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2016-17 Holiday Message from Dr. Narendranath Reddy

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Loving Sai Ram and Happy Holidays.

As the year 2016 draws to a close, it is time for us to celebrate many joyful and sacred moments that we enjoyed together. We look forward to a happy, holy and peaceful 2017, filled with divine love. We want to express our gratitude to the infinite, unconditional, pristine love that Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to shower on us, and for the opportunity to be part of His divine mission. On behalf of the Sri Sathya Sai International Organisation (SSSIO), we wish you a joyful and festive holiday season and a wonderful New Year filled with divine bliss. I want to personally thank you for your continued loving support and participation in the SSSIO.

In His divine discourse on 17th May 1968 at the First World Conference of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, Swami said “Following my instructions is enough. That will give you the summum bonum of life. It will give you more benefit than all austerities and penance (tapas).”

Let us remember and practise the following teachings of Lord Sai:

  1. To offer to God good deeds, pure heart, tears of devotion, and loving, selfless service which pleases Him the most.
  2. To always trust in Swami with one-pointed devotion and follow His command implicitly and completely.
  3. To practice forbearance (kshama) which is the noblest and grandest virtue. Forbearance is truth (sathya), right conduct (dharma), Nonviolence (ahimsa), and a source of joy.
  4. To remember that love is the source, love is the path, and love is the goal, and to always live in love.
  5. To realise that the same Atma exists in us and in all beings.

In His infinite grace, Baba gave us the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations to practice His message on Love and Selfless Service to realise our innate divinity. The SSSIO continued to spread His love and His message, and do His work in 2016, as highlighted below.

The momentous Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Festival was held in July 2016 on the theme, Love is the Source; Love is the Path; Love is the Goal. Around 3,000 Sri Sathya Sai Youth from 70 countries came together to reflect on their spiritual journey and share their experiences. The Serve The Planet (STP) programme initiated by the Sri Sathya Sai youth in 2013, continues to serve society through many service projects such as love for animals (2016), and love for nature (2017). 

The Sri Sathya Sai International Youth Leadership Programme (SSSIYLP) was launched in 2015 and since then 250 young adults from over 50 countries have graduated with enhanced leadership skills.

The SSSIO continued its ongoing Humanitarian Relief activities in various disaster-stricken areas in 2016, including Nepal, Fiji, Ecuador, Japan, Italy, Haiti, and Indonesia.

Sri Sathya Sai Global Health Mission: The SSSIO provided free healthcare to more than 223,000 needy patients through 510 medical camps, 31 medical clinics and several mobile clinics, in the last 12 months. In addition, cardiac, neurological and gynaecological surgery, dental and ophthalmology services, blood donations, bone marrow drives, telehealth and health education were provided.

Sri Sathya Sai Education is based on Bhagawan’s philosophy of education, giving equal importance to human values, character building, and academic achievements. Currently, 31 Institutes of Sri Sathya Sai Education (ISSSEs) and 44 Sri Sathya Sai Schools support these educational activities globally to bring transformation in the individual and the society.

A new Public Outreach Committee was formed in 2015 to share Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s message, love, and works, by intensifying programmes such as public meetings, interfaith events, walk for values, and community engagement. Your loving support and cooperation will ensure the success of these programmes to benefit local communities.

We made a humble offering at the divine lotus feet of Bhagawan with the publication of the 2015–2016 SSSIO Annual Report. The report showcases the beautiful and inspiring services performed by dedicated SSSIO volunteers. The document can be downloaded or viewed at Sathyasai.org which is updated and expanded regularly to provide information on SSSIO activities and Swami’s teachings.

New Initiatives for 2017

The following initiatives are designed to take the divine mission forward globally:

  • Sri Sathya Sai International Medical Conference on 2–3 September 2017 in Anaheim, California, USA on Sri Sathya Sai Ideal Healthcare and Sri Sathya Sai Global Health Mission.
  • Expansion of SSIYLP to include larger numbers of Sri Sathya Sai Youth around the world.
  • Expansion of public outreach programmes to all corners of the world.

Many of you worked tirelessly and lovingly on many fronts of the SSSIO as members and officers in zones, countries, committees and task forces.

Let us continue our efforts and move forward to new heights with steadfast devotion and dedication to our loving Lord Sri Sathya Sai.

Let us pray to Bhagawan to bless us to love and serve Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength till we reach the goal supreme.

Samastha Loka, Sukhino Bhavanthu! (May All the Worlds Be Happy)

Thank you.

Lovingly in the Service of Sai,

Narendranath Reddy, M.D.
Chairman, Prasanthi Council.