Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation

Annual Report north goa district 1st April 2018 - 31st March 2019 Structure of SSSSO Goa

State President : Shri Prakash D. Dharvatker

State Vice President : Shri C.S. Dhaveji

District President (South) : Shri Pradeep Prabhu Chodnekar

District President (North) : Shri Mahesh S. Pawaskar

State Spiritual Coordinator : Shri Saieesh H. Gandhi

State Educational Coordinator : Smt. Shailaja P. Dharvatker

State Service Coordinator (Gents) : Shri Anil P. Pednekar

State Service Coordinator (Mahila) : Smt. Kanchan D. Kamat Tarcar

State Youth Coordinator (Gents) : Shri Siddhesh S. Prabhudessai

State Youth Coordinator (Mahila) : Smt. Kiran Sethi

State Veda Coordinator (Gents) : Shri Saineel G. Dharwatkar

State Veda Coordinator ( Mahila) : Smt. Sunetra D.Kamat Tarcar

State Media Team : Shri Pramod Divgi, Shri Sujit Chimbolkar & Smt. Rajeshri Nair Foreword from the District President Divine grace showered on me, when I got blessed with Darshan and Seva opportunity in 1984 at Prashanti Nilayam. It was a Divine experience which I cannot forget and was the turning point of my life, which guided and guarded me, towards spiritual path.

Under Divine guidance we could do satisfactory approach in the three wings of the Organisation- Spiritual wing, Educational wing and Service wing. With Swami's grace only we are submitting our North Goa District Annual Report for the period from 1st April 2018 to 31st march 2019 at the Divine Lotus Feet.

1.The Service wing of the organisation was formed to serve the weaker sections of the society and redress the miseries of the present.

2.The Educational wing of the organisation was formed to supplement the existing Educational system with the much needed value orientation, so that, the makers of the future, the children and the youth, will usher in the era of peace and joy.

3.The Spiritual wing of the organisation was formed with the aim of guiding the aspirants to achieve the ultimate goal of human life. By creating an awareness of the divine nature of all beings, by enabling us to purify ourselves of the negative impressions of the past lives and by engaging in good activities and experiencing peace and joy thereby.

With Humble Pranams I place this annual report at His Lotus Feet.

Sairam

Office Bearers of North Goa District

Spiritual Coordinator : Shri Mahendra .S. Bhandari

Educational Coordinator : Kum. Pranita Kankonkar

Seva Coordinator (Gents) : Shri Somnath Nair

Seva Coordinator (Mahila) : Smt. Nutan Kundaikar

Mother & Child Coordinator : Kum. Sonali Naik

Bhajan Coordinator (Gents) : Shri Ramdas Shankerdas

Bhajan Coordinator ( Mahila) : Smt. Tanvi Walawalkar

Veda Coordinator (Gents) : Shri Saineel Dharvatkar

Veda Coordinator (Mahila) : Kum. Sujata Chimbolkar

Youth Coordinator (Gents) : Shri Sushant Kolvenkar

Youth Coordinator (Mahila) : Smt. Sonia Shirodkar

Medicare Coordinator : Shri Suraj Naik

Disaster Management Coordinator : Shri Omkar Pawaskar Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation - An Introduction

The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, founded by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in the year 1965, is a service organisation with a spiritual core and base to benefit all mankind irrespective of religion, caste, creed or sect. The Organisation serves as a platform for its members to undertake service and other activities motivated by an urge for one's own transformation with the aim of realising one's inherent divinity.

Without any distinction of religion, nationality, race, socio- economic status, either for those who work in the Organisation or for those who are served by it, the Organisation transcends all barriers leading humanity towards the ideal of 'Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man'.

The concept of fees or membership subscription is alien to the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, for there cannot be any fee or subscription for one's journey towards his own self.

The organisation functions through its primary units called as Samithis and Bhajan Mandalis of which individuals - from different strata of society, different ethnic groups pursuing different religions and faiths -are members bound by the dictum of “Love all, Serve All” and pursue their own sadhana towards self- transformation following the path of selfless service to humanity.

At no point is an individual asked to follow a certain religion or rituals. On the contrary each is inspired to follow his own faith so as to ensure that a becomes a better Hindu, a Muslim becomes a better Muslim, a Christian becomes a better Christian and so on. In fact, this spiritual basis inspires everyone to pursue his own religion better by putting into practice Love and Selflessness. That is why the Organisation features in its emblem the symbols of the major religions of the world.

“The Organisations named after Me are not to be used for publicising My Name, or creating a new cult around My worship…. They must render seva (service) to the helpless, the sick, the distressed, the illiterate and the needy. Their seva (selfless s ervice) should not be exhibitionistic; it must seek no reward, not even gratitude or thanks from the recipients. Seva is sadhana (spiritual exercise), not a pastime of the rich and well placed. You must have the firm belief that the aim of this Organisation is to remove the obstacles that keep man away from God, that separate maanavathwa (Humanity) from Maadhavathwa (Divinity).. This Organisation must elevate the human into the Divine.”

Sri Sathya Sai Baba WINGS OF THE ORGANISATION

The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation functions under three wings viz. (i) Spiritual, (ii) Education, and (iii) Service. Each activity in a wing is directed to facilitate and help the member in his own spiritual advancement. Although, the nature of activities undertaken under different wings appear to be distinct and dissimilar, but there is an inherent interrelationship amongst all the three wings. The three wings stand for Worship, Wisdom and Work.

Spirituality and Service are supplementary and complementary to each other. Spirituality is the motivational force behind service and service is the fulfillment of spirituality. Therefore, spiritual concepts learnt through education must be put into practice in form of service to humanity. Thus, in order to successfully realise the objective of joining the Sai Organisation, one must participate in activities of all the three wings.

Activities under different wings of the Organisation

Spiritual Wing Educational Wing Service Wing

*Bhajan *Non-formal education *Gram Seva *Nagarsankeertan of children in the age *Slums Service, *Study Circle group of 5-14 years *Medical Camps *Sadhana Camps through values-based and Health Care *Study of Sai Literature educational training, *Sanitation activities *Meditation, and *Bal-Vikas *Visit to orphanges, Others *Educare old age homes etc. *Parenting *Disaster relief Programmes *Poor feeding

ADMINISTRATION OF THE ORGANISATION

Headed by an All President who is supported by the National Vice Presidents and State Presidents, the Organisation functions like a well-oiled machine in the District under the stewardship of the District President, focused on its purpose, clear in its vision and dedicated in its efforts to live up the Swami's message – “Love All, Serve All”. The Samithis and the Bhajan Mandalis constitute a genuine spiritual movement where the members are united by a common bond – Love for God and Service to fellow human beings. The members of the organisation work as one cohesive unit, whether as sevadals providing service at Prashanthi Nilayam, at medical camps, doing Narayan seva or the bal-vikas gurus who work with young children to inspire in them a desire to inculcate the five human values of Truth, Righteousness, Love, Peace and Non-violence, or the teachers who having undergone the training in EHV help in guiding the young minds towards the higher goals of life or the Sai Youth who work tirelessly in the Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated Programme and Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyoti Programme – each of them are bound by one goal – “Service to Man is Service to God”. THE 9 POINT CODE OF CONDUCT AND 10 PRINCIPLES

Every member of the Organisation is expected to undertake Sadhana (spiritual discipline) as an integral part of his/her daily life by abiding by the following Nine Point Code of Conduct which has been bestowed by Baba for one's spiritual and personal development. In addition, the ten principles that forms the core of guidance for all the members of the Organisation as ordained by Baba himself are also produced hereunder. The nine point code of conduct and the ten principles are fundamental to the spiritual development of the members of the Sai Organisations.

9 Point Code Of Conduct 10 Guiding Principles

v Daily meditation and prayer. v Treat as sacred the land in which you were born. Have patriotism to your nation - but do v Devotional singing/prayer with members of not criticise other nations or put others down. one’s family once a week. Not even in your thoughts or dreams should you v Participation in Bal Vikas programme by think of bringing grief to your country. children of the family conducted by the v Respect all religions equally. Organisation. v Recognise humanity as one family - treat v Attendance at least once a month at Bhajan or everyone as a family member - love all Nagar Sankeertan programme conducted by the Organisation. v Keep your house and surroundings clean - for this will promote hygiene and health. v Participation in community service and other programmes of the Organisation. v Practice charity - but do not encourage beggars by giving money. Provide food, clothing, v Regular study of Sai literature. shelter and help them on other ways (do not v Speak softly and lovingly with everyone with encourage laziness) whom he comes into contact. v Never give a bribe or take bribe - never give in v Not to indulge in talking ill of others especially to corruption. in their absence. v Curb envy and jealously; expand your vision v Putting into practice the principle of “Ceiling on and outlook, Treat all equally regardless of Desires” and utilise any savings thereby caste or creed. generated for the service of the mankind. v Be self-reliant. You may be wealthy and have servants to do your bidding, but service to security must be done by yourself. v Have and cultivate 'Love for God and fear of sin'. v Never go against the laws of the land; follow these diligently both in word and in spirit. Be an exemplary citizen.

BRIEF HISTORY

The divine journey in Sai Mission in the North District of Goa through Swami’s chosen istruments, Shri. Harendra Singh, Shri. Vivekanand Patil,Shri G.N. Bhat, Shri G.B.H. Rao, Late Shri Shripad Bhandari, Late Smt. Maya Dharwatkar, Dr. Arun Bhobe, Shri Harish Dharwatkar and others to form a small bhajan mandali. They used to gather in different places to organise bhajan. Shivaratri bhajan was conducted at the residence of Late Shri Shripad Bhandari for many years and similarly, Global akhand bhajan was conducted at Shri G.B.H. Rao residence. With Swami's blessings. Some senior devotees Shri Suresh Kamat, Shri P. V. Deshpande and Shri Guruji Sakate guided and directed us for Bhajan, Study circle and Seva activities in North Goa. Soon as mentioned above from 1986 onwards Kundai, , and Karmali samithis were formed in North Goa.Devotees started dedicating bhajan halls in their own residence so that they can organize bhajan and sadhana activities for nearby devotees. Kundai samithi was headed by Late Shri Guruji Sakate followed by Shri Paritosh Sakate which was then headed by Shri Achut Naik and currently responsibility of convenor is taken by Shri Dhananjay Phadte. Mapusa samithi was started with the leadership of Dr. Arun Bhobe, then he passed on the responsibility to Shri Ramdas Falari. Same was followed by Shri , Shri Vinayak Virnodkar, Shri Padmanath Gadekar. And presently Shri Gajanan Naik is holding the responsibility of convenor. Panaji samithi was formed with leadership of Shri Harish Dharwatkar. Later followed by Shri Saieesh Gandhi and presently Shri Pramod Divgi is the convenor. Karmali samithi was formed under active leadership of Shri Mahesh Pawaskar. Since then samithi grew with large number of devotees. And currently Shri Shailesh Naik is the convenor of Karmali. Ribandar samithi was branched out of Karmali samithi with Swami's divine love and is headed by Shri Shobhan Naik. From 1990 regular Sevadals from all samithis started attending Prashanti seva. Large number of youths were pulled into organisation by Swami's grace through Seva activities.

DIVINE VISIT

1968 and 1970 can be marked as golden years in the . Soil of Goa was sanctified by the touch of Divine Lotus Feet. It was year 1970 when Swami came to Panaji via Karwar accompanied by few devotees like Shri Anant Raikar. Few more devotees well known from Goa in those days were namely Late Shri Anand Mhapsekar, Late Shri Gajanan Gaundalkar, Late Shri Audhut Palandikar, Late Shri Damodar Kare, Shri P.V. Deshpande and Shri Vivekanand Patil. Hon. Governor Nakul Sen of Goa, an ardent devotee of Swami made all arrangements of stay in Raj Bhavan. Swami gave divine discourse at Azad Maidan located in the heart of Panaji. Statistical overview as on 31st march 2019

Units No’s No. of Members/Benefeciaries

Samithis 5 733

Total No of Sevadals (Gents) 370

Total No of Sevadals (Ladies) 363

Total No of Youth (Gents) 115

Total No of Youth (Ladies) 141

Adopted Slum - Village 1 50

Adopted schools under Vidya Jyoti 2 51

Spiritual

Activities No’s No. of Participants

No of Bhajan Held at Bhajan centers 104 4160

Household Bhajan 168 5520

Nagarsankeertan 66 816

Study Circle 62 910

Conference/ Retreat/ Sadhana Camp 2 409 Veda Chanting & Training 5 360 Educational

Activities No’s No. of students

Balvikas centers Urban 3 35

Balvikas centers Rural 27 274

Balvikas centers School 1 26

Balvikas centers Orphanage/ Slum 1 15

Balvikas Gurus 35

Service

Activities No’s No. of Beneficiaries

Visit to Orphanages 6 45

Visit to Hospital 0 0

Visit to Old Age Homes 18 52

Eye Camp 1 45

Medical Camp 9 456

Medical Centers 26 1079 Blood Donation Camp/ Grouping Camp 1 60

Narayan Seva/ National Narayan Seva 10 1085 Balvikas Day Gurupoornima celebrations Craft Classes Celebrations by balvikas students for balvikas students

Bhajan by Balvikas Students Balvikas Students Cultural Program at Ganeshotsav Picnic by Balvikas Students

Shloka recitation “Ek Shaam Sai Ke Naam” Maharudra Parayana by Balvikas Students Musical Program

Public Bhajan Navrathri Rudram Chanting at Ganeshotsav Celebrations

Global Akhand Palki Procession Sadhana Camp Bhajan 2018 Study Circle Public Bhajan Mahashivratri Bhajan

Play Park made for school Mother & Child Care session Blood Donation Camp by sevadals

Cleaning Awareness Drive Medical Camp in slum area Narayan Seva in slum area in village

Mobile Medical Camp Mass Narayan seva Painting seva in school

Temple surrounding Narayan Seva for Swachata Abhiyaan Seva cleaning Seva patients at Rugnashray This Report is dedicated at the Lotus Feet of our Beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Sairam