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Alpharetta volunteers describe Seva Diwali food drive and rebut outside criticism during council public comment
Summary
Several volunteers working with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) described Seva Diwali food‑drive activities and urged the city to help identify additional local distribution partners. Speakers also rebutted allegations from an outside critic they said misrepresented HSS and requested protection from misinformation.
Multiple volunteers with the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) addressed the Alpharetta City Council during the public‑comment period on Monday, describing Seva Diwali food drives and other community outreach and responding to criticisms from an outside activist.
Anita Katta, who identified herself as a volunteer, described Seva Diwali as a nationwide volunteer food drive coordinated by HSS and said that in 2024 the initiative mobilized about 3,000 volunteers across the nation to collect and distribute more than 720,000 pounds of food and supplies in 38 states and more than 200 cities. She said Alpharetta contributed over 2,000 pounds and Georgia more than 14,500 pounds in 2024 and asked city staff for assistance identifying additional local food banks and shelters to receive donations this year.
Other speakers outlined additional HSS programs, including an exhibition (Darshana) that aims to educate about Hindu culture and a teacher‑appreciation effort (Guru Vandana). Several volunteers said HSS works with interfaith partners and local organizations on food drives, blood drives and community cleanups.
Speakers also addressed allegations made by an outside critic named in the meeting transcript. Suprapa Jois, identified as an HSS volunteer, said the critic had accused HSS of undermining pluralism and promoting hate and called the accusations “outrageous and slanderous.” Radhika Sudha, also an HSS volunteer, said the organization is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has not been designated as an extremist organization by U.S. government agencies and urged council members to judge HSS by its record of local service.
Mayor Gilvin acknowledged the group’s contributions and noted prior council recognition of the organization’s activities. The speakers did not request council action beyond assistance identifying additional distribution partners and public acknowledgment of their community service.
