Howrah District of West Within the Organisational Framework Along with Bengal, This Is One of My Rarest Opportunities to Some Special Activities

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS WEST BENGAL

DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT HOWRAH 2018 - 19

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

This report is dedicated at the Lotus Feet of our Lord and Master Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, HOWRAH ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Foreword

I prostrate at the Lotus Feet of my Sadguru, In-charges and all office bearers as also all of our Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who, by His Sevadal Devotees without whom all our efforts immense grace, has given me an opportunity to would have been un-fructified and goals remained act as His tiny instrument, made me incidental to unattended, to whatever small degree it is! This His Divine Mission of Vedaposhana, Bhakta Annual Report is a small effort to provide the Samrakhshana, Patitoddharana and Dharma origin and history of the Organisation in the Samsthapana by spreading the message of Love District of Howrah with some statistical All Serve All. As District President of the Sri Sathya information which exhibit the regular activities Sai Seva Organisations of Howrah District of West within the organisational framework along with Bengal, this is one of my rarest opportunities to some special activities. I would again invoke the present the District Annual Report for the period blessings of our almighty Bhagawan that He 2018-19 for the first time. I would like to express guides us in His Mission and that we can carry my simultaneous gratitude to our Respected State forward His Message exactly the way He Wishes. President, Vice Presidents and State Coordinators Sai Ram. who have extended all kinds of guidance and co- operations in augmenting the Sai Activities in this Ever in Sai Service, District in tune with the State and National Level Arun Samanta agenda of our organisation. I also take the District President opportunity to bow my head in appreciation of the relentless sacrifices made by our District Coordinators, Samithi Convenors, Bhajan Mandali

You are called sevaks (servants) because you are engaged in seva (selfless service). What exactly is seva? Is it the way in which bhakti (devotion) manifests itself, a consequence of devotion? Or is it the cause of bhakti, one of the methods by which bhakti is expressed and developed? It is neither. It is not the sine qua non of bhakti; nor is it the result. It is the very essence of bhakti, the very breath of a bhakta (devotee), his or her very nature. It springs from the actual experience of the bhakta—an experience that convinces him or her that all beings are God’s children, that all bodies are altars where God is installed, that all places are His residences.

Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, HOWRAH ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

CONTENTS Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations ...... 2 Activities...... 8 Wings of the Organisation ...... 3 Specific Service Projects or Initiatives...... 10 Administration of the Organisation ...... 3 Important Events or Conferences ...... 12 The 9 Point Code of Conduct and 10 Principles ..... 4 Glimpses Of Few Activities ...... 13 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Howrah ...... 5 Office Bearers ...... 16 Brief History ...... 5 Current Office Bearers of the District ...... 16 Overview ...... 8 Past District Presidents ...... 17

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra ...... 8

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Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations

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 Hindu 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 service) 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

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WINGS OF THE ORGANISATION

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations functions Spirituality and Service are complementary to under three wings viz. (i) Spiritual, (ii) Education, and each other. Spirituality is the motivational force (iii) Service. Each activity in a wing is directed to behind service and service is the fulfillment of facilitate and help the members in their own spirituality. Therefore, spiritual concepts learnt spiritual advancement. Although, the nature of through education must be put into practice in form activities undertaken under different wings appear of service to humanity. Thus, in order to successfully to be distinct and dissimilar, but there is an inherent realise the objective of joining the Sai Organisation, interrelationship amongst all the three wings. The one must participate in activities of all the three three wings stand for Worship, Wisdom and Work. wings.

Activities under different wings of the Organisation

Spiritual Wing Educational Wing Service Wing

•Bhajan •Non-formal education of •Gram Seva •Nagarsankeertan children in the age group of •Slums Service

•Study Circle 5-14 years through values- •Medical Camps and Health based educational training •Sadhana Camps Care •Bal-Vikas •Study of Sai Literature •Sanitation activities •Educare •Meditation, and •Visit to orphanges, old age •Parenting Programmes •Others homes etc. •Disaster relief •Poor feeding

•Free Coaching Classes, and •Others

ADMINISTRATION OF THE ORGANISATION

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

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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 observing by the following Nine Point Code of Conduct which has been given by Sri Sathya Sai Baba for one's spiritual and personal development. In addition, the ten principles that form 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 Sai Organisations.

9 Point Code of Conduct 10 Guiding Principles

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

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Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Howrah

BRIEF HISTORY

The Sai Organisation in Howrah traces its origin Amarendra Nath Sanyal, Manomohan Mukherjee, to 1971 at Shalimar, Shibpur in the year 1971, where Bibhu Bhattacharya and others), Salkia (Satya a group of notable persons like Surya Rao, Advocate Charan Pyne, L. R. Jhawar, Dr. K. K. Mehra, Kanubhai Rabindra Nath Banerjee, M. M. Maheswari, Sankar Damani, Chowhanji, Minati Adhikary, Kamala Nag, Batabyal, Ganga Narayan Banerjee, Prasanta Dutta, Amit and others), Bally (Swapan Ghosh, Tapan Sudhir Dutta, Gourhari Mukherjee, Advocate Dilip Ghosh, Moorthi, Haridasbabu) etc. came up with Banerjee, Justice Susanta Chatterjee, Susanta activities like regular Bhajan Singing, Nagar Banerjee, Jahar Bhadra, Kishore Kumar Mukherjee Sankirtan, Narayan Seva, Medical Units, visit to and a few others took the initiative of forming a Sai hospitals/orphanage/correctional home and similar Samithi under the Chairmanship of Surya Rao. Later, other activities as dictated by Swami. The rural areas the Shalimar Unit was renamed as Shibpur Samithi of the district also saw the inclination of people in 1973 under the Chairmanship of Ganga Narayan towards the universal message of Sri Sathya Sai Banerjee. The spiritual journey started with House Baba. Samithis were formed at Amta under the Bhajan in the houses of devotees of Sri Sathya Sai leadership of Chandicharan Das and supported by Baba, Medical Unit and regular Narayan Seva. Shyamal Pal, Minati Pal, Partha Pratim Das, Soma During that period, a simultaneous effort took place Bera, Indrajit Chongdar, Gopal Manna and a few in the house of Banamali Das at Panchanantala others, Jagatballavpur under the guidance of Road, Howrah. A large homeopathic medical unit Narayan Ganguly supported by his handful of was opened which used to serve hundreds of students who came forward with enthusiasm. Later, patients in and around the area. Regular Bhajan and in other places like Bantra (Pradip Kumar Nag, other activities were also initiated. Rasbihari Santra, Sachin Sarkar, Sukumar Sarkar, Anil Bhattacharya, Asit Mukhopadhyay, Timir Baran Mukherjee, Ranjan Abhijit Sen, Ahindra Nag, Santi Sarkar, Kamala Nag, Banerjee, Gopal Mukherjee, Atul Roy were some of Sukumar Polley and others), Uluberia (Shyamal the active participants in the said Samithi activities. Biswas, Bithika Biswas, Sudhir Kundu and others), Few days after, Advocate Rabindra Nath Banerjee of Buxarah (Sailendra Nath Barat, Sovona Barat, Naren Shibpur was appointed as the District President of Chakraborty, Soumen Chakraborty, Jaba Howrah to look after the development and Chakraborty, Tara Rani Ghosh, Kaliprasad Rao, formation of various Centers and Samithis in other Mohan Rao) and Dharsa (Susanta Kumar Majumdar, parts of the district as the number of devotees Tapas Das, Malabika Majumdar) also were formed started increasing slowly. In the urban areas of the with various different activities in their respective district, Santragachi (Railway Quarters), Ramrajatala areas. (Sri Gour Bhattacharya, Anjan Bhattacharya,

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In 1984, village activities were given prime Coordinator, was specially assigned to look after the importance and as a result, amongst others, a district too and he continued till the appointment of village named as Madhabpur near Kulgachia Sri Arun Samanta as the District President in January became an important activity center of the District. 2015 (Kalimpong Conference) who has been The efforts motivated the people of the locality and continuing till date. ultimately resulted in formation of Samithi (Ashok During this long journey of about 48 years, there Ghorui, Kamal Ghorui, Rabin Ghorui, Uttam Ghorui was much restructuring and reorientation of and many others) sometime in 1993. Samithis. Most important amongst those is the Meanwhile, the responsibility of District formation of six Samithis by reorganising President was given to Sri M.M. Maheswari for a Jagatballavpur Samithi which encompassed a very short period of time (1980-81) and then passed on large area, and those are Jagatballavpur (Narayan to the hands of Sankar Batabyal in 1982, who took Ganguly, Bharati Ganguly, Arup Saha, Prodyut Saha, a lead role in an all-round development of the Bubul Hazra, Ajoy Roy, Nader Chand Roy), Sadatpur district. He also became State Coordinator for a (Arun Samanta, Subrata Maji, Swapan Pathak, wider area encompassing three districts, viz., Goutam Kar), Mansinghapur (Subodh Bhuinya, Howrah, Hooghly and Medinipur in 1987 and Robin Mondal, Swapan Manna, Tapan Mal), continued till 1995 when Sri Nihar Kanti Pal took Makardah (Subodh Chatterjee) and Jangipara (Ashis over the charge of the State Coordinator for the said Nandy, Smt. Dolly Chanda). It may be noted that zone and continued till 1998 (Chandanagar State although Jangipara is the bordering area of Conference). At this time, the zone was subdivided Hooghly District, for the administrative efficiency - one being comprised of Howrah and Purba and locational advantages etc. it continued to be a Medinipur and the other being Hooghly and part of the Sai District of Howrah. Paschim Medinipur. Sri Sailendra Nath Barat A new Samithi was later formed in the name of became the State Coordinator for Howrah and Kadamtala under the convenorship of Timir Baran Purba Medinipur while Sri Nihar Kanti Pal continued Mukherjee, and it started its regular activities. Some with Hooghly and Paschim Medinipur. However, in Samithis like Bally, Salkia, Santragachi, Uluberia, year 2000, Purba Medinipur became separate with Makardah, Howrah found inactive since 2002 were independent District President (Sri Amiya Ghosh) dissolved. and Howrah continued its journey in the hands of Sri Sailendra Nath Barat. After the sudden demise of However, sensing the diminishing participation Sri Sailendra Nath Barat in 2002, Sri Kishore Kumar of urban devotees, an effort was made to club the Mukherjee took over the charge as the District existing Samithis into one single Samithi in the President and led the district efficiently till 2010 name of Howrah Town and it worked to some when he was promoted to the post of State extent and came out with some result. Later, it was Coordinator (Technology Group). Sri Subhamoy again split into two Samithis (Dasnagar and Dharsa) Majumdar was appointed as the District President. and two Bhajan Mandalis (Shibpur and Buxarah). In who continued until August 2012. At this juncture, the Amta area, another Bhajan Center in the name Sri Pritam Kumar Nag, the then State Service of Sirajbati was started in 2012, which became a

