SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS

DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT BURDWAN 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, BURDWAN ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

Foreword

I offer my salutations to our beloved Lord and SSSVJ, disaster management, vocational training, Master Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for giving educational and medical assistance. Members me an opportunity to be eligible to write this. We, enthusiastically participate in Prashanthi Nilayam in Burdwan district of West Bengal, are enthused Seva during the allotted periods in the year. to be a part of the publication of this first district We most humbly pray to our Beloved report. The devotees and members of Burdwan Bhagawan to bless all of us in transforming our district have been blessed with His Grace for over lives so as to be eligible to make our lives His 50 years now ever since a Samiti started in Message. Chittaranjan in the late 1960s. Strengthened by Bhagawan Baba’s love and guidance, and through Sai Ram. intense activities in all wings of the Organisation, Ever in Sai Service, has been able to add centers in many parts of the district. Today, with 7 Samitis, 4 Bhajan Mandalis Bidyut Mukherjee and 2 Study Groups, Burdwan district resonates District President with Sai activity and awareness. The members take regular part in the SSSSO work, in the form of bhajans, nagar sankirtans, study circles, sadhana camps, Bal Vikas, parenting programmes and many service activities including work in SSSVIP,

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, BURDWAN ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 19

CONTENTS Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations ...... 2 Activities...... 7 Wings of the Organisation ...... 3 Specific Service Projects or Initiatives...... 9 Administration of the Organisation ...... 3 Important Events or Conferences ...... 11 The 9 Point Code of Conduct and 10 Principles ..... 4 Glimpses Of Few Activities ...... 12 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Burdwan ...... 5 Office Bearers ...... 16 Brief History ...... 5 Current Office Bearers of the District ...... 16 Overview ...... 6 Past District Presidents ...... 17

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

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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 in 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 •Feeding the poor

•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, Burdwan

BRIEF HISTORY

With the Divine Blessings and Grace of our For over 3 decades, from 1979 to 2008, the Beloved Lord Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, district was spearheaded by Late Shri Prasanta Burdwan District started its journey in the year 1966. Kumar Panja in various capacities as State The first Samiti was established on 10th March 1966 Coordinator and District President. The highlight of at Chittaranjan in the western part of the district. this period was the spreading of the organisation’s The Samiti’s first Chairman was Late Shri B.H. network to and formation of new Samitis in, various Krishnamurthy and Co-Chairman was Late Shri J.K. parts of the district. Rao. 15 members had assembled to form the Samiti. During the devastating floods of 1978, relief This was followed by formation of Seva Samitis in camps and rescue work were undertaken at Town (1972), Kalna (1972), Burdwan Bhagwangola, district. organized by (1973), Durgapur Coke Ovens (1976). In the decades West Bengal State SSSSO, a large contingent of to follow, new Samitis came up in , Kalna, sevadal members from Burdwan Samiti and Burnpur, Durgapur Steel, Durgapur Bidhan Nagar, Durgapur Town Samiti worked tirelessly for several Guskara and Panagarh, and Guskara along with weeks, in this massive relief effort and distribution a number of Bhajan Mandalis. of items of immediate need such as garments, tents, The first District President of SSSSO, Burdwan materials, medicines, food and drinking water. District was Late Shri J. K. Rao of Chittaranjan In August 1991, First State level Devotees’ Samithi from 1966 to 1977. He was succeeded by Conference was held at Burdwan Samithi. Late Omkarnathji from 1976 to 1977. The district also had the opportunity to be a In the year 1975, Hon. Prof. N. Kasturi, venue for 3 State Conferences at Asansol (1998), Biographer of Bhagawan Baba’s Life, came to Durgapur (2007) and Burnpur (2014). Burdwan Town Hall and shared his thoughts on Swami’s teachings and his experiences with Swami. During the interim period of 1999 to 2000, Late Later, an exhibition was organized on ‘Bhagawan Sri Shri Manjul Banerjee took responsibility of Burdwan Sathya Sai Baba’s Life and His Messages. as a State Coordinator.

In 1977, the 2nd State Conference of Sri Sathya Shri M. Chandrasekhar carried the responsibility Sai Seva Organisations, West Bengal was held in the of Burdwan as District President from 2008 to 2017 Burdwan University Campus (Golap Bagh). The then before handing over charge to the present West Bengal Minister Shri Tushar Kanti Ghosh (ex- incumbent Shri Bidyut Mukherjee. MP and Director of Jugantar Patrika Group) inaugurated the Conference.

