Pre-World Conference in Durban (South Africa)
The Pre World Conference for Zone 9A of the Sathya Sai International Organisation was held in Durban, South Africa during 4-6 September, 2015. The conference, themed “Love is the Source, Love is the Path, Love is the Goal” centered around Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s numerous discourses on love and selfless service.
More than 1,700 Sathya Sai devotees from South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland and Nigeria, as well as spiritual aspirants from various religions attended the three-day conference. Over 450 youth participated in all phases of the conference, including registration, study circles, hospitality, entertainment and food services. Conference speakers included senior SSIO officials from USA and Nigeria, and honoured guests from India.
After the inauguration ceremony, the National Council President of South Africa, Mrs. Savy Ramlall, welcomed everyone, and the inspiring, inaugural address by Dr. Narendranath Reddy, Chairman, Prasanthi Council, received a standing ovation. The Central Coordinator of South Africa, Mauritius and Botswana, Mr. Allan Reddy, urged SSIO members to follow the teachings of Bhagawan for the greater good of all.
The gathered audience then heard a mesmerising talk by Mrs. Geetha Ram, a long-standing devotee who grew up in close proximity to Bhagawan and shared many stories from her close relationship with Him. The Hon. Dr. Geeta Reddy, an eminent political leader from Andhra Pradesh, India related her wonderful experiences with Sri Sathya Sai Baba over many decades, which were both illuminating and inspiring.
During a panel discussion, Dr. Narendranath Reddy, Mrs. Geetha Ram and Dr. Geeta Reddy answered many questions from the audience that provided clarity on spiritual practices, in practical terms.
Sathya Sai youth of South Africa presented a wonderful, multimedia stage production, titled “I am I” which had several key messages for leading a life based on the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in present-day society.
The conference resolutions, presented by Dr. Lalini Reddy, Director of the Institute of Sathya Sai Education of South Africa, urged Sathya Sai devotees to focus on the mission of the SSIO and intensify their personal sadhana. Devotional songs of an exceptional calibre brought the exhilarating event to a close after three days of packed programmes for spiritual upliftment.