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MONTHLY GLOBAL NEWSLETTER
Issue 32
November 2023
Contents
Message from Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai 01
At the Forefront
• 23 November 2023 – Birthday Celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba 02
In Focus
• 28 October - 15 November 2023 – Sowing Seeds of Love: The Compassionate 04
Odyssey of Sri Madhusudan Sai across USA
• 21 November 23 – MoU between Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals and 09
Children’s Heart Link, USA
• 23 November 2023 – Sri Sathya Sai Award for Human Excellence 11
Region 1
• Fiji 14
• Indonesia 16
Region 2
• India
✦ 15 - 19 November 2023 – 52nd Senior and 34th Young Musicians 17
Region 3
• Greece 29
• Germany 30
• Kazakhstan 30
• Poland 30
• Turkey 31
Region 4
• Argentina 32
• United States of America 33
My Inner Journey 36
Mr Arvind Chugh - ‘Take one step towards Me and I will take 100 towards you’
Lessons for Life
39
Message from
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai
The One World Family
I
n a world torn by strife and narrow The celebration of the Sri Sathya Sai Award
domestic ideas, the thought of for Human Excellence had seven wonder
considering eveeyone as one family is women of India receive the citation and
the most healing and redeeming one. And the medal for their relentless service to
this is the idea we live everyday as we travel the rural geographies, a tall order by all
around the world. The Sai family expands standards.
everyday to include more and more people
The devotees from around the world
from different continents and countries,
converged at Sathya Sai Grama to pay
and that’s what happened during the whole
homage to their Master on the 98th
of November as we travelled and met many
Birthday with more committment to love
in the USA, while many travelled and met us
and serve in His holy name.
in India.
And the message to one and all was -
The month of November saw the legacy of
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba reach newer Who are we? One World Family!
geographies, while in India we opened more
What do we do? We Serve Each Other.
centres of service.
How do we do? With Unconditional Love.
The Clarksdale Clinic in Mississippi shifted
to the new larger space, while five new Sai When do we do? All The Time.
Swasthya centres opened in Karnataka. The
aim being one - to serve the poorest of our Where do we do? Everywhere.
family without any charges, for how could
we charge our very own people?
At the Forefront
The day was observed as ‘Seva Divas’ Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai on
in dedication to selfless service Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 98th
birth anniversary
• Inauguration of FIVE Sai Swasthya Wellness
Centres – providing essential primary Sadguru highlighted that a divine incarnation
healthcare services like preventive is a manifestation of mercy and compassion for
diagnostics humankind and assumes a physical identity, not
• Launching of 31 publications in 19 major forgetting the true divine nature. He emphasised
world languages, including 26 books and 5 that we are fortunate to have known and been
audiobooks. Notably, the final volume of the guided by the divine incarnation. “The purpose
Sri Sathya Sai Uvacha series - Sri Sathya Sai of Bhagawan’s incarnation was to save all
Uvacha - Vol 20 mankind and bring them ultimate joy and bliss.
Love and service are essential in the path towards
• Distinguished guests, Mr K H Muniyappa,
self-realisation.” Sadguru expressed that world
Minister for Food and Civil Supplies,
peace and harmony would be attained through
Government of Karnataka, Cricket legend
Mr Sunil Gavaskar, and Sarod Maestro Amjad spirituality and concluded by encouraging all to
Ali graced the event, and shared profound continue striving until the goal is reached.
thoughts on service and spirituality
02 03
In Focus
Corporate Event at the residence of Mr Ashok and
Mrs Smitha Siddhanthi
28 October - 15 November 2023 – Sowing Seeds of Love:
The Compassionate Odyssey of Sri Madhusudan Sai across USA
of expansion of the burgeoning mission of The next stop was New York by road to fulfil the
love and service, and the phenomenal pace at wish of a four-year-old boy who wanted to spend
which hearts are getting transformed, adding his birthday, going on a walk with his Divine
new layers and new dimensions to this global friend! And so, it was granted, a walk around the
humanitarian mission. Statue of Liberty, on Liberty Island. An innocent Sadguru’s visit to Capitol Hill
Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian request was attended to with gracious benevolent
Mission is the overarching name of this all-encompassing love by Sri Madhusudan Sai.
accrescent altruistic undertaking, (Trusts and From New York, the next morning was another The next morning, after a short flight to
Foundations in India and around the world are road trip to Hamden in Connecticut to bless Washington DC, an evening with a select
embraced under this umbrella brand) which is Corporate Event at the residence of Mrs a couple, Shanti Kunchaparty and Venkat group of alumni from IIT ensued. They were
becoming a compelling shared vision amongst Swathi and Mr Sri Atluri Reddy, who had earnestly prayed for Sadguru’s all accomplished individuals in the society,
every person who gets touched by its work. presence in their home. In the evening, a small and eager to find ways to partner with the
Ever since Sri Madhusudan Sai landed in New gathering of 15 people from various ethnicities various initiatives of Sri Madhusudan Sai,
Jersey on October 28, meeting multitudes of San Jose on 09 November 2023, was the agenda. was introduced to the ancient Indian thought of which resonated with their vision. “Without
people, morning and evening, city after city One World One Family through a riveting and partnerships and collaborations one cannot
In New Jersey, Sri Madhusudan Sai was decorated thought-provoking discourse by Sri Madhusudan progress forward”, reminds Sri Madhusudan Sai
- all the way from New Jersey to New York to with two special recognitions. The first was a
Connecticut to Washington DC to Mississippi to Sai. always. The next day, Sri Madhusudan Sai was
recognition by a Joint Legislative Resolution by invited to visit Capitol Hill, the seat of the U.S.
