FOREWORD BY THE DISTRICT PRESIDENT
Om Sri Sairam
I am born and brought up in kumbakonam, the temple city. I am have involved myself in Bhagawan’s Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Kumbakonam for about 31 years since 1988, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi is running here for more than 54 years & Myself as the Service Coordinator of kumbakonam samithi For 20years, District service coordinator for 2 years & Now as district president for 7 years. I was working as a sevadal and leader of Prashanthi Seva and Kodaikanal Seva for about 25 years. Also doing service as Saimember for 3 mahamaham years. Thanjavur and kumbakonam both are temple cities. Totally 7 samithis are here. By Swami’s grace samithis are running wonderfully. Seva activities, Spiritual activities and Educational activities of three wings are running by Swami’s grace. Balvikas is special for kumbakonam samithi. District Educational Coordiantor is doing well for Balvikas. District Mahila Service Coordinator also doing well and she is the zonal mahila coordinator also. Thanjavur is running with swami’s blessings. Love all Serve all. Thank you sairam. M.Srinivasan, District President Thanjavur & Tiruvarur
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – 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 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) 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.” Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
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 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.
NINE POINT CODE OF CONDUCT TEN GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Daily meditation and prayer. Treat as sacred the land in which you were born. Have Devotional singing/prayer with members of patriotism to your nation - but do not criticize other one’s family once a week nations or put others down. Not even in your thoughts or dreams should you think of bringing grief to your Participation in Bal Vikas country. programme b ychildren of the family conducted by the Organisation. Respect all religions equally.
Attendance at least once a month at Bhajan Recognize 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 this Participation in community service and will promote hygiene and health. other programmes of the Organisation. Practice charity - but do not encourage beggars by Regular study of Sai literature. giving money. Provide food, clothing, shelter and help them on other ways (do not encourage laziness) Speak softly and lovingly with everyone with whom he comes into contact. Never give a bribe or take bribe - never give into 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 Putting into practice the principle of “Ceiling creed. on Desires” and utilize 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.
WINGS OF SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS
The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation functions under three wings Spirituality and Service are supplementary and complementary viz. (i) Spiritual, (ii) Education, and (iii) Service. Each activity in to each other. Spirituality is the motivational force behind service a wing is directed to facilitate and help the in his own and service is the fulfillment of spirituality. Therefore, spiritual spiritual advancement. Although, the nature of activities concepts learnt through education must be put into practice in form of undertaken under different wings appear to be distinct and service to humanity. Thus, in order to successfully realize the objective of dissimilar, but there is an inherent interrelationship amongst all joining the Sai Organisation, one must participate in activities of all the the three wings. The three wings stand for Worship, Wisdom and three wings. Work.
ACTIVITIES UNDER DIFFERENT WINGS OF THE ORGANISATION
SPIRITUAL EDUCATION SERVICE
❖ Disaster Relief ❖ Bhajan ❖ Non-formal education of ❖ Gram Seva ❖ Narayana Seva ❖ Nagarsankeertan children in the age group of 5- ❖ Slum Seva 14 years through values- ❖ Medical Camps ❖ Free Coaching ❖ Study Circle based educational training, ❖ Sanitation Seva ❖ Visit Old Age ❖ Sadhana Camps ❖ Bal-Vikas ❖ Visit Homes ❖ Study of Sai Literature ❖ Educare Orphanages ❖ Others
❖ Meditation,and ❖ Parenting Programmes
❖ Others
ADMINISTRATION OF THE ORGANISATION
Headed by an All India President who is The members of the organisation work as one cohesive supported by the National Vice Presidents and State unit, whether as sevadals providing service at Presidents, the Organisation functions like a well- Prashanthi Nilayam, at medical camps, doing Narayan oiled machine in the District under the stewardship of seva or the balvikas gurus who work with young the District President, focused on its purpose, clear in children to inspire in them a desire to inculcate the five its vision and dedicated in its efforts to live up the human values of Truth, Righteousness, Love, Peace Swami’s message – “Love All, Serve All”. and Non-violence.
