A Divine Symphony of Service: Alumni Harmonizing with Bhagawan’s Vision
As we commemorate the centennial birth anniversary of our dearest Swami, we celebrate a legacy of love, service, and spiritual transformation. This special edition features inspiring stories of our esteemed alumni who have dedicated their lives to carrying forward His divine mission. Through their selfless service and unwavering devotion, they exemplify the power of love and compassion. Join us as we delve into their remarkable journeys and explore their visionary plans to honor Bhagawan’s centenary with a multitude of service initiatives that will touch countless lives.
Sri L. V. M. Kishore: Carrying Forward Bhagawan’s Vision
As the sun rises on the centenary of Bhagawan’s divine advent, we are reminded of His message of selfless love, service, and spiritual transformation. Sri L.V.M. Kishore, the State President of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization (SSSSO), Delhi, exemplifies this commitment with his steadfast dedication to service and his efforts to inspire youth.
Kishore recounts his time in the hostel as a transformative phase that instilled values he cherishes to this day. “Inclusivity was at the heart of everything we did,” he reminisces. Whether it was organizing dramas or participating in sports meets, students from different age groups—from 8th grade to PhD—came together as one cohesive unit. These experiences taught him to work harmoniously across diverse groups, a skill that now comes naturally as he leads SSSSO activities in Delhi.
Another lesson etched deeply in his heart was the importance of stepping back to allow newcomers to take center stage. “It is as profound an act of service as participating actively,” he shares. Guided by Swami’s example, he learned the delicate art of mentoring with humility, enabling others to grow and shine. As he reflects on this principle, he emphasizes the critical role it plays in inspiring the next generation of youth.
A Unified Front for Service
Kishore’s role as State President is further enriched by the seamless collaboration with alumni who serve as office bearers in Delhi. Spiritual coordinator Shyam Kishore and service coordinator Jagannath Duvuri bring their expertise and passion to ensure every initiative resonates with Bhagawan’s vision.
Building Faith: A Patient Pursuit
“Youth can be attracted to Swami gradually,” Kishore explains. Faith, he believes, is not an overnight phenomenon; it takes time to build. “We must remember that when people look at us as alumni of Bhagawan’s institution, they see us as representatives of His teachings,” he states. This awareness, he says, carries a weight of expectation that constantly drives him to live up to the highest standards.
For alumni communities, especially where their numbers are small, joining the larger fold of SSSSO is invaluable. “It provides an avenue to leverage collective strength and amplify our impact,” he says.
Centennial Celebration: Small Acts, Big Impact
As the world honors Bhagawan’s 100th birth anniversary, Kishore underscores the significance of individual acts of service. “While mega-events mark the milestone, the true celebration lies in small, consistent acts of kindness. These individual efforts, when combined, create a wave of transformation,” he asserts.
Delhi, under his leadership, has embarked on various initiatives to commemorate the occasion:
- Education: A scholarship program aimed at empowering underprivileged students.
- Health: A dedicated initiative to support the well-being of lactating mothers.
- Narayana Seva: Scaling up the “Amrut Kalash” program to provide dry ration kits to the needy.
Landmark Youth Program: “Life is a Game, Play It”
One of the flagship initiatives spearheaded by SSSSO Delhi is the college-level training program, “Life is a Game, Play It.” Designed to impart timeless Indian cultural values in a contemporary context, the program blends life lessons from the Bhagavad Gita, Quran, Swami’s teachings, and Swami Vivekananda’s wisdom. The curriculum covers essential skills such as handling failure, communication, and confidence-building.
The highlight of the program is its practical approach:
- Eight interactive classroom sessions.
- One service-based activity session.
- A grand convocation titled “Power of One,” emphasizing the ability to initiate positive change as an individual.
“This program is led not by eloquent orators but by individuals who have walked the talk,” Kishore proudly shares. For instance, one of the mentors actively practices the principle of “ceiling on desires,” embodying Bhagawan’s teachings. Running successfully across 10 colleges and 30 schools, the initiative is a beacon of Swami’s message of self-transformation and societal upliftment.
Sri Amar Vivek: A Beacon of Selfless Service
Amar Vivek’s efforts in the healthcare sector are deeply inspired by Bhagawan’s teaching that service to man is service to God. At the heart of his contributions lies the Sri Sathya Sai Jagruti Medical Centre, located 110 kilometers from Chandigarh in Yamunanagar, Haryana. The center serves as a diagnostic facility while implementing the “Jan Aushadhi” scheme, ensuring affordable medication to underserved communities.
However, it is the recent strides in Mohali, Punjab, that have amplified Amar’s vision. At the Sri Sathya Sai Manav Seva Charitable Hospital in Kurari, state-of-the-art outpatient services (OPD) and a dental OPD are operational. Patients benefit from free medicines and emergency diagnostic services. The hospital is poised for expansion to commemorate Bhagawan’s 100th Birthday with plans for a comprehensive eye care center, palliative care unit, and an addition of 52 in-patient beds. This ambitious growth reflects not only Amar’s determination but also the values instilled by Swami—treating every patient with love and respect, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Uplifting Rural Youth: The Gift of Employable Skills
While healthcare remains a cornerstone of his work, Amar Vivek also envisions a brighter future for rural youth through skill development programs. Recognizing the vast untapped potential in India’s villages, he supports the Sure Trust (https://www.suretrustforruralyouth.com/) along with fellow alumna Vandana Nagesh and Professor Radhakumari Challa, Department of Management and Commerce, Anantapur Campus. Established on July 9, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative has transformed the lives of thousands of students by bridging the gap between education and employability.