Cincinnati, and then to Texas, before landing in Senator Diegnan, and Assemblymen Karabinchak
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai with Mrs Shanti government, home to the domed United States
and Stanley, the Senate and General Assembly - Capitol, Senate, Houses of Representatives, and
Kunchaparty and Mr Venkat Reddy
State House, Trenton - New Jersey. The second the neoclassical Supreme Court.
was the Senate Commendation by Senator
Ven Gopal, who recently won the elections
by a landslide victory. Two key gatherings to
welcome Sri Madhusudan Sai and meet him in
Jersey were held at the residences of Mrs Swathi
and Sri Atluri, Managing Director of BNY Mellon,
and Dr Rekha and Mr Soma Rao.
04 05
From Clarksdale, Sri Madhusudan Sai proceeded
In Focus In Focus
The Mississippi Delta is known for its high to Dallas in Texas to attend two events,
poverty rate and challenging medical statistics. connecting with corporate leaders and social
According to the United Health Foundation, innovators. He was also invited to visit the
Mississippi’s population ranks as the least Karya Siddhi Hanuman temple at Frisco, which
healthy of all 50 states. The Mississippi was established by His Holiness Sri Ganapathy
Sowing Seeds of Love: The Department of Health states that much of Sachchidananda Swamiji.
the State’s impoverished population has the
Compassionate Odyssey of Sri highest prevalence of obesity, heart disease,
Madhusudan Sai across USA hypertension, stroke, diabetes, renal disease,
and cancer. Keeping this as a need, the Sri Sathya
Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre was inaugurated
in 2019, primarily for women and children from
Coahoma County who have no insurance, and
otherwise would be unable to receive adequate
health care. The facility was in one section of
the PeopleShores Clarksdale building, leased
from the Economic Development Authority of
Coahoma County. The goal of the Medical Centre
was to begin serving patients one day a week,
and increase the number of days of service per Inauguration of Day Care Centre
week, as per the demand. at PeopleShores
Corporate Gathering at Dallas – Importance of
Giving Back to Society
The demand did grow to care for more power of love. And when love rules, miracles
Satsang at the residence of Mrs Jayanthi Ramesh and outpatients; this resulted in the Coahoma eventuate! Young and old, County/State officials
Mr Ramesh Dharmaraj Country graciously offering clinic space on the and residents of the community, well-wishers
Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Centre from far and wide, from within the USA and To share His compelling shared vision with more
campus to the Divine Will Foundation (DWF), Sri beyond its shores, had all gathered to witness like-minded individuals, and to touch more souls
After an eventful day, it was time to proceed to
Madhusudan Sai’s Foundation set up in the USA this inauguration, with hope in their hearts and and remind them about the true meaning of their
the next destination, Mason in Cincinnati, to
to coordinate the service initiatives within the gratitude in the eyes, for here was someone who lives, Sri Madhusudan Sai, having successfully
bless the couple Mrs Jayanthi and Mr Ramesh
country, and beyond its shores. The Sri Sathya truly considered all His own! finished touring the East Coast, Mid-West, and
Dharmaraj. From the airport, Sri Madhusudan
Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre has been set up the South regions of the USA, proceeded to San
Sai proceeded to The Hindu Society of Greater A soul-stirring spiritual Satsang with nearly
in the United States under the auspices of the Jose in California.
Cincinnati upon an invitation from the Chair 150 followers was also organised at Clarksdale,
and President. In the evening close to 75 people Divine Will Foundation. “We shall not refuse
which brought more purpose to every heart. Soon after landing in the afternoon, Sri
were invited to the residence of Mr Dharmaraj any patient. Whether someone can afford or not,
A special meeting with the ‘Education for All’ Madhusudan Sai proceeded to the Stanford
for an intimate gathering aptly titled, ‘One World we must find a way to serve every single patient
team also took place, and Sri Madhusudan Sai University’s School of Medicine, upon their
One Family.’ The next morning, after spending who will walk through the doors of this medical
reminded all to spread the message that ‘Good invitation to speak on his free healthcare
precious time with the family and talking about centre”, will be the motto of the Sri Sathya Sai
is God.’ He also inaugurated a day-care centre at model, and about the newly established medical
the grand global vision and the various new Sanjeevani Medical Centre said Sri Madhusudan
PeopleShores, after meeting with the leadership college. A very consuming conversation between
initiatives for the coming year, Sri Madhusudan Sai, at the inauguration of this larger facility,
team and guiding them about their next phase of Dr Desiree LaBeaud (physician-scientist,
Sai departed for Clarksdale in Mississippi. which can only be seen as the outcome of the
expansion. With a mission to create employment epidemiologist, and professor in the Division
opportunities for youth in the US, PeopleShores of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at Stanford
is committed to generating a positive social University’s School of Medicine) and Sri
impact in the communities in which it operates. Madhusudan Sai transpired.
