Source: The Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anju-bhargava/hindu-aeva-and-social-jus_b_824360.html
On the surface, emphasis in the Hindu and Dharmic (eastern) traditions appears to be primarily on inner self realization. We are encouraged to engage in community service as a transformation practice, sadhana, without personal recognition or publicity. Our underlying Vedic philosophy, often quoted by Mahatma Gandhi is Service to Man is Service to God. (Nar Seva, Narayan Seva). It is an inside out approach to living. Our definition of seva is: "Service which is given without consideration of anything in return, at the right place and time to one that is qualified, with the feeling that it is one's duty, is regarded as the nature of goodness." -- Bhagavad Gita 17.20