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Samithi in 2016 (Partha Pratim Das, Pradip The Spiritual Wing took earnest initiative to Mukherjee, Dibyendu Chatterjee etc.). spread bhajan training, nagar sankirtan, study circle, sadhana shibir, sale of Sai Literature and national Education wing of the district was active under narayan seva in all pockets of the district under the the guidance of Smt. Gouri Bhattacharya who was guidance of Ganga Narayan Banerjee, Nupur lately supported by Kamala Nag, Malabika Mukherjee, Ashita Mukherjee, Ruby Mukherjee, Majumdar, Nupur Mukherjee, Purnima Mukherjee, Anubha Bhattacharya, Monika Chatterjee, Ashok Ashita Mukherjee, Anubha Bhattacharya and many Naskar and the like. others. The entire team was responsible for the development of Bal Vikas movement in various The District had the opportunity to hold three Samithis and Centers in the district. The current State Conferences in 1992 (Santragachi Kedar Nath team constitutes of Smt. Sanghamitra Mukherjee, Institution), 2010 (Railway Club, Golmohor) and Debabrata Mal and Mithu Nag. The seniors, who are lastly in 2019 (Railway Officers’ Club, Howrah very old now and immobile due to health ground, Maidan) are still continuing to contribute to this cause in a The participation in Prashanti Nilayam Seva had great way. It may be noted that many of the Bal all along been a great opportunity of the Sai Vikas alumni have involved themselves into the Fraternity since its initial days of happening (1987). samithi Activities and take lead role in various The district took part in all possible ways in all the capacities. activities of the three wings during its journey of 48 The Service Wing including the Youth Wing are years. also reasonably active, engaged in various activities One of the important milestones in the history like grama seva, medical camps, educational of the District has been the establishment a assistance to the poor and needy students, completely free multispecialty medical centre vocational training in different trades, computer named ‘SAI DISHA’ at its District Center at literacy program, disaster management training and Jagatballavpur which has been operating twice a awareness program, extensive cleaning & sanitation week since Jan 2014. The centre provides free program throughout the district, tree plantation medical treatment in the fields of general medicine, and the like. The participation from the district in paediatrics, dentistry and ophthalmology. The Gangasagar Mela Sanitation Camp during Makar inauguration of the centres was made at hands of Sankranti every year (1991-2005) needs a special Sri Shyamal Sur, the then State President of Sri mention. The lead at the district level in different Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, West Bengal. A periods and situations was taken by Kishore Kumar pathology unit was added to this in 2017 which was Mukherjee, Ananda Dutta, M. Sathyanarayan, Tapas blessed by the presence of Sri Nimish Pandya, All Das (Amta), Santa Prosad Chongdar, Pranay Seth, India President and Sri N. Ramani, National Vice Ashok Naskar, Arup Saha, Dhrubaloke Banerjee, President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, India Ashis Nandy, Kaushik Nandy, Karabi Seth, in May 2017. Till now, about 50,000 patients have Chandrani Chongdar, Tanima Mal, Rani Kundu, and been treated at this medical centre. The many others.

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contribution of the State Trust in the successful together to put into practice His Message of “Love running of this unit is noteworthy. All Serve All” with the ultimate mission of ‘Transforming Self to Transform the World’. The district has a good mix of experienced members and youth who have been working

OVERVIEW

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations is Statistical Overview functional in Howrah with members from various cross sections of society and different faiths. With 8 Samithis and 2 Bhajan Mandalis, the Organisation serves as a platform for its members to 8 2 8 undertake spiritual practices through its Samithis Bhajan Adopted various wings such as spiritual, Mandalis Villages education and service for their own betterment.

The thrust is on self-transformation for it is only individual transformation 650 97 66 that would ultimately lead to global transformation. Members Gents Youth Ladies Youth

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA KENDRA

Seva Kendra District/Samithi Address Contact Person

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Jagatballavpur Sadipara, Godaria, TapanMaji Kendra (District Centre) Jagatballavpur, Howrah 9732582776 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Sirajbati Samithi Amta, Howrah Dibyendu Kendra near Koley Bastralaya Chatterjee 7001575009

ACTIVITIES

The members of the Organisation are involved in various activities on regular basis which primarily includes spiritual study circles, community bhajan, nagarsankirtan through the spiritual wing; Bal-Vikas and Parenting programmes through the Education Wing and various service activities through the service wing. Importance is given to regular service activities as only through constant involvement in good work can self-transformation be achieved. Service activities which are regularly undertaken at Samithis for the

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, HOWRAH 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19 transformation of the members and for the benefit of the society include visits to leprosy, correctional and old age homes, medical camps in villages, Narayan seva, free coaching classes, vocational training for employability enhancement of the villagers, sanitation at public functions, fairs, and public urinal cleaning.

The following table broadly categories the different activities that are undertaken by the Samithis across the District.

SPECTRUM OF ACTIVITIES

Educare Medicare Sociocare

• Study Circles for Adults and • Community Bhajans Youth • Nagar Sankirtan

• Conference/Retreats Sadhana Camps Spiritual

• Bal Vikas Classes based on • Parents’ Awareness programs on

human values Parenting

• Bal-Vikas and Guru training • Parenting Workshops Educational

• Free Coaching and Tuition • Medical Centers • National Narayan Seva Programme Centers • Medical Camps in villages • Visit to Leprosy Villages, Correctional • Computer Training • Eye Camps Homes, Orphanages, Hospital, Disabled/ Old Age Homes • Spoken English • Blood Grouping Camps • Narayan Seva • Adult Education • Blood Donation Camps • Service Camps • Literacy programs • Dental Treatment Camps • Vocational Training Centers • Veterinary Camps • Employability enhancement

Service programmes for village youth • Sanitation at different government run hospitals, fairs, and public places including public urinals • Disaster Management Awareness programmes in Schools/Colleges and other institutions

Service does not mean helping with hands alone. Talk softly and sweetly. Speak good words. That is also a form of service. Sri Sathya Sai

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A summary account of regular activities that have been undertaken during the period covered by this report is depicted in the following table.

