The Elixir of Sai Love
It is very inspiring to see young alumni taking up Seva projects in tune with Swami’s vision and message. It is simple to consider early career commitments and family as constraints to take up Seva activities, but our young brothers exemplify what dedication and focus can bring out. Group of graduates from Brindavan (Batch of 2011) and Prasanthi Nilayam (PG batch of 2012) have help materialise Swami’s desire to quench the thirst of tribal villages Kakki and Kandulapalem of Araku- Paderumandal, Vishakapatnam.
The execution of this Premamruthadhara project had took off in 16th June 2017. The objective to contribute was warmly welcomed and in no time, over twenty-five alumni joined this noble service. The water project involved creation of catchment areas where continuous stream water could be collated. The water is then streamed through gravitational feed control almost up to the doorsteps of villagers. This will be made available in the form of RCC/Sintex tanks. Further down, distribution channels are provided to supply water to different streets of the village. A survey had been done for four kilometers of pipelining. The estimate is around Rs. 2.80 lakhs; materials are being procured at rapid pace. Feeling blessed to receive Swami’s love, the tribal people of these villages too worked hand-in-hand in execution this project.
Every project that Bhagawan’s boys take up has His signature on it in His own style. The same was felt in this project too. The boys desired that an alumni staff member from Prasanthi Nilayam should inaugurate the water project. However, with the ceremony date being 8th January, it was difficult to get an alumni staff member given the hectic Annual Sports Meet sessions in Prasanthi Nilayam. Call it coincidence or Sai-incidence, a Samarpan session was scheduled in Vishakapatnam on the same day and Sri Mallekeshwaran was the speaker. Our brothers wanted someone just like him to inaugurate the water plant and he graciously agreed.
The grandeur of the ceremony certainly had the unmistakable feel of Swami’s presence. In line with inauguration as per tribal customs, Saamuhika Sathya Sai Vratam, Dhimsa (tribal folk dance), Bhajans and Pallaki Seva were held. Narayana Seva was organized for six hundred people. The humble villagers too were very happy and welcomed our brothers with tribal traditions and burst crackers in joy. It was heartening to see the event being witnessed by alumni across generations.
What had started as a small Whatsapp group of just fourteen boys is today slated to become a grand Sai Seva movement. Inspired by the initial success of this Premamruthadhara project, one alumnus got his entire family to take up another similar project as conclusion of his wedding celebration. More projects are planned in the near future.
Alumni interested in being part of this initiative can contact brothers Sai Prashant (9666891234 / [email protected]) or Santhosh Arangi (9845259660 / [email protected]) Here is a deep thought that a brother had shared with the group, “Bhagawan has given us education and we have our daily living and a blessed life because of Him. Each day the villagers would benefit by getting clean water near their homes. This will be our daily ‘Thank You’ prayer to Swami” These thoughts inspire such love in action. One can clearly visualise our Bhagawan smiling in joy as a proud parent.
When love goes calling Syria
Every once in a while, the mysterious hands of fate tweak the fabric of life in an ever so subtle manner to effect changes that withstand the vagaries of doubt and delusion and become strongholds of human testimony. These changes can transform numerous lives and jolt them into action or change one’s life just enough for it to burn as a bright beacon and lead the charge against human apathy. Brother Sai Prasad’s life was on course of mundaneness when fate thought to play its hand.
Truth be told, Sai’s life has not been a bed of roses. Diagnosed with a serious heart ailment, he has had an on and off relationship with college. In June 2015, he had a stroke which rendered him bedridden. These hard days forced him to introspect about life. One day when he was reading a newspaper (as part of his eye coordination exercise), an article on Syria caught his attention. Appalled at their condition and moved by the fate of those people, brother Sai Prasad decided to do something for them.
Once he got back the use of his body, he started seriously mulling about doing something for the refugees in Syria. Their desolate faces kept haunting him until he finally made the decision to go to Syria to meet these people, with the only one thought driving him: Make one child smile. But this attempt was not without its usual quota of challenges and more. He was assailed by doubts. Will he be useful there? Is it better for him to try and help from India? March 2016 saw blasts in Istanbul and Ankara. However, with the help of his friends and their motivation, he embarked upon his trip to Syria with his resolve strengthened more than ever.
As he drove down from a hotel in Amman with a van full of food, chocolates, caps, footballs he was constantly considering his decision and the utility or futility of his trip. And it was in this troubled state that he crossed the border and entered Syria. The site took his breath away – rows of tents with people sprawled outside and children running all around. He got out of his van and took out chocolates whenever a child came up to him. All he asked for in return was a loving hug.
And that is when Sai had his Epiphany. He could help these people by giving them food and providing them with more tents, clothes and so on just like many other people and NGOs. But that is not what these people needed. What they needed was love. A hug, a smile, an afternoon filled with a great football game, a spritely discussion about Bollywood – all they needed was a normal fun filled day. And that is exactly what Sai did with them for a week. He gave them a sense of normalcy. He roamed across the tents all day, playing with the kids, talking to the people with no interpreter with him. And when he left, he was bid farewell with shouts of ‘Shukran India’, a message that resonated with emotion and pride.
But the real miracle was yet to happen. As Sai returned, he decided it was time he added his drop of help into the ocean of humanity. And this started the initiative called ‘Sai Ashreya’. Set up in Jeevan Bhima Nagar, Bangalore, Sai Ashreya conducts medical camps for the needy, provides a wholesome breakfast every day for the children in a government school, conducts camps in a Lepers colony and organises Narayana Seva every week. In four months, the medical camp has treated over 4500 patients. It provides monthly provisions to the residents of the Lepers Colony and has become the favorite breakfast place for the students of the school – leading to an increase in attendance!
