SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS

DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT (NORTH) 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, DARJEELING (NORTH) ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Foreword

In the history of mankind, 23rd November 1926 has in the form of medical examination, offering created a unique event when we could have the treatment and after-care counseling in a day long Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhasan of God Himself medical camp after having travelled for two days to incarnated in human form. We could learn gems of reach the place. Similarly, many such distant villages Divine Wisdom, develop and enshrine in our hearts are being covered with medical facilities, road their innate capacity to Transform and also get constructions, free food distribution as National direct guidance from the Lord Himself. Narayan Seva, Regular midday meal at Darjeeling Town Samithi to approximately 85 students regular “Service to Mankind is Service to God” is the visit to District hospital by the sevadals and greatest divine message of our Lord. He revealed to distribution of clothes, etc. In many such villages, us in simple terms that each one is an embodiment dwelling houses have been constructed by the of God and, the spiritual journey is realizing that. Organisation for the under privileged. By giving us this unique platform to realize our By the Grace of our Beloved Lord, the Sai brothers innate Divinity in the form of Sri Sathya Sai Seva and sisters of Darjeeling (North) are carrying His Organisation He inspired us to redeem our lives by Love to all places while realizing that every human spreading Love and engaging in service to being is verily an embodiment of God; as taught by humanity. our dear Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Himself. With this objective in view, the District

Organisation of Darjeeling (North) have performed several service activities during 2018-2019. A place Ever in Sai Service, in far corner of the district, hitherto unvisited by Mahendra Pradhan many, named “Gorkhay” border of West Bengal and District President Sikkim has been covered by our Sevadals with medical team lead by qualified doctors. The sevadals have extended necessary medical facilities

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, DARJEELING (NORTH) ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

CONTENTS Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations...... 2 Activities ...... 10 Wings of the Organisation ...... 3 Notable Activities ...... 13 Administration of the Organisation ...... 3 Important Events or Conferences ...... 13 The 9 Point Code of Conduct & 10 Principles .... 4 Glimpses Of Few Activities ...... 14 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Darjeeling Office Bearers ...... 18 (North) ...... 5 Current Office Bearers of The District ...... 18 Brief History ...... 5 Past District Presidents ...... 18 Overview ...... 8

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 •Service i Slums

•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

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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 into 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, Darjeeling (North)

BRIEF HISTORY

On 21st July 1969 a group of devotees from at Rose Bank, Darjeeling and resolved to form the Darjeeling lead by Sri Krishna Singh Moktan, a Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation with Sri Zimba as known literary figure. He was conferred Sahitya President and Sri S.K. Ghising as Secretary. Academy Award in in 2006 and Since the organisation in West Bengal was keen was the recipient of high social recognition. He to form Samithis in the hills, this was declared served as the Superintendent of Asansol Central Jail officially the FIRST Samithi in . of Burdwan District in West Bengal and had the opportunity of having Darshan of Bhagawan Sri Prior to this development Sri Moktan, already Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi. Baba blessed the blessed by Bhagawan, published SATYAM group giving them interview too. SHIVAM SUNDARAM Part-I, the biography of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in Nepali in 1971. This On their return from Puttaparthi, they started book sold like hot cake and reached neighbouring Bhajans at their respective houses and exactly after district of Jalpaiguri, inhabited by large number of two months formed Satyam Shivam Sundaram Nepali speaking people and touched neighbouring Bhajan Group headed by Sri Arun Chandra Moktan places like Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal. at Jalapahar Cantonment, Ghoom, the highest railway station in the world at that time. After release of this book and going through it, the number of Sai Devotees went up in leaps and Thereafter Sai Bhajan spread to Darjeeling town bounds and within a year following fours Samithis and many devotees who had not seen Baba yet, came up in all Sub- Divisional headquarters in 1972. started Bhajans sometimes in a group, otherwise in their houses. Kalimpong Samithi with Sri, B. S. Roka as President and Sri, K.B. Chhetri as Secretary In the meantime, at the behest of Mr/Mrs P. Tshering a Bhajan session was arranged at Kakjhora, Samithi with Sri Shiva Kumar Rai as Darjeeling Town at the residence of Sri K. Tshering President and Sri Sukh Chandra Gurung as and KusumLata Tshering, in which Sri K. S. Moktan Secretary. attended along with many other enthusiastic Samithi Sri Kesha Bahadur Lama as people, where he urged the assembly to start Sri President. Sathya Seva Samitis in their respected areas and align to move forward in the Avataric Mission. Cantonment Sri N. G. Yalmo as President and Sri, K. N. Niraula as Secretary. On 24th May 1971, devotees of Darjeeling Town assembled at the residence of Sri. Aita Singh Zimba

