Contents
FOREWORD FROM THEDISTRICTPRESIDENT .................................................................................1 SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS –ANINTRODUCTION.........................................................2
WINGS OF THE ORGANISATIONS................................................................................................................................................ 3 ADMINISTRATION OF THE ORGANISATION ................................................................................................................................ 3 THE 9 POINT CODE OF CONDUCT AND10 PRINCIPLES ............................................................................................................ 4
SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, [SALEM DISTRICT]...........................................................5
BRIEF HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5 DIVINE VISIT................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 OVERVIEW................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 SAI CENTRES................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 OFFICE BEARERS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 SPECIFIC SERVICE PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES.............................................................................................................................. 9 IMPORTANT EVENTSOR CONFERENCES....................................................................................................................................... 9
GLIMPSES OF ACTIVITIES............................................................................................................ 10
Foreword from the District President
Offering my loving pranams at the Divine Lotus Feet of our Beloved Bhagwan
Sri Sathya Sai Baba Varu.
The Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Salem District undertakes spiritual, educational and service activities under the inspiration and guidance of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
As Swamy said in His Divine speech in March'18 - 1999, Today the
whole world has recognized that if there is any Organization that is sacred, ideal and united, it is Sathya Sai Organization. There are many organizations in the world. But the conduct, practice and speech (communication) that is there in Sri Sathya Sai Organization, is not to be found elsewhere.
We are proud that really blessed to be a instrument of Sri Sathya
Sai Seva Organization.
And I am here submitting a brief report on Spiritual, Educational and Service activities done at Salem District and we are sure that will improve more and more on the Sai activities on coming days.
JAI SAI RAM
M.RAMACHANDRAN
District President Salem District
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – an introduction
The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, 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 Organization 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 realizing one's inherent divinity.
Without any distinction of religion, nationality, race, socioeconomic status, either for those who work in the Organization or for those who are served by it, the Organization 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 SaiSeva Organisations, forthere 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 Hindi 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 publicizing 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
service)shouldnotbeexhibitionistic;itmustseeknoreward,notevengratitudeorthanksfromtherecipients.Sevaissadhana(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 separatemaanavathwa(Humanity)fromMaadhavathwa(Divinity)..ThisOrganisationmustelevatethehumanintotheDivine.”
Sri Sathya SaiBaba
WINGS OF THE ORGANISATIONS
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 realize the objective of joining the Sai Organisation, one must participate in activities of all the three wings.
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.
Activities under different wings of the Organisation
- Spiritual Wing
- Educational Wing
- Service Wing
•••••
Bhajan
•
Non-formal education of children in the age group of 5-14 years through values- based educational training, Bal-Vikas Educare
•••
Gram Seva Slums Service, Medical Camps and HealthCare
Sanitation activities
Visit to orphanages, old age homes etc.
Disaster relief
Poor feeding Free Coaching Classes, and
Nagarsankeertan Study Circle Sadhana Camps
Study of Sai Literature
••
•••
••
Meditation, and Others
Parenting Programs
•••
•
Others
ADMINISTRATION OF THE ORGANISATION
Headed by an All India President who is Righteousness, Love, Peace and Non-violence, or supported by the National Vice Presidents and the teachers who having undergone the training in State Presidents, the Organisation functions like a EHV help in guiding the young minds towards the well- oiled machine in the District under the higher goals of life or the Sai Youth who work stewardship of the District President, focused on its tirelessly in the Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated purpose, clear in its vision and dedicated in its Program and Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyoti efforts to live up the Swami’s message – “Love Programme – each of them are bound by one goal–
- All, Serve All”.
- “Service to Man is Service to God”.
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,
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. Inaddition, the ten principles that forms
the core of guidance for all the members of the Organisation as ordained by Baba himself are also produced here under. 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 Principes
- Daily meditation and prayer.
- Treat as sacred the land in which you were
born. Have patriotism to your nation - but do not criticize other nations or put others down. Not even in your thoughts or dreams should you think of bringing grief to your country.
Devotional singing/prayer with members of one's family once a week.
Participation in Bal Vikas programme hildren of the family conducted by the Organisation.
Respect all religions equally. Recognise humanity as one family - treat everyone as a family member - love all
Attendance at least once a month at Bhajan or Nagar Sankeertan programme conducted by the Organisation.
Keep your house and surroundings clean - for this will promote hygiene and health.
