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Srikanth Gundavarapu to lead Sewa International as president
He succeeds Arun Kankani, who will continue as executive vice president.
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Bhavana P - Tue, 13, May 2025
- 16:12 EDT
- 141
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Sewa International's new President Srikanth Gundavarapu. / Sewa International
Indian-American executive Srikanth Gundavarapu has been appointed as the president of Sewa International USA, a prominent global humanitarian nonprofit.
Gundavarapu succeeds Arun Kankani, who will continue as executive vice president. The announcement was made during Sewa’s 19th national conference held from May 3 to 5 in the Bay Area.
Also read: Sewa International launches relief fund for terror victims in India
Under Kankani’s leadership, Sewa expanded significantly, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the organization mobilized over 4,500 U.S. volunteers, distributing millions of pounds of food and over 100,000 hot meals. It also shipped more than 10,000 oxygen concentrators to India, saving countless lives.
Accepting his new role, Gundavarapu praised the organization’s roots and pledged to build on its legacy. "I'll lean on the strong shoulders that built this foundation. Sewa, which began as a small organization in an Atlanta garage, has now grown into an entity with strong systems and processes. Sewa's real strength lies in its thousands of volunteers and donors nationwide. Their dedication and hard work have built Sewa, and I am proud to carry forward its legacy".
Advisory board member Saumitra Gokhale emphasized that leadership at Sewa is not about titles but service. "This gathering reminded us that our progress stems not from chance, but from sustained effort, planning, and the dedication of volunteers over two decades. Sewa leadership isn't about titles—it's about continued service."
The Bay Area conference brought together over 140 volunteers, including chapter presidents, board members, and coordinators, celebrating two decades of volunteer-driven service and strategic growth. Suresh Jain, chairman of the board, also announced that the 20th national conference will be held in San Antonio.
Founded in the 1980s as a social movement in India, Sewa now operates across 43 U.S. chapters and has responded to over 34 disasters. In 2021, the organization raised $45 million from 140,000 donors, earning recognition from Benevity as a top 10 nonprofit supported by corporate donors.
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