By Nikhar Budhadev
Since its inception in Western Australia in 2023, the Sewa Diwali program has grown rapidly into a nationwide initiative, embodying the spirit of selfless service during the festival of Diwali. Rooted in the Hindu Dharma principle of Sewa Bhav, or selfless giving, the program connects people from all walks of life while encouraging support for those facing adversity, particularly as the cost of living rises across Australia.
“The aim on the sacred festival of Diwali is to give back to society and serve them where we live,” says Dr Anil, a volunteer from Melbourne.
“Sewa Bhav, which means selfless service, is a primary Hindu Dharma value. Service to humanity is service to God.”
This guiding philosophy has inspired participation across the country, with volunteers collaborating in philanthropy without expectation of reward, offering practical and meaningful help to those most in need.
Each year, Sewa Diwali runs a united food and donations drive, collecting items such as canned goods, rice, pasta, toiletries, and hygiene products. These donations are distributed to shelters, food pantries, and community centres across Australia.
Last year, volunteers gathered over 27,700 kilograms of food, with more than 520 people involved and 94 partner organisations contributing. The effort resulted in over $200,000 worth of assistance reaching communities in at least nine major cities. “The feedback from Foodbank and associated organisations is that the impact was great,” notes Manjunath, a volunteer from Sydney.
The program’s success stems from its inclusive approach. “Sewa Diwali caters to all communities of Australia, irrespective of racial, regional, or religious background,” says Dr Anil.
“There is nothing that binds society more than an act of selfless service, such as ministering to those who are truly in need.”
Families and children are actively engaged in the campaign, fostering social understanding, empathy, and a culture of generosity among younger generations.
Looking ahead, organisers aim to expand not just the quantity of donations, but the reach and quality of selfless service.
“Our true goal is to spread the quality of Sewa Bhav across Australia,” says Dr Asthana. “Philanthropy in its truest sense is beyond money—it is service without expectation.”
Each year, Sewa Diwali hopes to inspire more Australians to embrace this ethos, embedding it further into the fabric of society.
Even in the face of challenges, including reports of anti-immigration protests and racist incidents, the campaign has continued undeterred. “There have been no direct challenges as a result,” Dr Anil explains.
“More importantly, Sewa Diwali is a platform where Australians of all backgrounds can come together in harmony to serve the nation we live in, Australia.”
Now active across major states and territories, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, Sewa Diwali collaborates with a wide network of communities, charitable organisations, and individuals united by a shared mission. Volunteers register annually to ensure coordinated support and efficient distribution of resources, reinforcing the campaign’s role as both a charitable initiative and a bridge for multicultural engagement.
For participants, Sewa Diwali is more than a food drive—it is a celebration of compassion, unity, and purpose. By honouring the tradition of philanthropy and the universal principle of oneness, the program transforms Diwali into a festival of light, hope, and kindness, fostering the spirit of giving across generations.
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