Shyam Parande, a luminary in the realm of humanitarian service, recently undertook a meaningful three-day visit to New Zealand as the Secretary and International Coordinator of Seva International. This journey was emblematic of his tireless commitment to the principles that Seva represents – a profound sense of service, unwavering philanthropy, and the spirit of volunteerism. With a rich tapestry of 25 years dedicated to serving the unserved, Shyam Parande has become a stalwart figure in the global landscape of humanitarian efforts, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he touches.
The philosophy that propels Parande’s mission is deeply rooted in the timeless wisdom of Indian ethos, encapsulated in the belief that the entire world is one family. In an exclusive interview with The Indian News, Parande articulated his purpose for visiting New Zealand. His mission extends far beyond geographic boundaries, driven by the core tenet that, irrespective of location, if any person of Indian origin faces adversity, it is both a duty and a mission to help and solutions to their problems.
Seva International, under the astute leadership of Shyam Parande, has become a beacon of hope and a vehicle for social change. Committed to social engineering, the organization stands as a testament to the power of collective action in serving communities across the board, devoid of any discrimination. Parande’s three decades of service span a myriad of challenges, with his team of dedicated volunteers actively engaged in post-natural disaster relief efforts in India, facilitating the rehabilitation of thousands of affected individuals.
Shyam Parande’s journey into humanitarian service is marked by a pivotal life choice – abandoning a lucrative career as a civil engineer to serve the community. His inspiration drawn from Swami Vivekananda’s call, “Nara Sewa is Narayana Sewa,” became the guiding force for a life dedicated to uplifting the marginalized and providing a voice to the voiceless.
One significant chapter in Parande’s service journey unfolded post the devastating 1977 cyclone in Andhra Pradesh, where he played a crucial role in the rehabilitation efforts. Personally, supervising the construction of hundreds of houses in five villages along the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, his leadership became a beacon of hope for the affected communities. For over 17 years, he actively participated in numerous Sewa Bharati service projects in Andhra Pradesh, showcasing a sustained commitment to community welfare.
Shyam Parande emphasised on the need of Indian diaspora’s better integrating with the indigenous people of any country they live in for good relations like with Maori and islander communities in New Zealand. though he was all praise for the Indian community generally being very sincere, hardworking, and honest hence they make a positive contribution to any country they go to.
Presently, Shyam Parande shoulders the responsibilities of International Coordinator and Secretary for Seva International. Leading a diverse array of volunteers across more than 20 countries, spanning Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas, he continues to spearhead a multitude of service activities that transcend cultural, linguistic, and national boundaries.
Beyond Seva International, Shyam Parande is an active participant in NRI and PIO-related activities. His role as Secretary General at Antar Rashtriya Sahyog Parishad, also known as the Indian Council for International Co-operation, underscores his dedication to fostering international cooperation. For the past four decades, this organization has been at the forefront of Pravasi Bharatiya activities, further highlighting Parande’s influential role in connecting and mobilizing the Indian diaspora.
In essence, Shyam Parande’s recent visit to New Zealand is not just a geographical journey but a continuation of his unwavering commitment to humanity. It symbolizes the enduring principles embedded in Seva International’s mission and the broader philosophy that considers the world as one interconnected family. Through his actions and leadership, Parande continues to inspire a global community to join hands in the pursuit of collective well-being and service to the unserved, leaving an inspiring legacy for generations to come. –
as told to Yugal Parashar