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To coordinate the activities of these freshly People living in all the four corners, not aware of the started Samithis and for further expansion, the Advent of the Avatar came to know about necessity of a District Level Organisation was felt Bhagawan. Today we find Bhajan groups and and in the same year Sri Sathya Sai Seva Bhajans being sung with Swami’s photo at their altar Organisation, Darjeeling District was formed on the in almost every village. instruction of the State Organisation, with Sri A. S. Come 1974 and Sri N. Kasturi arrived in the Zimba as District President and Sri S. K, Ghising as Darjeeling Hills as an emissary of Bhagawan Baba. Secretary. He met devotees, prominent persons and Swami’s In 1972, youths from Darjeeling District mission and messages spread all over Darjeeling. attended the 1st Summer Course in Indian culture His stay for a couple of days were laid with and spirituality in Divine presence at Whitefield, activities- Bhajans, Satsangs etc. and people were Bangalore. benefited leading to the growth of the organization.

In the same year 56 sevadals, both male and In 2003, the Organisation in DARJEELING female were given the opportunity to serve at DISTRICT was bifurcated into DARJEELING (NORTH) Prashanthi Nilayam, where construction work was AND DARJEELING (SOUTH) for administrative going on during Nava Ratri Festival. convenience given that the number of Samithis had grown to 65. In 1972 Sri. K. S. Moktan brought out one monthly magazine “SATHYA SARATHI” even while Existing Kurseong Sub-Division, Siliguri Sub- serving in the plains. This magazine was popular Division and Gurubathan Block of Kalimpong Sub- because of its content consisting of Divine Division came under Darjeeling (South) District with messages, experience of devotees visiting 20 Samithis. Puttaparthi and Whitefield, as very few people had Whole Darjeeling Sub-Division, and Kalimpong the opportunity to visit there. It also contained Block-I and Block-II of Kalimpong Sub-Division travel guide, information on Bhagawan’s presence remained as Darjeeling (North). at Whitefield or Puttaparthi etc. Again in 2018, Kalimpong District was formed In 1973, more than 50 Bhajan Mandalis came up (erstwhile part of Darjeeling (North) with 15 and one Burnsbeg Samithi with Sri, Manmohan Rai Samithis when Kalimpong became a separate as President was formed. administrative District of West Bengal with Sri The same year one gentlemen from Calcutta, Sri Chandra Kumar Pradhan appointed as the District S.P. Ghosh, retired DIG, prisons, Government of President West Bengal, bought one projector machine and a

documentary film show on Bhagawan and riding on his own jeep, ventured into remote areas of the District, continuing his efforts for months together.

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The following table lists year wise formation of Samithis in the District with founder Convenors:

Year Samithi Convenor Year Samithi Convenor 1982 Pedong1 Sri B.R.Pradhan (President) 1995 Ging Sri Sanjay Gurung Sri, K.K Lama- (Secretary) Sri Krishna Pradhan

