National President's Welcome |
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Sai Ram dear devotees I pray that you and your families are all keeping safe and well. This edition of Love & Light brings you an update from the National Office Bearers and Active Workers Conference that took place on 4th February in Bushey. The theme of the Conference was “Journey to Sai – Transformation through the Organisation” and the programme started with an appropriate discourse from Bhagawan on the importance of the Organisation and how it can benefit each one of us. We were truly honoured to have with us our Zonal Chair, Brother Philipp von Dietlein, who formally opened the Conference and also introduced Brothers Ketan Gokani and Shitu Chudasama in their new roles as joint Zone 6 Central Coordinators. We have an exciting year ahead of us. We had the good fortune of our having the presence of our chief guest, Brother Suresh Menon, Zonal Chair for Zones 8 and 9 and also the Chairman of the International Centre Leaders Conference Committee. The Conference is open to all office bearers currently in post and registration closes on 30th March, so please kindly ensure you register at the earliest. We also were very fortunate to have our guest speaker, Brother SS Naganand, Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust in Prasanthi Nilayam, sharing with us his thoughts on the role of the Organisation. As you are aware, we also have our planned pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam from 31st July to 6th August, where we as a nation will have the opportunity to place various offerings at the Divine Lotus Feet of our beloved Lord Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The invitation is open to all devotees and please kindly ensure you register before the deadline. The Conference was an opportunity for us to dedicate ourselves to Swami in His mission and at the same time step forward in undergoing the journey of our self-transformation. It was also a reminder as to how the Organisation provides us that opportunity not only to learn His teachings, but also to come together to learn how we can put those teachings into practice in an endeavour to achieve our spiritual goal, which is to realise the divinity inherent within us.
As I conclude I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the past office bearers across the country who stepped down from their roles on 14th January for their hard work, dedication and selfless service to the Organisation.
We have Maha Shivaratri celebrations happening across the country and you will find details further below. We pray that Swami continues to shower His love and grace upon everyone and keep us at His Divine Lotus Feet.
Lovingly, in Sai service, Pratap Thakkar
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With the Divine Grace of Bhagawan, on 23rd November the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council announced that the Centre Leaders Conference will be held on 4th & 5th July. The theme of the conference is “Practise & Inspire” and it is expected to be an amazing congregation of centre leaders & senior members from countries across the globe. The conference is open to Centre Presidents and all Wing Coordinators so please encourage your committee members to attend. The event will include talks, workshops, research and resolutions, and much more is currently being planned. Zone 6, of which the UK is a part, has been given the privilege of organising the opening ceremony. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and be part of this conference. Please kindly register via the link below. Last date for registration is 30th March. |
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We invite all devotees to join this sacred pilgrimage, ‘Journey to Sai,’ and offer our obeisance to our Beloved Bhagawan. The pilgrimage will take place from 31st July to 6th August, but we kindly request that you arrive between 29th and 30th July to enable us to secure appropriate accommodation for you. Having held our inaugural sadhana meeting on 28th January, the next set of meetings will be taking place at a Regional level within the next month. All are welcome to attend, even if they are not planning on joining the Pilgrimage; we do request that all would-be pilgrims consider such meetings to be mandatory, even if currently undecided, so as to start fostering the group identity. Dates are:
- Saturday 25th February: Regions 1 and 5
- Saturday 4th March: Regions 2, 3, 4 and 6
- Sunday 5th March: Region 7
We are pleased to announce that formal registration for the pilgrimage is now open and invite all devotees to kindly register if they wish to join. Please note that registration for Bal Vikas children and their parents will close on 5th March and for all other devotees registration will close on 30th April. We kindly request that you do not delay your registration and complete the form as early as possible. Please fill in the form separately for each person. |
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Inspiring start to the new year |
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National Office Bearers and Active Workers Conference 2023 |
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Around 250 devotees from across the United Kingdom came together to participate in the 2023 National Office Bearers and Active Workers Conference, held under the theme ‘Journey to Sai - Transformation through the Organisation.’ Brother Philipp von Dietlein, President of Zone 6 of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council, addressed the gathering in what he explained was his favourite orange-coloured jumper. Relating his own experience of transformation at the age of eighteen, when he escaped unscathed from a disastrous car accident, enveloped in a strange orange light, Brother Philipp explained his firm commitment to serving in the Sai Organisation due to his gratitude for Bhagawan’s ever-present grace and protection. On the theme of the conference, Brother Philipp shared that the power of the Organisation is its people and that by taking Bhagawan’s life as an example, we could be inspired, practise and inspire others. Brother Philipp concluded with a plea that devotees across the UK redouble their efforts, put into practice the nectarine teachings of the Lord, and inspire others. The UK National President, Brother Pratap Thakkar, took great joy in introducing the members of the UK National Team, in a spirit of humility and togetherness. In turn, these leaders of each Wing of the Organisation later introduced the members of their team, coming from each region of the United Kingdom.
