me a new perspective on life.” To find out more about my experience with Veerayatan, email me at anishmehta2@yahoo.co.uk
Duration of Stay: 1 month, 2002. Continues to work for Veerayatan in England as Veerayatan’s VVP Regional Coordinator.
Seva: Established and taught a course for computer trainers, taught English, Veerayatan marketing, established base for VVP, played cricket with and taught kids

Umesh, 26, Indian Kenyan, Electrical Engineer
“Veerayatan’s children’s stories are ones of pain… some have lost their father, some their mother, and some both their parents. How difficult a life. Yet these are the lucky ones. Here at Veerayatan Vidyapeeth, they get food, clothing, education, friends of their own age, playtime, encouragement…I have tried to help out wherever some help was needed. Coming to Veerayatan has been very rewarding to me. Here at Veerayatan it is like being in a big family.”
Duration of Stay: 1 month, 2002
Seva: Administrative assistant, sorted goods in store room, wrote and researched for website, translated newspaper articles, interviewed children for Sponsor-a-Child Program, played football, dodge ball and tutored children

Kajal, 21, Indian English, Student
I have been involved with Veerayatan for almost 7 years now and I have been fortunate enough to witness it flourish into the world class humanitarian organisation it is today. What they have achieved in Bhuj is nothing short of amazing. I spent time interviewing a number of children about their experiences of the earthquake and their time at the Veerayatan Vidyapeeth. Without exception, the school in Bhuj has given them the love and support necessary to overcome the pain they have suffered in the aftermath of the earthquake. I was touched by their spirit and strength but most of all at their ability to never stop smiling. The vision, courage and compassion that the Sadhvis and all those involved with the Vidyapeeth have are truly inspiring qualities and I feel privileged to have been able to work with them. Veerayatan has the ability to turn seemingly impossible dreams into reality and I encourage you not to miss the opportunity to become a part of it.
Duration of Stay: 1 week, 2002
Seva: Interviewed children for Sponsor a Child Program, continues to work for Veerayatan from England

Benjamin, 25, French, Entertainer, Comic, Juggler
“I came to Veerayatan by chance, but ended up working with them for six months!! After the earthquake, my wife, who works with the UNDP [United Nations Development Programme], visited the area and I came along to see what work was being accomplished. I was simply amazed by Veerayatan’s presence and impact in Kutch- it was very heartwarming to see people genuinely helping others. I decided I wanted to contribute as well, and Veerayatan was the best channel for me to do so… The kids I taught were pleasurable, amazing and fun—no doubt the result of Veerayatan’s incredible dedication and loving embrace… I will truly miss them.”
Duration of Stay: 6 months, 2001-2002.
Seva: Played with children, teaching children “the art of defying gravity”—juggling

Paola, 36, Italian, Professional Singer
Welcomed as a Queen at Veerayatan, I knew at once that I had landed in the place of my dreams. I planned to spend only a couple of hours at Veerayatan, but the warmth and love which surrounded me from the very first moment and the bright and sparkling eyes of all the kids I met on my tour, led me to make a sudden change of plans and accordingly I spent the next few days at Veerayatan… Since a young girl I often imagined myself helping out in a so-called developing country. I have always felt that where help and care are truly required, it is easier for me to keep in touch with real values of life… Upon arriving at Veerayatan, I felt like I had just landed in an even bigger family where love and light was pulsating all day long. The education that Veerayatan imparts here relives its true meaning, that being of a tool and a vehicle to cope and introspect about the beauty of life… I am thankful to my destiny and to all the people who made it possible for me to reach Veerayatan, Bhuj.
Duration of stay: One week
Seva: Re-organized storeroom, devised efficient labeling system, taught children how to sing

Michael, 22, American, Graphic Designer
“Even though I’ve never seen the people of Veerayatan, or the people they’re impacting, I continue to offer my services to them for one simple reason: faith. I have faith in the knowledge that my efforts here in America are being used by Veerayatan to greatly benefit the men, women and children of India. I have faith that their pure love and dedication has uplifted and empowered countless lives. And I have faith that by working with them, I will have done my small part to contribute to humanity.”
To find out more about my experience with Veerayatan, email me at MichaelWC1@aol.com or visit my website at www.mikewclark.com
Duration of Stay: Works for Veerayatan from abroad. 2001-present.
Seva: Website development, publication development (brochures, etc.)

Ashish, 27, Indian, Accountant
“Veerayatan is maintained like a family, and every worker is treated like a family member… Even though we worked long hours following the earthquake to establish Veerayatan in Kutch and to provide the local people with a sense of stability, it was all worth it just to see the smiles on peoples’ faces… I feel very proud when people in Kutch say Veerayatan has done a wonderful job.”
Duration of Stay: 1 year, 2001-2002.
Seva: Relief distribution, construction work, created advertisements, accounting, vocational sub center development, management