Rongo Sri Hari Sharma (President) Relling Sri BishnuKanta Sharma Sri. Bijay Gurung Takdah Sri Parash Mani Pradhan (Secretary) Dabaipani 1977 Gleenburn Sri. Rudra Miktan Balasun2 Sri D.P.Gurung 1987 Gurubathan2 Sri Deeplal Rai Gairibas2 Sri Phurba 1989 Longview2 Sri Sanu Golay Kadamtala2 Sri Balaram Rasaily 1991 Mungpo Sri Mohan Thakuri 1996 Tukvar Sri Lokesh Rai Teestavalley Sri Suryaman Gurung Nayabusty Sri C.B.Rana Sri Ran Datta Rai Pubong Sri Lahadup Moktan Sri P.N.Pradhan Middle Lingding Sri Durga Prasad Bhujel 1992 Badamtam Sri Bikash Subba Samalbong Sri Kamal Kumar Sharma Mundakothi Sri Tularam Pradhan 1997 Sri Pratap Pradhan Tamsang Sri Anand Subba Phoobsering Sri Anuj Mizar Namring Sri Mani Ram Mukhia Nagari Sri Pancharam Khati Mirik2 Sri Y.N.Dhakal Sukhiapokhari Sri S.M. Bangdel Tindharia2 Sri H.B.Mukhia Chongtong Sri Kamal Thapa Kumai2 Sri Shanti Kumar Chhetri Ranguli Bich Sri Madin Rai 1993 Rellie Valley1 Sri Shanti Kumar Sharma Gaon Monsong1 Sri Kubir Gurung Tinchulay Sri Chandara Pal Rai 1 Jaldhaka2 Sri J.B. Rasaily 7th Mile SRI H. Sundas 1 1994 Ambiok2 Sri DeoPrakash Rai Gitabling Sri Yoma Kumar Rai 1 Dilaram2 Sri Kushal Singh Rai 1998 Lingsekha Sri Meghraj Timsina Sangsay1 Sri GivindRai Margerate’s Sri Arun Karki 2 Paiyong1 Sri T.B.Gurung Hope Lava1 Sri S.B.Subba 1999 Rose Bank Sri Madansen Rana 2 1995 Bara Manjwa1 Sri DeoPrakashMoktan Mamring Sri Madhusudan Thapa 2 Teesta Rajmarg1 Sri Somnath Chhetri Kolabari Sri K.B. Rai 2 Kagey1 Sri Subhiman Rai Lathpanchor Sri Budd Subba 2 Sakyong1 Sri GobardhanMukhia 2000 Sri Nilraj Rai Nalichour Sri J.B.Rai Bhirgaon Sri Narendra Rai Pacheng Majuwa Ghoom Sri Kiran Syangden 2001 Gorasi Sri Prem Subba Jorbonglow 2005 Harsing Sri Bardan Rai 2018 Peshok

1 Presently in Kalimpong District

2 Presently in Darjeeling (South) District

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OVERVIEW

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations is Statistical Overview functional in Darjeeling (North) with members from various cross sections of society and different faiths. With 34 Samithis and 117 Bhajan Mandalis, the Organisation serves as a platform for its 34 117 12 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 4770 380 461 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 Munda Kothi Mundakothi TE, Shri Bharat Rai Kendra P.O.Sonada, 9733102212 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Nalichore Pacheng Nalichore Pachang Shri Dawa Tshering Yolmo Kendra P. O. Sonada 9434715028 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Sonada Sonada, P. O. Sonada Shri Dhan Kumar Dewan Kendra 867013053 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Barnesbeg Barnesbeg TE, Shri Bhupal Rai Kendra P.O.North Point 8370413053 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Darjeeling Town Darjeeling, P.O. Darjeeling Shri Santosh Kumar Rai Kendra 8145870069 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Ghoom Ghoom, Bherikhan, Shri Shiva Kumar Rai Kendra Jorebunglow P.O.Ghoom 9832054511 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Rose Bank Rose Bank, Below Ava Shri Parsuram Lama Kendra Galarry, P.O.Rose Bank 8016307487 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Tukvar Tukvar T.E. Shri Samal Subba Kendra P.O. North Point 9733024226 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Badamtam Badamtam TE, Shri Karan Rai Kendra P.O. Badamtam 7431883673

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Seva Kendra District/Samithi Address Contact Person

