#United States #Sewa International #Kerrville #Community Relief

Kerrville Honors Community Efforts in Flood Relief

On December 9, 2025, the City of Kerrville, Texas, along with the Kerr Economic Development Corporation and the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group, gathered to recognize the invaluable contributions of Sewa International and other Indian American organizations in response to the devastating floods on July 4 this year. The event highlighted their leadership and commitment to the community during a time of crisis.

City officials and community leaders shared their gratitude, with Mayor Joe Herrington emphasizing that the assistance provided wasn't merely an emergency response. He elaborated, "It was a ministry. Helping others is how we serve God, and Sewa International embodied that spirit every single day. Their volunteers brought hope, structure, and humanity when our community needed it most."

The Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF), a significant partner in these recovery efforts, contributed $50,000 to aid flood recovery operations. Their president stated, "We live here, we give here," reinforcing their commitment to the local community. This strong financial backing exemplified the unity and support shared among the organizations present.

City representatives recalled the sight of countless volunteers donned in yellow T-shirts, working diligently to manage traffic and coordinate logistics at the emergency site located at Tivy Antler Stadium. One official remarked, "At a moment when we were overwhelmed and unsure how to manage the sheer scale of operations, Sewa stepped in and brought order, compassion, and unwavering commitment. That made all the difference."

Sewa International, with its extensive experience gained from previous natural disasters, mobilized swiftly to assist emergency teams on the ground in Kerrville. Under the guidance of Prashant Sona from the Indian Consulate in Houston, and supported by IACF leaders like Ramesh Cherivirala and Pankaj Rana, a coalition of several organizations including Arya Samaj and the Indian Doctors' Association collaborated to address the urgent needs of the community.

The response showcased the collective strength that emerges when communities unite. IACF President Pankaj Rana noted, "The strength of our response came from unity. Partnering with Sewa International allowed us to break silos, combine resources, and make a meaningful impact quickly."

Kerrville's leaders expressed deep appreciation for the Sewa volunteers, many of whom traveled from Houston and San Antonio to support local recovery efforts. These individuals were pivotal in the rapid response and the success of the initiatives implemented to alleviate community distress.

Key figures recognized include Nikhil Jain, Vinayak Astekar, and others—who contributed both financially and through hands-on efforts—demonstrating a collective spirit of service that inspired all involved. City leaders acknowledged Sewa International USA as one of the first organizations to offer help, showcasing their commitment to the community until the situation stabilized.

About Sewa International

Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501(c)(3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit. They focus on disaster recovery, education, and development, operating 43 chapters across the United States, serving people in need regardless of their background.

As Kerrville moves forward from this disaster, the spirit of community support remains strong, exemplified by the unity seen during the flood recovery efforts. Such inspiring collaboration serves as a model for resilience and generosity in times of need.