SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS

DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT 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, KOLKATA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Foreword

Offering my most humble and reverential The Bal Vikas classes designed by none other salutations to my Beloved Master, Bhagawan Sri than our Divine Master, are being conducted in all Sathya Sai Baba, I extend my most sincere the Samithis of with an objective venerations and greetings to all. We are indeed of invoking and nurturing the inherent human blessed to place the First Annual Report of Sri values in the children so as to enable them to Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Kolkata district, become a good and responsible citizen of our West Bengal for the year 2018-19 at the Divine Nation . Lotus Feet of our Beloved Master Bhagawan Sri Bhagawan is the only source of our inspiration Sathya Sai Baba. and guide to enable us to perform the Seva. Sri Sathya Sai Organisation has its motto as However, the contribution of our Seva Dals, “Transforming self to transform the world” and the volunteers and devotees are also immensely best way to attain this is by putting into practice important to us to spread the love of Bhagawan the maxim given by Sathya Sai Baba - “Love All far and wide. Truly, pictures speak for themselves Serve All” and “Help Ever Hurt Never”. and therefore photos with the write-ups in the following pages bring forth the spectrum of the Currently, the Kolkata organization is spread activities conducted by various Samithis ad Bhajan in14 Sathya Sai Samithis and 3 Sathya Sai Bhajan Mandalis of Kolkata District during the year with Mandalis. The various activities undertaken fervor and utmost devotion. broadly covers the three main wings of the Sai Organisation viz. Service, Spiritual and We express our heartfelt gratitude and sincere Educational. The Selfless service activities thanks to the State President, Shri Sujit Prasad undertaken by Kolkata district includes serving the Lahiri - our dear Gobinda da, and his team for their poor by offering them food considering them God valued guidance and unconditional support in all (Narayan), jal chatra, vocational training, free our endeavors. Finally, with all our humility, we coaching classes, running free medical centres offer our humble gratitude at the Divine Lotus with both allopathic and homeopathic facilities Feet for giving us an opportunity to serve HIM and across the length and breadth of district, health choosing us to be a small part in His Divine awareness camps, serving and caring for the Mission. May HE shower HIS blessings on all the destitute, disaster management, gram seva, blood devotees for rendering their service at thy Lotus donation, etc. Feet.

Moreover, in order to strengthen its spiritual Ever in Sai Service, foundation, different Samithis and Bhajan Pankaj Dwivedi Mandalis of Kolkata District engage themselves in District President various acts of Community, Social and Personal Sadhana

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 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, Kolkata ...... 5 Office Bearers ...... 20 Brief History ...... 5 Current Office Bearers of The District ...... 20 Overview ...... 6 Past District Presidents ...... 21

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra ...... 7

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 1 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

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

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

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 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

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

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.

