SEWA, Burha: A Glorious Journey of Two Decades of Humanity, Sacrifice, Service and Social Transformation
Heramba Nath
Human civilisation progresses not merely through economic development or technological advancement, but through compassion, unity, sacrifice and collective responsibility towards society. Throughout history, societies have been strengthened by individuals and organisations who dedicated themselves selflessly for the welfare of humanity. Such organisations become the backbone of social progress because they work not for personal gain but for the upliftment of ordinary people. They stand beside the poor during difficult times, inspire youths towards positive directions, support the helpless with dignity and strengthen the spirit of humanity within society.
One such remarkable and inspiring organisation is SEWA, Burha — the Socio Economic Welfare Association, Burha — which has completed a glorious and memorable journey of twenty years in the service of society. Over the last two decades, SEWA has emerged not merely as an NGO but as a symbol of humanity, sacrifice, social responsibility and collective welfare. The organisation has continuously worked for the upliftment of the poor, the educational advancement of students, healthcare support for needy patients, empowerment of unemployed youths, environmental awareness, cultural preservation and humanitarian service during times of crisis.
The story of SEWA, Burha is not only the story of an organisation; it is the story of determination, collective sacrifice and the spirit of humanity. It reflects how ordinary people, united by noble intentions and social commitment, can create extraordinary changes within society. Today, SEWA stands proudly as one of the most respected and admired social organisations of the greater West Darrang region.
Burha village possesses a rich social and cultural heritage shaped by the people who migrated and settled there over many decades. Many people who settled in Burha village originally came from Sipajhar and Bezera. These families carried with them their traditions, cultural values, agricultural practices, social discipline and strong spirit of unity. Through years of hard work, cooperation and mutual understanding, they gradually contributed towards the social and economic development of the locality.
The people of Burha village maintained a strong sense of collective responsibility and social bonding from the very beginning. This atmosphere of unity and brotherhood eventually became one of the strongest foundations behind the establishment and growth of SEWA, Burha. The organisation emerged from the belief that society can progress meaningfully only when people stand beside one another during times of difficulty and work collectively for the welfare of humanity.
SEWA, Burha was established in the year 2006 at a time when the locality and surrounding areas were facing several socio-economic challenges. Poverty, unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, inadequate healthcare facilities and social instability affected the lives of many ordinary people. Realising that social upliftment could never be achieved through individual efforts alone, a group of energetic, socially conscious and humanitarian-minded individuals came forward with a noble vision.
Guided by the inspiring motto “Service to Man is Service to God,” they formed an organisation dedicated to the service and upliftment of humanity. This motto became the guiding philosophy behind every activity undertaken by SEWA. The organisation believed that serving humanity is one of the greatest responsibilities of human life and that genuine social welfare requires sacrifice, sincerity and collective effort.
Initially, SEWA began its journey with seventy-five generous members along with several intellectual personalities who acted as advisors. The organisation was established under the leadership of its first President Shri Kamaleswar Kalita and first Secretary Shri Rajib Lochan Deka. The founding members belonged to different sections of society, including retired teachers, businessmen, farmers, students and socially responsible citizens.
Though their professions and backgrounds were different, they shared one common dream — to establish a compassionate, progressive and socially responsible society where people would help one another irrespective of financial condition or social status. Their vision was not limited to temporary welfare activities; rather, they wanted to create a long-term social movement based on unity, sacrifice and humanitarian service.
The early days of the organisation were filled with numerous challenges. As a newly formed NGO with limited financial resources, carrying out welfare activities on a large scale appeared extremely difficult. However, the members of SEWA possessed extraordinary courage, honesty and determination. They strongly believed that sincere efforts made for humanity would always receive support from society.
One of the boldest and most remarkable decisions taken by SEWA during its initial years was inviting a mobile theatre to raise funds for providing a free ambulance service to poor and needy people. At that time, many people doubted whether such an ambitious initiative could succeed. Organising a mobile theatre programme required financial risk, social coordination and immense confidence. Yet the members of SEWA worked tirelessly with dedication and unity.