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Ging Ging , P.O.Lebong Shri Ganga Prasad Kendra Gurung 7602931768 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Harsinghhatta Harsing, P.O. Lebong Shri Rohan Gurung Kendra 7076039080 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Takdah Dabaipani TakdahDabaipani, Shri Kumar Gurung Kendra P.O. 9547759653 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Bhirgoan Mazuwa BhrigoanMazuwa, P.O. Shri Dinesh Rai Kendra vis SukhiaPokhari 9733177184 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Gorasi Seyok TE, P.O.Seyok Shri Gyanesh Gurung Kendra 8348092571 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Sukhia Pokhari SukhiaPokhari, Shri SubhasGurung Kendra P. O. Sukhia Pokhari 9734148283 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Nagari Nagari Spur TE, P. O. Shri Suk Bahadur Rai Kendra Nagari 9733003848 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Pokhariabong Pokhriabong Bazar, Shri Amit Pradhan Kendra P. O. Pokhriabong 9734051248 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Mungpoo Mungpoo Bazar, Shri PappuPanday Kendra P. O. Mungpoo 9800642660 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Phobsering Phoobsering T.E. , Panch Shri Diwakar Chettri Kendra Number, P. O. Lebong 9733027910 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Chongtong Chongtong TE, Sallabari, Shri Biren Subba Kendra P.O. Marybong 9832435886 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Tumsong Tumsong T.E., Shri Anup Pradhan Kendra Godamdhura, 9832449068 P.O. Tumsong via Ghoom Sri Sathya Sai Seva Bijanbari Bijanbari, P.O. Bijanbari Shri Amar Gurung Kendra 9832430788 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Naya Busty Kolboang, Naya Busty, Shri Prem Tshering Lama Kendra P.O. Pulbazar 9733096197 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Relling Relling, Bhibary, P.O. Shri Uttam Sharma Kendra Relling via Bijanbari 9547889055 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Rimbick Rimbick Bazar, P.O. Shri Mani Kumar Pradhan, Kendra Rimbick 7407362716 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Namring Namring TE, P.O. Shri Jiwan Kumar Kendra RangliRangliot Pardhan, 9932828793 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Teesta Valley Teesta Valley TE, P.O. Shri Shyam Kumar Subba, Kendra Teesta Valley 9832054615

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Seva Kendra District/Samithi Address Contact Person

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Middle Lingding Middle Lingding, Shri Rajesh Chettri Kendra P.O. Tukdah 7872863728 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Rangli Rangli, Shri Dipak Rai Kendra P.O. Rangli Rangliot 9064475171 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Pubung Pubung , P.O. Tukdah Shri Ladup Moktan Kendra 9932509191 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Takdah Cantt. Takdah Cantt, P.O. Shri Sushil Pradhan Kendra TakdahCantt 9342380847 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Tinchulay Tinchulay, P.O Shri Santosh Rai Kendra RangliRanglit 9800042119 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Glenburn Glenburn, Baragoan, P.O. Shri Pranay Dewan Kendra RangliRangliot 8145090120 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Lopchu Lopchu TE, Shri Mahendra Chettri Kendra P.O. Rangli Rangliot 9547759653

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 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 first lesson seva (selfless service) has to be learned in the family circle itself. Father, mother, brothers, sisters—in this limited group, which is well-knit, one must engage in loving service and prepare for the wider seva that awaits outside the home. The character of each individual member determines the peace and prosperity of the family. The character of each family is the basic factor that decides the happiness and joy of the village or the community. And the nation’s progress is based on the strength and happiness of the communities which are its components. So, for the welfare of the country and of the entire world, the spirit of service, vital enthusiasm, constructive imagination, pure motivation and unselfish alertness are all urgently needed. Sri Sathya Sai

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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

First cultivate humility and compassion. Then, learn the knowledge and the skill needed for the particular seva (service) project. Thus, you can make your life meaningful. By this means, you can add to the ananda (joy) of the person who has given you the chance to render this seva (selfless service) to your fellow human beings. 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 81

No. of. Bhajans Held 972 18492 Household Bhajan

Spiritual No. of Houses 846 No. of Bhajans Held 21040 103200 Nagar Sankirtan 951 8672 Study Circles 360 2810 Conference/Retreats/Sadhana Camps 81 2170 Total Number of Activities Total Number

Students Bal Vikas Centers (i) Urban 105 1340 (ii) Rural 376 3431

Educational (iii) School 5 128 Total (i+ii+iii) 486 4899 Bal Vikas Gurus 707 Total Number of Activity Total Number Beneficiaries Visit to: Hospital 52 285 Orphanage 1 119 Disabled/Old Age Home 20 168

Camps:

Narayan Seva 505 22725 Blood Grouping Camps 8 681 Service Service Camps 4 2500 Health Awareness Camps 37 3428 Eye Camps 6 82 Medical Centers 9 995 Sanitation (Public Urinals) 49 In thousands National Narayan Seva 26720 kgs 7488 Blood Donation Camps 3 130

Tyaga (sacrifice) is essential for rendering dedicated service. Pride is the first evil trait that has to be renounced. Getting rid of bad qualities is real sacrifice. It is also yoga.