InInFocus
Focus kutumbakam. When you are a family, how do you
charge those who cannot pay? Darwin’s theory In Focus
is a jungle rule - survival of the fittest. Survival
of the weakest should be our way - that of the
Sowing Seeds of Love: The most weakest and the most vulnerable. This
Compassionate Odyssey of Sri is a human society, not an animal society. The 21 November 2023 – MoU
stronger, healthier, and educated members of
Madhusudan Sai across USA the society should help those in need to build between Sri Sathya Sai
an equitable society. Consciousness is Divine. Sanjeevani Hospitals and
Scientists are talking about connectedness in
the unified field theory etc. This one presence in
Children’s Heart Link, USA
everything is divinity. We will naturally feel and
respect each other. How will you behave then?
Live and consume with a sense of sacrifice - tena Children’s Heart Link, USA inks Children’s Heart Link a US-based
tyaktena bhuñjīthā. Need should be the way of life. Organisation signed a MoU with Sri Sathya
MoU with Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani
Living life on the principle of need, and not on Sai Sanjeevani Hospital with a focus on
greed, is the idea from India.” Hospital, Navi Mumbai to enhance enhancing healthcare for children born
healthcare for children suffering with heart disease and expanding training
Thereafter, Mr Anand Kuchibhotla, Founder of from Congenital Heart Disease in opportunities to ultimately save more lives.
the University of Silicon Andhra presented about India.
S
the University and submitted possible areas of This is a unique partnership for Children’s
collaboration with the Sri Sathya Sai University ri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Centre for Heart Link in India. As a charitable
for Human Excellence. Sri Madhusudan Sai Child Heart Care in Navi Mumbai is hospital, Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Centre
With Mr Anand Kuchibhotla, Founder of the announced the MoU exchange during his next for Child Heart Care is operating with
University of Silicon Andhra a hospital without a billing counter
visit to California and also added that students which provides free-of-cost treatment to considerably fewer resources than its for-
from the music department of the University will children with congenital heart disease. Sri profit counterparts. “They are dedicated
On 10 November, at the University Silicon visit the USA for a concert in various cities. to providing vital medical care to children
Andhra, an event - ‘India Rising: Make in India Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals are in 3
states in India and have done over 28,000 with heart disease; care they might not
– Healthcare - Startup India - Rural India’ was After private meetings with various corporates otherwise receive,” said Jackie Boucher,
organised by the global alumni of IIT - the child heart surgeries free for children from
that evening and the next day, Sri Madhusudan across India and 15 developing countries. President of Children’s Heart Link during
Wheels Global Foundation in collaboration Sai addressed a gathering of devotees on Diwali, the MoU signing ceremony.
with the Heart-to-Heart Foundation, which is the festival of light, before departing to Los
Sri Madhusudan Sai’s charitable body in the Angeles. He said, “I have been lighting many
USA which helps forward the compassionate lamps from east to west coast (of USA), and
healthcare mission. Delivering his keynote Clarksdale has been the brightest light!”
address, and talking about the need for the
stronger sections of society to support and The next day, Sri Madhusudan Sai departed for
help the weaker, he said, “India comes with a Los Angeles and arrived at the city of Corona,
refreshing message, as ancient and timeless, where a public Satsang was organised in the
evening for the devotees on the auspicious
occasion of Diwali. After a few more meetings, it
was time to depart back to India.
W
Honourable Governor of Jharkhand, expressed
e celebrate and applaud the selfless
his delight at the ceremony and commended the
contributions of these exceptional
remarkable work being recognised. He particularly
women who make a tangible difference
highlighted Sri Madhusudan Sai’s exemplary
in rural upliftment.
teaching about serving society in the best possible
In His keynote address, Sri Madhusudan Sai way. The event served as a powerful reminder of
expressed that these women achieved so much the positive impact individuals can make through
for the people in a selfless way and represent the selfless service to humanity.
10 11
Service and
In Focus Spiritual Activities
“S
ervice is the ultimate expression of environmental responsibility and creating
Love”, says Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The new opportunities for those in need. It is a
Centres for Human Development of non-religious, non-denominational, non-
the Sai Global Federation of Foundations are political group promoting harmony by serving
the beacons of hope for the world with the twin humanity, transcending the barriers of gender,
Mrs Arati Hiremath - Music and Fine Arts Dr Mahe Tilat Siddiqui - Unity of Religions goals of spreading the light of love and the joy of caste, creed, ethnicity, nationality and colour.
service. All Foundations and Trusts under SGFF work
independently, collectively and in collaboration
Sai Global Federation of Foundations (SGFF) by exerting efforts in a focussed and purposeful
brings together an international community manner, creating significant impact, throughout
of organisations which share the common goal the world.
of alleviating human suffering, promoting
12 13
Region 1 Region 1
Fiji Fiji
Sai Prema Foundation Sai Prema Foundation
S
calm and composed in all situations,
ai Prema Foundation Fiji conducted increased mindfulness and awareness
a free Meditation Workshop at the in daily life, enhanced focus and
University of South Pacific, Suva for a concentration, and provided the ability
month. to derive a greater sense of inner peace
and well-being.
