Volunteers are welcome to help the children at Sahasra Deepika Institute. All volunteers should be at least 20 years old. Students need assistance with homework on a regular basis, as well as enrichment in the fields of art, music and dance. Mentors are needed to help guide the older students as they approach the preuniversity and college years. Additionally, we would appreciate assistance with medical and dental care.

If you would like to volunteer your services with fundraising, tutoring or other programs, please contact us to see how we can put your talents to work and help our SDI children become truly successful, well-rounded individuals!

The program, launched in 2007, has welcomed interns from institutions such as Dartmouth College and Washington University in St. Louis.

SDI Scholars provide enrichment to the students, as well as help with written and spoken English skills. Projects conducted by the Scholars have included environmental awareness, history, journal writing, understanding of diseases, and learning how to use library resources. The SDI Scholars Program provides an invaluable, cross-cultural experience both for the interns as well as the Sahasra Deepika students. Applications and details for 2010 will be posted on the website in January 2010. Please check back for more information.

A Word From Our Interns

"You have taught us so much about this wonderful country---with its vibrant culture, inclusive spirituality and dynamic history. Most importantly thank you for introducing us to 52 children who have taught us more than we could have hoped to teach them."

Ravi Segal '09 & Sheli Chabon '10, Dartmouth College

"I have shared my experiences at Sahasra Deepika with my family and friends, and will continue to spread their stories, their ideas and their smiles of hope back in the United States …I thank the kids of Sahasra Deepika who have cooperated with my primitive teaching skills, for giving me a unique experience every day I worked there, and for showing me how to value all of life’s blessings."

Jayashree Gowda '09, Washington University in St. Louis