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Kolkata

BRIEF HISTORY

In August 1965, in Bombay, the devotees Moktan took over the Chairmanship followed by Sri formed a registered body and placed the deed of Debabrata Sen in 1985. registration at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan during Two very prominent names in Sri Sathya Sai Seva the Dussehra celebrations the same year. The Organisation in Calcutta were: - devotees from different parts of the country came to know about this and endeavoured to form similar Sri Nitindra Nath Majumder, who joined the units in their respective areas. organisation as sevadal. In 1970 he was made the sevadal convenor and moved on to become the Calcutta did not have to wait long for the Divine secretary of the Calcutta unit. call to come. In August 1967, the Sai devotees assembled for a meeting and elected 11 members Shri Shyamal Sur, who joined as sevadal in 1974 to form Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Seva and was made the sevadal convenor the same year Organisations, Kolkata, with Sri. A. K. Dutta as the and started working all over Calcutta and the Chairman. The other members of the apex adjoining districts. committee were Sri Sundaram as the Vice Chairman, Both worked very hard for the development of Sri S.P. Ghosh as the Secretary, Sri G.V. Satyanarayan the organisation in Calcutta and the expansion of as the joint Secretary and Sri R.R. Chatterjee as the the organisation in West Bengal when they were Treasurer. Things started moving fast after that and entrusted with the charge of the state at later dates. in 1968, under Bhagawan's Divine command, the Mahila Vibhag for Calcutta Samithi was formed and Prominent names in the Mahila Vibhag in 1970 saw the publication of the first issue of " Calcutta who played stellar roles in its expansion Calcutta Sathya Sai Samachar". were: Smt. Sudha Majumder, Smt. Minakshi Sundaram, Smt. Sati Sen, Smt. Gita Ghosh, Smt. In 1971, Bhagawan appointed Sri A. K. Dutta as Batsalya Acharya, Smt. Doll Majumder, Smt. Sudhriti the State President of Calcutta and its suburbs. In Mukherjee, Smt. Mila Datta, Smt. Nirmalya Sur and 1971, Sri R.R.Chatterjee replaced Sri Dutta as the many others. Chairman. In February 1974 Calcutta Samithi was dissolved by Bhagawan and reconstituted in In 1987, Sri Tridip Kumar Sen was appointed November with Sri G.V. Satyanarayana as its State Coordinator, Calcutta and was succeeded by Chairman. His team consisted of Sri H.L.Bharani as Sri Surajit Ghosh in 1995, in whose tenure the Vice Chairman, Sri Debabrata Sen as Secretary, and designation of the senior most District functionary Sri Nitindra Nath Majumder as Jt. Secretary and was rechristened as District President. Sri Ghosh was sevadal coordinator. In 1980 Sri Krishna Singh followed by Sri Gautam Ghosh in 2001, Sri Saibal

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 5 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Sengupta in 2006 and Sri Saidatta Majumder in Manoharpukur in south Calcutta. In 1992, the offices 2016. From January to July 2019, Sri Sujit Prasad of both the State and the District functionaries Lahiri, State President, West Bengal, assumed the moved to Maniklal Dutta Thakurbari situated at 5A, responsibility of the District President and in July Akrur Dutta Lane, . Although the State 2019, the mantle passed on to Sri Pankaj Dwivedi. office, under the tutelage of Sri Nitindra Nath Meanwhile, as Calcutta passed on to Kolkata on Majumder later moved to Sur Industries located at January 2001, the change was incorporated in the 163, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, Calcutta records of the organisation. 14, the district affairs and meetings continued to be held at Thakurbari. With the completion of the Seva During this period, from inception to adulthood, Kendra at Kasba, situated in 56/2, N. C. Chowdhury the headquarters of the district had moved to Road, Kolkata 14, the District office started to various locations. In the late seventies, the district function there from June 18, 2013. office used to function from a location at

OVERVIEW

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations is Statistical Overview functional in Kolkata with members from various cross sections of society and different faiths. With 14 Samithis and 3 Bhajan Mandalis, the Organisation serves as a platform for its 14 3 8 members to undertake spiritual Samithis Bhajan Adopted practices through its various wings such Mandalis Villages/Slums as spiritual, education and service for their own betterment.

The thrust is on self-transformation for it is only individual transformation 1058 139 245 that would ultimately lead to global transformation. Members Gents Youth Ladies Youth

Not recognising the sacredness and purifying power of service, people hesitate to embark on social service.

Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA KENDRA

Seva Kendra District/Samithi Address Contact Person

Sri Sathya Sai Seva District Centre 56/2 N.C.Choudhury Shankar Nandi Kendra, Kasba Road,Barabagan, Kasba, 9433798033 Kolkata-700042 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi 68 Sisir Bhaduri Sarani, Promod Kumar Kendra, Hedua Kolkata-700006 Thakur 9433798033

