It is said that in Dharmic traditions - Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism - the concept of Sewa is integral to the practice of these religions but how many people actually bring this important aspect in their daily lives.

Many community groups only survive because of the tireless efforts of their volunteer members but go to any samaj these days and the numbers offering their service has dwindled; as a result many organisations are struggling to keep going. This not only impacts on the free services on offer to the community but it also lessens the bond cohesion within and between communities.

Think about it. Apart from major festivals, wedding and funerals how often to do you meet with other members of community? While we all have busy working and family lives, offering Sewa should not be considered a chore but a hobby that can alleviate the tensions of work as well as be personally fulfilling and satisfying.

In order to re-engage people to the benefits – personal and societal – on Sunday 21 November, Sewa UK is organising the first ever National Sewa Day (NSD). This social action initiative recognises the need for local communities to take the responsibility for overcoming the challenges of disadvantage & deprivation by harnessing resources and talents that exist within them.

Based in part on initiatives like Habitat for Humanity, Make A Difference Day, Mitzvah Day, etc., NSD is also seeking to leverage, primarily but not exclusively, the support & talents of the Black & Ethnic Minority community in contributing towards a more prosperous Britain.

In this first year, National Sewa Day is engaging over 100 diverse organisations or around 5,000 people to devote time to an act of selfless service. On this day, events are being organised up and down the country to provide people a chance give back to the community through volunteering to make a difference.

The events aim to achieve at least one of the guiding principles: of relieving hardship and poverty; bringing a little joy where none exists or helping the environment. One element it won’t include is fundraising as this is an opportunity to give back to the community by giving up something as valuable – time.

Projects being undertaken on this day, include tree planting in local parks, building a garden in an citizens advice centre, collection of old mobile phones & batteries for safe disposal & recycling, cleaning communal areas & removing graffiti from walls, painting murals in schools, old people’s homes etc; conducting concerts for elderly & disabled people; organising yoga workshops in orphanages & youth centres or helping with soup kitchens.

The list is not exhaustive or in fact particularly innovative but importantly it is volunteers giving something back to the community. And, by community it need not be just the Hindu, Sikh or Jain communities but others can and should also benefit. Projects don’t need to be big and it’s still not too late to come with a project idea.

Sunday 21 November offers communities the chance to show they care, to give a little back and do something positive without thought of personal gain. In fact, the satisfaction gained by taking part is likely to be beyond monetary value. So use the day to practice what we are preached. Come and join us on 21 November 2010. Please check www.nationalsewaday.org for full details.