Join us for an immersive concert of soul-stirring music, evocative visual storytelling, and profound reflection.
Sunday, October 4
Lawrence Family JCC
4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla
4 p.m. – Doors open
5 p.m. – Program begins
Swami Dayananda Saraswati
AIM for Seva Founder
In thousands of rural villages across India, a child’s desire to learn is often met with daily obstacles – long, unsafe journeys, limited resources, and few support systems. All India Movement for Seva was created to change that reality. What began with one woman’s plea for a safe place for her children to stay near school became our founder’s vision of bringing education to the doorsteps of the children of rural India by building hostels near schools. From Swamiji’s vision was born the chatralaya or free student home.
A single chatralaya in 2001 has flourished into a far-reaching network of 91 spanning 17 states and 3,000 villages of rural India. These caring homes provide over 4,000 children in grades 4 through 12 each year with access to a formal education, lodging, nutritious meals, clothes and uniforms, academic support, extracurricular opportunities, and health care – all at no cost.
AIM for Seva began establishing its own educational institutions in 2005 – each rooted in value-based learning and strong academics. Today, our eight schools and one college, serving over 5,000 students annually beginning in kindergarten, are nurturing not only academic success but confidence, values and life skills. Our students are empowered to dream bigger and to pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and lives of purpose. At its heart, AIM for Seva ensures that where a child is born does not determine how far they can go.
Our vidyalaya residential school campuses embrace a well-rounded approach to nurturing and educating children in rural India. Dynamic academics, value-based learning, cultural enrichment, life skills, and compassionate care come together to help each child build the confidence, knowledge and character needed to thrive in school and in life.
Each campus comprises a K-12 English-medium school serving 1,500 students, a boys’ hostel and girls’ hostel, each housing 100 children, and staff quarters.
When you contribute to AIM for Seva, you’re supporting a holistic model of care that reaches children during their most formative years, creating the strongest foundation for lifelong success. You make education accessible, opportunity attainable, and futures full of promise. Your generosity creates a ripple effect – uplifting not just one child, but families and entire communities over time.
20 Million
lives touched
since 2000
3,000
villages reached across rural India
10,000
students per year
90% graduation
rate
80% of students
pursue higher education or secure employment
10,000
students per year
“Since 2015, I have had the privilege of serving as the San Diego chapter lead, driven by a deep passion for giving back to our community and, most importantly, to India. Over the years, I have visited several chatralaya and witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of the education and support provided to these children.
My first visit was to the boys’ and girls’ chatralaya in Anaikatti, and in 2020, I visited the girls’ chatralaya in Thennampattu, Tamil Nadu.
Meeting these children and hearing their aspirations, from becoming teachers to doctors and other professionals, was both inspiring and humbling. These experiences reinforced my belief that education is one of the most powerful tools to transform lives and uplift communities.
I am truly honored to be part of an organization that has dedicated the past 25 years to selfless seva, empowering children and creating opportunities for a brighter future.”
– Kavita Rajaratnam, AIM for Seva San Diego Chapter Lead and Secretary
“Our visit to an AIM for Seva chatralaya was an experience we will never forget. Behind every young face was a story of struggle, hope and quiet determination. Here, the young boys are not just given an education – they are given dignity, shelter, nourishing meals, and the chance to dream fearlessly. In a world where so many children are denied opportunity, this place stands as a beacon of compassion, transforming lives one child at a time.”
– Rashmi and Kaushik Kalita, AIM for Seva San Diego Chapter Coordinator and Donors
“Education is the key to the development of a society.”
— Swami Dayananda Saraswati, AIM for Seva Founder
San Diego Chapter Coordinators
President
858-775-2824
Treasurer
858-842-7372
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AIM for Seva has consistently earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating.
Here are just a few ways your generosity can help, but every gift, large or small, contributes to life-changing outcomes.
Honor a loved one by funding a school or special project in their homeland and dedicating it in their name.
There are many options for contributing to AIM for Seva, allowing you to make the best choice for your life and financial goals.
Make a one-time contribution – or set up convenient recurring payments for a more significant impact in the lives of our children.
We can accept your personal or business check made payable to AIM for Seva and mailed to: PO Box 639, Saylorsburg, PA 18353.
Give seamlessly and easily through an ACH or wire transfer. Simply call our office at 570-402-1244 to make the necessary arrangements.
Make your one-time or ongoing contributions to AIM for Seva through your donor-advised charitable fund.
Check our matching gift company list to see if your employer offers a matching gift program. If your company is not listed, you can inquire as to whether they would consider matching your contribution, allowing your gift to have greater reach and impact.
A gift of long-term appreciated stocks and mutual funds can offer you not only income tax savings but also the advantage of reducing or eliminating capital gains taxes. For stock transfer instructions, please call 570-402-1244.
For those 70½ or older, a QCD can be made from a traditional IRA free of federal income tax, while receiving a charitable deduction for income tax purposes. Your contribution might also satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year.
Consider naming AIM for Seva in your will or living trust. Bequests, which can be a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate, help maintain the long-term financial health of our nonprofit organization.
If you’re looking to volunteer your time and talents to touch a child’s life in a more tangible and direct way, please email sandiego@aimforsevausa.org to learn about volunteer opportunities.
