| National President's Welcome |
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Sai Ram dear devotees,
I pray that you and your families are all keeping safe and well.
As the month of March ended, Centres and Groups were preparing for Easter celebrations across the country. Easter is the time when Jesus made the supreme sacrifice of offering His own life, so that those who believe in Him will be freed from their sins, their karma. The festival of Easter commemorates this loving sacrifice, which Jesus made for all mankind through His crucifixion and death. It also celebrates the triumph of love over death that was His resurrection. It is a time for gratitude for the Grace that has been bestowed on us all, and for reflection on how we are putting the teachings of Jesus into practice in our own lives. Sri Sathya Sai Baba reveals to us the true significance of the bread and wine offered at the last supper:
Jesus said that the bread taken in the 'last supper' was His flesh, and the wine, His blood. He meant that all beings alive with flesh and blood are to be treated as He Himself and that no distinction should be made between friend or foe, we or they. Every body is His Body, sustained by the bread; every drop of blood flowing in the veins of every living being is His, animated by the activity that the wine imparted to it. That is to say, every man is divine and has to be revered as such.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 14, Ch. 16, 25 December 1978
April started with mixed emotions, as on the one hand, the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK was granted charitable status as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (“CIO”) by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. This registration covers all its Centres and Groups, including those in Scotland. This is such a momentous event in the history of the Organisation. Please see below for further details. I would like to thank all my past and present fellow Council members for all their hard work and support in achieving this milestone in the life of the Organisation.
On the other hand, at the same time, we lost our most cherished Professor Anil Kumar Kamaraju, who breathed his last in Swami's Super Speciality Hospital on 3rd April, peacefully surrounded by his children. Every Sai devotee around the world will have a profound fondness of Professor Anil Kumar, who dedicated his entire life to spreading the message of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. His missionary zeal and comforting presence will be remembered fondly by devotees. He spoke many times to UK devotees, both here in the UK and in Prasanthi Nilayam. He will be remembered for his excellent oratory skills, laughter and a living example of being loyal to the divine come what may.
Our National Easwaramma Day event has also been confirmed for Saturday 4th May at The Grange Academy. Registration is now open and please see below for additional details. We will be honoured and privileged to have with us both Mr SS Naganand, trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, and Mrs Madhuri Naganand, trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Easwaramma Women’s Welfare Trust.
As you will note, we have some busy but exciting times ahead of us, and I pray that Bhagawan continues to give us many more opportunities for us to progress in our spiritual journey.
Lovingly, in Sai service,
Pratap Thakkar
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| A new status for the SSSO UK |
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| Securing our Organisation |
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On 2nd April, with Bhagawan's divine blessings and grace, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation United Kingdom CIO was formally registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), registered charity number 1207697.
With an increasingly onerous regulatory environment, the current structure of the Organisation is no longer considered fit for purpose. Various legal structures were considered, and the CIO option was considered the most suitable.
This important development has been met with the full approval of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council and the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
We are currently in a transitional period until we become fully operational via the CIO; in the meanwhile, all activities are continuing as normal. In addition to the two meetings already held with them, Centre/Group Presidents will be provided further detailed information and guidance by the National Council on the next steps.
If you have any questions, please contact your local Centre/Group or Regional President.
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| Keep your diaries free! |
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| Upcoming National events |
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| The tally so far... |
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| 1,008 home bhajans update |
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The 1,008 home/community bhajans are progressing well. Below is the number of bhajans conducted so far in each Region. Thank you to all the families who have come forward so far to host these bhajans.
- Region 1: 12
- Region 2: 14
- Region 3: 22
- Region 4: 19
- Region 5: 9
- Region 6: 18
- Region 7: 7
- Region 8: 10
Total: 111
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| Over 1,000 trees planted by SSSO UK volunteers |
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| Derbyshire tree planting |
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On 23rd March, we drove to Yew Tree Farm in Derbyshire to plant more than one thousand trees. When we got there we got ready by putting on our wellies as it was very muddy. We had to walk across a small river over a narrow plank. It was very exciting.
