Empowering Lives Through Dasvand: Fatima and Seema’s Journey with SAF International
As a Sikh, I hold the principle of Dasvand—sharing a portion of one’s earnings for the welfare of others—close to my heart. At SAF International, this sacred teaching is seen in practice when thousands of our donors donate their Dasvand to uplift humanity without discrimination. Over the years, I’ve been deeply moved by stories of transformation that showcase the profound impact of seva. Among these is the story of Fatima and Seema, two sisters from Hyderabad, whose lives have been forever changed through education, love, and the power of your Dasvand.
A Beginning Rooted in Struggle
In 2017, Fatima and Seema’s family was in a state of dukh (distress). Their father, Mohammad Mazher, a welding shop helper, suffered a heart attack and was bedridden for months, leaving the family without a steady income. Their mother, Tahseen Begum, tried to hold things together by earning a modest 1,200 Rs monthly making rubber bands at home, but it wasn’t enough to provide for their five children.
It was at this critical juncture that SAF International, guided by the Sikh value of Sarbat da Bhala (the welfare of all), stepped in. Both sisters were enrolled in our child sponsorship program, which covered their yearly school fees of 14,000 Rs each. This support, made possible by the Dasvand of our donors, allowed them to continue their education at Grace Model School and offered their family a glimmer of hope.
Shamandeep Singh, met both the girls on his first visit to their community in 2017
An Urgent Call to Action: Child marriage stopped
In 2022, just as Fatima and Seema completed their 10th grade, I received an urgent message from our office. Their parents, burdened by societal and financial pressures, were preparing to keep the girls home and arrange their marriages. For me, this was not just a challenge—it was a call to honour our Guru’s teachings of justice and equity.
Within a few months, I traveled to their home to meet their family once again. Sitting in their modest two-room house, I engaged in a heartfelt conversation with their parents, reminding them of their daughters’ potential and the boundless opportunities education could bring. I urged them to consider the kirpa (blessings) that continuing education could bestow upon their entire family.
Through Ardas benti (prayer to the Almighty) and dialogue, I succeeded in convincing them to allow Fatima and Seema to pursue further studies. This moment reaffirmed my belief in the power of ardas, community, persistence, and the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
A Path of Progress
With renewed determination, Fatima and Seema enrolled in Mesco Junior College to study Civics, Economics, and Commerce (CEC). Today, they are pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Computers, supported by SAF International, which continues to cover their annual fees. Their curriculum includes courses such as Financial Accounting, Programming with C++, and Relational Database Management Systems, equipping them with skills to thrive in their chosen careers.
Their dreams reflect the empowerment that education has brought into their lives. Fatima, now 19, aspires to secure a government banking job, while Seema, 18, envisions a corporate role. These ambitions are not just theirs—they belong to their entire family, whose collective hope has been rekindled.
Faith in Action
At SAF International, our work is deeply rooted in the Sikh spirit of Chardi Kala—a mindset of relentless optimism and resilience. The story of Fatima and Seema exemplifies how the Dasvandh of our donors fuels change and creates ripples of hope across communities.
Our mission is not bound by barriers of race, religion, or geography. We believe in lifting all who come our way, honouring the timeless wisdom of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Join Our Mission
Fatima and Seema’s journey reminds us of the profound impact we can make when we come together in sewa. Through child sponsorship, we can break cycles of poverty, restore hope, and nurture potential. It’s more than financial support—it’s a Gurbani-inspired act of building a better world.
If their story inspires you, I invite you to join us in this divine mission. Let us continue to transform lives and uplift humanity, one child at a time.
In seva,
Shamandeep Singh
CEO, SAF International