Sure Trust offers over 40 courses including emerging fields such as robotics, machine learning, and Android programming. Collaborating with industry trainers, the program equips students with the tools they need to excel in modern industries. Today, over 2,500 students have successfully completed the program, and 400 more are currently enrolled. Amar attributes the program’s success to the dedication of a passionate team, which includes fellow alumni like Vijay Lakshmi, Kritika Ram, Praveen Sharma, and Kumar Chella.
The program’s goal is far-reaching for the 100th Birthday: extending these opportunities to 6,000 villages across India, with the robust support of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization (SSSSO). Amar sees this as not merely an act of service but a collective endeavor to transform society by enabling young minds to achieve self-reliance.
A Unified Vision to Empower Generations
Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with a small group of alumni who are part of National Youth Team, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations—Lakshmikant Sharma, National Youth Coordinator (MBA 2015); Osho Sai, (MTech 2015) ; Varun Talreja (MFM 2015); and Sai Santosh Shetty (MSc 2013)—who have come together to strengthen SSSSO’s activities with a vision inspired by Bhagawan. Formed in 2019, their team is committed to spreading Swami’s message with regional flavor while focusing on the vital role of youth in carrying forward His mission.
The cornerstone of this group’s endeavor is to build a cohesive and inclusive environment, not just within their team but also in their approach to serving society. Emphasizing the principle of unity in diversity, they have created foundational structures—or “pillars”—to facilitate and expand their efforts in areas like education, outreach, and social media engagement. These pillars serve as tools to sustain the legacy of SSSSO and are designed to ensure that Bhagawan’s message reverberates across generations for at least the next two decades.
“Pleasing Swami has always been paramount,” shared Lakshimikant Sharma. “What we do is not driven by personal agenda; it is for the joy of serving Him. That is what sustains our youth’s unwavering commitment, even if they have not seen Bhagawan in person. They feel connected spiritually and are deeply touched by His love.”
Driving the Change: Service Projects with a Purpose
Guided by Swami’s teachings, the group has rolled out impactful projects that embody His ideals of love and service:
- Prema Tharu (Tree of Love): Reflecting Bhagawan’s emphasis on caring for the environment, and the SSSCT’s ambitious initiative to plant 10 million trees across India, the group organised one-day pan India tree plantation drives. By addressing environmental concerns and promoting ecological harmony, the project mirrors Swami’s message of seeing divinity in all creation.
- Liquid Love: This nationwide blood donation program taps into youth participation as a means to save lives and foster a culture of empathy and compassion.
Mega Projects for Bhagawan’s Centenary:
- Cricket League: With participation from 850 teams across the country, this initiative uses the universal language of sports to instill values like teamwork and integrity
- Unity Run: A six-month-long marathon spanning India, the Unity Run will culminate in Puttaparthi on Swami’s 100th birthday, bringing communities together through the symbolic lighting of a torch of unity.Ratha Yatra: Five grand yatras from different directions of India will travel to Puttaparthi over 18 months, carrying Swami’s message to every corner of the nation.
- Short Film Festival: Harnessing the power of modern media, this program will encourage youth to create Instagram Reels and short films on the theme “Service to Society.” The festival aims to amplify Swami’s message in a medium that resonates with the younger generation.
Inspiration Rooted in Hostel Life
The seeds of these inspiring projects were planted during the alumni’s transformative years at Swami’s institutions. Recalling their time in the hostels, they shared how inclusivity and unity were a way of life. “We were shaped by an environment where selfless love and teamwork were the norm. One of the key lessons was learning when to step back and let someone else take the lead, knowing that creating opportunities for others is as significant as doing the seva yourself,” said Osho Sai.
Bhagawan’s constant guidance, they said, instilled the understanding that faith develops gradually. As stewards of His teachings, they emphasize patience, knowing that for many, faith is nurtured over time through personal experience and observation of those who live by Swami’s principles.
Service in Action: Beyond Comfort Zones
A moving example of their service came to light during a seva activity in the remote, Naxal-affected region of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh. Despite warnings from the Border Security Force about potential risks, the youth proceeded courageously. Their act of love and dedication inspired the village youngsters so profoundly that they adopted the neighboring village to continue the chain of seva.
“These are the moments when you feel Swami’s invisible hand guiding you,” said Varun Talreja. “Bhagawan ensures that an individual connection with Him is established for everyone involved, be it the volunteers or the beneficiaries.”
The group attributes this unwavering determination to the gratitude instilled by Swami’s teachings. As alumni, they are ever-conscious of how Bhagawan worked tirelessly for the welfare of society—building institutions, offering free education, and providing health care—enabled by the hard-earned contributions of devotees. This spirit of gratitude drives their focus on leveraging the SSSSO infrastructure to maximize their reach and impact.
A Legacy of Love and Service
As Bhagawan’s centenary celebrations gather momentum, the efforts of these alumni serve as a testament to His enduring impact on humanity. Their dedication to nurturing the next generation, enriching lives through seva, and fostering unity exemplifies the transformative power of Bhagawan’s love.
“Our journey is Swami’s message in action,” concluded Lakshmikant Sharma. “Through His grace, we strive to light up lives, one act of service at a time. Swami once said, ‘Your life must be My message.’ As we celebrate this milestone, our goal is to live by those words and carry His legacy forward.”
With projects that heal, nurture, and uplift, these alumni are not only honoring the centenary of Bhagawan’s earthly advent but also paving a path for generations to walk in the light of His love. Indeed, they are living examples of Swami’s timeless wisdom: “Love All, Serve All.”