Regular Activities as Kasba Centre Regular Activities at Hedua Centre Vocational Training Bal Vikas Every Tuesday Mobile Repairing Tues. & Fri., 3-5 pm Group 1 5.00 pm. to 6.00 pm. Computer Training Wed. & Sat. – 5- 6.30 pm Group 2 5.00 pm. to 6.00 pm. Beautician course Wednesday 1- 4.00 pm Group 3 6.00 pm. to 7.00 pm. Stitching Course Thursday - 2- 4.00 pm Medical Centre – 3.00 to 5.00 pm Ophthalmology Thursday & Study Circle Every Thursday at 6pm Dr Anita Guhathakurata Saturday Dr. Gitika Bindra Medical Centre – 3.00 to 5.00 pm Bhajan Orthopedics 3rd week of every month Weekdays 7pm to 7:30pm, Dr. Dilip Majumder Sunday 6:30 to 7:30pm Medical Centre – 2.30 to 4.00 pm Mahila bhajan Gastroenterology 2nd week of every month First Tuesday 6:30 to 7:30pm Dr. Swayambhu Banerjee Medical Centre – Dental Sunday - 3- 5.00 pm Free Coaching class Sunday 9am - 11am. Dr. Priti Desai Medical Centre – 3rd Sunday –3.30- 5.30 pm Sunday 11am to 12noon. General Medicine Drawing class

Dr. D. Datta Medical Centre – 4.00 to 6.00 pm Homeopathy OPD Saturday 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Homeopathy Monday & Dr. Sisir Pathak Thursday Community Bhajan Every Sunday Cooked Food Lunch is offered to around 30 Oct-Feb 6 to 7.00 pm Narayan Seva Narayans - Every Sunday March-Sep 6:30 to 7:30pm Food Packets Distribution to around 200 Narayans-Every 3rd Sun Daily Narayan Seva Lunch is offered to Narayans Nagar sankirtan Every 2nd Saturday everyday at Sri athya Sai Seva Kendra, Kasba

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 7 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

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.

The following table broadly categorises 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

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

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 34

No. of. Bhajans Held 646 8233 Household Bhajan

Spiritual No. of Houses 128 No. of Bhajans Held 5040 25200 Nagar Sankirtan 290 2539 Study Circles 266 2583 Conference/Retreats/Sadhana Camps 48 756 Total Number of Activities Total Number

Students Bal Vikas Centers (i) Urban 37 172 (ii) Rural 7 65

Educational (iii) School Total (i+ii+iii) 44 237 Bal Vikas Gurus 78 Total Number of Activity Total Number Beneficiaries Visit to: Hospital 43 384 Disabled./Old Age Homes 80 393 Camps:

Narayan Seva 436 8079 Blood Grouping Camps 10 738

Eye Treatment Facilitation Camps 12 161 Service Vocational Training Centers 4 31 Free Coaching Centers 17 61 Medical Centers 23 10314 Sanitation (Public Urinals) 3 In hundreds National Narayan Seva 2769 kgs 540 Blood Donation Camps 1 58

One should strive only to do good deeds which alone will lead one to moksha (liberation). Moksha is not an object that can be acquired from outside. It is a way to life itself. When you follow your inherent nature and cultivate good feelings, you can attain liberation from worldly bondage.

Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 9 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

SPECIFIC SERVICE PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES Vocational Training Centres:

The National goal of sustainable development and financial inclusion may be realized if the unemployed youth in general and women are empowered with the financial ability to support their families and children through better education and better living conditions. Vocational training programs of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation across the globe are a wonderful tool to ensure this. Our beloved Swami says that a person should strive to use every talent and skill they have, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of the whole world because society is the source of whatever pleasure one derives and whatever wealth one achieves in life. Mobile Repairing Class, Kasba Seva Kendra

It is in backdrop of this divine commandment that Kolkata district of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, West Bengal has initiated vocational training courses for mobile repairing, computer training, beautician and stitching/tailoring courses at its Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, Kasba, by engaging professional trainers. The centre is well equipped with all the necessary equipment for the purpose and has trained aspirants in these vocations including 196 in mobile repair, 111 in beautician skills, 38 in tailoring and 119 in computer education since its inception in February 2014.

The training in vocational skills imparted through these sessions have created success stories by empowering many persons who, after receiving such training have started earning and supporting their families financially. Medical Van

The Kasba Centre of Kolkata district has one Medical Van which is used for conducting Medical Camps in various places. The visits made by Service team of Kolkata to participate in the different Medical Camps including adopted villages are worth mentioning here for which the Medical Van of Kasba Centre is used to carry medicines and Sevadals team to the venue. A wealthy person has been able to acquire riches only with the help of others. Realising this, that person has a duty to extend help to others in need. The human being derives strength from three sources: wealth, knowledge and the physique. The power derived from these sources should be used properly for right ends. Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 10 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Medical Centres

Bhagawan in his Divine Discourse in 2003 said that "Doctors should serve the poor with a spirit of sacrifice. There is no greater service than this. As man is the embodiment of God, it is his primary duty to help the destitute and the forlorn. Medicine should not be commercialized. It is meant to promote a heart-to-heart and love-to-love relationship between doctor and patient". Swami has deemed that high-quality healthcare should be delivered free of cost to all patients so that no one is prevented from receiving the highest benefits of healthcare. Sri Sathya Sai Medical clinics across various samithis Eye Clinic, Kasba Center of Kolkata district deliver such carefree of cost to the patients. The medical Centres at Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, Kasba, are also working in the same direction as treatment is given free of cost to various patients in the fields of Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Dental, Homeopathy and General medicine where 5 clinics are running on various days of the week to offer Swami’s Divine love to the needy patients in the form of appropriate treatment of their ailment 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, Kolkata district organised four Disaster Management awareness sessions at Sweet Disaster Management Awareness Camp home, Sur Industries, and Ramrik School. The techniques of Disaster Management were shared with the participants to prepare them for handling the emergencies and calamities which otherwise could bring disasters.

Why has God given hands to you? They are not given to scribble something on paper. They should be fully engaged in the service of God. Work is worship. Duty is God. Do your duty. Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 11 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

IMPORTANT EVENTS OR CONFERENCES Spiritual Conference

It is a well-known fact that Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation is a Service Organisation with a Spiritual core. While this organization provides everyone an opportunity to engage in acts of selfless service, the final objective while doing so is to realize the innate Divinity It is with this objective that Spiritual Conference was held at Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, Kasba, Kasba 10.6.2018 which was well attended and appreciated. The speakers dwelled Spiritual Conference, Kasba Seva Kendra upon various topics of Spiritual significance which were based on Swami’s Divine sayings and discourses. Education Day

Education day was celebrated by all the samithis of Kolkata district which started with Omkaram, Suprabhatam and Nagarsankirtan. This was followed by tree plantation by Bal Vikas Children after which Narayan Seva was performed. The Bal Vikas children and their parents actively participated in the said event and enjoyed the divine bliss. Mahila Conference Tree Plantation by Bal Vikas Students

The Mahila Conference was held at Subarna Banik Samaj Hall in the month of 12.8.2018 which was well attended by the Mahilas devotees of Kolkata District. The efforts and enthusiasm of the participants made it a grand success. It is mention worthy that the Bal Vikas children and their parents actively participated and contributed to the success of the event, an exhibition of handicrafts was also put on display by the Mahilas of Kolkata district.

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

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 12 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Glimpses of few activities Online Form Fill-Up

Online application form fill-up camp is organised every year by Kolkata district to facilitate process of admission in various colleges which requires filling up forms on line. The said programme is appreciated by the participating youth as it helps them in filling the admission forms without a hitch. This camp was organised on 11th,12th and 13th June 2018 at Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, Kasba, Hedua in which a total of 105 admission forms were filled up. The initiative was mainly coordinated by the Youth wing Online Form Fill-up Camp of Kolkata district which was supported by the other wings. Midnight Blanket Distribution

With the grace of our beloved Sadguru Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Kolkata District had organized a midnight blanket distribution programme on 29th December 2018 wherein six teams started carrying blankets in their vehicles to head in six different locations covering major part of the district viz Hastings, Princep Ghat, Babughat, Tollygunj Railway Station, Railway Station, Railway Station, Ranikuthi, Malancha, Majherhat, Karunamoyee, , , , , Manicktala, Shovabazar, Ganesh takies, EMI by pass etc. The activity was attended by 36 Sevadals including 21 youths to cover 130 Narayans who were offered the blankets with Swami’s love. In the next phase, blankets were distributed to 34 Narayans in the adopted Villages Joynagar and Betberia.

Midnight Blanket Distribution

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 13 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Mass Cleaning - Swachhata Se Divyata Tak

A Mass cleaning activity was performed on 2.10.18 to mark the beginning of Swachhata se Divyata Tak Programme. All the Samithi Conveners of Kolkata District were entrusted with the task of accomplishing cleaning of their allotted stretch. It was a stupendous sight to see 186 Sathya Sai Sevadals wearing Scarf badge in action along with 53 Sai Youth, 31 Bal Vikas Gurus, 45 Bal Vikas Students, 29 Alumni, 34 Parents and 17 other devotees making a total strength of 395 persons to clean the 13 Kms Stretch between Phari and . The local people were watching with appreciation this human chain of Sevadals engaged in the act of Cleaning throughout this long stretch at the same time.

Sevadals engaged in Mass Cleaning under Swachchata Se Divyata Tak Through seva sadhana (discipline of selfless service), Hanuman attained identity with Rama, as the river attains identity with the sea. Arjuna too considered every act as sadhana to attain the grace of Krishna, for Krishna directed him to fight on, ever keeping Him in memory—“Mamanusmara yuddhyacha”. You too should keep God ever in your mind as the pacesetter, whether you are serving patients in hospitals or cleaning a drain in the bazaar. That is the tapas (penance). That is the highest form of sadhana (spiritual discipline). More than listening to a hundred lectures or delivering them to others, offering one act of genuine seva (selfless service) attracts the grace of God. Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 14 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Herbal Medicinal Remedies

One of the most significant ways of treatment of diseases and preventing them at first place is the use of herbal medicines which have its roots in ancient cultures. The medicinal use of beneficial herbal plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing is something which is a ‘Must to Know’ for one and all today. It is in this spirit that the Herbal medicinal remedies classes along with Health and Hygiene demonstrations are regularly being conducted at Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, Kasba, Kasba Centre of Kolkata district on 3rd Friday of every month from 5.30 pm. to 6.45 pm. for the last seven years. Daily Narayan Seva and Mass Narayan Seva

Narayana Seva is one of the best Seva for feeding the poor and hungry people, who have never had in their lives the joy of eating a full meal. This is not Demonstration on Herbal Medicine Preparation mere charity. It is offering gratitude to God for giving us chance to be of help to one’s fellow men, who are all God’s forms. This noble act of service is being carried out by all the Samithis of Kolkata district separately in the form of Cooked food Narayan Seva and National Narayan Seva. Swami’s Prasadam is being offered in the form of full meal to three chosen Narayans on a daily basis at Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, Kasba. Further, Swami blessed the Kolkata district with yet another opportunity to serve Narayans on a larger scale on the auspicious occasion of Aradhana Mahotsavam where food packets with full meal and Sweets were offered to around 800 Narayans across the city by reaching to their places. Blood Donation Camp

Beloved Swami says that every drop of your blood is the contribution of parents and that we owe our existence in this world to the love of our parents. Hence, whenever there is a need for blood donation, Blood Donation Camp one should come forward to donate blood, thereby fulfilling the obligation to parents and society. It is with this Divine guidance that members of Kolkata district organised a blood donation camp at Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, Kasba, where 58 units of liquid love was collected in the form of blood.

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

Cleaning and Sanitation

Cleanliness is next to Godliness; keeping this dictum of Swami in mind, streets, public urinals, Hospital premises etc. are cleaned regularly by the members of different samithis of Kolkata district. The Sevadals armed with all the essentials viz. phenyl, bleaching powder, brooms etc. clean the public places including public urinals with an objective to spread the message of Godliness by cleaning the surroundings.

The Sevadals of Kolkata district are also engaged in cleaning of the campus of Calcutta Medical College situated at College Street, Chittaranjan Avenue, Kolkata. This service was started by the Sevadals of Kolkata district on 22.04.2012 with 165 Sevadals which is continuing since then on the fourth Sunday of every month where 65 to 70 Sevadals participate on an average, which includes a considerable participation of Youth Sevadals. The Calcutta Medical College cleaning starts at about 6.45 am and continues up to 8.00 a.m.

Cleaning & Sanitation, Calcutta Medical College

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

Tree Plantation

Swami has always emphasised the importance of love and care to be inculcated in the young minds of children which may be imbibed in them by engaging them in activities wherein they have a chance to see life grow. Planting trees is one of such wonderful ways of ensuring this. In view of this, a tree plantation activity was done by the Bal Vikas students of various Samithis of Kolkata district in their surroundings so as to give them an opportunity to look after and care for the saplings planted by them. Bal Vikas Children Planting Trees Samithi Medical Centers

Inspired by Swamis teachings and divine will, various samithis are running their own free OPDs and medical centres with both allopathic and homeopathic facilities across the length and breadth of district. These OPDs are equipped with facility of measuring Weight, Blood pressure, Sugar and are run on a regular basis where patients are screened for common preventable diseases and given medicines free of cost as per the doctor’s advice. Medical Clinic at Slum in Similarly, Medical Centres and health Camps are organized in the villages of Kolkata district where medicines and necessary equipments are taken by the Sevadal team to the village alongwith a qualified doctor to offer them Swami’s Love in the form of Health care and treatment at their doorstep. We should serve the poor and needy. We should strive for their uplift. After all, they are also human beings and we should treat them as our own.

. Sri Sathya Sai Medical Clinic by Samithi

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

Drawing Class

Children are full of creativity and talent which may be polished with little bit of training. It is with this objective that members of Bowbazar Samithi of Kolkata district hold a free Drawing class on every Sunday from 9-10 am at Maniklal Dutta Thakurbari situated at 5A, Akrur Dutta Lane, Bowbazar . Guidance and drawing tips are given to around 35 children of the age group 5 years to 11 years along with the necessary material viz. drawing Book, Colours, pencil etc. Tiffin is also served to these children. Drawing class at Thakurbari, Bowbazar Sale of Sai Literature at Durga Puja

Durga Puja is one of the most famous festivals celebrated in West Bengal and particularly in Kolkata, in honour of Goddess Durga during the period of Navaratri. The entire city becomes joyful to welcome the magnificent Goddess Shakti into their homes and lives. During this occasion, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi of Kolkata district came up with the idea of displaying Sathya Sai Literature at Puja Sale of Sai Literature at Durga Puja Pandal Pandals in order to spread Swamis message and teachings to maximum people Parents Pada pooja by Bal Vikas Children

Swami always said that children owe their life to their parents. The parents provide them a roof over their heads; give them sustaining food to grow up and recourse to proper education. So it is the duty of the children to show their gratitude to their parents by constantly remembering their contribution. Pada Puja is an important tool in that endeavour where students wash the feet of their Bal Vikas children doing Pada Puja of parents parents to illustrate that remembrance.

