| 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.
The month of July has been very busy with various activities across the UK and internationally.
The Sri Sathya Sai Global Young Adults Conference was held at the Divine Abode, Prasanthi Nilayam, from 12th to 14th July, with the theme of 'Reconnect, Recharge, Rejoice in Sai Love.' Over 2,000 Young Adults from across the globe attended the Conference in person. Of all countries outside India, the UK had the second highest number of Young Adults in attendance. They were privileged to be part of every activity of the Conference, from decorating the Sai Kulwant Hall, to Vedam chanting, a musical offering, and addressing the congregation. I am sure all the Young Adults that attended the Conference returned home fully Recharged with Sai love.
On Monday 15th July, having been energised by the Conference, the Young Adults from the UK performed Grama Seva in Eddulolla Palli Thanda village and served 170 families with food packs. Each pack contained dry provisions such as lentils, rice and flour, as well as a dhoti and a saree for the householders. The Young Adults were welcomed with great pomp by the villagers, and it was a very novel experience for many of them.
I am further delighted to share with you the wonderful news of the successful completion of our recent UK medical camp, held from 15th to 17th July in 3 different villages. The impact of this camp has been profound, touching the lives of many individuals and families from the villages in which the camp was held. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the beneficiaries, many of whom expressed their deep gratitude for the care and attention they received.
This medical camp was made possible by the participation of 38 esteemed healthcare professionals and 42 enthusiastic volunteers from the United Kingdom. Their selfless service and commitment to providing quality healthcare to those in need have been truly inspiring. The camp was led by Dr Arul Srinivasan, Region 3 President, whose exceptional leadership ensured the seamless execution of the camp. We were also privileged to have Dr Upadhyay with us, not only participating in the camp, but also providing his support, invaluable guidance and mentorship.
I take this opportunity to thank each one that was involved in the planning and execution of this camp for their dedication and hard work. I also would like to appreciate the unwavering support of our devotees, whose prayers and encouragement have been instrumental in the success of this initiative.
We will be issuing an exclusive publication on the UK medical camp, which will include photos and articles of the personal experiences of the healthcare professionals and the volunteers. Please keep a look out!
The auspicious day of Guru Poornima on Sunday 21st July was marked across the UK with great devotion and enthusiasm. The celebrations were filled with heartfelt prayers, inspiring bhajans, and a deep sense of unity and devotion as an offering to our beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
I was blessed to be in Prasanthi Nilayam for the above activities and for the Guru Poornima celebrations. Collective prayers on behalf of all UK devotees were offered at the Divine Lotus feet.
In the spirit of transparency and in accordance with our commitment to maintain the highest standards of governance, I wish to inform you about an important organisational and administrative change. The Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK has undergone a restructure, and all the assets of that Organisation were transferred to the new, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation United Kingdom CIO (charitable incorporated organisation) on the auspicious day of Guru Poornima itself. More information about this can be found below.
We sincerely thank Swami for his continued guidance and blessings and pray for His Grace to be upon one and all.
Lovingly, in Sai service,
Pratap Thakkar
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| New charity operationally active |
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| A new dawn for our Organisation |
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As communicated previously, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation United Kingdom CIO was formally registered in April 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 structure of the previous, unincorporated Organisation was not fit for purpose. Various legal structures were considered, and the CIO option was considered the most suitable.
Following the completion of several legal formalities, as of 21st July, the auspicious occasion of Guru Poornima, the CIO assumed full operational responsibility for all our activities. Furthermore, all assets previously belonging to the unincorporated Organisation and its affiliated Centres and Groups now belong to the CIO; and all consents received for use of personal data have been transferred to the CIO.
(A notice on this matter addressed to subscribers of our publications is provided at the end of this issue.)
We assure all our members and subscribers that privacy remains a top priority, and all their data will be handled with the same level of care and confidentiality by the CIO.