Total Number of Activities Total Number Participants Devotional Singing

No. of. Community Bhajan Centers 20

No. of. Bhajans Held 240 2880 Household Bhajan

Spiritual No. of Houses 126 No. of Bhajans Held 6048 30,240 Nagar Sankirtan 154 1,386 Study Circles 184 1,840 Conference/Retreats/Sadhana Camps 13 260 Total Number of Activities Total Number

Students Bal Vikas Centers (i) Urban 27 189 (ii) Rural 9 90

Educational (iii) School 1 45 Total (i+ii+iii) 37 314 Bal Vikas Gurus 25 314 Total Number of Activity Total Number Beneficiaries Visit to: Hospital 5 88 Camps:

Narayan Seva 31 848

Blood Grouping Camps 2 85 Service in Big Mela 12 9,050

Service Vocational Training Centers 1 9 Free Coaching Centers 9 123 Medical Centers 9 10,120 Sanitation (Public Urinals) 48 In thousands National Narayan Seva 2880 kgs 745 Blood Donation Camps 1 46

SPECIFIC SERVICE PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES Rural Vocational Training Centres:

By the Grace of our Beloved Lord, vocational training in sewing and stitching began in 2014 at District Sai Center and has successfully completed 5 batches. 60 women have benefited so far from this course. The vocational training activity has also become another avenue for our sevadal to be engaged in serving the under privileged section of the society.

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Medical Centres

At nine medical centres clinics are operational in various Samithis of the District on a weekly basis. Doctors and Sevadal Members regularly take care of the patients with love.

Howrah District also runs a medical centre named ‘SAI DISHA’ twice a week, where about 8000 patients are provided medical care on an annual basis. They are also given free medicines. About 50,000 patients have benefitted from this service in the last 6 years, since its inception.

The following table provides an overview of patients provided medical care at the Sai Disha Medical Centre in the year 2018-19.

Stream Total Number of Total Number of clinics held Beneficiaries Opthalmology 45 2500 Dental 20 400 Pediatrics 36 720 General Medicine 42 2380

Disaster Management

Training on rescue, relief and rehabilitation of persons in the event of natural calamities is imparted to sevadals with the objective of forming Disaster Management Teams which will undertake such work in times of need. These teams also conduct practice sessions, training program for more youth and disaster awareness program in localities, school and colleges for community preparedness.

During the year, the Disaster Management Team of Howrah had conducted two one-day training programmes – one for the students of Amta B. Ed College and another for villagers of Badampur Village which is an adopted village of Mansinghapur Samithi.

Disaster Management Awareness for college students

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Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyoti Program

The rejuvenation of learning in schools, especially village schools under the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyoti Program of the Organisation found energetic response in Howrah district too. In Amta Aurgachi Primary School, sevadal members undertake the various activities like – health and hygiene awareness, cleaning, value games, yoga, health check-up, techniques for proper washing of hands and free coaching to students.

IMPORTANT EVENTS OR CONFERENCES State Conference 2019

Howrah district was privileged to host the 38th State Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, West Bengal. It was held at Railway Officer’s Club, Howrah – on 25th & 26th January 2019 in which around 265 participants attended from 21 districts of the State. 72 Sevadals from the host district worked tirelessly to ensure pleasant experience by the participants and success of the conference. Youth Conference

When the youth get together to discuss Him and His Work, the Lord Rejoices! District Level Youth Conferences are such blissful meets when the youth spend the whole day in listening to Him, about Him and discussing ways of doing His work. During the year, the District Youth Conference was held at District Sai Centre, Jagatballavpur on 21st April which was attended by 78 Mahila and 49 Gents participants. Mahila Conference