Healthcare • 80 Participants took part in this
workshop and benefitted from it. • The free Meditation Workshop
Pinktober at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani The consultation included breast examinations, concluded on a positive note offering
Medical Centre pap smears, and general health checkups. • The workshop covered a wide range of valuable meditation practices to the
I
meditation techniques, deep breathing participants thus contributing to the
n the month of October, the Sai Prema Apart from the consultation, the Fiji Cancer practices, and enhanced mindfulness well-being and personal growth of all
Foundation celebrated Pinktober along Society also provided awareness and general and awareness. participants.
with various NGO partners. information about breast cancer, its symptoms
and identification, and how to perform self-
Fiji Cancer Society, Make a Difference, Foundation breast examinations.
for Education of Needy Children in Fiji, Being
Helping Hands Fiji, Mama Ashy Projects, and
Solo Moms Project joined hands with Sai Prema 295 children underwent heart screening at
Foundation to celebrate Pinktober. the heart screening centre in Fiji. Mothers
who accompanied the children also underwent
• From 23rd to 27th October, 132 rural women general health check-ups.
underwent medical consultation.
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Region 1 Region 2
India
Indonesia
15 – 19 November 2023 – The 52nd
Yayasan Prema Sai Pooja Senior and 34th Young Musicians
(Prema Sai Pooja Foundation) State Music Conference
16 17
Region 2 Region 2
India
India
25 November 2023 –
23 November 2023 –
Inauguration of
Inauguration of five Sai
Balaniketanam,
Swasthya Wellness Centres Muddenahalli
Chikkaballapur, Karnataka
Balaniketanam Children Learning
Identifying this Paradox in essential basic rights Centre
A
for healthy life, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, a
humanitarian, a visionary, who keeps healthcare momentous occasion unfolded with
as the prime objective, has started a novel wellness the inauguration of the Balaniketanam
program called ‘Sai Swasthya’. Children Learning Centre, a beacon of
education and values for the young minds under
The centres will be in the rural hinterland, serving the divine guidance of our beloved Swami. opportunity. Therefore, the learning centre
the underserved, and making healthcare accessible, aims to create a nurturing environment where
available, and affordable. Earlier this year, Swami, revealed his vision to children can develop and thrive.
the world. He announced the establishment of
T
a learning centre for the children of our staff, He also pointed out the shrinking period of
he idea of ‘vasudhaiva kuṭumbakam’ - the This primary, preventive, predictive, and precise childhood innocence and the negative influence
healthcare support envisions the objective of holistic a haven where the purity of their minds would
whole world is one family, prospered and be shielded from the influences of the outside of technology on parenting. It is acknowledged
perpetuated itself through such a free guidance and care with screening, consultation, that children are exposed to harmful cultures
diagnostics, counseling, and therapeutics. world.
universal healthcare system that charged no and, therefore, must be given the right kind
one, but was instead supported by all, for the Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai in His message of exposure and influence. He stressed the
welfare of all. On 23rd November 2023, five Sai Swasthya compared children to raindrops, explaining that importance of providing a suitable atmosphere,
Wellness Centres were inaugurated in Chikkaballapur their circumstances and surroundings determine love, and warmth for children’s overall well-
This ancient idea was lost over a period, district of Karnataka. They are situated at Manchenahalli their future. He emphasised that every child being, as they are compared to flowers that will
with monetisation and commoditisation of Taluk, Dibburhalli – Sidlagatta Taluk, Yaluvahalli deserves a chance to grow and become a good naturally bloom when provided with the right
essential services like health and education, (Nandi)- Chikkaballapur Taluk, Vidhurashwtha – citizen, but not all parents can provide this environment.
until Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, breathed a Gowribidanur Taluk, and Hampasandra – Gudibande
new life into this dying ideology by liberating Taluk.
healthcare services from the financial clutches
of modern medicine. Last month Sadguru inaugurated a Sai Swasthya
Wellness Centre at Khajipalem in Bapatla District,
The disparity of healthcare services in rural Andhra Pradesh. During the inauguration, He
regions is ‘an Indian demographic dichotomy’. announced that by the next Dussehra, it would grow
Majority of India lives in villages but more than into a Mother and Child care hospital with operating
75% of the healthcare system caters only for a theatres and inpatient services. The Bhumi Puja took
relatively lesser population of cities. place for a 40-bed hospital in Bapatla on the 23rd of
November 2023.
18 19
Region 2 Region 2
India India
26 November 2023 – Florence
Nightingale Lamp Lighting Excerpts from Sadguru Sri
Madhusudan Sai’s message on
Ceremony for Nursing
the occasion of the Florence
Students Nightingale Lamp Lighting
Ceremony
Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli
Florence Nightingale took it upon herself to becomes the responsibility of God, and God
T
nurse the soldiers back to health. There was will look after such people. God can look
he nursing students of the University no nursing college, courses, or structure in after any of us much better. So this is how
participated in the Florence her time. But all she had was just compassion we should be confident about being kind and
Nightingale lamp lighting ceremony, in her heart. She had no support and did selfless. So don’t you worry too much about
a poignant ceremony symbolising the everything by herself, so much so that she your happiness or your welfare. Think of
dedication and compassionate care that gave this gift of nursing to the world, which others; think of helping somebody in need
defines the noble profession. we now know as the course on nursing and with greater needs. And it is the word of the
patient care. This is how great people have upaniṣad, of the vedas, that you will be looked
Florence Nightingale, driven by a profound
inspired changes that have forever changed after.
calling to serve the needy, devoted her
the course of human history through their
life to nursing and promoting healing. While we place our gratitude to these great
personal example and sacrifice.