As a UK-registered charity, the CIO is also registered for Gift Aid with HM Revenue & Customs, meaning that all donations made by UK taxpayers, whether to cover major activities or simple everyday expenses, can be boosted by 25% simply by completing a Gift Aid form. (Please note that we do not receive financial support from any other charity or body.) For further information please contact finance@srisathyasai.org.uk.
This is a major milestone in the history of the Sai mission in the UK and marks the culmination of years of effort by several devotees in our Organisation. As we approach the Sri Sathya Sai Centenary, this change in our official status will raise our profile. Our new ability to receive donations in a tax effective manner means we will be able to do more.
We pray to Bhagawan to shower His choicest blessings upon His devotees in the United Kingdom, so that His mission may continue to go from strength to strength.
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| Keep your diaries free! |
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| Upcoming National events |
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Almost full!
- Dates: Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September (two days)
- Time: Saturday 8.30am – Sunday 4pm
- Venue: Soar Valley College, Gleneagles Avenue, Leicester LE4 7GY
The event promises to be a spiritually uplifting and thrilling experience, with guest speaker Dr Amey Deshpande (Prasanthi Bhajan Group).
The cost of attending the Retreat is £27.50 per person. Please note that the Retreat is not suitable for children under 14 years old.
Please complete the registration form by clicking on the button below.
Information on nearby hotels is available from your Centre/Group Presidents. Accommodation with local devotees is now full.
We look forward to welcoming you to the event!
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With the Grace of Bhagawan, we are delighted that we will be holding Sai Smaran Bhajans 2024, a wonderful event of singing His Divine Name. A day filled by singing, listening, remembering and contemplating on His Glory and Majesty. We are also very fortunate that Brother Amey Deshpande from the Prasanthi Mandir Bhajan Group will be joining us on the day.
- Date: Saturday 14th September
- Time: 10am – 4.30pm
- Venue: Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, Swindon, SN4 7HG
Please register to attend via the link below.
We look forward to seeing you on the day.
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| Serving remote villages around Puttaparthi |
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| UK Medical Camp: 15th-17th July |
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Thanks to the generosity of our devotees and the team of medics and general volunteers, a successful medical camp was carried out in three remote villages, each roughly one hour's drive from the abode of peace that is Prasanthi Nilayam, India.
The medical camp was conducted to serve remote villagers who do not have access to medical treatment, to provide meals on each day of the camp to all villagers and volunteers and to provide stationery packs to school children.
A special publication will be issued soon to capture fuller details of the camp. For now, here is a summary:
- 38 healthcare professionals
- 42 general volunteers (youngest being 12 years old)
- 1,511 patients seen over 3 days
- 2,015 items of medicines given out (not including the painkillers given directly by medics)
- Unused medicines donated to the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital
- 170 referrals made for patients to be seen by the General Hospital or other medical institutions
- 98 prescription glasses ordered
- 74 reading glasses handed out
- 1,000 meals prepared each day
- Breakfast for 200 served outside the Super Speciality Hospital
- 1,000 stationery packs given to schoolchildren
- 50 walking sticks given out
- Sarees and dhotis given to the villagers who cooked the meals
Swami, thank you for giving us this opportunity to serve and making it a blissful time for all of those involved.
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| Landmark Sri Sathya Sai Prema Tharu event |
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| Miyawaki Forest, Bedford: sign unveiling ceremony |
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In February, volunteers of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation United Kingdom planted their first Miyawaki forest in Jubilee Park, Bedford, Region 3 and made a commitment to maintain this mini “Sai” forest.
Devotees from Regions 2, 3 and 4 gathered on a beautiful summer's day on 2nd August to maintain the forest and witness the unveiling of a sign bearing our Organisation's logo and Swami's quote. The event was graced by His Majesty's Deputy Lord Lieutenant Rod Calvert OBE DL, Councillor John Wheeler, Speaker of Bedford Borough Council and Councillor Mohammad Yasin, as well some senior members of the Organisation. They officially unveiled the Miyawaki Forest, planted by our devotees, and participated in maintenance activities at the site. This day marked a historic moment as we revealed a sign for the mini forest, featuring Swami's name and an inspirational quote about the environment.