District Mahila Conference during the year was held at District Sai Centre, Jagatballavpur on 12th August 2018 in which more than 96 Mahilas participated enthusiastically. Gents Sevadal were also present who provided necessary support for successful conduction of the day long programme from 10.35 am to 4.30 pm. Mahila Conference at district level was held simultaneously in all 21 districts of the state. Bal Vikas Guru Training

Emphasis is given to continuous improvement of the quality of Bal Vikas classes in both urban and rural areas. Therefore, Bal Vikas Gurus’ training and such workshops are held regularly at the district and Samiti levels respectively. The District Level Training for Bal Vikas Gurus was held during the year on 16th September 2018 from 10 am to 4 30 pm in which 40 Mahilas and 7 gents Gurus participated.

The supreme Lord of the three worlds, Sri Krishna Himself, when He came down to proclaim the divine destiny of the human being, rendered 14 service to beasts and birds. He tended horses and cows with love.

Sri Sathya Sai

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Glimpses of few activities

Free Coaching Class

Education is the most powerful tool that we can use to change the world. It is a movement from darkness to light. Spreading the light of Education, the free coaching centres are run by Jagatballavpur, Mansinghapur, Jangipara, Sadatpur Samithi; almost 123 students from V to XII are benefited this year as the classes are taken on a regular basis. A special drive was taken for the Madhyamik Students (17 Nos.) of 2018-19 by providing special coaching, and that was supported and conducted by eminent teachers of our district as well as from other districts Free Coaching Class at Jagatballavpur Sai Disha Medical Centre

Sai Disha is a permanent allopathic medical centre started in January 2014. It provides free medical treatment including medicines to the patients. The relentless effort and devotion of sevadals have resulted in this centre attracting patients from far off distances. During April 2018 to March 2019, the number of patients treated (with medicine) was above 6000.

Dental Checkup at Sai Disha Eye Checkup at Sai Disha

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Cleaning and Sanitation

Regular cleaning activities by the members in all Samitis is one of the main activities of Howrah District. On a regular basis, sevadals, both male and female take up cleaning of Bus Stands, Roads, Public Urinals, Schools, Hospitals, Big Mela etc. Our Sevadals take active part and keep these places clean for the benefit of the local public. Narayan Seva

Cooked Food Narayan Seva is a regular activity of all the Samithis and the Sevadals take part in such activity on a regular basis in Adopted Villages, Bus Stand and Railway Station, Roads etc. Iftaar Weekly Cleaning in Town Center

During the month of Ramjan, Iftaar is arranged at the Jangipara Samithi, where people from Muslim Community are invited. They assemble, offer special Namaz, take part in talks on Islam. Arrangement for refreshments is made for our guests who break their fast during the Holy Month of Ramzan. Blood Donation Camp

Blood Donation Camp, like each year, was organised at Howrah District and 46 units of blood Cooked Food Narayan Seva were donated to the Govt. Blood Bank.

Blood Donation Camp Iftaar celebrations at one of the Sai Centres

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Big Mela Cleaning

Mela ground Cleaning is a regular Annual Programme in which sevadals clean the ground after the mela is over and restores it to its normal condition. This benefits the local residents which otherwise would have taken a long course to initiate from the local authorities. About 70 to 100 sevadals participate in this work in various Melas in the district.

Sevadals engaged in cleaning of the Fair Ground after the Fair Gram Seva

Ajodhya is a tribal village and is adopted village of by the district under the Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated Programme where sevadals visit on a regular basis and undertake service activities like free coaching, Bal Vikas, tree plantation, agriculture assistance, cooked food and dry food narayan seva, health camps, bhajan and nagar sankirtan for the integrated benefit of the villagers and the village. Vidya Jyoti Program

At Amta area a Vidyajyoti school is adopted by the Book Distribution in Ayodhya Village Amta & Sirajbati Samithi jointly; they regularly visit the school and cleaning and sanitation, tree plantation, Bal Vikas class, drawing class, health awareness program are some of the activities taken up on a regular basis.

Young Sevadals cleaning the school premises

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, HOWRAH 15 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Office Bearers

CURRENT OFFICE BEARERS OF THE DISTRICT

Name Designation Contact Details Arun Kumar Samanta District President Mobile :9733826899 Email : [email protected] Pranay Kumar Seth Service Coordinator Mobile :9635882187 (Gents) Email : [email protected] Santa Prosad Chongdar Joint Service Coordinator Mobile :9143290827 (Gents) Email : [email protected] Karabi Seth Service Coordinator Mobile :9734558880 (Ladies) Email : [email protected] Chandrani Chongdar Joint Service Coordinator Mobile :9830418009 (Ladies) Email : [email protected] Ashok Naskar Spiritual Coordinator Mobile : 94762664908 (Gents) Email : Monika Chatterjee Spiritual Coordinator Mobile : 94762664908 (Ladies) Email : Debabrata Mal Education Coordinator Mobile : 9433819505 (Gents) Email : [email protected] Sanghamitra Mukherjee Education Coordinator Mobile : 8013939817 (Ladies) Email : [email protected] Mithu Nag Joint Education Mobile : 6289196608 Coordinator (Ladies) Email : [email protected] Dhrubalok Banerjee Youth Coordinator (Gents) Mobile : 9635731509 Email : [email protected] Rani Kundu Youth Coordinator (Ladies) Mobile : 7074550912 Email : [email protected] Tanima Mal Joint Youth Coordinator Mobile : 9748347095 (Ladies) Email : [email protected]

Teach the illiterates in the villages how to read and write and broaden their vision. Welcome the slum dwellers into your group and work together with them to make the area clean and attractive. Once you take up seva (selfless service) you will discover many ways of doing good.

Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, HOWRAH 16 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

PAST DISTRICT PRESIDENTS

Name Period Rabindra Nath Banerjee 1973 to 1980 M.M. Maheswari 1980 to 1981 Shankar Batabyal 1982 to 1986 Shankar Batabyal (State Coordinator) 1987 to 1995 Nihar Kanti Pal (State Coordinator) 1995 to 1998 Sailendra Nath Barat (State Coordinator) 1998 to 2000 Sailendra Nath Barat 2000 to 2002 Kishore Kumar Mukherjee 2002 to 2010 Subhamoy Mazumder 2010 to 2012 Pritam Kumar Nag (In-charge) 2012 to 2014 Arun Kumar Samanta 2015 to till date

To plead that one has no time for service activities because of official duties or other preoccupations is an utterly lame excuse. Even in your official work you can render service. There is no need to go to bazaars for street cleaning. That is not the only means of serving the public. Whatever your official duties, whatever your profession or occupation, if you discharge your duties properly and efficiently, that is also social service. The right attitude for officials in authority towards service should be to ask themselves whether the services they render are commensurate with the salaries they receive. Seldom do we see persons in employment, whether they are workers or officers, doing the amount of work that would justify the salaries they get. They all want more remuneration but are not prepared to work more. They should realise that this kind of an attitude is a betrayal of the nation. Whose money are they receiving as wages? It is the public’s money. To fail in the discharge of one’s duties to the public is a grievous disservice. If a teacher imparts education on the right lines, he or she is rendering real national service. Likewise, if a merchant conducts his or her business on the basis of earning not more than what is needed to meet reasonable needs, he or she will be rendering public service. When this attitude prevails, there is no need to claim that one is engaged in service. One should be content to abide by the dictates of one’s own conscience. What will please Swami is the proper performance of one’s duties. This constitutes seva (selfless service).

Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, HOWRAH 17 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

O Lord, take my love, and let it flow in fullness of devotion to Thee; O Lord, take my hands, and let them work incessantly for Thee; O Lord, take my soul, and let it be merged in One with Thee; O Lord, take my mind and thoughts, and let them be in tune with Thee; O Lord, take my everything, and let me be an instrument to work for Thee.

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, HOWRAH 18

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, WEST BENGAL DISTRICt : HOWRAH Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, Godaria, Sadipara, P.O. & P.S.- Jagatballavpur, Howrah 711 410, Email: [email protected] State Office: 163, A J Bose Road, Kolkata 700 014, Email: [email protected], Website : ssssowb.org