The teachers who having undergone the training in The Samithis and the Bhajan Mandalis constitute a EHV help in guiding the young minds towards the genuine spiritual movement where the members are higher goals of life or the Sai Youth who work united by a common bond – Love for God and Service tirelessly in the Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated to fellow human beings. Programme and Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyoti Programme–each of them are bound by one goal– “Service to Man is Service to God”.
SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATION – TANJORE DISTRICT
BRIEF HISTORY
Thanjavur Sathya Sai Seva Samithi is running more than 50 years. Key devotees are Mr.R. Dakshinamoorthy, Mr. Angappan, Mr. Perumal and some devotees. Kumbakonam Sathya Sai Bhajan Mandali started at 1969. Ms. Mangalathammal is the key devotee of Sathya Sai bhajan mandali. Tiruvarur Sathya Sai Seva Samithi started at 22-12-1965. Mr. H. Raja is the key devotee of Tiruvarur Bhajan Mandali. Now totally 7 Samithis and 16 Bhajan Mandalis running in Thanjavur Tiruvarur districts.
Bhagawan blessed Tanjore district by setting his Divine Footprints at Budalur!
SSSSO TANJORE - OVERVIEW
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations is functional in Thanjavur with members from various cross sections of society and different faiths. With around 7 samithis and 16 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.
Statistical Overview as on 31stMarch 2019
Units Numbers Number of members 7 340 Samithis Bhajan Mandalis 16 40 Total 23 380 No. of Seva dals 100 Gents 40
Ladies 60 No. of Youth 27 Gents 15
Ladies 12 Adopted Slums/Villages Numbers Number of Beneficiaries
Slums/ Villages 1 620 Adopted Adopted 1 100 Under SSSVIP 2 720 Total Adopted Schools under Sri Sathya Sai Numbers Number of Students Vidya Jyoti
Schools 1 100
NAME LOCATION ADDRESS
Maharnombhu Chavady Thanjavur
Thanjavur Srinivasapuram
Thanjavur Registrar Colony
Kumbakonam
Tiruvarur
Tiruvidaimaruthur
Mannarkudi
The members of the Organisation are involved in various activities on Service activities which are regularly undertaken in Samithis regular basis which primarily includes Spiritual Study Circles, for the transformation of the members and for the benefit of Community Bhajan, Nagar-sankirtan through the spiritual wing; Bal- the society include visits to leprosy, correctional and old age Vikas and Parenting programmes through the Education Wing and homes, medical camps in villages, Narayan-Seva, free coaching various service activities through the service wing. Importance is classes, vocational training for employability enhancement of given to regular service activities as only through constant the villagers, sanitation at public functions, fairs, and public involvement in good work can self-transformation be achieved. urinal cleaning.
The following table broadly categories the different activities that are undertaken in all the districts of the State
Educare Medicare Sociocare Study Circles for Adults and Community Bhajan Youth Centers Nagar Sankirtan
Conference/Retreats Spiritual Sadhana Camps
Bal Vikas Classes based on Parents’ Awareness
human values programs on Parenting
BalVikas and Guru training - 1 Parenting Workshops Educational
Free Coaching and Medical Centers National Narayan Seva Tuition Centers Medical Camps in Programme Computer Training villages Visit to Leprosy Villages, Correctional Spoken English Eye Camps Homes, Orphanages, Blood Grouping Camps Adult Education Hospital, Disabled/ Old Literacy Programs Blood Donation Camps Age Homes Service Dental Treatment Camps Narayan Seva Service Camps Veterinary Camps Vocational Training Centers Employability enhancement 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
Total Number of Activities Total Number Participants Devotional Singing 1 50
No. of. Community Bhajan Centers No. of. Bhajans Held
Seven Household Bhajan 6 100
No. Of Cluster No. of Houses
PIRITUAL
S No. of Bhajans Held Nagar
Sankirtan Study Circles 120 200 Conference/Retreats Sadhana Camps 60 50
Total Number Of Centers Total Number Students
Bal Vikas Centers 63 767
Urban 55 329 Rural 5 165 School EDUCATIONAL 3 273
Activity Total Number Total Beneficiaries
Visit to: Leprosy Village Correctional Homes Orphanages 52 35 Hospital 45 1350 Disabled / Old Age Homes 02 180
Camps: 50 Narayan Seva 6000
Veterinary Camps Medical Awareness Camps 01 230 Eye Camps
SERVICE Blood Grouping Camps 01 120
Service Camps