Their efforts finally succeeded, and the organisation was able to fulfil its commitment by introducing a free ambulance service for the people. This achievement became a historic milestone in the journey of SEWA, Burha. The ambulance service brought immense relief to economically weaker families who often suffered greatly during medical emergencies because of lack of transportation facilities. Many poor patients who could not afford expensive medical transport received timely help due to this initiative.
The success of the ambulance service not only fulfilled a major social need but also established public trust and confidence in the organisation. People gradually began recognising SEWA as a genuine humanitarian organisation working sincerely for society. From that point onwards, the organisation moved forward rapidly with positivity, goodwill and growing public support.
Over the years, SEWA expanded its activities into numerous sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection, sports, culture, disaster relief, youth empowerment and economic rehabilitation. Rather than limiting itself to symbolic programmes, the organisation consistently focused on practical and sustainable welfare initiatives that directly benefited ordinary people.
Among all its humanitarian contributions, the organisation’s work in the field of education deserves special appreciation and recognition. SEWA strongly believed that education is the most powerful instrument for social transformation and empowerment. The organisation realised that many talented students from economically weaker families were unable to continue their studies because of financial hardship and lack of proper guidance.
In many cases, poverty became a major obstacle preventing deserving students from pursuing school and college education. Understanding this painful reality, SEWA extended helping hands to numerous poor and underprivileged students. Financial assistance, educational guidance, study materials and moral encouragement were provided to deserving students so that poverty would not destroy their dreams and aspirations.
The organisation continuously encouraged students to pursue education with confidence and dignity. Through these efforts, many students were able to continue their studies successfully and establish themselves in different professions and fields of life. The educational assistance provided by SEWA became one of the organisation’s most remarkable and highly appreciated humanitarian works.
The organisation’s commitment towards education became even more visible before the Teachers’ Eligibility Test examination of 2012. At that crucial time, SEWA successfully organised a coaching centre by engaging competent and experienced faculty members for aspiring candidates. This initiative produced extraordinary success, as thirty-three candidates successfully qualified and earned opportunities for their future careers.
This achievement became a matter of immense pride not only for SEWA but also for the entire locality. It demonstrated how community support, proper guidance and sincere effort can transform the lives of young people. The success of these candidates also inspired many other youths to pursue education and competitive examinations with renewed confidence.
Environmental protection has also remained one of the important commitments of SEWA. Plantation drives have been organised frequently to encourage environmental conservation and create awareness regarding ecological balance. In today’s world, where climate change and environmental degradation have become serious concerns, such initiatives reflect the organisation’s farsighted vision and deep sense of responsibility towards future generations.
Through tree plantation and awareness programmes, SEWA continuously encouraged people to protect nature and maintain ecological harmony. The organisation believed that environmental protection is not only a responsibility towards nature but also towards future generations.
The organisation has also worked tirelessly for the rehabilitation and empowerment of socially and economically vulnerable individuals. SEWA provided thelas and rickshaws to people who had deviated from the mainstream of society or had become involved in unhealthy activities due to poverty and unemployment. By helping such individuals earn a dignified livelihood, the organisation contributed significantly towards social reform and rehabilitation.
Recognising the growing unemployment problem among rural youths, SEWA introduced several income-generating initiatives. Broiler farms were provided to unemployed youths searching for livelihood opportunities, while piggery farms were offered to needy families. These initiatives helped many beneficiaries become self-reliant and financially stable.
Such programmes clearly demonstrate that SEWA’s approach towards welfare has always been practical, sustainable and development-oriented rather than merely charitable. The organisation consistently encouraged self-reliance, dignity of labour and economic empowerment among rural people.
The organisation has also stood firmly beside people during times of natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Assam has repeatedly suffered from devastating floods over the years, causing immense hardship and suffering to countless families. During such difficult situations, SEWA actively distributed relief materials among flood victims and extended humanitarian support to affected communities.
