While the world has been following the Ukraine-Russian war itself, I have been following the relief work happening on the borders of Ukraine on Instagram and Twitter.

The images from the ground of the victims of the crisis are heartbreaking. However, there is some hope for humanity.

Some volunteers from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a volunteer-driven organization rooted in Hindu beliefs, traveled from Robbinsville, New Jersey, to Rzeszów, Poland, to serve at refugee camps on the Ukraine-Poland border.

I found one video of a volunteer, Dharmik S., who tried to uplift the spirits of the individuals who recently crossed the border by singing along with Polish musicians. Although he was singing a Hindu prayer, the power of music and prayer transcends any language, ethnic or musical distinctions and provided comfort and hope to those who recently arrived at the camp.

The volunteers from UK, Europe and North America have been tirelessly working day and night to serve the refugees. Once the refugees arrive at the camp, they would register them, provide any medical assistance, serve hot meals and give them a place to stay and rest before processing them to go to a temporary accommodation location or to the airport for a flight home.

Truly, these organizations embody the Hindu value of selfless service and the credo of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”

Mauktik is a senior in Business.

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