Her emphasis on hygiene, sanitation, and personalities like Florence Nightingale for
evidence-based practice set the standards Swami Vivekananda said once – “we all just being an inspiration for what they have
for modern nursing. exist. Those who live for others alone live. done, we should also leave a trail behind.
All others are worse than dead”. Because
The event celebrated nursing, acknowledging HW Longfellow’s poem is there – A Psalm of
dead people also will go into the earth and
the profound impact these professionals Life. It says –
become some nutrition for the insects
have on individuals and communities—
and worms – at least some seva. But living Lives of great men all remind us
the lamps’ glow serving as inspiration for
selfishly is no seva to anybody. We can make our lives sublime,
students to continue their mission with
compassion and excellence. As part of the Human development is not about material And, departing, leave behind us
event, the Florence Nightingale oath was comforts, more power in your command, Footprints on the sands of time
also taken by all the students. or more control over destiny. The idea of Continue to serve, learn, grow, help, and find
human evolution is to have compassion in the joy of service within, which will be your
our hearts to help those in need without motivation and nothing else. And I want to
thinking about ourselves too much. And that see our hospitals as not just beacons of hope
is how human societies evolve and develop. or beacons of service, but they should be
The expectation from our nursing college, beacons of inspiration for all the hospitals in
from our medical college, and all our colleges the world.
and schools is to be more compassionate
human beings; be more kind, and be more
self-sacrificing. Do not worry about your
welfare. Anybody who works for others
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Region 2 Region 2
India
India
30 November 2023 – 6th
27 and 28 November 2023 Multinational Enterprises
– International Nutri Cereal and Sustainable Development
Convention (INCC), Hyderabad International Conference (MESD
’23), University of Delhi
N
International Nutri Cereal Convention India’s role as a provider of food to the world. He
in Hyderabad and received the Poshak highlighted the work of the Sathya Sai Annapoorna ew Delhi, 30 November 2023: The always thought if the next generation would be
Trust in providing morning nutrition to three 6th International Conference of able to continue it, in the smallest to the biggest
Anaaj Award 2023 for its social Multinational Enterprise and Sustainable way. Sustainability was never a discussion or
million children across India, particularly through
impact. the use of millet-based products. The trust aims Development (MESD’23) Association, with the a debate; it was part of the Indian way of life.
to expand its efforts to other states and address theme - Sustainable Business Strategies,
the issue of malnutrition in the country. He also Models and Values: Role of MNE Strategy, When Gandhi Ji was asked to summarise his
discussed the trust’s collaboration with farmer National Policies and Global Partnerships philosophy of life in three words, he quoted from
associations to source ragi and jaggery directly, was held on 29 and 30 November, 2023 at the the isavasya upaniṣad and said ‘Tena Tyaktena
providing them with better pricing and livelihood University of Delhi. It was a brilliant confluence Bunjitha’ - Consume with a sense of sacrifice;
opportunities. of students, research scholars, policy makers, don’t consume more than your need and leave
industry delegates and educators, and this the rest for others who are more needy. The
evening, Thursday 30 November, the two- second part of the same shloka, says - ‘Ma Grdhah
day conference concluded with Sadguru Sri Kasya Svid Dhanam’ - Do not take another man’s
Madhusudan Sai presiding over the Valedictory wealth; this means, do not take from the pool of
Session as the Chief Guest. Shri Rajeev Kher, resources which you don’t need. Such wonderful
(Former Commerce Secretary, Ministry of concepts from our scriptures kept our society
Commerce and Industry, Government of India) sustainable. Even if we had the money to buy
Dr. S P Sharma (Chief Economist and Deputy or the power to acquire, or the position to grab,
Secretary General PHD - Chamber of Commerce we never did it. We always took only what was
and Industry), Prof. Rabi Narayan Kar (Principal, needed, and sacrificed for the sake of others.
Shyam Lal College - University of Delhi), Prof.
Ajay Kumar Singh (Head and Dean Department Therefore, even in today’s time and age,
of Commerce - University of Delhi) and Prof. Niti Sustainability is equal to sacrifice - if we are
Bhasin (Department of Commerce - University of willing to sacrifice a bit of our wants and desires,
Delhi) also shared stage at the Valedictory Session. and share what we have with more people, we
will become sustainable. So, in one simple phrase
Addressing the students, makers of this country - Sustainability is ‘give more and take less’.”
and the world, who were part of the gathering
about Sustainability which was the main theme Sri Madhusudan Sai went on to talk about the
of the conference he said, “India always stood for different sects in the society - the capitalists (who
Sustainability. Whenever we did something, we take more and gives less), the socialists (who give
22 23
Region 2 Region 2
Middle East
Nutrition
• In the month of October, close to 2,849
meals were distributed to the needy by the
volunteers of Sai Hrudayam
24 25
Region 2 Region 2
Nigeria
Nigeria Spiritan Self
Awareness Initiative
Joy Village Enugu, Nigeria
Spiritan Self
Awareness Initiative
Joy Village Enugu, Nigeria
Educare
F
The TELA school library aims to collaborate
EMMECARE is an innovative program with teachers to support the Nigerian education
designed to empower young women by curriculum, and provide resources and materials to
teaching them to respect and honour their enhance learning.
bodies. It has become a part of the TELA Skills • It cultivates reading habits in children.
