The NRI SEVA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization and social service group in India and the United States of America. Founded by Harish Kolasani the National President of the National Council Of Asian Indian Associations, the NRI SEVA focuses on helping underprivileged and disadvantaged sections of society in India. Since its inception in the year 2012, the organization has relentlessly connected medically vulnerable people to necessary healthcare services. In India, under the leadership of Radha Mohan Kolasani, the NRI SEVA Foundation has been providing free physiotherapy for over 350 patients every day in daily camps and permanent clinics for anyone who is suffering from pain. Other services provided by the organization focus on skill development for women, education, day care centers for old age parents and empowering the youth.  

Considering the treatment of dead bodies of Covid-19 patients during the disastrous second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic in India, the NRI SEVA Foundation decided to step in. The team knew about numerous cases where families were unable to respectfully cremate their loved ones. Members of the NRI SEVA and its volunteer groups then decided to do something that not just ensures a dignified departure to the departed but also gives solace to the family members of the dead. They established the Last Journey Vehicle that was equipped with an ice box. The purpose of this vehicle has been to help people living in underprivileged areas in the city of Hyderabad by respectfully carry the dead bodies of patients died during pandemic that belongs to underprivileged, lower middle class or with family members who are not able to be part of the funeral. NRI SEVA Foundation’s volunteers have then taken part and paid their respects in the last rites of people whose families were unavailable for funerals.

This initiative of the NRI SEVA has been lauded by many people because it has stemmed from a genuine place of purity and deep respect for the people who succumbed to Covid-19.

Harish Kolasani commented, “The volunteers of the NRI SEVA Foundation have become family to numerous people in underprivileged localities. This has been our effort to ensure ‘dignity after death. ‘We plan to start the Last Journey Vehicle in different cities gradually through the help of our donors. Anyone who like to join our team, can visit www.IndiaHub.org to support this cause.”