These relief activities reflected the organisation’s deep compassion and social responsibility. During times when many people lost their homes, food and basic necessities, SEWA stood beside them with humanitarian support and encouragement.
The organisation’s humanitarian commitment became even more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when fear, uncertainty and economic difficulties affected society deeply, SEWA once again stood beside the people. The organisation donated financial assistance to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund of Assam and continued extending humanitarian support wherever possible.
Such initiatives reflected the true spirit of collective responsibility and humanity. During one of the most difficult periods in recent history, SEWA demonstrated how community organisations can play a crucial role in supporting society during crises.
Sports and cultural development have remained another major area of contribution for the organisation. SEWA organised several state-level volleyball and carrom competitions, encouraging rural talent and promoting healthy social interaction among youths. These activities not only developed sporting spirit but also guided young people towards positive and disciplined lifestyles.
In recognition of outstanding contributions made by individuals in different fields, SEWA honoured numerous personalities associated with sports, education, agriculture and cultural activities. By recognising social contributors, the organisation promoted a culture of appreciation, encouragement and community motivation.
One of the most memorable achievements of the organisation was the grand felicitation programme organised on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, where more than five hundred teachers from Darrang and Kamrup districts were honoured. This massive event symbolised society’s respect towards educators and highlighted SEWA’s commitment towards recognising those who shape future generations through education.
Healthcare and medical awareness have consistently remained among the priority areas of SEWA. The organisation regularly organised health check-up camps and distributed free medicines to needy patients. These camps brought healthcare facilities closer to economically disadvantaged people who often struggled to access proper treatment facilities.
Over the years, SEWA, Burha also extended valuable help to many poor and financially distressed patients for better medical treatment. The organisation stood beside numerous families during difficult health emergencies by providing financial assistance, arranging medical support and helping patients access proper treatment facilities.
For economically weaker families, serious illness often becomes a major burden because of the high cost of treatment, medicines and hospital care. In such painful situations, SEWA continuously played a humanitarian role by offering timely assistance and emotional support to needy patients and their families.
Another highly appreciable contribution of the organisation has been its financial assistance to poor cancer patients of the locality. Cancer treatment often becomes financially unbearable for economically weaker families. Realising this painful reality, SEWA extended support to several poor cancer patients and their families. These acts of compassion and humanitarian service earned immense respect and gratitude from the people.
A particularly commendable aspect of SEWA’s activities has been its support for farmers engaged in animal husbandry. The organisation frequently arranged free treatment and medicines for livestock, which played a crucial role in protecting the economic stability of rural households dependent upon animal farming.
One of the strongest pillars behind these healthcare and veterinary initiatives has been the selfless contribution of Dr. Pankaj Deka, Associate Professor of Khanapara Veterinary College under Assam Veterinary & Fishery University. A renowned scientist, microbiologist and senior virologist, Dr. Deka remained associated with SEWA from its very beginning as an honourable member.
Despite his professional responsibilities, he devoted his valuable time, knowledge and expertise for the welfare of society through the organisation. His humanitarian commitment and scientific guidance greatly strengthened SEWA’s healthcare and veterinary-related activities.
Apart from welfare initiatives, SEWA also recognised the importance of mental and cultural enrichment. Every year, the organisation invited mobile theatre performances not only to support the Burha Anchalik Rash Mahotsav financially but also to provide meaningful entertainment and socially relevant drama to the people.
Theatre has always played an important role in Assamese society as a medium of awareness, education and emotional connection. Through these cultural initiatives, SEWA contributed significantly towards preserving and promoting Assamese cultural traditions.
The true spirit of SEWA lies not merely in its organised programmes but also in the voluntary dedication and humility of its members. There were many occasions when senior and respected members of the organisation voluntarily picked up hoes and spades to repair damaged village roads. Such acts reflected not only humility but also genuine social responsibility and leadership through action.