My mummy's boot got stuck in the mud. It was quite funny, but we rescued her in the end.
After we crossed the river, all 55 volunteers joined in prayers before a member of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust showed us how to plant the tree saplings. Just before we set off, we all joined in uplifting bhajans which energised us for the task ahead. Once we were shown the process of tree planting, we got used to it and then we knew how to do it. My favourite part of tree planting was putting the sapling into the ground and helping my daddy dig the hole by standing on the spade. We planted oak, hazel, holly and ash trees.
We then had a delicious lunch which had lots of different foods. My favourites were the wraps and crisps. After lunch we carried on planting more trees and meeting devotees from the different centres. Everyone was very friendly and smiley as they planted trees, even though the weather was changing. After the rain, it was windy and there were even small hailstones while it was sunny.
We were very happy to be a part of the group that planted 1,450 trees by the end of the day. I know that Swami will be happy because we need lots of trees for oxygen and if we didn't have trees and if people kept cutting them down, we would have no oxygen and the animals would not have a home. Trees are very important for all beings.
(Written by two Bal Vikas students, aged 8 and 6)
Trees teach the lesson of sacrifice in that they not only bear fruits while they are alive, but also give away their body to be used as firewood once the life goes out of them. Amongst teachers, a tree is the greatest.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. 33, Ch. 17, 29th September 2000
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| Registration now open! |
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| Global Young Adult Conference |
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With the Divine Grace and Blessings of our Beloved Lord, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we are delighted to launch the website and commence registrations for the Sri Sathya Sai Global Young Adults Conference 2024 (GYAC 2024).
The GYAC 2024 will be held at the Divine Abode, Prasanthi Nilayam, from 12th to 14th July, with the theme 'Reconnect, Recharge, Rejoice in SAI Love,' providing an opportunity for every Young Adult globally to come together.
Information on how Young Adults can get involved will be shared by the GYAC 2024 coordinators shortly.
The GYAC 2024 website contains information about the programme, the registration link and other relevant details.
Additionally, UK Young Adults have the opportunity to perform Grama Seva and participate in a medical camp between 15th and 20th July, leading up to Guru Poornima on the 21st.
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| Opportunity available to all singers and musicians |
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| SSS GYAC: Musical offerings and bhajans |
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Those who wish to participate in these offerings and are able to reach Prasanthi Nilayam by 9th July are requested to send your auditions as follows:
1. Singers: Record one minute of singing without any accompaniments (video size limit: 100MB)
2. Musicians: Record one minute of you playing an instrument without any accompaniments (video size limit: 100MB)
3. Narrators: Record one minute of video reading a monologue of your choice (video size limit: 100MB)
Last date for the submission: 24th April. If you have any queries please email sathyasaiyuva@gmail.com
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| SSS GYAC Recharge Online Sadhana: 13th April |
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Sai Ram! A reminder that the second online sadhana study circle will be taking place this Saturday - open to all Young Adults. There will be two sessions (please attend one!).
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| SSS GYAC UK Satsang: registration open |
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The first in-person satsang will be taking place on Saturday 20th April (please refer to the poster for more details) What better way to start your journey than in the company of fellow pilgrims? If you have not yet registered for GYAC or are not able to attend, please note that this is still open to all Young Adults (age 17-35). Join us for bhajans, satsangs, inspirational talks and fabulous food!
Please register via the link below by Wednesday 17th April.
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| Continuing the series of articles by UK Young Adults |
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| The spirit of service |
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For the welfare of the country and of the entire world, the spirit of service, vital enthusiasm, constructive imagination, pure motivation, and unselfish alertness are all needed urgently.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 15, Ch. 31, 19 November 1981
The purpose of the Young Adults Wing is to serve the whole organisation whilst supporting the spiritual journey of the next generation. Thus, it is the duty of the Young Adults to be of service, not only to their fellow brothers and sisters across the nation, but also to the world from which they merely borrow. This series of articles captures a snippet of the service activities supported by Young Adults across the UK, in the hope of inspiring others.
In this issue, we hear reflections from Brother Sohum from Region 2 on participating in the Sri Sathya Sai Prema Tharu project.
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On Bhagawan's 97th birthday, a unique initiative called Sri Sathya Sai Prema Tharu was launched, with the goal to try and plant 10 million trees by Baba’s centenary in 2025. Since its inception, the wheels have well and truly been set in motion. Baba Himself has said that trees are our greatest teachers: “Trees teach the lesson of sacrifice in that they not only bear fruits while they are alive, but also give away their body to be used as firewood once life goes out of them. Amongst teachers, a tree is the greatest.”
As part of this seva activity, anyone can participate – be it planting a small sapling of an apple tree in your own garden or local allotment, or joining hands with green organisations such as Avon Needs Trees, the Wildlife Trusts, the National Trust or your local council to take part in a group activity. I first got the chance to participate in a tree planting activity in December 2023, together with Region 7 devotees in Chippenham, helping to replace wind- or plant-damaged saplings that had died with fresh new ones. I enjoyed the day so much that I jumped at the chance when another opportunity presented itself in March this year, bringing along more members of my Centre with me, and I have no doubt that I will attend many more tree planting initiatives in the future. The feeling of being together with friends, fellow devotees and volunteers, all working together inperforming an act of seva that you know is one part of a greater whole, is incomparable.
Swami has said that, “Service expresses the divinity hidden in man. It broadens one's heart, it destroys narrow-mindedness, and it gives delight. The evil qualities and tendencies in us can be driven away through service. To remove the evil of egoism, service is the most efficient instrument.” For me, participating in this seva, I feel this quote rings especially true. Getting soaked in the rain, getting muddied clothes and tired arms from digging and rooting around in the ground, I felt deeply connected to the nature around me. All these minor inconveniences that may ordinarily cause you to complain, are completely pushed out of your mind. You feel a single-minded drive to plant as many trees as possible and complete the seva to the best of your ability. You feel as though you lose track of time and immerse yourself completely in the seva. All the thoughts and worries in your mind melt away and you are overcome with a wave of love towards nature and your fellow man – something that is often easy to lose sight of when your ego is in control.
Whenever I participate in a seva activity, the satisfaction and transformation after is always clear to see and feel. Being able to put in your effort and time into hard work and seeing the impact is always rewarding and it allows time for reflection on your personal growth and lessons to be learned from it. It leaves you with the feeling of spreading the word about how enjoyable an experience you had to encourage others to feel the same bliss. As Swami says, “A wave of service, if it sweeps over the land catching everyone in its enthusiasm, will be able to wipe off the mounds of hatred, malice and greed that infest the world.”
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Region 1 (London South East & South West)
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25 volunteers from Region 1 attended a tree planting initiative in Ashburton Playing Fields on 16th March, organised by the Trees for Cities charity. In total, the hard-working team helped with the afforestation of 16 full-size trees.
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The Region 1 Office Bearers & Active Workers Conference was held on 23rd March in Merton Sai Centre. Updates were provided by the various wings for past and upcoming events, as well as changes to the Organisation structure. A Q&A session with Wing Coordinators then followed, with discussions on important matters.
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In a heart-warming act of generosity, 704 Easter eggs were donated by Region 1 to spread joy and comfort to those in need at various institutions and charities. St. George's Hospital, Epsom Hospital, St. Helier Hospital, and Croydon Hospital were among the beneficiaries, where these sweet treats undoubtedly brought smiles to patients and staff alike. Additionally, the thoughtful donation extended to two charities, The Royal Marsden and The Children's Trust, as well as the Epsom and Ewell Food Bank.
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Merton Sai Centre hosted Age Link for elder guests on 24th March. It was a fabulous session with well-made food and snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks. The entertainment by the children was sweet. The pinnacle of the events was the Bingo, to which all the guests looked forward. All the guests received a takeaway gift bag too. On the whole, it was a loving and very caring event that made all the guests happy and content.