Sri Sathya Sai

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NOTABLE ACTIVITIES Drinking Water Projects

For ensuring availability of drinking water in water scarce areas, Drinking Water projects were completed benefitting several houses in the locality of Pedong, Phoobsering and Lungsel in the year 1998, 2000 and 2003 respectively. Cleaning along N.H No.55

Since the hilly terrain is prone to landslides, this programme is a mammoth initiative undertaken annually on 1st May by more than 1000 sevadals to help proper flow of rainwater through the drains. It involves the thorough cleaning of 65 kms of drainage area and is performed with great love and dedication to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of the district. Hospital Visits

Abandoned patients are being taken due care of Darjeeling Sadar Hospital along with other patients by members of Darjeeling Town Samithi

IMPORTANT EVENTS OR CONFERENCES Annual Conferences

District level Conference with representation from all Samithis and Bhajan Mandalis and District level Office Bearers’ Conference were held during the year. These were held at Darjeeling Town and Bijan Bari Samiti respectively. The number of attendees in each conference well crossed 200. Bal Vikas Alumni Meet

Bal Vikas Alumni meet is a big and eagerly awaited occasion for the entire Bal Vikas fraternity in Darjeeling. One Meet was organized at Darjeeling Town in March after the All India Bal Vikas Convocation at Puttaparthi in January. Another was in August again at Darjeeling Town before the State Level BV Alumni Meet. It was attended by about 650 persons including BV children, alumni, parents and members on each occasion. Youth Conference

District level Youth Conference was held in August involving 155 youth from various Samithis for a day. The programme included talks and events for and by the youth. Discussions were held on what our Divine master has said on Youth and motivate them to lead an ideal life. Bal Vikas Guru Training

Two-day training program at district level was held in every quarter for Bal Vikas Gurus of each group. Average attendance in the workshops was 150.

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Glimpses of few activities Tree Plantation

Nature is the gift of God. In today’s world to think of Mother Nature is of paramount importance, as for years we have only used her and not thought of nourishing it or loving it as our Own Mother. But time has come for us to do so; if we still don’t, then possibly at a time which is not much ahead, our very existence will be facing extinction. Swami has always asked us to preserve the environment and his Message is our dictum; Maintaining the natural balance of the environment is the duty of every human being. Towards this endeavor, every year our

Sevadals visit the different planted area to confirm New Saplings plantation by Sevadals whether the saplings have taken their hold in the ground or not. If not, then they make sure to plant the saplings again. Each of the saplings planted is also kept under observation and maintained by the respective Samithi. National Narayan Seva

Despite several schemes by Govt and Non-Govt organizations, we still find many people without two square meals a day struggling to meet ends with their hands to mouth income. On the surface things look very bright but when we get insights and make a survey in any area, we find poor people and they lack basic amenities. Here comes the role of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation and its volunteers who always look for service opportunities in their vicinity and Sri Sathya Sai National Narayana Seva is a wonderful and most desirable seva and it directly helps the poor and the beaming smiles on the faces would say it all. National Narayan Seva is conducted by different Samithis of Darjeeling (North). Various items such as clothes, food items and items of daily use are Monthly Rice and Dal offered to Narayans distributed to about 500 families on a monthly basis across the District.

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, DARJEELING (NORTH) 14 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Hospital Visits

Hospital Seva is done by Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, Darjeeling Town on a regular basis. They serve cooked food and take clothes to abandoned patients, give them due care at Darjeeling Sadar Hospital along with the other patients. The average number of Sevadals visiting the hospital range between 5 to 7 every day. This is District Hospital, under Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, Darjeeling Town. Clothes and Blanket Distribution

Youths from different Samithis knitted small patches and stitched them together to make blankets. These blankets were distributed to Narayans before Sevadals Serving Patients in Hospital the onset of winter on the occasion of Bhagawan’s 93rd Birthday. The total number of blankets distributed were 20 pieces. This was done by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, Takdah Dabai Pani.

Blanket distribution Love is God and God is Love. A life without love is sterile and barren. Whatever one’s difficulties or troubles, one should try to help others to the extent possible. Selfless, loving service to others is the highest form of sadhana (spiritual discipline). It represents true devotion—bhakti. Such bhakti is not affected by the reverse of fortune or changes in circumstances. One should not be concerned only about one’s own welfare, career and prosperity. It is not for the enjoyment of personal possessions and comforts that the human being has taken birth. He or she has a greater goal to achieve, something more permanent and lasting. It is the realisation of oneness with the Divine, which alone can give lasting bliss. Even while being engaged in the activities of the secular world, we should strive to sanctify all actions by dedicating them to the Divine. Sri Sathya Sai

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, DARJEELING (NORTH) 15 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Ground Water Recharge

Water Recharge activity is conducted by different Samithis. In this program, bamboo sized holes are dug to replenish the ground water level. This has been an effective way to prevent rainwater from going down the slope into the drains. This activity is a very useful activity especially in hills where there is acute shortage of potable water. This is highly lauded by the locals and also by the District Government authorities.