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 18 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Nagar Sankeertan

Nagar Sankeertan is a regular Spiritual Sadhana prescribed by our divine master which fill the environment with positive energy and Vibrations which are conducive for the Spiritual Sadhna. Nagar Sankeeratan is sure to be a part of activity schedule of all the major festivals and celebrations. The Education day celebrated by various Samithis of Kolkata district was scheduled to begin with Nagar Sankeertan which could not be deterred by the adverse weather conditions as Bal Vikas Students, Parents and Gurus participated in large numbers in all the samithis. Nagarsankirtan by Members Dengue Prevention Drive

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne tropical disease, is a severe problem today caused by the dengue virus. The prevention of Dengue fever depends on control of and protection from the bites of the mosquito that transmits it. Getting inspired and guided by our Swami’s Divine Sankalpa of elevating suffering and pain of the ailing persons, the Sevadals of various samithis ran Dengue prevention drives on 3 occasions in different parts of Kolkata wherein focus was laid on getting rid of open sources of water, adding insecticides or biological control agents to these areas, by spraying with insecticides and bleaching powder etc. Blood Grouping Camps

Ten Blood Grouping Camps have been organised by various samithis of Kolkata district during the year. Blood group of total 738 persons was determined under the supervision of trained Sevadals and Paramedical staff at different places in these camps.

Blood Grouping Camp, Burrabazar Samithi Blood Grouping Camp, Samithi

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

Office Bearers

CURRENT OFFICE BEARERS OF THE DISTRICT

Name Designation Contact Details Shri Pankaj Dwivedi District President Mobile : 9477331034 Email : [email protected] Shri Sankar Nandi Service Coordinator Mobile : 9433798033 (Gents) Email : [email protected] Shri Santosh Kumar Sahu Joint Service Coordinator Mobile : 9432228332 (Gents) Email: [email protected] Shri Anil Kumar Botta Joint Service Coordinator Mobile : 9831181288 (Gents) Email : [email protected] Shri Koustav Prosonno Ghosh Joint Service Coordinator Mobile : 9836639539 (Gents) Email : [email protected] Smt. Sangita Bhowmick Service Coordinator Mobile : 8617294782 (Ladies) Email : [email protected] Smt. Mousumi Chowbey Joint Service Coordinator Mobile : 9432161395 (Ladies) Email : [email protected] Shri Sitindra Nath Roy Spiritual Coordinator Mobile : 8617758662 Choudhury (Gents) Email : [email protected]

Smt. Samjukta Dutta Spiritual Coordinator Mobile : 9903282008 (Ladies) Email : [email protected] Shri Kalyan Sarkar Education Coordinator Mobile : 9674890570 (Gents) Email : [email protected] Smt. Indrani Dutta Education Coordinator Mobile : 9830307081 (Ladies) Email : [email protected] Smt. Tandra Das Joint Education Mobile : 9831109608 Coordinator (Ladies) Email : [email protected] Shri Koushik Ghosh Youth Coordinator (Gents) Mobile : 8296854266 Email : [email protected] Smt. Mousumi Saha Youth Coordinator (Ladies) Mobile : 9831038146 Email : [email protected] Miss Anisha Das Joint Youth Coordinator Mobile : 9748863489 (Ladies) Email : [email protected]

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 20 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

PAST DISTRICT PRESIDENTS

Name Period Shri Surajit Ghosh 1999-2001 Shri Gautam Ghosh 2001-2006 Shri Saibal Sengupta 2006-16 Shri Saidatta Majumder 2016-18 Shri Sujit Prasad Lahiri January 2019 –March 2019

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 There is nothing meritorious in serving those who are high above us. For one thing, they can command the services of attendants. Rendering service to those who are in the same position as ourselves also is not commendable. Service should be rendered to those who are worse off than us and who are neglected by the world. It is the weak, the destitute and the helpless who need to be served. Even in rendering service to such persons, there should be no feeling that we are serving “others”. We should feel that we are serving the Lord Narayana who dwells in them. Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, KOLKATA 21 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, KOLKATA 22

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, WEST BENGAL DISTRICt : KOLKATA ‘Sai Bandhu’, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, 56/2, N. C. Chowdhury Road, Barabagan, Kasba, Kolkata 700 042, Email: [email protected] State Office: 163, A J Bose Road, Kolkata 700 014, Email: [email protected], Website : ssssowb.org