The New Year season is always a time for reflection and gratitude. This New Year is special because this is Swami’s 100th year of advent. This issue is a testament to how Swami’s teachings continue to inspire and guide alumni across different fields and countries, transforming individual lives and communities through love and service. In Bhagawan Uvacha, we have a profound account of how Swami taught the deep meaning of Shraddha through a series of personal interactions. What began with a simple question about the Bhagavad Gita led to a transformative understanding of spiritual dedication.
On the cover, we have inspiring stories of two of our alumni who have dedicated themselves to carrying forward Swami’s divine mission. The story of L.V.M. Kishore, State President of SSSSO Delhi, shows how Swami’s teachings can transform organizational leadership. His innovative youth program “Life is a Game, Play It” and various service initiatives demonstrate how spiritual principles can be adapted for contemporary challenges. Similarly, the Sri Sathya Sai Jagruti Medical Centre and Sure Trust initiatives by Amar Vivek offer powerful examples of love and service. Amar’s work bridges the gap between education and employability for rural youth, showing how spiritual motivation can lead to practical social solutions.
In From My Diary, Sai Subramanian Manickam shares a deeply personal account of how Swami taught the lesson of humility and trust through everyday interactions. The stories about German devotees and financial assistance beautifully illustrates divine omniscience and compassion.
In the same section, Ravishankar Ghandikota offers a unique perspective on capturing the divine through photography, showing how even a technical skill can become a spiritual practice. His experiences photographing Swami taught profound lessons about preparation, humility, and seeing divinity in every moment.
In Gratitude Corner, we have a compelling story of organizational leadership infused with spiritual purpose. As a national coordinator, Dr. Gopi Krishna Pidatala’s work in education and healthcare shows how divine guidance can shape a life of service and leadership.
The Love in Action section carries beautiful accounts of how the alumni continue to express their devotion through creative arts. The drama team’s spiritual connection and the band’s annual performances demonstrate how artistic expression becomes a form of worship and unity. We also have heartwarming accounts of alumni groups carrying forward Swami’s message through practical service, from feeding programs to winter clothing drives, showing how love can be expressed through simple acts of kindness.
In Alumni Profiles, we tell the stories of Sarika Pradhan and Sree Rama Murthy Garuda. The first one is a touching narrative of a civil servant who embodies Swami’s message of social service in her role as Secretary of Social Welfare in Sikkim. Sarika Pradhan’s story illustrates how spiritual teachings can be applied in government service, leading to impactful social development while maintaining work-life balance. Sree Rama Murthy’s journey from academic difficulties to becoming an independent director at OSEL Devices showcases how Swami’s teachings shaped both his personal and professional life. His experience demonstrates how divine intervention can guide one to their true calling.
We wish you a year of love, service and happiness.
