Mridula V

Notable achievements of Mridula's through VT Seva include:

Directing the VT Seva Maryland Science Fairs (2024 & 2025), providing hundreds of students with hands-on STEM experiences.

Coordinating the Forget-Me-Knots Veterans Initiative, honoring local service members with handmade care kits.

Organizing VT Seva Youth Summer Camps (2023, 2024, 2025), fostering leadership and learning among younger students.

Volunteering at the Urbana Senior Center, promoting intergenerational connections through conversation and care.

Leading initiatives to reduce community waste, promote literacy, and support families in need.

Implementing battery and electronic recycling initiatives to mitigate community waste.

Donating books to shelters to enhance literacy among youth and families experiencing homelessness.

Facilitating food-packing events for the Maryland Food Bank to support families in need.

Coordinating winter clothing drives for unhoused neighbors in partnership with Frederick Child Advocacy.

Hosting Swap & Shop events to promote sustainable reuse within the community.

Advocating for eco-friendly alternatives to single-use materials in schools and service activities.

Serving as a lead of VT Seva's national Fearless program, highlighting youth-driven service and mental wellness.

Leading Career Compass workshops to empower students in preparing for college and career success.

Representing VT Seva at the LOTUS Project DC Workshop, amplifying youth voice and addressing parent-child relationships and well-being.

Providing complimentary academic tutoring in math and science to support younger students.

Raising funds for VT Seva-funded schools in India, providing free education, meals, and housing for underserved and visually impaired students.

Establishing a Feeding Hope Club at Urbana High School to support daily meals at VT Seva schools through local fundraising.

Supporting individuals affected by the Maui wildfire through fundraising efforts, including car washes and bake sales, which raised nearly $1,000 to aid those impacted through VT Seva.

Receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA) twice, earning the Gold Award on both occasions, recognizing her dedication to service.

Being recognized at Maryland's Diwali celebration, receiving commendation from Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller for her volunteer efforts.

Other notable initiatives include:

Organizing a blood donation camp in association with the American Red Cross, resulting in VT Seva being recognized for saving at least 50 lives.

Collaborating with the American Heart Association to provide CPR training for VT Seva's youth leaders.

Leading annual fundraising events through the Maryland branch, with achievements including:

2023: Raising funds for 20 visually challenged students.

2024: Raising funds for 102 visually challenged and underprivileged students.

2025: Working towards raising funds for 150 visually challenged and underprivileged students.

Partnering with the Maryland Food Bank to pack food for the homeless.

In addition to her work with VT Seva, Mridula has also:

Taught Indian classical dance and Carnatic music at Swaralaaya School of Music and Arts.

Coached youth in taekwondo at The Blackbelt Institute in Edison, NJ.

Volunteered at SBAT, SSVT temple and many other temples for cleanup, landscaping, and food distributions, medical camps.

Participated in Spanish camps in schools to support local homeless people.

Played a leadership role in the Marching band program, undertaking various volunteering activities and holding key positions such as Section Leader, Props Manager, and Rehearsal Manager. Mridula secured All county award for the band.

Supported and played leadership roles in the theater department, participating in theater arts for over 5 years and serving in various leadership capacities.

Secured awards for songwriting with Chords of Courage, highlighting impacts in the community and promoting mental wellness and positive spirit.

Mridula secured Frederick science fair awardee consecutively for 3 years.

Mridula's unwavering commitment to service is exemplified by her tireless efforts to empower peers, mobilize communities, and create lasting systems of impact. With close to 1750 hours of community service, including 1500 hours through VT Seva, her leadership style is characterized by thoughtful action, care, and purpose, rendering her an exemplary role model for young people.