Medical Camps Sevadals at work for ground Water Recharge

Inspired by Bhagawan’s example of selfless service, many all over the world have been inspired to be of service to their fellow men. On similar lines Darjeeling North also is conducting free medical camps in areas with lack of access to medical care, educating the people about health and hygiene; these messengers of Bhagawan’s Love are creating a silent revolution. Medical camps are conducted to carry out health promotion, education, minor medical or surgical treatments and preventive healthcare services. Medical camps are organised on a regular basis in rural areas where patients are given medicines free of cost. Free medical dispensaries are being run at various places by various Samithis in our District.

Three such big camps were held in this year, besides Medical Centers which run across the year in Samithis and Bhajan Mandalis.

Sevadals distributing medicine in medical camp

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, DARJEELING (NORTH) 16 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

A Free Medical Camp was held at Gorkhay Forest Wildlife Division on 20th May 2018, which is situated at the border of Sikkim and West Bengal. In the history of the said village, this was the first ever Medical Camp held, which was organised by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, District Darjeeling (North).

Nine reputed doctors from Darjeeling and Siliguri with the sevadals from Darjeeling Town Samithi and Ghoom Jorbunglow Samithi left Darjeeling Town on 19th May 2018 at 10:00 am. Three female Sevadals and one Bal Vikas Student from Rimbick Samithi joined the team after travelling 5 hours from their native place. After travelling 120 kms via Jorthang they reached Bharang, South Sikkim at 5:50 PM. Pony was provided to carry the medicine and reached Gorkhay by foot at 7:45 pm, covering a distance of 8 kms. Night halt was at home stay provided by the Forest Department of Gorkhay. Total Patients 140 were treated with involvement of 8 Sevadals members.

A Mega Medical Camp and Blood Grouping was held under Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi, Bijanbari where the total number patients treated was 1027 with the assistance of 11 Doctors from different specialities. Total number of Sevadals was 62.

Another camp was held under Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi Ghoom Jorebunglow at Dhotray Tea Estate where total patient treated were 689 with the help of 13 Doctors and 7 assistants. 53 Sevadals were involved in this camp.

Sevadals assisting patient in Medical camp

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, DARJEELING (NORTH) 17 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Office Bearers

CURRENT OFFICE BEARERS OF THE DISTRICT

Name Designation Contact Details Sri Mahendra Pradhan District President Mobile : 9434888126 Email: [email protected] Shri Pemba Tamang Service Coordinator Mobile : 8250978189 (Gents) Smt. Rita Devi Giri Service Coordinator Mobile : 7797878441 (Ladies) Shri Satish Tamang Spiritual Coordinator Mobile : 8389948338 (Gents) Sushri Sabita Devi Sharma Spiritual Coordinator Mobile : 9932441467 (Ladies) Shri Sangay Yolmo Education Coordinator Mobile : 9733071229 (Gents) Smt. Kala Pradhan Education Coordinator Mobile : 9083905036 (Ladies) Shri Pranesh Thami Youth Coordinator (Gents) Mobile : 9593270250

Smt. Jyoti Pradhan Youth Coordinator (Ladies) Mobile : 6295754306

PAST DISTRICT PRESIDENTS

Name Period Remarks Late Aita Singh Zimba 1972-1978 Late Ari Bahadur Gurung 1979-1980 Late Bharat Kumar Gahatraj 1981-1987 Late Pradyunman Pradhan 1988-1995 Undivided Darjeeling Sri Vivek Keshar Pandey 1996 Late Jiwan Kumar Limbu 1997-2000 Sri Shambhu Subba 2001-2008 Sri Hemraj Tamang 2008-2017

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, DARJEELING (NORTH) 18

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, WEST BENGAL DISTRICt : DARJEELING (NORTH) Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kendra, 10 ,, Darjeeling 734 101, Email: [email protected] State Office: 163, A J Bose Road, Kolkata 700 014, Email: [email protected], Website : ssssowb.org