More than 200 Sri Sathya Sai Young Adults from over 70 countries, who attended the Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Festival, were chosen to serve the villages around Puttaparthi, reminiscent of the service done by the students from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) during Dussera, every year.
Sri R.J. Rathnakar Garu, Member, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust lovingly arranged and guided the young adults of the SSSIO to undertake Grama Seva in the villages that were not covered by the students every year. Swami’s prasadam thus reached an additional 12,000 people from 12 different villages.
We, the young adults, packed various items which were to be distributed in these villages, including dhotis, sarees, books, stationery, bhajan instruments, food items and Swami’s photo and vibhuti. During the preceding night, Bro. Saikrishna, from the SSSIHL, shared a short story. Once during Grama Seva, a lady invited the students into her house. As the students went inside they began to compliment the lady on how nice her house was. The lady lovingly stopped them and said that she had invited them not to show off her house or the way she lived. Rather, she wanted the students to sanctify her home with the dust on their feet, from Prasanthi Nilayam. Our hearts melted when we heard this story and we felt humbled to know that Swami had chosen His young adults for this sacred service.
The following morning, we left Prasanthi Nilayam at 8 AM. The whole event was flagged off by Dr. Narendranath Reddy, Chairman, Prasanthi Council and other senior members of the Sai fraternity. The Grama Seva was done exactly the way Swami’s students do it every year.
There was a festive atmosphere in all the villages as they welcomed us with village folk dances. There were bhajans rendered in the form of Nagarasankeertana, sanctifying every village where Swami’s prasadam was to be distributed. It truly felt like Swami was walking and talking with each and every one of us, with the radiant smiles of the villagers melting our hearts. This was truly love in action.
We went to every nook and corner of the villages and distributed Swami’s prasadam to every house and after the distribution also enjoyed the same prasadam in one of the villages. By Swami’s grace, 12,000 people were served by over 200 international Sri Sathya Sai Young Adults and 100 sevadals.