Vocational Training Centers 01 05 Free Coaching Centers Medical Centers Sanitation (Public Urinals) Dental Treatment Camps 02 300 National Narayan Seva Blood Donation Camps 01 40 OFFICE BEARERS
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, Maharnombhu Chavady, Thanjavur
Position Name Mobile # Email ID
Samithi Convenor Sri.Dhanabal 9894951569 [email protected] Spritual Coordinator (Gents) Sri.Santhanam 9940048579 Service Coordinator (Gents) Sri.Sivagurunathan 9150276114 Service Coordinator (Mahilas) Smt.Usha 9942781296 Educational Coordinator Smt Indra Parasuraman 9444488641 [email protected] Youth Coordinator (Mahilas) Selvi.Sai Prabha 9442040745 [email protected] Samithi Building Custodian Sri.Sabaapathy 9444455582 [email protected]
Position Name Mobile # Email ID
Samithi Convenor G. Ragavan 9500298466 [email protected]
Service Coordinator (Gents) Sri. S.Murugaiyan 9894721137 [email protected]
Service Coordinator (Mahilas) Smt.Sathya Bama Gunasekaran 7871190219 [email protected]
Spiritual Coordinator (Gents) Sri. R.D. Bala Subramanian 9843474758 [email protected]
Spiritual Coordinator (Mahilas) Smt.Usha Sankaranarayanan 9994394779 [email protected]
Educational Coordinator Smt.Hemalatha Subramanian 9884276435 [email protected]
Youth Coordinator (Gents) Sri.A.Sridharavenkatesan 7448642035 [email protected]
Youth Coordinator (Mahilas) Selvi.M. Hemavathi 9976843277 [email protected]
IT Coordinator Selvan.S.Bharath Kumar 8056512058 [email protected]
SSSVJ Coordinator Selvan.S.Krishnan 8610553203 [email protected]
OFFICE BEARERS
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, Registrar Colony, Thanjavur
Position Name Mobile # Email ID
Samithi Convenor Sri.Srinivasalu 7402610026 [email protected] Service Coordinator (Gents) Sri.Rengarajan 9994716006 [email protected] Service Coordinator (Mahilas) Smt.Sasikala 9790379897 [email protected] Spritual Coordinator (Gents) Selvan.Hari 7397067957 [email protected] Educational Coordinator Smt.Nanthini Suguna 9789861266 [email protected] Youth Coordinator (Gents) Selvan.Sathya Narayanan 6374499285 [email protected]
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, Kumbakonam
Mobile Position Name Email ID Number Samithi Convenor Sri. R. Aravamudhan 9442705027 [email protected] Service Coordinator (Gents) Sri. K.Rajarajan 9443402728 [email protected] Service Coordinator (Mahilas) Smt.Rajeswari raja 8610652252 Spritual Coordinator (Gents) Pulavar.V.Subramanian 9943718078 [email protected] Spritual Coordinator (Mahilas) Smt. Sundari murali 8940489995 [email protected] Educational Coordinator Smt.Akila rajarajan 9442423312 [email protected] Youth Coordinator (Gents) Selvan. B. Arun kumar 9789732313 [email protected]
Youth Coordinator (Mahilas) Selvi.P. Sai brindha
OFFICE BEARERS
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi Tiruvarur
Mobile Position Name Email ID Number
Samithi Convenor Sri. R.Sekar 9486156131 [email protected]
Service Coordinator (Gents) Sri.Rajkumar N 9443074864
Service Coordinator (Mahilas) Smt.Aruna devi 9894513603
Spritual Coordinator (Gents) Sri.Muthuiaramadoss 9443659514
Joint Service Coordinator Sri. Ekambaranaathan 9442467483
Educational Coordinator Sri.Suresh K 9944115171
Youth Coordinator (Gents) Selvan.Sai nagaraj 9489508633 [email protected]
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi Thiruvidaimarudhur
Mobile Position Name Email ID Number
Samithi Convenor Sri. Vijaya Kumar 9443659728 [email protected]
Service Coordinator (Gents) Sri. Karunakaran 9790272505
Service Coordinator (Mahilas) Smt.Mala Ravivarman 9790466148
Spritual Coordinator (Gents) Sri.Rajarathinam
Spritual Coordinator (Mahilas)
Educational Coordinator Smt.Mala Ravivarman 9790466148
Youth Coordinator (Gents)
Youth Coordinator (Mahilas) Selvi. Kamalavalli 9894310905 [email protected]
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi
Mannarkudi
Position Name Mobile Number Email ID
Samithi Convenor Sri.G.Ramesh Kumar 9750275968 [email protected]
Service Coordinator (G)
Service Coordinator (Mahilas)
SPECIFIC SERVICE PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES
Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi Program
Under Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi project Thanjavur district adopted a school. The school name is T.K.R. Middle School, Thanjavur. We are doing so many activities in this school more than 3 years. Competitions, Sports Day, Narayana Seva, Sweets distribution for Diwali, Stationary items distributed for Swami’s birthday function, cleaning Seva, Vocational training and sadhana camps. More than 120 students got benefits through this Vidya Jyothi program.