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For a number of years now, Merton Sai Centre has joined forces with other local faith groups to support the Winter Night Shelter project for the local homeless. For a period of 7 weeks, a group of 12 volunteers took the opportunity to supply three-course meals every Wednesday to 18 individuals hosted by a local Methodist Church in Wimbledon. We ensure the guests are provided with home-cooked meals from a different country each week, Indian, Italian and Chinese. It is heartwarming to see the effort put into each and every meal, lovingly presented for the guests.
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Tooting Sai Centre celebrated Maha Shivaratri and Mother’s Day on 10th March.
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Tooting Sai Centre served 72 hot meals and 81 gift bags and water to the homeless people in Central London on 30th March.
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Wimbledon Sai Centre celebrated Easter with English and multi-faith bhajans. The special hymn “Ave Maria”, chanted weekly throughout Lent, was sung for the final time this year. 50 devotees attended the event.
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Region 2 (London North West and nearby Home Counties)
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With this year’s Maha Shivaratri falling on Friday 8th March, at Harrow West Sai Centre, we were once again blessed by Swami to hold our own Shivaratri celebrations on Sunday 10th. The altar was set to many shades of blue, to represent Lord Shiva and the source of the sacred Ganges river, complete with a model of the moon placed at Swami’s lotus feet. The programme was started with the chanting of the Shivopasana, Lingaashtakam by the Bal Vikas children, Bilvaashtakam, Shivastakam and Sai Shiva Strotram. Followed by upbeat Shiva bhajans and the regular closing prayers, the vibrations in the hall and the togetherness of the Centre left all attendees feeling closer to Lord Shiva on this auspicious occasion.
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On Saturday 23rd March, adults, Young Adults and children of Region 2 took part in a football match. It was a very enjoyable afternoon for all under the mild and breezy March sky. We had fifteen eager participants (plus supporters) who turned up ready to compete in a lung-busting match lasting an hour. The devotees who participated showcased some fancy footwork, scintillating saves and wonderful goals! Who would have thought a SIX goal thriller was in the offering? The full-time score was 3-3! The participants were divided into two teams with Team Black having eight players and Team Red seven. Ultimately, it was a penalty shootout that decided the winner. After a nail-biting few minutes, Team Black triumphed 3-1! Our Regional Wing Coordinators did an excellent job organising our Region 2 football match. There are plans to organise further football matches, badminton, and rounders over the coming months as the Region seeks to foster a sense of morale, inclusion, and diversity. Do look out for details of the next Region 2 sporting fixture.
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Service activities summary:
- Heston Sai Centre - 47kg of food items donated to Hounslow FoodBox.
- Southall Sai Group - 40kg of items donations to Asda Hounslow (supporting Hounslow FoodBox)
- Harrow East Sai Centre - 3 trees planted in Waltheof Gardens, North London; and 55kg of items donated to the Barnet Trussell Trust food bank in March
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Greenford Sai Centre commenced its care home bhajan service, with 6 devotees meeting with over 20 elderly residents of the Neem Tree Care Home in Greenford, conversing with them, celebrating Holi and conducting a bhajan satsang. This will be a regular seva from the Centre, bringing love and spirituality to the residents, many of whom do not get visitors.
The Centre also continued its food bank collections.
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Slough Sai Centre devotees donated 78 Easter toy eggs, 33 bunny bags and 60 toy chicks to the children at Shooting Star Children's Hospice, Hampton.