The event will, already, have created ripple effects in spreading Swami's message to the wider public.
The day ran from 10am to 3pm, with teas and coffees served on arrival and lunch at 12.30pm.
It was heartwarming to see 40 adults, Young Adults, and some Bal Vikas students attend and work together on the maintenance. By the grace of our dearest Lord Sai, the day proceeded smoothly. We express our heartfelt gratitude to our Lord Sai for giving us the opportunity to serve the planet.
We also extend our thanks to the dignitaries, Joe Roberts representing the Forest of Marston Vale, Tristan from Bedford Borough Council, and all our devotees for their time, support, effort, and hard work in making this day possible.
We must remember that not a blade of grass moves without the will of the Divine.
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| Detailed account from UK Young Adults |
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| Global Young Adults Conference: July 2024 |
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Serve the whole world. Understand the truth that you are born to serve society. It is not government service. It is the service of mankind. Do not lead a selfish life amassing wealth. Do not be satisfied by filling your own belly; understand that there are millions in this world, who are hungry and suffering. Your life will be sanctified only when you help the poor, the sick, and the downtrodden. That is true spirituality.
(Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 32, Ch. 27, 18th November 1999, Inauguration of 2nd World Youth Conference)
“Reconnect! Recharge! Rejoice!”
This was the theme of the fifth iteration of the World Youth Conference held in Prasanthi Nilayam since the inaugural event in 1997. Over the course of three days, more than 2,000 YAs (Young Adults) from 21 countries across the globe gathered in Prasanthi to partake in a variety of spiritual activities such as yoga, scenic walks, inspiring talks, satsangs, Vedam chanting, bhajan singing, dramas, musical performances and even a cricket match.
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Day 1:
The conference began with the opening ceremony held in the Sai Kulwant Hall. 108 YAs led a Vedam procession through the hall, their chanting filling the air with a sense of divine energy. After the lighting of the sacred lamp, delegates representing each of the 21 countries led a flag procession, representing the diversity of the conference.
The delegates were then addressed by the conference Chair. He explained how the seeds of this gathering had been planted more than 6 months earlier by a core group of YAs who, through over 450 online meetings, had planned every minute detail including: designing gratitude boards for delegates to write personal messages to Swami during the conference; procuring supplies for the Sai Kulwant Hall decorations (which included printing 72 banners with quotes from all 21 nationalities to be displayed in the Sai Kulwant Hall); creating a seamless registration system for the delegates (the first digital-led conference); live-streaming the entire event (another conference first); and coordinating the various YA offerings (Vedam chanting, musical offering, drama, talks). This was a conference “for the YAs, by the YAs.” The session concluded with multi-faith prayers, speeches by Mr SS Naganand and Mr Nimish Pandya and beautiful bhajans led by the YA delegates.
After a short coffee break, the delegates attended a series of talks on the theme of “Reconnect in Sai love” from officials of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council and Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust Trustees. Their narration of their experiences with Swami was so genuine and personal, that those present felt as though they themselves had shared the same interactions.
The afternoon proceeded with the YAs being afforded the chance to attend concurrent sessions: the iSaiE talks or spiritual workshops. For those uninitiated in the concept of an iSaiE talk, this was a platform for the YA delegates to share the evolution of their relationships with Swami through humorous yet inspiring anecdotes - “you are a collage of everything, you witness everyone you meet, and everything you see.”
The evening programme commenced with a heartfelt address from one of the YAs, followed by a drama written and performed by the YAs titled “Moko Kahan Dhunde Re Banda.” The play contrasted the lives of two brothers: one who pursued a material life; the other who sought spiritual fulfilment. It touched on the themes of realising one’s own divinity and the need to awaken one’s spirituality: an apt story given the conference's “reconnect” theme.
To round off the day, the Prasanthi Mandir Group hosted an interactive satsang titled “Sai Bhajanamrutham,” spending the evening melodically singing about various life lessons beautifully taught by Swami and highlighting how bhajans are a highway to unite one's material and spiritual journeys.
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Day 2:
The second day of the conference started with the same intensity as the first (or at least for those who could stomach a 5am start). Delegates had the opportunity to awaken their bodies and minds, whether through the practice of yoga, Qi Gong (an ancient Chinese form of balancing energy), or a scenic walk to the Hanuman statue - all before sunrise.
The morning session then proceeded with inspiring talks, including from Mr TS Balaramchandran, whose talk on reconnecting with Swami through simple steps reminded everyone of the power of a simple prayer.
After another inspiring afternoon hearing from their peers in the iSaiE talks, the YAs were fortunate to attend an evening darshan laced with a spectacular blend of wisdom and music. The Chair of Zone 9, Mr Subri Naidoo, known for his energetic speeches, gave the YAs invaluable advice on how they should inculcate Swami’s teachings in shaping not just themselves, but the future of the larger society. As they sat absorbing his motivational words, the delegates were treated to an enchanting musical performance from the talented Miss Menuka Poudal, accompanied by the Prasanthi Bhajan Group. The purity and sincerity of her singing punctuated the hearts of everyone in the hall – including the hanging conference theme displays that swayed from side to side as she delivered dear and familiar songs.
As the day drew to a close, the delegates attended a heart-to-heart session with Mr RJ Rathnakar and Mr Nimish Pandya. They playfully engaged with the YAs, answering their questions with unique insight and sharing their personal experiences, reminding everyone that their goal in life should simply be to realise their own latent divinity.
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Day 3:
The final day of the conference had arrived and it was evident that though the delegates had been kept active over the previous two days, they were recharged and ready to soak in the final moments of the convention.
The morning began with a rousing speech from a fellow YA, leaving an imprint on those in attendance. She encouraged them to go forth and make a positive impact in their respective Sai centres, countries and society at large, using the skills developed from the conference, and reminded everyone that, despite being separated by oceans, they were all connected by their love for the Divine Lord.
Her talk was then followed by a guest speaker, none other than the famous Indian cricketer Murali Kartik! He talked about cricket being a unique sport that fostered a sense of unity amongst its players and how he had learned so many life lessons from the game - like Swami has said, “Life is a game, play it.”
The morning programme then proceeded to the much anticipated event the delegates had been waiting for: the inaugural Unity Cup cricket match. This event marked the commencement of a national cricket tournament which, over the course of the coming year, will pit different states in India against each other. The match was played by Bharat XI (delegates residing in India) vs. Global XI (delegates residing in countries other than India). Despite posting a respectable 97 runs after 15 overs, the Global team were eventually overrun by their opponents. However, the purpose of showing unity was demonstrated by all those on the field and the players received a standing ovation, alongside certificates and medals from Mr RJ Rathnakar.
As the conference drew to a close, the delegates gathered in the Sai Kulwant Hall to listen to the closing remarks. They were reminded that, despite there being 3 Rs in the conference theme, there was a fourth, very important R, with which all the delegates needed to return home: Reflection, for this is where transformation truly happens. They then heard from the Chairman of the Global Council (Mr K Chakravarthy), who commended the YAs for having made a serious study of Swami’s teachings over the three days, whilst also reminding them about the power of unity in service, which they had all demonstrated as part of the preparations and during the conference.
The co-chair of the GYAC then read out the conference resolutions:
1) Transformation of the self: All the delegates should take forward the global campaign of self-transformation in whichever form that they can, let it be personal sadhana or work in the Sai Organisation.
2) Group-level unity: Despite coming from different countries, the Sai Youth are part of one global Sai Young Adults group and they should use Swami’s centenary celebrations as an opportunity to take up various initiatives.
3) Societal level: The Sai Young Adults should imbibe Swami’s teachings in their lives, such that they become His messengers in the truest sense. The moment they become His messengers, the YAs will be able to inspire other YAs: not by preaching, but by practising.
Mr Nimish Pandya then delivered the concluding remarks, where he reminded all the YAs to be ready at each moment in life. They should never be presumptuous about time and they should have the attitude of completing what needs to be done today, today - for there is no tomorrow. He finished by reflecting on the real test of happiness and joy, which can be inferred from how balanced a person is. He advised everyone to maintain their poise in life, for the real test of a devotee is that they are balanced no matter whether they are angry or sad.
The final piece of the evening concluded with a beautiful music programme, titled “Sai Swaram,” offered by the YAs, with joy and clapping filling the Sai Kulwant Hall. It was indeed a wonderfully orchestrated musical offering, concluding with a qawali that recharged everyone’s energy in the hall. To add to the sense of unity, during the final song, the YAs held up heart-shaped cards (given to them in their registration packs), on one side of which they had written personal messages and, on the other, it said “Love you Swami.”
The conference ended with Swami’s divine discourse, where He reminded the YAs that faith in God is essential and that service will lead them to devotion.
After what had been an eventful three days with memories and friendships created, the Sai YAs left Prasanthi Nilayam having successfully Reconnected, Recharged and Rejoiced in Sai Love!
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Region 1 (London South East & South West)
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The Region 1 Guru Poornima celebrations were hosted by Bromley Sai Centre on Sunday 13th July. The programme started with young Bal Vikas children from Bromley, Lewisham and Merton Sai Centres joining together to confidently recite the Guru stotram, followed by a delightful play depicting the early life of our beloved Swami.
Music filled the hall with beautiful vibrations in the form of a qawali and other classical pieces. A highlight was a most inspiring talk from Dr Nikhila Pandya, encouraging us to connect with our Lord by: looking at His photos for His Darshan; writing mantras like "Om Sai Ram"; and chanting His glory.
After a beautiful aarti at the sparkling blue and silver altar, we enjoyed a lovely Maha Prashadam.
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On 21st July, Wimbledon Sai Centre joyously celebrated Guru Poornima. The event was marked by a vibrant children’s bhajan, filling the air with devotion and melody. A highlight was the awarding of SSE (Sai Spiritual Education) certificates to all the children who had attended Bal Vikas classes throughout the year. Additionally, a special graduation ceremony was held for children who had completed Group 3 Project 2. The programme also featured inspiring speeches and spiritual readings by our esteemed Gurus. The day culminated with the sacred aarti for Swami.
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Wimbledon Sai Centre hosted an Age Link Tea Party on Saturday 27th July. It was a fabulous event, with entertainment by the children. Tasty food and soft drinks with tea and coffee were served and enjoyed by all the guests. Their favourite game, bingo, also went well, with gifts to all the winners. In addition, a quiz was held. The event concluded with dancing by the guests to their beloved tunes of yesteryear.
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Tooting Sai Centre distributed 93 hot meals, 102 fruit bags, and 120 water bottles to the homeless in Central London on 29th July.
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Region 2 (London North West and nearby Home Counties)
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Harrow West Sai Centre marked Guru Poornima on 21st July, starting with paying obeisance to Ganesha, followed by Nagar Sankeertan. The centre’s members, from the youngest to the elderly, paraded in unison by singing bhajans as they marched. The county of Hertfordshire was sanctified with Namasmaran and became a replica of Prasanthi Nilayam. As Swami’s palanquin was brought into the bhajan hall, mantras echoed in vibration. Swami’s Ashtotram and the Guru Paduka Stotram were recited by all the members. The energised hall concluded with bhajans and a short skit performed by the Bal Vikas children having a conversation about the significance of Guru Poornima. Swami’s presence was felt throughout the afternoon.
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Slough Sai Centre had their monthly Narayan Seva event. Two of our Bal Vikas (SSE) children, Arjun and Madhav, carried out this service activity as a part of their Bal Vikas Group 3 project. The SSE children prepared food for 40 people with the assistance of our Service Coordinator, Sister Ramita, and they packed hot food, snacks and confectionery items, which were taken to a homeless shelter. The shelter manager was very appreciative of the kind gesture undertaken by our children.
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Greenford Sai Centre celebrated Guru Poornima in the 99th year of Swami's advent with passion, offering to Swami a centre-wide rendition of the beautiful Guru Paduka Stotram, created by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, of whom our Swami has often spoken. The bhajan singers also offered an energetic Guru medley and there was a talk by one of the Young Adults on the importance of the Guru.
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Greenford Sai Centre offered bhajans at the Neem Tree Care Home in Greenford, attended by around 20 residents. It is always wonderful to see the joy on the faces of the elderly residents as they serenely enjoy the bhajans and spiritual vibrations.
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Thank you to all devotees nationally who contributed to the Region 2 Summer 2024 seva with our partner charity, TEECH. In total, over two tons of food were packed into approximately 150 family-size boxes. These will be distributed to needy villagers in rural Moldova and local schools will receive the stationery and play items. Excess food items will be donated to the local Ukrainian Refugee Centre. This seva is not possible without the generous hearts of devotees, TEECH staff and the kind folks at UCH Logistics who wholeheartedly give up warehouse space to store the contributions. Our next seva with TEECH will take place around November/December and will also involve the making of Christmas shoeboxes.
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Guru Poornima was celebrated at Wembley Sai Centre on Thursday 25th July with a very lively bhajan session, followed by a short talk, 'Getting Closer to Guru,' offered by Brother Himanshu Vora. We concluded with mangala aarti and a Mahaprashadam buffet meal.
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With the Grace of Swami, Guru Poornima was celebrated on Saturday 27th July at Alperton Sai Centre, with gratitude offerings to our Sadguru Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Celebrations started with Paduka Pooja and Guru bhajans. 36 devotees attended the celebrations.
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Region 3 (London North, East & Central and nearby Home Counties)
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Region 3's Guru Poornima celebrations were held at Hariben Bachubhai Nagrecha Hall on 21st July. The programme started with the Bal Vikas children offering roses to Swami’s padukas. Following a welcome address by the Region 3 President, Sister Arul, and opening prayers and Veda, there was a talk by Myron Gordon, a young Bal Vikas student, before a Sai paduka pooja. This was conducted by Brother Vickneswaren Krishnan, with archana performed by all devotees. Afterwards, Guru bhajans were led by the Young Adults, before aarti and lunch. Approximately 120 devotees attended and enjoyed the celebrations, with excellent feedback received.
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Bedford Sai Centre celebrated Guru Poornima with a hawan, followed by bhajans and Maha Prashadam. Items were also collected for the local food bank. There were 20 devotees in attendance.
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Chelmsford Sai Centre celebrated Guru Poornima, hosted by Sister Roopa’s family, and had a family picnic and Sports Day at Pollards Sports Field on 21st July. The Guru Poornima bhajans commenced with prayers, followed by Guru bhajans. The Young Adults and Bal Vikas children offered their gratitude to their Gurus and the celebrations concluded with closing prayers and aarti. We then went to the park for fun and games, with lots of yummy food, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. We thank Swami for blessing us with these auspicious celebrations.
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Leicester Central Sai Centre's Sports Day united the entire Centre for a day of fun and games. We enjoyed activities like a potato-and-spoon race, skipping races, football, and rounders. Despite the rain cutting our games short, we continued the festivities with delicious prashadam, including fruit smoothies, noodles, and ice cream, all prepared by our wonderful service team.
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On Saturday 6th July, Narborough Sai Centre had the blessed opportunity to do Seva by taking elderly guests on a day out to Blaby Village Hall. The day was filled with various activities, such as bhajans and qawalis, a general knowledge quiz, arts and crafts, bingo, as well as live Bollywood songs, Gujarati jokes, and antakshari. Our guests also enjoyed a delicious hot Gujarati meal. A lot of smiles and laughter could be seen on the beaming faces of our guests throughout the day. They really enjoyed the opportunity to make flowers from tissue paper, and sing aloud during the bhajans and songs, and they relished the feeling of involvement and achievement. The guests and the volunteers left the hall with smiles on their faces and happiness in their hearts.
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Rugby Sai Centre's annual Global Service Day offering was catered to our guests from local care homes and the Indian and Punjabi communities. The guests were seated and served refreshments of tea, coffee, juice, and biscuits. Ian and Yashmin were our MCs for the day. The event featured dance performances by the Bharatnatyam group, depicting the love and power of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Local Irish dancers, including children as young as three, showcased their hard work and talent. A scrumptious lunch and ice cream were followed by laughing yoga with Naginbhai, which everyone enjoyed. The day concluded with our Bal Vikas children presenting two unison songs, making it a most memorable day, thanks to our dear Swami.
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For this year's Global Service Day offering, Leicester Central Sai Centre returned to Bradgate Park on 13th July, gathering at Newtown Linford Village Hall with over 100 guests and volunteers. Upon arrival, guests enjoyed light refreshments before most of them headed to Bradgate Park with volunteers. Those who stayed behind were entertained by other volunteers. The day's activities included games and activities like Family Fortunes, flower arranging, and the ever-popular bingo, along with a singalong session. A delicious lunch was served to all, and everyone had a thoroughly wonderful day.
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Region 5 (North England and Northern Ireland)
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Devotees across Region 5 came together online for Tapovanam Parayan from 18th to 24th July, to listen to Swami’s miracles and learn about His childhood, His life and His service to humanity. Devotees felt as if they had been to Prasanthi Nilayam and back over the seven days. Everyone felt uplifted and revitalised – a perfect way to celebrate Guru Poornima! Readers took part from across the Region – including adults, young adults and our Bal Vikas children too.
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Guru Poornima was celebrated across Region 5 with bhajans and thanks offered to our beloved Sai Baba in Newcastle, Leeds, Bradford and the Northwest Sai Centres.
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Region 6 (South & South East England)
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The Region 6 Family Values Day was held on 14th July at Talavera Junior School, Aldershot. Families from Region 6 centres, along with Bal Vikas students, attended the event, totalling approximately 50 people. It began with short prayers, followed by a brief yoga session and a treasure hunt for the children. After a short refreshments break, the event continued with various sports activities including a lemon-on-spoon race, a three-legged race and tug of war, as well as other games. Lunch was served at noon, followed by more activities, including the 'Heart to Heart' event where children were blindfolded and tasked with placing a heart with Swami’s picture on a human figure. To conclude, the children offered five bhajans to Swami, followed by aarti. The day ended with ice cream, making for a memorable and enjoyable event.
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On 20th July, Tunbridge Wells Sai Group hosted a Region 6 Bal Vikas teacher training session on the Bhagavad Gita, led by brother Mahesh Narayan, renowned for his wealth of knowledge and storytelling. Approximately 35 participants attended this engaging workshop, including several online, each gaining a unique and enriching experience. The session entailed a presentation and interactive discussion on the Gita and Swami’s teachings on Bal Vikas. It was highly interactive, informative and enjoyable, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of the Gita and its application in daily life.
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In July, a total of 40 kilograms of items were collected and delivered by devotees of Farnborough Sai Centre to the local Trussell Trust food bank.
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On 5th July, Rochester Sai Centre supplied 30kg of goods to Maidstone Food Bank.
Additionally, the Centre has received a gratitude message from the Maidstone Homeless care and Medway Food Bank expressing their appreciation for the food bank service that we provide every month with Swami’s grace.
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On 6th July, Rochester Sai Centre commemorated Guru Poornima by reflecting on His teachings and legacy. We were honoured to have our Regional President, Sister Sushma, and Brother Krishna visit us on this special occasion. Sister Sushma delivered an inspiring discourse on Guru Poornima and graciously shared her personal experiences with Bhagawan as Guru. Brother Krishna mesmerised us with his soulful renditions of the bhajans ‘Sathya Sai Padambujam’ and ‘Arunachala Shiva’. The presence of our esteemed guests filled our hearts with gratitude and devotion for Swami. Approximately 40 people attended.
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On 12th July, a bhajan was conducted by Basingstoke Sai Group at the home of Harka & Tara Rai. The programme started with 108 names of swami, followed by bhajans and concluding with aarti. Roughly 19 people attended.
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On 13th July, a home bhajan was hosted by Brother Narayanan, Sister Jayashree and family for Tunbridge Wells Sai Group. The programme commenced with Vedam chanting, Vishnu Sahasranamam, followed by bhajans and concluding with aarti, with approximately 60 people attending.
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A home bhajan was held by Farnborough Sai Centre on the day of Guru Poornima, 21st July. The programme started with 108 names of Swami followed by 9 bhajans, aarti and dinner. 18 people attended.
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Guru Poornima bhajans were held on Sunday 21st July at the Carnival Hall Temple by Basingstoke Sai Group, attended by 15 people. The programme started with 108 names of Swami, followed by Guru stuthi and Guru bhajans, finishing with Bhagawan’s aarti.
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Tunbridge Wells Sai Group's annual Guru Poornima celebrations, along with Sports Day for the Bal Vikas children and adults, was held on 21st July. Approximately 80 people attended. After dividing everyone into 4 groups representing Sai values (Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema), the groups took part in various sports activities like the 3-legged running race, relay races with hula hoops, frog jumps and the tug of love on an enjoyable, sunny day. The programme ended with Guru Poornima bhajans with aarti.
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On 21st July, a home bhajan was graciously hosted for Rochester Sai Centre by Aunty Aruna, Uncle Bharat, Sister Dipti, and Brother Hiren to celebrate the occasion of Guru Poornima. Approximately 50 devotees attended. The session featured the chanting of invocation mantras, the complete Rudram (Namakam and Chamakam), and Sai bhajans. The gathering concluded with final mantras, mangala aarti, and prashadam. During the day, the devotees were honoured to receive blessings as Swami graciously left His visiting card: vibhuti on His paduka and His picture. All the devotees left feeling deeply blessed and joyous.
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On 28th July, a bhajan was conducted at the home of Sister Sunita & family by Farnborough Sai Centre. The bhajan programme started with Rudram chanting, followed by 9 bhajans and ending with mangala aarti and prashadam. 27 devotees attended.
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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 Friday at 8:30pm. As a Young Adults initiative, each week chapters are assigned to attendees to undertake the sadhana of reading and reflecting on our beloved Swami’s teachings. At the Friday 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 Cheltenham Sai Centre, 45kg of food and toiletry items were donated to Cheltenham Open Door, a charity that supports vulnerable, disadvantaged and lonely people in the community.
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Swindon Sai Group distributed 27 portions of yellow rice and potato curry to the charity Swindon Caring Hearts who provide basic essentials as well as friendly company and assistance to the homeless and other rough sleepers.
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Bath Sai Centre cooked food for approximately 30 people on 30th June and distributed it at Julian House, a local homeless charity.
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Aberdeen Sai Centre celebrated Guru Poornima with special bhajans at Sister Jayashree’s house on 21st July. More than 25 devotees attended the satsang, which was followed by delicious prashadam.
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While one of Aberdeen Sai Centre's Bal Vikas students, Shameeran, was away in Malaysia on a family holiday, he participated in the local Narayana Seva activity, preparing food for the needy. We are proud that our Bal Vikas students continue to put into practice the spirit of selfless service and follow Swami’s teachings wherever they are.
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During the last few months, Edinburgh Sai Centre have been collecting several items to donate to the charity Shelter Scotland. On 13th July, members of the Sai Centre visited a local Shelter Scotland charity shop and were able to provide four boxes of clothes, several board games, toys and electrical items - supporting those in need and practising Swami’s teaching of ‘Manava Seva is Madhava Seva’.
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Guru Poornima bhajans were also conducted at Edinburgh Sai Centre on 21st July. Over 15 devotees attended and contributed prashadam.
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Glasgow Sai Centre continued their weekly Sunday seva activity at a local soup kitchen called ‘The Wayside’. They also celebrated Guru Poornima with bhajans on 21st July.
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