IMPORTANT EVENTS OR CONFERENCES
BALVIKAS ALUMNI MEET
With the abundant Blessings of Bhagawan, 82 members comprising of primarily Balvikas Alumni and their family participated in a two-day retreat at Sai Sruthi, Kodaikanal to retrace their connections with Bhagawan and His Mission. The proceedings for the day began with Flag Hoisting followed by Veda and Bhajans by Balvikas Alumni. Then, the State Spiritual Coordinator, Tamil Nadu, highlighted the sanctity of the place where the retreat was being held. He shared with the audience, the divine lessons learnt at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet on different occasions and urged everyone to unpack and put into use the ultimate gift bestowed on us, His Teachings. In another session, later during the day, he threw light on the need to be actively involved in the activities undertaken by the Organisation.
A skit showcasing the need for Balvikas was also enacted by Balvikas Alumni. One of the Alumni did a presentation on the different facets of doing Seva that inspired the audience by sharing several memorable experiences. The post lunch session began with a quiz and a group activity to reinforce in the Alumni lessons learnt as Bal Vikas Students. A team activity involving physical exertion with a profound lesson on importance of collaboration and coordination was also organized.
Towards the close of the day, a talk by an Alumnus of both Balvikas and Bhagawan’s University was organized, who took the audience on an emotional roller coaster ride by sharing his journey from that of a less privileged child to the heights he reached today with His Divine grace.
The final session for the day comprised a talk by Convener of Kodaikanal Samithi. It was his tale of transformation that held the whole audience in rapt attention who was amazed at how Swami draws the chosen ones into His fold and all along makes them more deserving. The day culminated with offering of Aarti to Bhagawan.
The events of the next day began with Omkar, Suprabatham and Nagar Sankeerthan. Considering the paramount challenges faced by parents in upbringing children, a ‘Value Parenting’ session based on Swami’s messages and using videos portraying parent-child relationship was held with discussions on the possible takeaways from the videos.
The state Educational Coordinator, Tamil Nadu took over the dais and appreciated the youth for coming up with such an event. She insisted that every Balvikas Alumni should in some capacity contribute to the Balvikas movement. She also highlighted the various avenues available for one to contribute. She dwelled upon how Swami feels indebted to any little thing we do to Him.
As per her suggestions, the youth took an oath to take up personal sadhana and participate with involvement in the Organisation for self-transformation.
The custodian, of the Sai Sruthi property, spoke and extended his hearty welcome to Sai Sruthi at any time and they are eager to receive them. The District President – Tanjore and Thiruvarur, proposed the vote of thanks. Maha Mangala Aarti was performed to Bhagawan with overwhelming gratitude.
The participants of the retreat were given the privilege of visiting the Jhoola room of Bhagawan and offer their pranams. Everybody present at the retreat felt that their visit to Sai Sruthi was a true homecoming experience. From the cozy accommodation that was provided to the sumptuous food that was served at regular intervals, and the love with which the team at Sai Sruthi went about the whole thing was exemplary for us to be inspired.
Dedicated at the Lotus Feet of The Divine Lord & Master Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba