Guru Purnima Offering 2025: Backpacks of Compassion

“In this age of selfishness, selfless service is the only soap that truly purifies.” – Amma

As part of Guru Purnima celebrations, families at MA Center Michigan (MACMI) came together for Backpack Seva, a hands-on effort supporting homeless and at-risk students across Michigan. The seva hall was filled not just with busy volunteers—but with laughter, joy, and a deep sense of purpose.

Two long rows of school supplies—one for Grades K–5 and another for Grades 6–12—were laid out with care. Children and adults paired up, checking lists and filling each backpack with notebooks, pencils, calculators, and other essentials. Kids not only enjoyed the seva but found joy in one another’s company. New friendships blossomed as little hands packed supplies with big hearts.

Madhavi, who brought her granddaughters Nina and Vera, shared: “My girls loved the backpack seva. And little Satvik!”

Ajitha Kymal, a longtime volunteer, added: “It was so heartwarming to watch the enthusiasm and joy with which the kids tackled the seva.”

It wasn’t just about school supplies—it was love in action.  

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Adding a Personal Touch
After the backpacks were packed, the children gathered again—this time to create motivational cards to tuck inside each one. Ten-year-old Tharun had already started making cards at home, designing 16 unique ones. When he realized he might not finish in time, he turned to his biggest supporters—his grandparents.

“I asked them to help me,” he said proudly. “We made more cards together—like an assembly line!”

The seva became more than a task. It was a living, breathing expression of compassion. Children, parents, and grandparents worked side by side—not just to pack bags, but to pass on dignity, love, and hope.

A Collective Offering
Launched in 2023 as an offering with love and gratitude to Amma, a spiritual teacher and humanitarian known worldwide for her emphasis on compassion, Guru Punima Backpack seva has become a cherished annual tradition at MACMI.

“For many children, the first day of school comes with anxiety—not excitement,” said Shreeja Rucker, the project’s coordinator. “Some worry they won’t have what they need. They’ll feel different. These backpacks offer a small but powerful message: ‘You belong. You’re ready. We’re with you.’”

Reflecting on the day's joy, she added,

“It makes my heart happy. It reminds me that the impact of seva is not just in the smiles of those who receive—but also in the smiles of those who give.”

The initiative aims to deliver 108 fully stocked backpacks annually. This year, the target was surpassed with 115 backpacks, including:

• 100 donated to Volunteers of America’s Operation Backpack project
• 15 to be prepared for local National Heritage Academies (NHA) schools, such as Achieve Charter Academy and Canton Charter Academy

This heartfelt effort was made possible by the loving support of friends and families of MACMI volunteers, as well as the generous contributions of The Lindsey Teaching Legacy (Family Group), Satya Sai Center (SSC), Omnex, and many others who gave with open hearts.

A Touch of Grace
Guru Purnima, traditionally a day to honor teachers and spiritual guides, found living expression at MACMI through selfless action rather than words or rituals alone. The Guru Purnima Backpack Seva transformed love and gratitude into something tangible—uplifting not only the children receiving the backpacks, but also those who came together to serve.

As Amma reminds us:

“God has sent each soul down to earth with the beautifully wrapped presents of love, compassion, kindness, discernment, etc. We should share these presents God has given us with everyone.”

In a world that often feels divided, this project stands as a powerful and radiant reminder of the good that unfolds when hearts come together with love, gratitude, and a shared desire to uplift others.

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