Participation in community service and
other programmes of the Organisation.
Practice charity - but do not encourage beggars by giving money. Provide food, clothing, shelter and help them on other ways (do not encourage laziness)
Regular study of Sai literature. Speak softly and lovingly with everyone whom he comes into contact.
Never give a bribe or take bribe - never give int
to corruption.
Not to indulge in talking ill of others especially in their absence.
Curb envy and jealously; expand your vision
and outlook, Treat all equally regardless of caste or creed.
Putting into practice the principle of “Ceiling of Desires” and utilise any savings thereby
generated for the service of the mankind.
Be self-reliant. You may be wealthy and have
servants to do your bidding, but service to security must be done by yourself.
Have and cultivate 'Love for God and fear of sin'.
Never go against the laws of the land; follow these diligently both in word and in spirit. Be an exemplary citizen.
Salem District
DIVINE VISIT
First Visit:
Swamy's first visit to Salem was in 1968 to Sri.Padmanaba Chettiar's house. When Swamy was in Chennai, in devotee Sri.Venkatamuni and Smt.Suseelamma's house, Sri.Padmanaba Chettiar and Smt.Saralamma visited them for Swamys darshan. After a day, Swamy told Smt.Suseelamma, I'm planning to go to Salem to Smt.Saralamma's house but they r still here. Immediately Sri.Padmanaba Chettiar told Swamy that they will leave for Salem and make arrangements for Bhagwan's arrival, Swamy said that no one should know about this. So they closed all the windows, started cleaning the house and cooking for Bhagwan. At 2pm, when it was time for Swamys arrival they opened the window and saw thousands of devotees assembled and the road was filled to the brim and even many sat on trees. Swamy arrived inside went to the first floor verandah and gave darshan to all. Sri. Padmanaba Chettiar did not open the Pooja room for 2 years, he waited for Bhagwan to own it. So after having His lunch, and requested Swamy to cut the ribbon of the Pooja room and sat on the chair placed inside, and Blessed and materialised a Naagam in gold with a hood ,so realistic. After harathi and paada namaskar to all, Swamy left the house with the resounding noise of Jai Sai Ram.
SWAMI’S VISIT TO SALEM SAMITHI:
His Holiness Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Varu visited salem town samithi on 27.1.1984 (Friday) at 9.25 am to 10.25 am Thousands of people who ‘Thronged our samithi and got the blessings of our Lord’. Convenor of samithi at that time, honoured our Bhagwan with Flowers and Bouquet. Bhagwan blessed the police officer, who Escorted swami and the officer got Vibuthi prasadam also. Balvikas children, devotees and Veda chanting Sasthrigal welcomed our Bhagwan with “Poorna Kumbam”. Nathaswara vidwans played Nathaswaram. Prasanthi Flag was hoisted by our Beloved Bhagwan. Bhagwan unveiled the stone to mark his divine presence on 27-01-1984. Swami touched the forehead of Bala Vinayakar with his Divine hands. Bhagwan blessed the Archakar, who was present there. Swami entered the Bhajan Hall and lit the lamp, at the time of Bhajans song were sung by the devotees. Swami blessed all those who were present in the hall. Swami entered the ‘Sai Kiruba Medical Hall and Sai Literature Book Stall’. He was very exhaulted and told that ‘santhosam’. After seeing that and he told that ‘santhosam’. Bhagwan went upstairs and saw the swami’s room. In the room Bhagwan had a long conversation with the convenor, by sitting on the Divine chair.
Bhagwan visited Lotus Mandabam in the upstairs and he stood on that and blessed the
Devotees who were standing on the road. Devotees chanted ‘Sai Ram, Sai Ram, Sai Ram.’ Consequently Bhagwan told to the devotees that ‘I am here, I am staying here with you in this Mandir’. Bhagwan repeated the same in three times.
When Bhagwan had a conversation with state office bearers and the convenor. Swami praised
our samithi building as “Prasanthi Nilayam in miniature”.
Prasadam was offered to swami with the senior sai Devotees. At the end of the programme, swami offered vasthradanam for poor people (Ladies and Gents) with his divine hand.
OVERVIEW
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations is functional in Salem District with members from various cross sections of society and different faiths. With around 11 Samithis and Bhajan Mandalis, The Organisation serves as a platform for its members to undertake spiritual practices through its various wings such as spiritual, education and service for their own betterment.
