National President's Welcome |
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Dearest Brothers and Sisters,
I pray that with Bhagawan’s Grace, you and your families are all keeping safe and well.
April is the first full month of Spring. It certainly brings with it new hopes and new joys as we celebrate the various divine events during this month. The birth of Lord Rama was celebrated across many Centres, as was the sacred life of Jesus over the Easter weekend.
On the Aradhana Mahotsavam day, Centres and Groups across the country paid reverence and offered their gratitude to our Beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, to mark this Divine day when the Avatar of the Kali Yuga transcended from His mesmerising form to the formless. On this day, we re-dedicate ourselves to Swami in His mission and continue to undergo the journey of self-transformation. Let us take this golden opportunity that Bhagawan has given us to chant the Lord’s name, as this is the only way to reach Him.
You have attained this opportunity out of your great good fortune. No other Avatar has provided this type of opportunity to human beings. Having attained this golden opportunity, if you conduct yourself in accordance with My teachings, your life will be certainly sanctified and redeemed. You will see the rise of My glory with the passage of time when even the blind people and ignoramuses will say, 'Swami is God.'
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 29, Ch. 31
On 18th April, there was a satsang organised with Young Adults from across the country. It was such a joy and privilege for me to be speaking to so many of our Young Adults and I would like to continue with many more such sessions. I hope the Young Adults found the session as beneficial as I did.
Towards the end of April and in early May, Pilgrimage Sadhana meetings were held in most Regions, with lots of Bhajan, Vedam and Bal Vikas practices taking place. The registration for the National Pilgrimage closed on 30th April and we are blessed to be taking with us over 300 devotees from the UK.
As the Coronation of King Charles III was taking place on the same weekend as when we would traditionally hold our National Easwaramma event, we decided to delay this event to Saturday 20th May as a mark of respect and to allow all devotees to take part in the coronation celebrations. We look forward to seeing you all on the 20th at The Grange Academy in Bushey, and if you have not already registered please kindly do so. You will find the registration link further below.
I pray to Bhagawan that He continues to give us plenty of opportunities to serve in His mission.
Jai Sai Ram
Pratap Thakkar
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Upcoming National sadhana meetings |
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UK National Pilgrimage update |
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Registration has closed
We are pleased to note that over 300 devotees from the UK have registered for this unique experience.
Travel & accommodation form
If you have not yet submitted your travel & accommodation form, please do so immediately (link below). This is to help us plan ashram accommodation for all group members, as well as to organise airport transfers for those who need them.
Next meetings
Future meetings are as follows:
- Saturday 3rd June, 10.30am-4.30pm, Oxhey Wood Primary School, Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, WD19 7SL - National sadhana meeting
- Saturday 15th July, 11am-3pm, Oxhey Wood Primary School - National prayer meeting
All are welcome to attend, including those who are not planning on joining the Pilgrimage; attendance is mandatory for all would-be pilgrims, including children, as there will be an update provided at each meeting and it is a great opportunity to be in the company of aspirants who will also be embarking on this spiritual journey. This will also help us focus our minds on Bhagawan and strengthen our connection with Him. We reserve the right not to offer privileges such as preferential seating if devotees do not attend these meetings, unless an exception has been granted.
Need more information?
Email the planning team or visit the microsite via the links below (more information will be added in due course). The pre-pilgrimage sadhana materials may also be found there.
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Latest Regional Sadhana Meetings |
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The joint sadhana meeting for Regions 1, 2 & 6 was held at Merton Sai Centre on Saturday 29th April. The initial portion was filled with updates on the pilgrimage and its various activities, including the Vedic chanting and bhajans/musical offerings, as well as service opportunities. This was followed by a wonderful talk by brother Roni, who gave an inspiring and immersive account of his experiences during past pilgrimages; as well as an insightful talk by Aunty Karunes, who conveyed several pearls of wisdom from her years of experience with her centre and Bal Vikas group trips to Prasanthi. After this (and lunch!) we split into groups as per our chosen offerings, and continued our practice. It was delightful to see so many come forward to take part.
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On Saturday 29th April, Region 3 held their sadhana meeting. The day started with 3 Aums and group chanting of 21 Gayatri Mantras followed by an introduction from Sister Arul on the spiritual offerings that are being prepared. This was followed by the Bal Vikas offerings explained by Sister Ushi and the service offerings discussed by Brother Thio. Brother Bhavesh gave an enlightening talk on his past experience of pilgrimages to Prashanthi where he was blessed with many miracles. After Swami’s discourse, there was a very interesting and interactive question and answer session. The programme concluded with aarti and Maha prashadam lunch.
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Regions 4 & 5's sadhana meeting on 29th April began with Vedam chanting and bhajans, followed by a discourse on the importance of sadhana by Bhagawan. Devotees shared their experiences of visiting Prasanthi and were given a virtual tour of the ashram. The meeting also included updates from the national planning team and group study circles on faith and self-confidence. The day ended with energising bhajans, aarti and a sense of anticipation of the upcoming trip to Prasanthi Nilayam!
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On Sunday 7th May, the Region 7 sadhana meeting was held in Bath. It was well attended by devotees who came together to share ideas and journeys with their sadhana. We sang bhajans, listened to announcements by Regional president Sister Sentha, and concluded the day with aarti and delicious prashad lovingly prepared by the regional food team. With Swami’s grace, we came together as a community and enjoyed discussions on sadhana/service.
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Register soon to avoid disappointment! |
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National Easwaramma Day 2023 |
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With over 500 people already registered to attend, please register soon if you have yet to do so, to avoid missing out.
- Date: Saturday 20th May
- Time: 10.30am-4.30pm
- Venue: The Grange Academy, Bushey, WD23 3AA
Starting with the children's procession, the day promises to be packed with loving offerings from around the country, including Vedam, plays, skits, songs and music, as well as activities for the children.
Please register via the link below.
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National Poster and Poem Competition 2023 - winners! |
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As usual, we received dozens and dozens of entries this year; however, the winners and runners-up are as follows:
Poster competition
- Winner: Advika Mehrotra, Aberdeen Sai Centre, R8
- 1st runner-up: Prisha Lath, Heston Sai Centre, R2
- 2nd runner-up: Aahan Gurung, Farnborough Sai Centre, R6
Poem competition
- Winner: Jhanvi Solanki, Merton Sai Centre, R1
- 1st runner-up: Shrimayi Arunkumar, Merton Sai Centre, R1
- 2nd runner-up: Ishaan Shah, Harrow East Sai Centre, R2
The winning poster can be seen on the flyer for this year's National Easwaramma Day event (see above). The winning poem is shown below.
Our heartiest congratulations to the worthy winners and runners-up and our sincere thanks to everyone who entered - the talent on display was overwhelming!
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What's better than fresh air and good company?
Join the National Young Adults Walk in the beautiful landscape of Rutland Water, where we will take in the 4,200 acres of serene countryside and engage in satsang.
- Meeting point location: Rutland Water Normanton Car Park (Normanton Rd, Edith Weston, Oakham LE15 8HD)
- Date: Saturday 13th May
- Time: 11am
N.B: Please bring a suitable packed lunch for a picnic at 1pm.
(This event has accessible routes, see https://anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water-park/walking-relaxing
for more details.)
Please register via the link below.
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Reactions from UK Young Adults after satsang with senior leaders |
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'Ask Me Anything' |
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In this month's issue, we hear from various young adults across the country on their experience from joining the recent National Young Adults' 'Ask Me Anything' Q&A session with the National President's team.
On 18th April, I attended an online 'Ask Me Anything' event with the National President and Joint-National Vice Presidents, which was hosted by the National Young Adults. The aim was to provide a platform for Young Adults to engage on topics important to them with National Council members. I submitted some questions beforehand about how to balance Organisation work with personal and work life, which is a challenge I and many young adults face. Pratap Uncle, Shakti Uncle and Narendra Uncle all provided practical advice from their own experiences, which I found very helpful. It was reassuring to know that they themselves had been through similar challenges which made the session all the more inspiring for me. I appreciated their understanding and approachability throughout the session, which also covered questions from other Young Adults about talking to work colleagues about involvement in the Sai Organisation, as well as increasing cooperation between younger and older adults in the Organisation. I hope there will be more opportunities for satsangs like this.
Young Adult, age 26, Region 2
The event held on Tuesday 18th April was a great opportunity for the Young Adults to engage in a conversation with our National President and his team. Often, personal interactions with such people aren't always possible, but this session enabled us to put forward our dilemmas and questions and ask for advice. We were joined by Pratap Uncle, Sakthi Uncle, and Narendra Uncle, who shared their personal experiences with Swami, which were wonderful to hear. Their words of advice on our professional, personal, and spiritual lives were insightful and inspiring. As individuals who have been in our shoes as Young Adults in the Sai Organisation, their guidance and advice provided an uplifting and motivating experience. We hope to have more of these sessions to bring us all closer together to Swami.
Young Adult, age 24, Region 4
As a Young Adult, it's very inspiring to hear experiences from the older generations. As we don't have the same physical connection, some find it harder to continue on their spiritual journey; however, talks like these remind us of Swami's omnipresence and how it affects all our daily actions. Being able to ask our own questions and listen to others also helps to provide new perspectives on different aspects of life. Overall, it was a very well structured event and I can't wait till the next one!
Young Adult, age 21, Region 1
The session with the National President's team was an extremely heartwarming session. It was my first time and it gave me such powerful insights into the experiences of life and the divinity of Swami. It is wonderful to have someone like Uncle Pratap as a strong source of inspiration and guidance. Thank you to the Young Adult Coordinators for motivating me to attend my first session. I look forward to many more sessions.
Young Adult, age 36, Region 2
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Region 1 (London South East & South West)
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Region 1 celebrated Aradhana Mahotsavam by holding bhajans from 6pm on 23rd to 6am on 24th April at Merton Sai Centre.
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Wimbledon Sai Centre celebrated Aradhana Day on 30th April with bhajans led by the Young Adults.
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Tooting Sai Centre served 59 meals, 75 fruit bags & 70 bottles of water to the homeless in central London.
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66 children took part in the 6th May Easwaramma Day celebrations at Merton Sai Centre. The programme included bhajans by children from Nursery groups 1 and 2, and three play performances by girls and boys from Groups 1, 2 and 3. Over 200 devotees participated in the event.
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Wimbledon Sai Centre celebrated Easwaramma Day on 7th May. Following bhajans, we had a play by the children titled “Bhakta Markandeya,” based on the life of the devout sage. The children gave a wonderful performance that was enjoyed by all who watched.
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Region 2 (London North West and nearby Home Counties)
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Slough Sai Centre hosted the Region 2 'Sing with Sai' bhajan workshop on 22nd April. The bhajans were led by the Regional Spiritual Coordinators Brother Nagasai and Brother Neel. The session was very well attended by a number of devotees from across the Region and devotees felt that the workshop was blissful and an eyeopener. The Regional Spiritual Coordinators were able to take us through the journey of getting ourselves very close to Swami. The devotees were very much looking forward to attending future workshops.
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Slough Sai Centre held their first ever Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations on 23rd April. One of our Bal Vikas (SSE) students organised this event as part of her Group 3 project and the event was very well attended by over 75 members. We invited an Imam from the local mosque to give a talk and he was able to enlighten all of us about the Islamic religion, the holy month of Ramadan and the importance of Eid celebrations. The children were all dressed in colourful outfits and we had Islamic prayers followed by uplifting Allah bhajans led by our devotees. The celebrations ended with prashadam offerings and devotees felt it was a brilliant event from start to end.
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Slough Sai Centre also held their Aradhana day celebrations on 30th April. We had Region 2 Study Circle Coordinator Brother Sudhir Shetty as our guest speaker and he enlightened all of us on the four Fs preached by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Our members thoroughly enjoyed this interactive talk.
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On the auspicious occasion of Sai Araradhana Mahotsavam, Harrow West Sai Centre offered heartfelt gratitude through 11 bhajans, a beautiful talk on the omnipresence of Swami by Brother Vikash Lakhani and by the Centre collectively singing one of Swami's golden songs, 'O Sai Maa'. The afternoon was a true blessing and an opportunity to remember all the glories of our beloved Bhagawan.
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To celebrate the divine occasion of Easwaramma Day, Harrow West Sai Centre had a beautiful offering of bhajans, a violin recital, a tribute to mothers and a unison song 'Twameva Maataa' offered by all the Bal Vikas children. This was followed by an inspiring talk by Brother Sudhir Shetty, Swami's former student.
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Region 3 (London North, East & Central and nearby Home Counties)
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On Saturday 22nd April, over 200 devotees of Region 3 gathered together to honour the life of our dear Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, through offerings of love which took the form of multi-faith prayers, Vedam chanting, carnatic music, English devotional songs, recitation of verses from the Bhaja Govindam, a play and speeches on the theme "His Life - Our Eternal Gift" from the Bal Vikas children. Outpourings of love emanated from Young Adults with devotional songs, sung in various languages. Sumptuous snacks followed, which were served by our Service team. Then the programme recommenced with mesmerising miracle stories, highlighting protection of devotees when following the human values, were expounded by dear Uncle Selva. Finally, beautifully rendered bhajans sung from every centre in Region 3 and aarti drew the session to a close.
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Bedford Sai Centre honoured Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Aradhana Mahotsavam Day by remembering the lessons He expected us to take away and practise. We also had bhajans and prayers. We donated food items to the local food bank as well. There were 12 devotees in attendance.
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Aradhana Mahotsavam was celebrated at Cambridge Sai Centre on 22nd April by singing bhajans and a study circle on the principal teachings of Swami, the 5 human values. Devotees shared their own experiences and thoughts on how these teachings impacted their lives. The preceding week, a group of eight devotees offered Seva for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, by selling home-baked cakes, cookies and savouries at Cambourne village. All the funds raised went to the Guide Dogs. They were assisted by a working guide dog called Willow who did her best to get the crowds in!
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Edmonton Sai Centre observed Swami’s Maha Samadhi Day on 23rd April. We prayed to Swami for His guidance and blessings in different languages, through prayers and bhajans, with around 80 people coming together.
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On 8th May, Chelmsford Sai Centre celebrated Easwaramma Day at Great Baddow Millennium Community Centre, attended by around 30 devotees. The programme started with offering of lamps to Swami by our Bal Vikas children. The children then led the opening prayers and recited Medha Suktam. The Bal Vikas programme continued with a talk and a poem on Mother Easwaramma, so beautifully written. Then, the children offered speeches on each element of Mother Nature, which was so enlightening to hear. This was concluded by chanting of Mantra Pushpam and a wonderful musical offering. This was followed by bhajans, Aarti and Mahaprasadam.
It was thoroughly enjoyed by all. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to our beloved Swami and Mother Easwaramma, for gracing us with the beautiful celebration.
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Cambridge Sai Centre celebrated the life of Mother Easwaramma on Saturday 6th May, through a programme led by the Bal Vikas children. The program included chanting Narayana Upanishad, singing bhajans, presentations on Mother Easwaramma and other well known Mothers in history, ending with a quiz for the congregation. It was attended by around 20 devotees.
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Manor Park Sai Centre's Easwaramma Day celebrations took place on Saturday 6th May. The programme included bhajans by Bal Vikas children, a Bal Vikas presentation on Mother Easwaramma, Swami’s discourse and bhajans by Young Adults.
Earlier that evening, children and parents sorted and picked items to be donated to the Helping Hands charity in Plaistow.
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Palmers Green Sai Group held special bhajans dedicated to Mother Easwaramma on 7th May. We had 10 singers who attended.
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On Sunday 8th April, Leicester Central Sai Centre celebrated Easter with guest speaker Pastor Graham Thomas of Lutterworth College. Each year, we are fortunate to be joined by Pastor Thomas where he shares the Easter message with devotees. Home-made hot cross buns were served as prashadam after the programme!
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Leicester Central Sai Centre celebrated Vaisakhi on Sunday 16th April. We were joined by Brother Charanjeet Singh Ji from the Sikh community, who shared the message of Vaisakhi and said that no matter what religion, caste or nationality, we are all family.
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On Monday 24th April, Leicester Sai Centres held a special programme to mark the 12th Aradhana Mahotsavam. As a Sai family, we came together to sing His glory! The programme consisted of two musical offerings by the Young Adults: Tum Hi More and Madhura Mohana Ghanashyama Sundara Sai, followed by uplifting bhajans.
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Narborough Road Sai Centre celebrated an amazing 35 years as a Sai Centre. Weeks of discussion, planning, organising and rehearsals led to a memorable, energising, and enjoyable celebration on Saturday 15th April.
Nearly 200 devotees of all ages were engaged, entertained and energised throughout the four-hour-long programme, that kicked off with a customary Palki procession led by the children, and adults lovingly carrying our beloved Swami into the hall to be seated. In parallel, the atmosphere in the hall was vibrantly uplifted with simultaneous chanting of Vedam and singing of bhajans, supported by melodious instruments. Bhajans continued as a start to the programme, followed by three short speeches covering the history of the Centre; the current position of the Centre and the benefit it provides; and the future aspiration of being able to continue in the Sai Mission - thanks to a dedicated group of Young Adults (as contemporary and future leaders).
The main part of the celebration was a Lakshaarchana where all devotees unanimously and continuously chanted ‘Om Sri Sathya Sai Krishnaya Namaha’ over several japa-malas. The chanting was split into short sessions, interjected with skits by two of the brothers dressed in character as Lord Hanuman and Lord Jesus to entertain the crowd, yet deliver key spiritual messages: the importance of Namasmarana
(especially in this Kali age); distinguishing between ‘desire’ and purpose; the importance of following one’s personal sadhana; and always having faith in our Lord (despite the challenges of the journey).
After the Lakshaarchana, devotional songs were offered, with messages of gratitude by individuals pouring their love to Swami as an expression of appreciation wrapped in the warmth of humility. To close the programme, the offering of aarti was an individualised experience, with each devotee having a tea-light to offer aarti to Swami (in-situ) as their one-to-one connection with Him.
Oh, and did we mention Maha Prashadam? Simply delicious, delightful and delivered to perfection, thanks to members of the Service team.
For anyone who would like to experience the 35th anniversary celebrations (again) please click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69gsACZNzPI
(a special thanks to the Media team). Happy 35th anniversary to Narborough Road Sai Centre. Jai Sai Ram!
Upcoming events:
- Leicester Sai Centres
- Sunday 14th May, 8.50am-1pm: Easwaramma Day celebrations at Soar Valley College, Gleneagles Avenue, Leicester LE4 7GY
- Saturday 27th May, 10am-4pm: "My Sai and I" Young Adults day at Soar Valley College. Register to attend: https://bit.ly/YouthDay27May23
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Region 5 (North England and Northern Ireland)
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By Swami’s Grace, Region 5 observed Aradhana Mahotsavam in Oldham on Saturday 22nd April. Over 150 devotees from across the region attended. Shreeya and Shanthi, Bal Vikas students, were our MCs for the day and led us through the programme. The opening prayers were led by Bal Vikas children from Greater Manchester Sai Centre, followed by more wonderful offerings by Bal Vikas children from Warrington Sai Group and Bradford Sai Centre respectively. Our guest speaker was Brother Gunaranjan Bose from Region 4, who shared some of his most memorable experiences with Swami. 'Droplets of Love' by our devotees, coupled with soulful music from our Young Adults, together with beautiful bhajans, made it a memorable day for all devotees.
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As a Seva offering for the programme, Region 5 devotees collected a large set of jogger bottoms and rucksacks for Barnabus charity in Manchester, who support the homeless.
The event was livestreamed by our media team and a video can be found on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/nbI6M8e355E
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Region 6 (South & South East England)
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Buddha Jayanti was celebrated by Farnborough Sai Centre on Friday 5th May at the Shiva temple in Aldershot. Over 25 devotees attended the special hour-long bhajans. Sister Sushma Gurung and Bal Vikas student Eesha spoke about Buddha’s life and His teachings. The programme concluded with Mangala aarti followed by Maha Prashadam.
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On 5th May, Buddha Poornima was celebrated by Basingstoke Sai Group and about 21 devotees attended. The programme began with bhajans, followed by a special talk on the significance of Buddha Poornima by a Sai sister and concluded with Mangala aarti.
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Farnborough Sai Centre invited senior citizens from the local community to celebrate King Charles’s coronation at the Shiva temple in Aldershot. The hall was festooned for the celebration. People were served tea, fruits, biscuits and cupcakes upon arrival. All attendees - over 85 people - watched the coronation live on TV. Four newly-elected local councilors visited the temple for blessings and met senior citizens. Sai devotees had lovingly prepared a sumptuous meal to serve everyone who attended. All the attendees enjoyed the programme and the hospitality. They all said that the food was delicious and thanked the Sai volunteers. Being Easwaramma Day, devotees did not pass up the opportunity to sing bhajans on beloved Easwaramma.
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Contemplative celebrations of Mother Easwaramma’s life principles of sacrifice, compassion, humility, devotion and forgiveness were held by Tunbridge Wells Sai Group on 6th May, attended by about 65 devotees. The programme was adorned with Gayatri mantras, Ashtottaram, Vedam chanting and bhajans by the Bal Vikas students and gurus, followed by an Easwaramma Day message from Brother Shreyas. The programme concluded with Mangala aarti.
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Rochester Sai Centre had a fantastic joint celebration on 6th May to commemorate the ideal and holy lives of Lord Buddha and the chosen Divine Mother Easwaramma. The programme began with a tremendous soul-stirring bhajan offering, followed by a heartwarming special talk on ‘Easwaramma Day and its relevance in the Modern era’ by brother Jalesh and a beautiful musical performance “Garland of Love - Janam Diya Tune Sai Ko” by sister Anuradha. The Bal Vikas children got involved with the interactive sections of the programme, and they were a big help in the setup and wrap-up of the meeting. With hearts filled with joy and warmed with Divine Love, the commemoration concluded with Mangala aarti.
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With Bhagawan's grace and generous support from members of Rochester Sai Centre, imperishable food items of worth £124 were donated to a food bank and £30 towards Quakers homeless service.
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On 7th May, special bhajans were held by Basingstoke Sai Group on the auspicious occasion of Easwaramma Day. About 23 devotees attended the bhajans and sought Bhagawan’s divine blessings.
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Region 7 (West & South West England and Wales)
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Devotees across Region 7 enthusiastically participated in planting various flora including plants, saplings, and trees, to meet a joint target of planting 10 million trees by Bhagawan’s 100th birthday. Every tree planted takes us one step closer to serving Him.
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As part of The Big Help Out, devotees across Region 7 volunteered their time at the Butterfly Gardens in Cheltenham. The main activity was to recycle video tapes in an effort to reduce landfill waste. The tapes are made of 16 components, which were dismantled and separated for them to be reused.
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On 24th April, Edinburgh Sai Centre had its Aradhana day celebrations. Around 15-20 people attended the Bhajans followed by prashadam brought by different devotees.
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