Acquisition Centre by teaching the young ladies
how to develop a business of the production of • It develops the self-learning skills of students.
Healthcare reusable, environmentally friendly, hygienic • It helps teachers to improve their teaching
A
pads. expertise.
ruike Specialty Hospital (ASH) runs two • 173 expectant mothers were given the
clinical facilities in remote rural areas in necessary antenatal care FEMMECARE department of SSAI organised • It keeps the teachers and management
Enugu and Imo. These hospitals provide a seminar for female students of The informed of the latest updates in the education
quality free healthcare services to rural dwellers. • 32 children were given immunisation Embodiments of Love Academy, St. Peter’s sector
Both hospitals offer a wide range of paediatric • 20 surgeries were performed, which included College Abor, and Community Secondary
and maternal healthcare services while treating catheterisation, lumpectomy, herniorrhaphy, School Ebe as they joined the global Nutrition
children and adults from all age groups. In the circumcision, hydrocelectomy, and caesarean community to observe the International Day
month of October 2023, the following services of the Girl Child 2023. The students were Students of TELA and two other government
section schools at Ezeagu, which is a local government
were provided: happy to attend as the program focused on
• 42 radio diagnostics were performed the importance of Girls’ education, their area of Enugu State, were provided with nutritious
• Outpatient consultations were conducted for rights, and gender equality. meals on all school days, from the beginning of the
810 children and 1103 adults • 1,763 lab investigations were conducted academic session 2023-24.
• 208 patients got their Ophthalmic treatment • 96 patients were admitted to the hospitals as The girls were taught about self-awareness,
inpatients puberty, menstruation, and the ways and Sociocare
• 18 deliveries were performed importance of maintaining cleanliness during Under the Old is Gold Program 147 elderly
menstruation which includes bathing regularly,
people received grocery bags which contained
drinking warm water, doing exercises, and
rice, beans, salt, detergent, vegetable oil, sachets
avoiding taking drugs. The seminar also had a
topic on sex education. Finally, the girls were of tomatoes, soap tablets, seasoning, and bulbs of
gifted with FEMMECARE products. onions.
26 27
Region 2 Region 3
T
Moirazomai Foundation prepared vegetarian
he cardiac services in the Sri Sathya Sai As remarked by Sadguru during the first 100th sandwiches and salads for the three Institutions:
Sanjeevani Hospital, Batticaloa - Sri Lanka, intervention, “Correcting a cardiac issue is not just
• 143 meals were provided at ‘Stegi Thileon
has been a journey of one step at a time. helping a patient breathe better, but it is also about
Agios Alexandros’, a Home for about 20 girls,
In 2022, the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Super returning a bread winner to the family, gifting a
coming from troubled families • 1,200 portions of yogurt, 720 litres of milk,
Speciality hospital embarked on few paediatric mother’s care to young children, restoring dignity to
an ageing elder, giving a youth back to the country • 151 meals were delivered at the Association and 40 kgs of feta cheese, were donated to
cardiac surgeries in the Eastern Province for
and above all spreading selfless love in the society.” for the Protection of Minors of Piraeus both the Old People’s Homes of Athens and
the very first time in the entire history of the
Palea Fokea
Emerald Isle. The ongoing journey of the Sri Sathya Sai
• 1,136 meals were provided at the
This paved the way for the opening of the state- Sanjeevani Hospital, Batticaloa has mended • 70 pizzas were offered to the children and
‘Tsougkraneion’ soup kitchen run by the
of-the-art Cath lab on 1st June 2023 introducing more than 300 hearts and continues the service adults with disabilities of EGNYA Foundation
Church for the homeless
interventional cardiac care which was never of loving all and serving all.
available in the Eastern Province. In the month of October 2023: • 80 boxes of dry ration packages consisting
• 68 patients were treated at the Cath Lab of of legumes, pasta, rice, milk, oil, cereals, Healthcare
Today, as the cardiologists from Batticaloa snacks, as well as other necessities, such as
Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital
Teaching Hospital and their entire team of soap and washing powder, were distributed • Foundation of Sharing helped an autistic
Cath lab staff join hands with Sanjeevani • 1301 out-patients were treated with free to 80 low-income families, at the Anavyssos child with the cost of the treatment for a year
Hospital staff, in the true spirit of cooperation consultation and medicines at Sri Sathya Sai area, in the South of Athens. This amounts to
and collaboration, another milestone has Karunalayam Medical Centre approximately 1,840 meals served
been conquered. A totally free of cost private
hospital and a Government Teaching Hospital Nutrition
have provided free services in a spirit of
Food was distributed to 1846 individuals in the
selfless service for the very first time in Sri
month of October 2023.
Lanka.
28 29
Region 3 Region 3
Germany Turkey
Educare Karşılıksız Hizmet Vakfı
• 18 participants had joined the online (Selfless Seva Trust)
Poland
Bhagavad Gita Workshop which was
held twice in the month October. One
chapter of Bhagavad Gita was discussed
in the workshop
Misja Prema Association
Kazakhstan
A
school fees
• In the month of October, four Bhagavad total of 1,200 meals were distributed
Gita Workshops were conducted online. door to door at Şişli, Pendik, Ömerli, and • 75 needy people were provided with shoes
27 people participated in the online other districts of Istanbul. On a weekly
Общественный фонд «САИ» basis, grains or pasta with legumes was cooked Healthcare
workshop
and served alongside milk or yoghurt and bread.
(Public Foundation “SAI”) Sociocare
• A child with heart disease was helped with
Sociocare the medical bills
• The construction and renovation of the
Kokoszka Nursing Home in Wroclaw • In October 2023, 336 animals in need
Nutrition were completed. The association throughout several districts of Istanbul were
contributed to designing this place for provided with food, water, and in some cases
• In the month of October, volunteers medical care
chronically and terminally ill children
distributed 160 meals to needy
and young people, who would receive • Two home rentals and 11 utility bills were
individuals near the Mosque and
free 24-hour specialised care at this provided for needy families
Cathedral church at Almaty. Meals
Nursing Home, and it has become the
include sandwiches, tea, chocolates and
offcial caretaker of this room
cookies
30 31
Region 4 Region 4
Nutrition Sociocare
• In the month of October 2023, a total of 1,985
The volunteers of the Foundation distributed
meals and 3,619 breakfasts were provided
to the needy
clothes to 50 needy individuals and 17 pairs Inauguration of Sri Sathya Sai
of shoes for children and adults along with six
woolen blankets made by the volunteers to the Sanjeevani Centre at Clarksdale,
• 1,135 meals and 1701 breakfasts were
needy visitors of the soup kitchens in La Plata. Mississippi
S
provided to the soup kitchen, La Amistad,
Urbino, Entendiendo Lucecita, Copa De Leche
Educare adguru Sri Madhusudan Sai emphasised
Savio at Escobar City, Buenos Aires Province
the importance of serving and caring for
Volunteers of the Amor Y Paz conducted a few
• In association with Asociación de Cazadores all patients, regardless of their ability to
activities in the Ashram
de Escobar (Escobar, Buenos Aires) and pay, at the inauguration of the Sri Sathya Sai
Encendiendo Lucecitas, food assistance was • Taketina – a musical meditative process to Sanjeevani Centre at Clarksdale, Mississippi.
provided to three families develop an awareness of rhythm
Sri Madhusudan Sai highlighted the need for
• At the city of La Plata, 850 meals and 1918 • Group Meditation partnerships and collaborations to ensure that
breakfasts were delivered to several soup • Chanting of Omkar in a group healthcare is accessible to everyone. The Divine
kitchens Will Foundation is committed to helping every
• 80 participants joined a virtual Yoga Course
twice a month patient receive the care they deserve.
• Work shop on Bhagawad Gita
• Monthly study circle on Advaita Vedanta
• Workshop on Vegetarian Cuisine
• Recitation of Devi Mantras during Navaratri
• Special meditation for peace during Navaratri
32 33
Region 4 Region 4
34 35
My Inner Journey
“Take one step towards Me and I
In 1987, I also met my guru. The old When Swami dropped His mortal coil in
will take 100 towards you” Shankaracharya Chandrashekarji directed 2011, I felt strongly in my heart that He had
me to him, his old śiṣya. People told me not left. My unwavering belief was that He
– Mr Arvind Chugh how lucky I was, as that was the first time was still here, and hence I could not mourn.
in decades, he had done that. Only I didn’t In December 2015, I attended a darshan
know how ‘lucky’ I was. I didn’t realise how in Muddenahalli. I ‘recognised’ Swami in
M
the prescribed sadhana by my guru and communicator Madhusudan the moment
r Arvind Chugh started his career for me. The world of commodities introduced me Swami’s grace had started to fill me with I saw Him. He blessed me with permission
as a Commodities and Stock Broker; to the world of cycles, that slowly led me to the ‘sahanaśakti’. Back in late 1988, I met my ex- to take pada namaskar; in my very ‘first’
then went on to manage Commodities Bhagavad Gita. I had gone up like a rocket and wife over lunch. She was shocked to see me darshan. My faith had been validated.
Portfolios as a Commodities Trading Advisor. came down like a shooting star. radiating. She remarked, “with what you Before leaving back for Canada, I remarked
He was retired from his career as a Realtor. lost I expected to see a broken man. But to a senior ashram official, much to his
Currently, he is the Managing Director of In the mid-80s, I was very focused on my you look like you have just come back from disbelief, that Swami was going in and out
Divine Will Foundation, Canada. commodities trading portfolio management a vacation.” After a few months of intense of Madhusudan. The following year, Swami
Company and my children. After 8 years of sadhana, I felt the pull to be back in Bharat answered my decades-long prayers, and
marriage, my Muslim wife with plenty of time as again. And, back I came to Swami’s divine was blessed that I could serve in His mission.
I
a housewife, rediscovered her religion with the feet. By now, a big transformation was From there onward Swami’s presence in
have been gradually discovering experientially, encouragement of her sister and a local fanatic underway. The ‘redneck capitalist’ was no my life has been virtually constant. In a
the truth behind chapter 18 of Shloka 37 of the Muslim community leader. Branding me as a more. The competitive heart was melting discourse in Parthi, Swami had said, “Take
Bhagavad Gita: kafir, she demanded a divorce when she saw me into a more caring and compassionate one step towards Me and I will take 100 towards
यत्तदग्रे विषमिव परिणामेऽमृतोपमम् | reading the Ramayana. She wanted me out of heart. I would still jostle for the front row you.” I can vouch for the validity of that
the house by January 1, 1987. She felt she was but now, I would frequently look for a poor statement, as I have experienced it. But,
तत्सुखं सात्त्विकं प्रोक्तमात्मबुद्धिप्रसादजम् || living in sin. I closed my Company. Having been old frail villager and give him my front row what does it mean to take the first step?
raised with conservative Bharatiya values of one spot, who I knew would otherwise not have
yat tad agre viṣham iva pariṇāme amṛitopamam | marriage, I didn’t know where to go or what to In the course of my work in managing
a chance. Swami’s grace also grew overtly
do and felt lost. She suggested I go to India since like the waxing moon and manifested in Divine Will Foundation (Canada), which
tat sukhaṁ sāttvikaṁ proktam was founded with Swami’s blessings, I came
I wanted to do that for a long time. It ‘felt’ right. many ways in my life. Space does not permit
ātmabuddhiprasādajam || across the usual challenges. Swami has
Not one negative thought entered my mind me to tell you old and new stories.
That which seems like poison at first, but tastes at her suggestion. In retrospect, these painful always been there to guide me; showing me
like nectar in the end, is said to be happiness in events were the beginning of a new phase of my firsthand that He loves everyone equally
the mode of goodness. It is generated by the pure life that brought about huge spiritual growth; and always supports dharma irrespective
intellect that is situated in self-knowledge. unbeknownst to me, it was a blessing in disguise. of position. Although in theory, one
would expect that from Swami, to see it
This has universal applications spiritually and I first heard about Swami in 1974, when His practically is an eye-opener. Our minds are
in daily mundane life. I see this as God’s grace in miracles began to happen in my maasi’s (maternal so conditioned by worldly norms. And so,
helping me on my way to the final destination. aunt) home in Nova Scotia. Everything I heard the reverence for the Adhidharmapathi,
With immense gratitude, I bow down to my about Swami hit the right cord in me, but I was the Lord of the Universe, grows even more
Lord and Master Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba not ready. He, like other ‘gods’, got relegated intense, just when one thinks that was not
and Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai for their gift to my ‘inner puja room’. All that changed in possible. I have realised experientially,
of growing awareness, and for giving me an January 1987, when I first saw Him in Whitefield. there are no boundaries to His ‘righteous
opportunity to serve Him in His mission to uplift Ever since then, my love and reverence for Him compassionate love’.
humanity. grew like the rising sun. Like all other devotees,
I pined for the coveted interview and jostled for During COVID-19, Swami taught us many
In 1978, my manager gleefully remarked while the front row during darshans. You know the wonderful scriptures through Master the
hiring me in the world of commodities and stocks, drill. I made many trips to Parthi, staying there Mind, Kathopanishad, and the Bhagavad
“You are a red neck capitalist”. I wore that badge for months at a time and the world of business Gita series of discourses. Although I had
with pride for years. However, life had other plans became a memory. Then, it was ‘go back, earn read the Gita before a few times, it was only
money, and come back to Parthi’. during His 2-part discourse on Chapter
12 that I became aware of the distinction
between ‘regular, dear and dearest
devotee’. These discourses have opened
36 up a new dimension of spiritual growth 37
My Inner Journey Lessons For Life
T
for me together with the daily flow of Swami’s
spiritual information in the WhatsApp groups. here are places inside the house where of paper. This is not possible when the rays of
There were many things I knew from before the mobile signal is strong and one can light from the sun are scattered. Likewise, God
but the succinct clarity with which our Divine hear or speak clearly. Temples are like is everywhere, but He gets drawn more easily
Sadguru discoursed is breathtaking! I know from
mobile towers with strong signals where it is when the minds of devotees, which are like the
experience, with sadhana, knowledge comes
easier to speak to God and to hear Him speak to lens, are focused and concentrated on Him. This
from within. However, the guidance of a guru is
still essential because the knowledge one needs us. Just like a seed has the potential to grow into focused devotion of the devotees transforms the
for one’s immediate growth may not be available a huge tree, the sthala (place) where a temple is, temple into a powerful place. This is called sthala
at one’s convenience. In retrospect, concepts has great potential and power. It is devotees who mahima – power of the place. Due to the devotees
like ‘adhyātmika, adhibhautika, adhidaivika’ have multiply this power. Sunlight is everywhere. Put who come and think of God constantly, the place
taken on a new significance for me, with a it through a lens and the sunlight will become or temple develops a kind of spiritual power.
clearer understanding of the concepts in the so concentrated that it can even burn a piece Hence we should visit temples.
various talks. More and more I find that Swami’s
teachings are becoming integrated into my
thinking patterns in day-to-day affairs. Now,
Gita Ch2-46 is clear to me. It is one thing to read
it. Another to experience it. I am not there yet,
but the fog is lifting.
38 39
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F ED F
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ALL SERVE A