The thrust is on self-transformation for it is only individual transformation that would ultimately lead to global transformation.
The following tables give an overview of the Organisation in Salem District
Statistical Overview as on 31st March 2019
- Units
- Numbers
- Number of members
11 26
560 325 885
Samithis Bhajan Mandalis
Total
No. of Sevadals
350 400
Gents Ladies
No. of Youth
60 50
Gents Ladies
- Adopted Slums/Villages
- Numbers
- Number of Beneficiaries
Slums/ Villages Adopted Under SSSVIP
Total
- 1
- 75
Adopted Schools under Sri Sathya Sai
Vidya Jyoti
- Numbers
- Number of Students
Schools
- 1
- 65
SAI CENTRES
Contact Number
- Samithi
- Regular Bhajan
- Convenor
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi,
Salem Town
Sri.Thangavel
Every Thursday and
- Sunday
- 984345072
9488691265 9443240069 9443941867 9597994760
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi,
Old Suramangalam
Every Thursday and Sunday
Sri.Balasubramaniam
Sri.Ranganathan Sri.Bhaskaran
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi,
Omalur
Every Thursday
Every Thursday Every Thursday
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi,
Kadayampatti
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi,
Gangavalli
Sri.Seran
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, Belur Karadipatti, Kottavady
Sri.Karthikeyan
Sri.Krishnamoorthi
Sri.Jayaraman
Every Thursday Every Sunday
9442894546 9600812350 9790615433 9944725626 9488691063
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi,
Mettur
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi,
Chinna Thirupathi
Every Turesday
Every Thursday Every Thursday
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi,
Ayathiapattanam
Sri. Sai Shanmugam
Sri.Sivakumar
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi,
Vazappady
ACTIVITIES
The members of the Organisation are involved Samithis for the transformation of the members in various activities on regular basis which and for the benefit of the society include visits to primarily includes Spiritual Study Circles, leprosy, correctional and old age homes, medical Community Bhajan, Nagrsankirtan through the camps in villages, Narayan-seva, free coaching spiritual wing; Bal-Vikas and Parenting classes, vocational training for employability programmes through the Education Wing and enhancement of the villagers, sanitation at public various service activities through the service wing. functions, fairs, and public urinal cleaning. Importance is given to regular service activities as
The following table broadly categories the only through constant involvement in good work different activities that are undertaken in all the 19 can self-transformation be achieved. Service districts of the State. activities which are regularly under taken at
Overview of activities undertaken across all the Districts
- Educare
- Medicare
- Sociocare
Study Circles for Adults and Youth
Community Bhajan Centers
-
-
Nagar Sankirtan
Conference/Retreats
Sadhana Camps
Bal Vikas Classes based on human values Bal-Vikas and Guru training
Parents’ Awareness programs on Parenting Parenting Workshops
-
-
Free Coaching and Tuition Centers
- Medical Centers
- National Narayan Seva
Programme
- Medical
- Camps
- in
villages
Visit to Leprosy Villages, Correctional Homes, Orphanages, Hospital,
Computer Training Spoken English
Eye Camps
- Adult Education
- Blood Grouping Camps
Blood DonationCamps
Literacy programs
Disabled/ Old Age Homes
Dental TreatmentCamps VeterinaryCamps
NarayanSeva ServiceCamps Vocational Training Centers
Employability enhancement programmes for village youth Sanitation at different government run hospitals, fairs, and public places including publicurinals Disaster Management Awareness programmes in Schools/Colleges and otherinstitutions
A summary account of regular activities that are undertaken on monthly/weekly basis across the
Districts is given in the following table.
An account of regular activities undertaken across the District
Total
- Activities
- Total Number
Number of
Participants
- 627
- 46
23
Devotional Singing
520
No. of. Community Bhajan Centers No. of. Bhajans Held
4600+
350
20000+
2500+
Seven Household Bhajan No. Of Cluster No. of Houses No. of Bhajans Held Nagar
275
650
4500+ 7500+
- 115
- 2000
Sankirtan Study Circles Conference/Retreats Sadhana Camps
Activities
Bal Vikas
Centers Urban Rural
31
2
- 8
- 41
56
School
17 39
Total (i+ii+iii) Bal Vikas Gurus
Total Number of Beneficiaries
Ac tivi ty
Total Number
Visit to: