The Tradition of Service and Cooperation

The word seva carries a humility: the one who serves does not think of themselves as greater, but is grateful for the opportunity. The Agarwal community gives service and cooperation a special place in its identity.

Roots in tradition

Its message is clear: help is best when it is given with respect and leaves the receiver self-reliant.

Forms of service

Across the country, members and organisations of the Agarwal community have long served in many forms — dharamshalas, schools, hospitals, gaushalas, and food and relief in times of need. Some are large institutions; others are small neighbourhood efforts. What matters is not the scale of service but its spirit.

Service in a residential society

In a society like Manglam Aananda, service is often close at hand and very personal:

• Being a good neighbour. Standing by a family through illness, bereavement or any difficult time.
• Welcoming new families. Introducing Agarwal families who move into the society to the community.
• Sharing knowledge. Helping others from our own experience of study, careers, business or health.
• Respecting our elders. Listening to their experience and looking after their needs.
• Lending a hand at gatherings. Giving time to prepare for festivals and programmes.
• Knowing one another's businesses. Recognising the businesses and services of community members — today's 'one brick, one coin'.

The dignity of help

In service and cooperation, respecting one another's privacy and dignity matters just as much. Quietly standing by a family, without making their difficulty a subject of public discussion, is true service.

How you can take part

If you would like to help with any of the Samaj's work, choose 'Volunteer' on the contact page and tell us how you would like to contribute. The Samaj's working committees also welcome helping hands.