Tenth World Conference - Day 1
The Sathya Sai International Organisation (SSIO) is holding its 10th World Conference in Prasanthi Nilayam, during 25-27 November, 2015. About 900 delegates from more than 80 countries, including SSIO officers, administrators and Sathya Sai Youth have gathered to deliberate on the Conference theme: Love is the Source, Love is the Path and Love is the Goal.
The conference was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by the trustees and the secretary of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Chairmen of the Prasanthi Council and the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, and the Vice Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Narendranath Reddy, Chairman of Prasanthi Council, reminded all delegates of the good fortune to be a part of Sathya Sai’s divine mission. He elaborated on the conference theme and addressed the challenges faced in expressing divine love and how to overcome them. He drew attention to the 2014-2015 annual report of the Sathya Sai International Organisation which highlighted activities in 123 countries. He also mentioned the Conference book, Divine Nectar – a brilliant collection of Sathya Sai Baba’s discourses on a variety of topics.
In his address, Mr. S.S. Naganand, Trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust reiterated Sathya Sai Baba’s instructions to take the His message across the world and that the institutions set up by Baba were meant for the redemption of mankind. He added that the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and the SSIO will be working closely in serving overseas devotees in many areas.
The morning programme included three speakers who shared their personal journey of transformation through love. Dr. Phil Gosselin from USA urged all delegates to remember Swami’s words, which will allow us go beyond the distinctions of pilgrim, path and goal to Oneness. Judge Isabella Chu from Hong Kong shared her recent experiences which strengthened her faith in Swami’s omnipresence and guidance. The last speaker of the morning programme, Mr. Kevin Francis from Australia, candidly shared how Swami’s unconditional love brought about a personal transformation through the path of love and lead a purposeful life as an educator.
The talks were interspersed with two videos: a discourse by Bhagawan on love and an overview of SSIO activities around the world. The morning session concluded with a live music performance by devotees from the Dominican Republic.
Nine concurrent workshops were held during the two afternoon sessions of the first day to deliberate on various aspects of spirituality, ideal leadership, personal transformation and activities of the SSIO.