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Harrow West Sai Centre celebrated Mothers Day on 17th March. The Bal Vikas children got the opportunity to read messages out to their mothers. The following is a write-up from a Bal Vikas (SSE) child. "I felt so happy and grateful to be part of this wonderful Mother's Day event because mothers play a vital role in our lives. When I read my card a range of emotions were going through me, including joyousness and thankfulness due to the selfless love from my Amma." (Vishnu Prabakar, Group 2 Year 2)
Upcoming event:
- Harrow West Sai Centre
- Sunday 28th April, 4pm: Aradhana programme at Oxhey Wood Primary School, Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey WD19 7SL
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Region 3 (London North, East & Central and nearby Home Counties)
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Chelmsford Sai Centre celebrated Maha Shivaratri on 17th March, attended by around 50 devotees. The programme started with a pooja, and was followed by Vedam chanting by our dear Bal Vikas children. During this time, all the devotees were given the opportunity to partake in the Abhishekam. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Lingaashtakam, Shivashtakam, Vishvanathashtakam, Bilbashtakam and Sai Shiva Stotram were then chanted. This was followed by Shiva bhajans and the programme concluded with the aarti. There were powerful divine blissful vibrations felt by all.
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Central London Sai Centre hosted its last programme in March at Coram Fields, Russell Square. The Centre had been in that location since 1976, started by Uncle and Aunty Puri. Many devotees from yesteryear attended and many bhajans from years past were sung. It was an emotional experience. In addition, the last Narayan Seva was held at that location, where ‘guests’ have been served for many years. The Centre now has a new location which is outside the London congestion charge zone, and with free parking, yet only 6 minutes' walk from Kings Cross and Euston stations. All are invited at Somers Town Community Association, 150 Ossulston Street, London NW1 1EE; programme starts at 3pm.
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Mill Hill Sai Centre celebrated Easter with a presentation by the Bal Vikas children, a collection of 90 Easter eggs for the Burnt Oak food bank and blessed Easter Sunday bhajans. The Bal Vikas children’s offering was centred around an interactive Easter egg hunt with the congregation, to reclaim the message of Easter as they followed clues to uncover the teachings of Jesus in His last days as He shared The Last Supper with His disciples and washed their feet.
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Mill Hill Sai Centre held a study circle on the 3Ps, starting with Purity. Brother Divij & Sister Shajiny were great facilitators, sharing such nice anecdotes. It was also interesting to hear Brother Sawan’s insight using a professional lens on mental transformation for purity. It was an interactive session attended by 30 devotees and some of the key reflection points were inner vs outer purity; how to achieve purity in thought, word and deed; and to stop using electronic gadgets during meal times.
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Devotees from Aylesbury Sai Centre took part in a litter pick organised by the town council on 23rd March.
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Devotees from Aylesbury Sai Centre have been donating to Aylesbury food bank every month.
Upcoming events:
- Mill Hill Sai Centre
- Sunday 14th April, 9am: Ugadi/Vishu/Vaisakhi/Tamil-Sinhalese New Year celebrations, at Deansbrook Primary School, Church Close, London HA8 9NS
- Sunday 21st April, 9am: Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, at Deansbrook Primary School
- Sunday 28th April, 8am-12pm: Aradhana programme, at Deansbrook Primary School
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The 12-hour-long Maha Shivaratri celebrations, hosted by the Leicester Sai Centres on 8th March, was a mesmerising spectacle. A major highlight was the Maha Rudrabhishekam, where 18 sacred items were offered to Sai Shiva Lingam. The hall resonated with Ashtakams and Stotrams praising Lord Shiva, enveloping everyone in a sense of awe and inner peace. The Bal Vikas children were fully engaged in a mini Rudrabhishekam of their own. It was heartwarming to see them encapsulated in the moment. Devotees travelled from afar, some for over six hours to offer their salutations on the most auspicious night!
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Leicester Central Sai Centre's Mother's Day programme started with bhajans by the Bal Vikas children, followed by a presentation on Mother’s Day. Devotees learnt about the meaning of Mother's Day and enjoyed a special video message from Baba. The programme concluded with aarti and refreshments.
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Region 5 (North England and Northern Ireland)
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Bradford Sai Centre arranged tree planting for Sunday 24th March and Saturday 30th March in Cullingworth, Bradford. A total of 559 trees were planted across both days. 209 trees were planted on 24th March, with volunteers including Bal Vikas children, senior citizens, devotees from nearby Leeds Sai Centre, and friends who are not part of the Sai Centre. It was a wonderful experience: Swami gave us energy and lovely weather. A further 350 trees were planted on 30th March with the help of devotees from Bradford, Halifax, Leeds, Harrow West & Merton Sai Centres. Thank you all for your support. With our beloved Bhagwan’s grace, the weather was again beautiful.
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Region 5 had a fantastic Regional Conference, with lots of Centre, Group and Wing representation from across the region. The day included:
- Baba’s discourse on the importance of performing one’s duty
- Address from the National President
- An update on Regional and Organisation matters
- Individual Wing presentations, which reflected on 2023 and shared plans for 2024
- Wing breakout session, in which Regional Wing coordinators had the opportunity to interact with Centre Wing coordinators
- Discussion session, which encouraged attendees to discuss some challenging topics.
The day concluded with Bhagawan’s aarti and lots of enthusiasm in the room.
Thank you to Bhagawan for bringing us all together and for Halifax Sai Group devotees for providing the venue and so lovingly hosting us all with such a hearty lunch!
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Good Friday evening (29th March) started with soulful bhajans and aarti at Newcastle Sai Centre. Brother Kailash spoke on the significance of Good Friday; then he introduced two other speakers for the night, father-son duo from London. Brothers TN Giridhar and Sesha Sai Giridhar shared a few of their experiences with our beloved Bhagawan. The evening went on till almost 11pm with none wanting to leave the Sai Centre. It was as if Bhagawan was present there with all of us throughout the evening. Truly, the satsang made it an Easter to remember.
On 5th April, Newcastle Sai Centre had a talk followed by discussion with brother Ramakrishnan Radhakrishnan, an alumnus from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and a past member of the Prasanthi Mandir bhajan group. Brother Rama delved into the topic 'Death is the dress of Life' sharing life stories of three devotees from Puttaparthi. He encouraged each one of us to ask the following three questions in life: 1) what kind of death do I wish to have; 2) how would I like to be remembered; and 3) how would I like to lead my life till that moment comes?
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Bradford Sai Centre donated 122 Easter eggs to Bradford Hospital Trust and a further 108 Easter eggs to JCI for poorly and underprivileged children. A lovely thank-you message was posted by Bradford Hospitals Charity.
Upcoming events:
- Region 5
- Saturday 15th June: Regional Bal Vikas fun day, in Halifax (venue TBC)
- Newcastle Sai Centre
- Friday 12th April: Ugadi and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations
- Friday 19th April: Ram Navami celebrations
- Friday 26th April: Aradhana programme
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Region 6 (South & South East England)
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Maha Shivaratri was celebrated by Tunbridge Wells Sai Group on 9th March, with around 320 people attending. The event started with Vedam chanting, followed by a Bal Vikas dance offering on Shiva Tandava and Shiva Panchakshari. A pooja was conducted for Shiva Lingam, with chanting of Shiva shlokas (Lingaashtakam, Bilvaasthakam and Shivaashtakam) and the opportunity for families to perform abishekham to the Lingam. This was followed by bhajans and a medley to end. The event concluded with aarti to Swami, followed by maha prashadam.
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A Tunbridge Wells Sai Group home bhajan was hosted by Sister Dharani Raaj and family on 23rd March. The programme commenced with Vedam chanting, followed by Lalitha Sahasranamam and bhajan singing, and concluded with aarti. Approximately 65-70 people attended.
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On 15th March, a total of 70 kilograms of items was collected by Farnborough Sai Centre and delivered to the local Trussell Trust food bank. Long-life food items and non-food items had been purchased and brought by devotees to the Aldershot Shiva temple on Maha Shivaratri, which were then delivered with the assistance of two Centre volunteers.
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Rochester Sai Centre donated food items to Maidstone Day Centre as part of their monthly seva on 22nd March. Two devotees delivered the goods and had the opportunity to meet the coordinators of the Day Centre. The Day Centre gave us a quick tour and informed us about all the service activities they undertake for the community; we hope to collaborate with them on future occasions.
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On 9th March, Rochester Sai Centre partnered with the Friends of Whatman Park group for a litter-picking event in Maidstone. The two groups worked together from 10am to 12pm, filling up at least sixteen sacks. A total of 20 people, including some Bal Vikas children, participated in the event, which took place on a lovely, sunny day.
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On 2nd March, Rochester Sai Centre held a celebration of three different festivals, namely Maha Shivaratri, Holi, and Easter, attended by around 35 devotees. During the event, Aunty Ranjini Radhakrishnan and Sister Parvathy Panicker performed Panchakshari Mantra and Nandi together, and Aunty Ranjini offered two Carnatic songs and one Sai Vishnu bhajan beautifully. Brother Mani delivered an energetic and lively talk on the significance of these festivals. The programme concluded with mantras, aarti, and delicious Maha Prashadam.
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On 24th March, the Bal Vikas children of Rochester Sai Centre celebrated Holi with their gurus and parents. The celebration included learning about the significance of the festival.
Upcoming event:
- Farnborough Sai Centre
- Wednesday 17th April, 6pm: Ram Navami celebrations, at Shiva Cultural Community Centre, Queens Road, Aldershot GU11 3JU
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Region 7 (West & South West England and Wales)
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Region 7 continues to hold weekly study circle sessions on the topics of Dharma Vahini and the 9 Paths of Devotion. As a Young Adults initiative, chapters are assigned each week to attendees, to undertake the sadhana of reading and reflecting upon our beloved Swami’s teachings. At the Thursday sessions, the Young Adults facilitate discussions, manage IT and challenge the attendees with thought-provoking questions on how we apply Swami’s teachings to our everyday life.
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In Swindon city centre, 45 people were served potato curries and naan by Swindon Sai Centre, as part of the general monthly seva. To celebrate the holy occasion of Easter, 46 portions of rice and curry and Easter treats were delivered to the homeless on Good Friday.
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Region 7 contributed sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothes for the homeless in Newport, to be distributed by Spectrum, a charity that has cared for the homeless for the past 8 years.
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Devotees from Region 7 had the very good fortune of planting trees in Great Avon Woods, Bristol on 24th March; 105 trees were planted.
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62.5kg of food and toiletries donated by Cheltenham Sai Group to Open Door, Caring for Communities and People, and various food banks in Cheltenham in March.
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Region 7 Young Adults organised a virtual satsang where devotees shared their Sai experiences, powerful moments and miracles that have touched and shaped their lives. 3 speakers shared their stories; and it was an evening of divine sharing and listening to the glories of the Lord.
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Glasgow Sai Centre did its usual Sunday service for the Wayside Club Centre for the homeless. Around 6-7 people volunteered for this service. They made 16 loaves of sandwiches, donated hundreds of biscuits and set up the dining area.
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Glasgow Sai Centre held house bhajans in brother Gautham’s house on 29th March. Around 30 people attended and there was prashadam distributed at the end.
Upcoming events:
- Aberdeen Sai Centre
- Wednesday 24th April: Aradhana programme, at 25 Countesswells Crescent, Aberdeen AB15 8LN
- Edinburgh Sai Centre
- Wednesday 24th April, 6.45-8pm: Aradhana programme, at Edinburgh Sai Mandir, 2 Granton Road, Edinburgh EH5 3QH
- Glasgow Sai Centre
- Wednesday 24th April, 7.30pm: Aradhana programme, at 3 First Avenue, Bearsden G61 2JD
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In order to keep all UK devotees updated in one place and reduce the duplication of messages, we have launched a BRAND NEW Organisation WhatsApp Channel for everyone to join.
This will be the main place to receive all National communications.
The channel sits in the “Updates” section of WhatsApp in the bottom left corner.
Please share this with all devotees across the UK, and do not forget to switch the notifications on with the bell icon in the top right corner.
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