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A video highlighting the activities and events of 2022 conveyed the depth and breadth of work undertaken by the Organisation, including thrilling images and messages from Syria and Ukraine, where offerings such as medical supplies, footwear and dignity bags had been received with gratitude. Devotees were heartened to know that 19 tonnes of provisions was donated to food banks, more than 8500 meals were given to the needy, and 1500 trees were planted by members of the Organisation in 2022, amongst many other achievements.
Brother Suresh Menon, the President of Zones 8 and 9, and also the Chairman of the International Centre Leaders Conference Committee, while conveying his deep desire that each of us fosters our connection with the holy ground of Prasanthi Nilayam, personally invited all to join the Conference taking place on 4th and 5th July in Prasanthi Nilayam. The afternoon session included breakout workshops to allow for useful discussions amongst Centre Presidents, members of the Service, Spiritual, Bal Vikas (SSE) and Young Adults Wings. A summary of these discussions was presented to the conference delegates, before a beautiful musical programme and bhajans. A highlight of the day was a video message delivered by Brother SS Naganand, a Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. Drawing our attention to our good fortune in being chosen to serve in Bhagawan’s work, Brother Naganand shared his hope that all office bearers and active workers of the United Kingdom dig deep into the words and writings of the Lord, draw from His teachings the inspiration to sanctify our lives, and face all obstacles in a spirit of unity and understanding. The day’s proceedings concluded with the singing of bhajans and offering of Mangala Aarti. |
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Offerings from SSSO UK devotees for those less fortunate this winter |
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Service activity for "The Passage" |
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Thank you very much to all devotees who brought the offerings listed below to the National Christmas Celebrations and this month's National Conference for “The Passage” - a charity that strives to end homelessness.
- 53 winter coats
- 9 fleeced tops
- 143 pairs of gloves
- 85 pairs of men's underpants
- 74 pairs of ladies' underwear
- 656 pairs of socks
- 184 woolly hats
- 39 jumpers
- 18 woollen scarves
- 31 towels
- 16 cans of shaving foam
- 11 travel mugs
- 65 scarves
- 27 hooded sweatshirts
- 46 diaries
- 132 pencils
- 228 pens
- 1 pair shoes
- 7 T-shirts
- 66 shaving razors
- 48 water bottles
- 10 joggers
- 6 chute headbands
- 1 pair of tights
- 10 jackets
- 23 hooded tops
- 1 gilet
- 25 neck warmers
- 2 blankets
- 12 toys
- 22 assorted baby clothes
- 120kg of biscuits, coffee, tea and cookies
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Announcing the theme for the year |
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National Coordinated Activity and Competition |
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As per the annual custom, the National Bal Vikas (SSE) Wing has launched its National Coordinated Activity, as well as the Poster and Poem Competition, to start the official countdown to National Easwaramma Day in May.
- The theme for the year is the same as that of the National Pilgrimage: Journey to Sai.
- The activity is based on the spiritual diaries and is a playful way to track and improve our sadhana.
- The competition deadline for all poster and poem entries is Sunday 12th March.
Please either contact your Regional Bal Vikas Coordinator or use the email link below if you need more information. Good luck! |
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Region 1 (London South East & South West) |
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Every Wednesday, the devotees of Merton Sai Centre cook meals for eleven needy people and six helpers. |
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Wimbledon Sai Centre celebrated Thai Pongal on 15th January, marking the traditional harvest festival with a pot of sweet rice. |
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Tooting Sai Centre served 115 meals of rice and vegetarian mince curry, 82 bags of fruit and water, along with tea and coffee, to the homeless in central London.
Other upcoming event:
- Regional Office Bearers Conference and Pilgrimage Sadhana Meeting
- Saturday 25th February, 10am-4.30pm, at Sai Mandir, 131-133 Effra Road, London SW19 8PU
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Region 2 (London North West and nearby Home Counties) |
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Members from Heston Sai Centre travelled on Saturday 10th December to Spernal Hall Farm, near Warwickshire, to undertake some environmental service. The volunteers were all busy planting trees, which is mostly done in winter for the benefit of the trees. Together with the other volunteers there that day, around 850 trees were planted.
Other upcoming event:
- Regional Office Bearers Conference and Pilgrimage Sadhana Meeting
- Saturday 4th March, 10am-1pm, at Oxhey Wood Primary School, Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford WD19 7SL
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Region 3 (London North, East & Central and nearby Home Counties)
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Cambridge Sai Centre celebrated its 4th anniversary on Saturday 21st January. It was attended by 18 devotees, including 4 Bal Vikas children. As it coincided with the change in office bearers, the vow was taken by the office bearers for 2023. Swami's presence was deeply felt during the bhajan singing. |
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On 15th January, Mill Hill Sai Centre celebrated the harvest festival of Pongal, Sankranthi and Lohri. There were around 120 devotees in attendance and they were treated to a delightful performance by the Group 1 Bal Vikas students, who explained the significance and importance of all the celebrations. It was heartening to see so many of the young children being brave enough to stand up in front of a large crowd and speak so committedly. There was also an enchanting musical programme by Sisters Sindhuja and Sravika Nadella, Sister Sathya and by Brother Abhishek, in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, which delighted the devotees. |
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Mill Hill Sai Centre also celebrated Swami Vivekananda Jayanti on 22nd January. The Group 3 Year 1 & 2 Bal Vikas students gave a beautifully explained and colourful presentation to around 100 devotees who were present for bhajans to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
Other upcoming events:
- Regional Pilgrimage Sadhana Meeting
- Saturday 4 March, 10-11.30am, via Zoom
- Thurrock Sai Centre
- Sunday 12th February, 10.45am-1pm: Maha Shivaratri programme at Bulphan Village Hall, Church Road, Bulphan, Upminster RM14 3RU
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On Saturday 28th January, a dental clinic was organised by Leicester Central Sai Centre with Dr Girishbhai Kunigiri, a consultant psychiatrist. A total of 13 guests from The Bridge Leicester (homeless shelter) were seen during the day and were treated at Doncaster Road Dental Practice.
Upcoming events:
- Regional Conference and Pilgrimage Sadhana Meeting
- Saturday 4th March, 11am-4pm, at Broadway Academy, The Broadway, Perry Barr, Birmingham B20 3DP
- Leicester Central Sai Centre
- Saturday 18th February, 6pm - Sunday 19th February, 6am: Maha Shivaratri programme at Shree Wanza Community Hall, Pasture Lane, Leicester LE1 4EY
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Region 5 (North England and Northern Ireland)
Upcoming events:
- Regional Conference and Pilgrimage Sadhana Meeting
- Saturday 25th March, 11am-3pm, at 252 Legrams Lane, Bradford BD7 2HR
- Bolton Sai Centre, Greater Manchester Sai Centre and Warrington Sai Group
- Saturday 18th February, 7-10pm: Maha Shivaratri bhajans at The Place, Platt Lane, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 7FB
- Bradford Sai Centre
- Saturday 18th February, 7.30-10pm: Maha Shivaratri bhajans at 252 Legrams Lane, Bradford BD7 2HR
- Leeds Sai Centre
- Saturday 18th February, 5-7.30pm: Maha Shivaratri bhajans at The Old Stables Hall, Back Church Lane, Adel, Leeds LS16 8DW
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Region 6 (South & South East England)
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As part of their monthly service, food items worth £201.50 were donated by Rochester Sai Centre members to the Medway food bank.
Upcoming events:
- Regional Office Bearers Conference and Pilgrimage Sadhana Meeting
- Saturday 4th March, 11am-4pm, at Shiva Cultural & Community Centre, Queen's Road, Aldershot, GU11 3JE
- Farnborough Sai Centre
- Saturday 18th February, 8.30am: Ekadashi Rudram and Abhishekam at Shiva Cultural & Community Centre
- Saturday 18th February, 8pm to Sunday 19th February, 6pm: Maha Shivaratri bhajans at Shiva Cultural & Community Centre
- Tunbridge Wells Sai Group
- Saturday 18th February, 5.30pm: Maha Shivaratri celebrations at Southborough Civic Centre, 137 London Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 0NA
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Region 7 (West & South West England and Wales)
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Approximately 150 baby shirts, 200 nappies and 50 flat sheets were hand sewn by Region 7 ladies. They were originally made for the babies in Nepal, but due to COVID they could not be delivered there. With Swami’s grace, they have now been donated to various families and baby clinics in Gujarat, India. |
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Bath Sai Group rang in the New Year with melodious bhajans and a special Aarti for Swami.
Other upcoming event:
- Regional Office Bearers Conference and Pilgrimage Sadhana Meeting
- Sunday 5th March (time TBC), at Claverton Down Community Hall, Claverton Down Road, Bath BA2 6DT
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Region 8 (Scotland)
Upcoming events:
- Aberdeen Sai Centre
- Saturday 18th February, 5-8pm: Maha Shivaratri bhajans at 85 Rosewell Park, Aberdeen AB15 6HT
- Edinburgh Sai Centre
- Saturday 18th February, 6.45-8pm: Maha Shivaratri bhajans at 2 Granton Road, Edinburgh EH5 3QH
- Glasgow Sai Centre
- Saturday 18th February, 6pm-12am: Maha Shivaratri bhajans at Flat B/1, 9 Queens Crescent, Glasgow G4 9BW
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