Leadership Award in Community Service
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APAHM), celebrating the culture, traditions, history, achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. During this month, elected officials across the state recognize their local leaders in various categories.
On Sunday, May 21st, 2017, the Asian Americans for Community Involvement, Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute and Asian Law Alliance held a reception to celebrate APAHM. In attendance were Assemblymembers Evan Low and Ash Kalra, Former Congressman Mike Honda, District 8 Councilmember Sylvia Arenas and many more stellar community members.
Nathan Ganeshan, the founder of Community Seva, a non-profit organization formed with a mission to Feed the Hungry & Serve the Homeless was awarded the “Leadership Award in Community Service” at the event.
Community Seva Youth Volunteer, Varsha V interviewed Assemblymember Ash Kalra and asked him why he chose Nathan to receive this award. He replied, “This award is for individuals who show Outstanding Leadership in Community Service in our district and I have chosen Nathan to receive it today because of his great dedication to helping the community. He is a hard worker and a great leader, which is exactly what an organization like Community Seva needs. I had to choose one person for the award out of 70,000 people in the Asian-Pacific-Islander community in the district, and I chose Nathan because he truly deserves recognition for his work in the community and the many lives he has helped.”
While presenting the award to Nathan, Assemblymember Ash Kalra said, “Nathan is a great friend of many and has been involved in powerful volunteer led community efforts in San Jose for many years as a strong leader. He leads by example. In June 2013, Nathan founded Community Seva , a California registered non-profit organization. Under his leadership, the organization has attracted over 800 volunteers, served more than 36,000 hot meals, distributed 2000 blankets and now they have extended themselves in Alameda County as well. Nathan is one of the most selfless people I know. Although I agree Community Seva is an extraordinary organization , it does takes a leader and Nathan, you have been the leader, leading with humility and for that I am grateful – for you and for your service”
Nathan accepted the award and dedicated the award to the entire Community Seva family. He said, “I am truly humbled & honored to receive this award. My sincere thanks and appreciation to District 27 Assembly Member Ash Kalra for choosing me for this award. It means a lot. Thank you. Many thanks to his staff for their amazing support to the Community. Thank you Mindy (Thu Nguyen). Thanks to AssemblyMember Evan Low as well. This recognition is not for me. It’s for my team at Community Seva. No one is born a leader, rather one rises to the role when called upon. The team of selfless kind-hearted individuals who stand with me and carry this wonderful organization’s mission on their shoulder every single day – I am so fortunate and blessed to know them and have them in my life, those whom I call my extended family and I dedicate this award to my SEVA family. Without this team, there is NO Seva at Community Seva! It was so nice of them to come, be with me and witness this recognition. What more I can ask? My special thanks to my District8 Councilwoman Sylvia Arenas and her Chief of Staff, Patrick McGarrity for attending the event and witnessing this moment with me. It means a lot. Your presence definitely made the day even sweeter for me. “
CouncilWoman Arenas said, “I’m so proud of our District 8 resident and community leader Nathan Ganeshan. He recently received the Leadership Award in Community Service from our Assemblymember Ash Kalra. Nathan and the his group volunteers, Community Seva, have been serving San Jose very selflessly. Our district and our city are fortunate to have members of the community of this caliber; compassionate, giving, and generous. Thank you for inviting me to share with you this moment! Patrick and I were and continue to be over the moon excited for you and your Community Seva group. Thank you Assemblymember Ash Kalra for recognizing our community leaders!”
Overall, it was a very memorable day not just for Nathan & his family, but for the entire Community Seva family.
Here are some photos from the event:
