2013 Autumn Edition
What it Means to be Part of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation
As the alumni of Sri Sathya Sai University graduate from the divine portals of the institution, treading along life’s many different pathways, memories of the wonderful years spent at Bhagawan’s proximity propels them forward. To nurture this priceless treasure, alumni seek various ways to continue to stay connected to Bhagawan – physically, mentally and spiritually. Whether through service in their individual capacities or through the alumni community or as part of the local Sathya Sai Seva Organisation (SSSO), the brothers endeavour to express their gratitude for everything bestowed by their alma mater.
Bhagawan has been slowly preparing His alumni for larger roles, for becoming torch bearers of His divine mission. With His blessings, alumni have been involved in a variety of service activities in the spheres of Educare, Medicare and Sociocare. Many of these efforts are being led actively by alumni partnering with local Samithis. The Organisation too,
in consonance with Bhagawan’s message of “Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God”, has as its primary objective ‘Selfless Love and Service’ without any distinction of religion, nationality, race, or socio-economic status.
Team Vidyullekha recently reached out to a few of our Sai brothers who are active members in the global Sai Organisation. They are involved in wide ranging service activities in addition to their personal and professional commitments. They gladly consented to share their experiences and also provide guidance. Here is a cross section from the interview.
Association with His Organisation
Dear brothers, Sairam! How did you first come to be associated with the regional Samithi?
S L Narayan [He is currently based in California, USA, and is a Samithi member in the San Francisco area. He completed his M.Sc. (Maths) from the Prashanti Nilayam Campus of the institute in 1988.]: After passing out from Parthi, I was searching for some avenue to stay connected to Bhagawan. Thus, I started attending the local Sai Centre every week. This helped me also contribute to the society in some meaningful way. Over a period of time, I began to take more active roles and served as Vice President of the centre for 4 years. Gradually, Swami blessed me with many wonderful opportunities for Seva. As I was keen on working with youth, I got the opportunity to become the Young Adult Advisor at the regional level.
Nagesh [Based out of Mumbai, Nagesh is the convenor of Sathya Sai Organisation in one of the city’s suburbs – Chembur. He graduated from the Institute in 1986]: I feel quite blessed to have been born in a family of devotees! My parents were active Samithi members. So, introduction to the Sai Organisation was a natural development. It is by Swami’s grace that my children too are part of the organisation through Bal Vikas.
Learning from the Organisation
The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation has been the source of inspiration to many people. It has been a source of learning for many. Being a part of the organisation, what has it taught you?
S L Narayan: Bhagawan has many a times exhorted that in order to sanctify ones’ life, one should utilise that in the service of others. Being part of the organisation is a wonderful way to serve the society I live in.
Nagesh: It is important not to get carried away by titles and achievements and to keep one’s head down. It has always been the case that if one works as Swami’s instrument, things fall in place automatically.
B Venugopal: Being part of the organisation has taught me among other things, the importance of human values and value based living, concepts of sharing, community service and a love for God.
On Being Part of the Organisation
Being part of the organisational umbrella is a wonderful way to stay connected to Bhagawan in one’s daily life. Students’ lives are enriched to a large extent through participation in the local Sai Centres. The experience of interacting with other devotees and witnessing the energy of Sai youth, alumni feel that the organisation provides a platform to mould oneself spiritually as well as to become a more balanced individual.
What have you gained in being a part of the organisation?
S L Narayan: It has helped me a lot for self-transformation. It is a very humbling experience to see devotees who have never seen or have interacted with Bhagawan to be so connected with His teachings. I feel He has placed me in this role just so that I will be inspired by them and become a better person. Swami used to say “We (students) are like frogs in the well while foreigners are like bees”. This now makes a lot of sense when I interact with such inspiring devotees.
B Venugopal: Being part of the organisation has helped me practice what I have learned at His Lotus feet. It has also given me an opportunity to blossom into a wholesome individual. Most of the skills, talents and abilities I possess today are directly or indirectly a gift of the organisation to me since it gave me the platform to hone them. Also, the largest gain has been the opportunity to participate in Bhagawan’s work and mission, and to live my life in dedicated service to Him.
Different types of roles and responsibilities are open to Sai students depending upon their interest and the level of availability. For a Sai student, being part of the organisation would be natural having spent time at Bhagawan’s institute hostels. Having a first-hand experience of the Sai philosophy would help guide new comers, particularly the youth.
What are your organisational responsibilities and where does a Sai student fit in the organisation?
S L Narayan: My responsibility is to advice Young Adults (youth) of their role in the Organisation and to guide them as needed. The best way to do a proper job in this role is to be a friend and role model for them. As a Sai student, I have seen how Bhagawan plays this role to perfection where He guides and inspires us to the right path. I try to implement the lessons learned as a Sai student in this role.
Venugopal: There are a number of organisational responsibilities ranging from those of a coordinator to the grass-root level worker. A Sai student can fit in anywhere depending on what his time commitment and availability are.
Expectations from a Sai Student
Devotees have high expectations of Sai Students. What is your opinion on this, especially when you are part of the organisation?
S L Narayan: As it is said, much is expected of those to whom much is given. Devotees have high expectations of Sai students. Of course, Bhagawan is there to guide each of us. I try to live up to His expectations as best as I can.
Nagesh: Swami has given a lot to His students. Hence, it is not unnatural for devotees to have high expectations. Non participation raises eyebrows, but it is more important to steer clear of loose talk as it can invite trouble. As an example, we conduct ourselves in a certain way inside the hostel, but in Mandir it is very different. It is very important to be conscious of -similar distinctions and exercise discretion in the organisational conduct. The bottom line is that one can’t afford to go wrong and bring down the image of Sai students and of Bhagawan Himself.
B Venugopal: I have a different perspective on this question. In my opinion, there may have been some truth regarding this in the past. However, nowadays, all that matters is whether you can live life along the principles laid down by Bhagawan and shine as an example. Thus, from the organisational perspective it is not very important whether one is a student or not.
Reversing the question, I would observe that it does not go well with organisational behaviour and ethos when a Sai student steps in and starts to expect a kind of preferential treatment as in Parthi. A leadership position in a voluntary organisation is not an entitlement. One has to first understand its working, principles, people, abilities and so on and have the right perspective. All this takes time. It is not appreciated when someone wants to be given attention just because he studied in Bhagawan’s institute.
Do you think a Sai Student brings a different perspective derived from years of training under His divine lotus feet?
S L Narayan: Alumni of the Sathya Sai institute have been personally touched by Bhagawan and have been trained by Him and His chosen instruments. That serves to keep us more grounded in certain aspects.
Nagesh: Having seen Bhagawan from close quarters, boys’ urge is to serve Him alone without any favour, impression or bias to other people or personalities. If Swami is the objective, things will automatically take a turn for the good.
B Venugopal: It is an interesting question. However, the answer lies with the particular student in the context. Even Bhagawan has observed that one could spend lot of time in His university, but not be aware of His many principles! So, being a Sai student who understands what He would appreciate and who can reflect the love of Swami by his/her behaviour definitely brings in a beautiful new perspective. Otherwise, it would just be a case of enjoying the proximity while it lasted, but not be of any use to anyone. I am not sure what training we are referring to here. I think we must learn to serve first.
Leveraging Values Learned at the Institute
How do you use all the basic values learned in the institute in the organisation?
S L Narayan: We have been taught human values right from at an early age while studying Sai educational institutions. Thus, it is not different for us in the Seva organisation. Hostel life has all the activities of the organisation incorporated in it, such as Bhajans, Grama Seva, Educare, Parayanam sessions, and so on. It has instilled a strong sense of discipline too. Due to these aspects elders in the organisation are ready to give responsibility to students. In fact, Bhagawan has Himself given some guidance to office bearers on these lines.
B Venugopal: Values are not tools to be used. They are to be lived. The one single value that leads to all others is Love. The rest will follow if we imbibe Love.
Time Management in the Organisation
How do you manage your time when you are a part of the organisation?
S L Narayan: It takes some effort, but I see Bhagawan always helping me and guiding me. I pray to Him when I feel overwhelmed and I get help from unexpected quarters to assist me at the correct places.
B Venugopal: In my experience, where there is a will there is a way. If we can find time to do all our personal work despite the busy and tight schedules in office, I am sure we can find time for organisational activities as well. It all depends on how passionate you are about it and how much you want to participate in Sai Seva.
Range of Seva Activities
What are the Seva activities that the organisation is involved in?
S L Narayan: We prepare a few hundred sandwiches, go to San Francisco city every alternate week and distribute to the homeless people there. We provide blankets to them during winter and care kits to them occasionally. We cook vegetarian food and serve at homeless shelters. In addition, during Bhagawan’s birthday celebrations and Christmas, we serve the local homeless shelters with the items they need.
B Venugopal: There is a whole gamut of activities ranging from village work, working with parents, youth, elders, children and so on. I would encourage everyone to visit the official Sai organisation website for updated information.
Application of Bhagawan’s Teachings
How do you think Bhagawan’s teachings are being applied in running the organisation?
S L Narayan: All the guidelines of the organisation are based on Bhagawan’s teachings. Also, He continuously guides us all and the Sai centre either internally or through His chosen instruments. Running the organisation requires one to be very focused and strictly follow His teachings.
Nagesh: Bhagawan has cautioned students many a time that “the organisation is for self-improvement only, not to change society”. When participating in the various service activities, it is important to be patient and humble. A word of caution… One must take care to conduct oneself to ensure that the reputation of Sai students is not impacted. One needs to be aware that as with all organisations, there might be some differences of opinion, however these need to be looked at in a right perspective and one should not get bogged down by them.
B Venugopal: To a great extent, the organisation runs by following guidelines laid down by Bhagawan. However, now there is a need for people who have been close to Him or have taken directions from Him about various aspects to come forward and lead. Otherwise, the organisation will be led in to different directions by people who may not have proper perspective on Bhagawan’s teachings.
Moulding the Youth
What role does the organisation play in moulding youth (Bal Vikas)? Do you think alumni in the organisation could contribute in this area?
S L Narayan: I know quite a few alumni are Sri Sathya Educare teachers (similar to Bal Vikas teachers). In this role they make a major impact on children and the youth.
B Venugopal: Alumni could contribute vastly in this area. Particularly by engaging Bal Vikas children in different kinds of cultural activities such as dance, drama and so on. Values can be inculcated in them. We could also come up with innovative ways of encouraging the children to practice values.
As far as the youth is concerned (an area where I work extensively), Sai students play a large role as the youth look up to them. There is respect for a Sai student, which we should be careful not to damage by behaving in a way that is unworthy of a Sai student. Youth love to listen to what Bhagawan wants and expects of youngsters. We could conduct personality development sessions and cover such topics in these sessions. Apart from that, working on employment generation and village development work are good ways of engaging youth and thereby moulding them into worthy instruments of Bhagawan.
Presence of the Divine
Have you experienced any miracles (presence of Bhagawan) during your years of association with the organisation?
S L Narayan: As part of the Sai organisation, I went to Haiti to help the people after the earthquake. It was a wonderful experience. Please refer to our alumni portal where I have shared complete details. Bhagawan’s mission will go whether we take part or not. This is a statement we have heard many times and accept it without any objection, but this trip drove home the point very clearly. We are just like the monkeys during Lord Rama’s Avatara. If we take part in His mission, it is our good fortune. If not, no one will lose out anything except oneself. Also, I have heard Bhagawan remark many times that we sometimes are like “frogs in the well”. At that time, I didn’t get the full import of His statement. To elaborate this point, I think He made sure I make this trip to Haiti and see these wonderful people. To see a Haitians’ love for Bhagawan and their faith in Him was very, very inspiring. Bhagawan says we should perform service to bring a transformation in ourselves. Looking back at the activity, I am not sure how much I was able to contribute at Haiti, but it definitely has started a transformation in me (very slowly though) about how I need to be more active in His organisation and implement His message and teachings, not just be a devotee of His form.
Nagesh: Years ago, a suggestion was made to contribute new uniforms to children at a remand home in Mumbai where we serve. It required a budget of about Rs.30,000, which was a very large amount at that time. Having faith in Bhagawan, we went ahead with the idea believing things would fall in place. And then, things moved in a positive direction and the Seva was completed to everyone’s satisfaction. In fact, for each year in the past decade we have been able to undertake activities of this sort. Bhagawan has ensured that we never had a shortfall. I have seen this every time. If you have good intentions, His Sankalpa will do the rest!
B Venugopal: There are a number of experiences. One common experience that I have witnessed over the years is the transformation of youngsters. Here is an experience that occurred in a village. We were on a village camp – Grama Seva that usually culminates with a cultural presentation. We were worried as the skies were overcast and it had just begun drizzling. We had just started our cultural activity and the whole village had assembled in front of the temporary stage we had set up. All of them got up to go due to the drizzle. One of the youth took courage, got onto the stage and said in the mike, “Do not go. If we all sing God’s name, the rain will stop”. He immediately sang a Bhajan. Lo! The rain stopped. All the people sat down and for 2 hours the rains held off till we finished our cultural programme, had dinner and the last person boarded the bus. It was only then that a heavy downpour drenched the village. Nobody got wet. Swami stopped the rains for us and the entire village became devoted to Bhagawan! They now have a Bhajan Mandali and youngsters from there come to Prasanthi Nilayam regularly for Seva!
The Organisation is a Means, not the End
A word of advice for our Sai brothers who wish to join and be a part of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation.
S L Narayan: I would strongly encourage the alumni to join and be part of the Sai Organisation. I feel this is the best way to serve and implement what we have learned at His educational institutions. Bhagawan has said that the organisation is His life breath. I remember in the alumni meets in 2009, 2010 and others, Swami encouraged us to take an active role in the Sai Organisation. There may be some general problems in being able to become an active participant in the organisation, but we should not worry too much about it. Ultimately this would help us in our self transformation. There are wonderful opportunities and we should grab them with both hands.
Nagesh: It is possible that office work demands a lot of our time, but just to keep in sync with Bhagawan’s philosophy and teachings one should involve in the organisation wherever and whenever possible. If one starts doing so, going ahead time management would not be a very big challenge. I feel that the organisation is a very easy way to ensure one is not out of touch of Bhagawan’s principles. As is the case with any organisation, one would come across some difficult people. The right way to tackle such situations is with His love and patience.
B Venugopal: The organisation is not for someone else. It belongs to all of us. After coming out of the institute, it is perhaps the easiest and best way to stay connected to Bhagawan. While the organisation is welcoming, we must also be humble enough to learn from elders and youngsters in the organisation. They have not got as much as we have from Bhagawan. Yet, they are so humble and are able to give so much time to His work. Please don’t expect that you will be given a red carpet welcome. Be humble enough to work and understand the organisation.
Being a Sai student doesn’t mean that you are bearing the cross. It is a great honour bestowed by Bhagawan on us. At the same time, it is becoming of us to behave in a way that befits the honour and respect given. Live life for Bhagawan. The organisation is a means, not the end.