These activities inspired younger generations to participate actively in social welfare and community development. The organisation consistently encouraged people to understand that social progress can only be achieved when individuals work collectively with sincerity and responsibility.
The year 2026 marks a historic milestone for SEWA, Burha as the organisation proudly completes its glorious journey of two decades of dedicated service. Over these twenty years, SEWA evolved from a small voluntary organisation into one of the most respected and admired social organisations of the greater West Darrang region under Sipajhar LAC.
One of the most significant achievements during this historic phase has been the construction of a community hall named “SEWA Bhavan.” Built entirely through the organisation’s own funds at an approximate cost of twelve lakh rupees, the community hall stands today as a symbol of unity, sacrifice and collective achievement.
The establishment of SEWA Bhavan is not merely the construction of a building; it represents the dreams, struggles and dedication of countless members and well-wishers who contributed towards this noble mission. The community hall is expected to become a centre for social, cultural and humanitarian activities in the coming years.
While celebrating its achievements, the organisation also remembers with deep sorrow the untimely demise of seven respected volunteers who dedicated their lives to the service of society. Their contributions remain unforgettable chapters in the history of SEWA. The organisation pays heartfelt tribute and prays for the eternal peace of their departed souls. Their sacrifices continue to inspire present and future generations of volunteers.
Today, SEWA, Burha is widely recognised as one of the leading and most respected social organisations of the greater West Darrang region. Through its continuous dedication towards humanity, social welfare, education, healthcare, rural development and humanitarian service, the organisation has earned immense respect, goodwill and affection among the people.
Its journey over the past two decades stands as a shining example of how a community-based voluntary organisation can bring meaningful transformation to society.
As SEWA, Burha proudly completes its glorious journey of two decades, the occasion becomes not only a moment of celebration but also a moment of deep respect and gratitude towards every member, volunteer and well-wisher associated with this noble organisation. The sacrifices, dedication and selfless service rendered by SEWA for the welfare of humanity stand as an inspiring example for society.
Through countless humanitarian activities, the organisation has illuminated the lives of poor students, helpless patients, farmers, unemployed youths and disaster-affected families with hope and dignity.
The contribution of SEWA towards social upliftment and human welfare deserves heartfelt appreciation and congratulations. In an era where selfishness and material interests often dominate society, SEWA continues to uphold the timeless values of compassion, unity, sacrifice and service to mankind.
Its continuous efforts for the betterment of society have established the organisation as a beacon of hope and social responsibility in the greater region.
It is sincerely hoped that SEWA, Burha will continue its noble mission with the same spirit, sincerity and determination in the coming years. May the organisation achieve greater success, expand its humanitarian activities further and continue serving humanity for generations to come. The people of the region look forward with immense hope and confidence towards the future endeavours of SEWA.
On this historic completion of twenty years, heartfelt congratulations and best wishes are extended to SEWA, Burha for its remarkable contributions and tireless sacrifice for human society. May the organisation continue its journey of service, unity and humanity with greater strength, dignity and longevity in the years ahead.
At present, SEWA continues its noble journey under the leadership of President Shri Dijen Chaliha and Secretary Shri Golap Sahariah. With their guidance and the collective support of members and well-wishers, the organisation is expected to continue expanding its humanitarian activities in the years ahead.
The story of SEWA, Burha is not merely the story of an NGO. It is the story of humanity, sacrifice, unity and social responsibility. The journey from 2006 to 2026 reflects how ordinary individuals with extraordinary determination can bring meaningful transformation to society.
Through healthcare, education, agriculture, cultural promotion, disaster relief, youth empowerment and humanitarian service, SEWA has touched countless lives and strengthened the social fabric of the region.
Yet, despite achieving so much over two decades, the organisation continues to move forward with humility and renewed commitment. Indeed, for SEWA, Burha, there are still many miles to go in the noble path of service to humanity.
Jay SEWA Burha.