Published on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 1735 Hrs. IST

Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, India and Sri Sathya Sai Organisations from the Overseas countries have put up an exhibition in Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports, popularly called as the Indoor Stadium. The stalls are situated in the periphery of the stadium. Each State in India has a separate stall where they have showcased the activities of the Organisation. The pavilions start with Andhra Pradesh and continue in the alphabetical order. At the end of the exhibition, the overseas organisations have a single large pavilion exhibiting the activities of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations in different overseas countries. There is also a stage for artistes from different States of India to give the performance of their rich cultural heritage.

Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated Programme has its genesis from the infinite compassion of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba towards the poor, downtrodden, ignorant and innocent people living in the villages. On the auspicious day of Ugadi (Telugu New Year Day) 2007, Bhagawan announced the launch of a new service activity directed towards transformation of villages. After initiating and sustaining several service activities for the betterment of the poorer sections of the society, Bhagawan in His Ugadi message stressed the importance of holistic service activities directed towards village uplift. Bhagawan underscored the importance of an integrated approach to service for offering lasting and sustainable solutions to the various problems afflicting different sections of society.   

The Organisation in different States of India are undertaking varied activities in villages like teaching the rural children, giving them hygiene tips thereby helping them to lead a healthy life and giving them medical care with the help of trained doctors. The Seva Dals visit villages and educate them on scientific methods to be followed in agriculture which will help them to get better yield. They also construct schools and bus shelters. Every month Amruta Kalasams (food provisions) are distributed to households in villages, they provide the villagers with woollen blankets during winters, distribute Saris, Dhotis, Shirts and Trousers during different occasions. The Seva Dals also give sewing machines, conduct vocational training to village children, give them computer education, thereby helping them to earn their livelihood. The Seva Dals also hold competitions for village children like Cricket and Volleyball tournaments. They also construct temples and help them to celebrate different festivals and conduct Bhajans.

In addition, the Seva Dals of the organisation visit mosques during the Ramzan month and help the Muslim brothers by giving them refreshments towards the end of the day when they break their fast. The yeoman service of the Seva Dals does not stop with these activities. They go all out to the help of unfortunate brethren in times of calamities like floods, earthquakes, fire mishaps and train accidents. There have been many instances when the Seva Dals distributed food, clothes and constructed shelters for affected victims.

There is also a wing called Sri Sathya Sai Techno E-Media Group (Technology for Service) which uses reliable and proven technology for implementation in service activities. They apply such technology that is simple and cost effective in the services which are already being conducted.

The International Organisation is doing commendable service in Haiti, which was affected by a massive earthquake in January 2010. The temblor razed the buildings of the capital city Port-au-Prince. The volunteers also visit old age homes, leprosy centres, visit homes for patients affected by terminal illnesses and encourage them to lead meaningful lives. Please note that this is only a birds’ eye view of the activities conducted by the Overseas Organisation.

There are many, many such activities showcased in this exhibition which have not found mention in this report. A visit to this exhibition will be both educative and enlighten one to the noteworthy activities conducted by the different wings of the Sai Organisation in India and Overseas countries.