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Bal Vikas students from the district participated Bhagawan Baba, and an evergreen memory of in large numbers at the International Bal Vikas Rally being part of the same photograph with Swami. at Prashanthi Nilayam in 1983. It was a rare privilege Youth from the district participated for the district to be given the responsibility of meaningfully in the two World Youth Conferences providing sweets during the Conference. in the years 1997 and 1999. Members from Burdwan district were blessed to Burdwan Town Samiti celebrated its Silver be in the first batch of sevadals from West Bengal Jubilee at Burdwan Town Hall on 29th March 1998. for the All India Prashanthi Seva Sadhana in the year To commemorate the occasion and to encourage 1987. The contingent included Late Sri Prasanta Kr. meritorious students, the Samiti felicitated 25 Panja, Sri Jaharlal Ghosh, Late Sri Biswabhusan students who passed the Board examinations with Banerjee, Late Sri Sanat Burman, Sri P. S. Sukul, Late excellent results. along with a Rashtrapati Award Sri Shyamal Bajpayee, Late Sri Ramu Burman, Late winning teacher at the Burdwan Town Hall on 29th Shri Badal Chandra Dasgupta among others. It was March 1998. Then West Bengal State President Late an immensely uplifting experience for them Sri Nitindra Nath Majumdar graced the occasion as encouraging them to spread the message of the Guest of Honour.

OVERVIEW

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations in Statistical Overview Burdwan District comprises experienced and young members from various cross sections of society and different faiths. With 7 Samithis and 4 Bhajan Mandalis and 2 Study Groups, 7 4 8 the Organisation serves as a platform Samithis Bhajan Adopted for its members to participate in Mandalis Villages activities through its three wings- spiritual, education and service for their own betterment. The following tables give an 720 125 93 overview of the Organisation in Burdwan District. Members Gents Youth Ladies Youth

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SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA KENDRA

Seva Kendra District/Samithi Address Contact Person

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Asansol No-1 Park Circle PO : Burnpur, Sabyasachi Dutta Kendra Dist :- Paschim Burdwan Pin:- 9434776225 713325 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Burdwan Townhall Para Road PO:- Kanai Sain Kendra Burdwan Dist :- Purba Burdwan 9002750252 Pin:- 713101 Sri Sathya Sai Seva Durgapur RD- 40 Elison Path PO:- S. Surendrababu Kendra Dist :- Paschim 9434645376 Burdwan Pin:- 713210

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.

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

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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

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

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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 31

No. of. Bhajans Held 560 6720 Household Bhajan

Spiritual No. of Houses 74 No. of Bhajans Held 3225 22800 Nagar Sankirtan 401 4208 Study Circles 112 1018 Conference/Retreats/Sadhana Camps 19 580 Total Number of Activities Total Number

Students Bal Vikas Centers (i) Urban 32 264 (ii) Rural 10 178

Educational (iii) School 1 63 Total (i+ii+iii) 43 505 Bal Vikas Gurus 75 505 Total Number of Activity Total Number Beneficiaries Visit to: Hospital 18 550 Correctional Home 21 325 Disabled/Old Age Home 19 240 Camps:

Narayan Seva 177 6065

Blood Grouping Camps 18 1864 Veterinary Camps 4 60 Service Eye Camps 6 19 Service in Big Melas 14 7395 Vocational Training Centers 4 140 Free Coaching Centers 16 252 Medical Centers 19 5574 Sanitation (Public Urinals) 48 In thousands National Narayan Seva 5760 kgs 636 Blood Donation Camps 8 179 Time is infinitely precious. Hence the performance of good deeds should not be put off to another day. Time waits for no one. Hence both the body and the time should be utilised for doing sacred actions.

Sri Sathya Sai

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SPECIFIC SERVICE PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES Rural Vocational Training Centres:

By the Grace of our Beloved Lord, Burdwan district has started Sri Sathya Sai Rural Vocational Training Centers at Durgapur and Asansol. The Durgapur Center began in 2016 and has so far completed 4 batches of training in Sewing and Stitching. 21 women have benefitted from the course.

The Centre in Asansol started in 2018 and is now training the 3rd batch of ladies in Sewing and Stitching. 7 ladies have completed the course in 2018-19.

Recently, under SSSRVTC Durgapur a new course on arc welding has started in Paranganj village with 6 youth trainees from the village.

Vocational Training for women in Sewing and Stitching has started in the adopted Simla village. At present, training is being imparted every week to 15 trainees, with the help of 5 sewing machines and service from 2 Sevadal members from Krishnapur Samithi. Medical Centres

Medical Centres are functional at two places in the district – one at Krishnapur (ophthalmology) and another at Durgapur Station Bus Stand (General Medicines). Doctors and sevadal regularly serve the patients with loving care.

Medical Centre at Krishnapur Samiti runs every fortnight where on an average, 15 patients are treated. They are also given free medicines. Where Eye Checkup at Medical Centre required, arrangement is done for their operation with other hospitals. About 280 patients have benefitted from this service in the 8 months of this seva. Disaster Management

Training on rescue, relief and rehabilitation of persons in the event of natural calamities is imparted to the Sevadals with a view to equip them should such need arise. These teams also conduct practice sessions, training programmes for more youth and disaster awareness programmes in localities, school and colleges for community preparedness. Demonstration of rescue technique

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During the year, the DM team of Burdwan had conducted four 2-day training programmes for the employees of Durgapur Steel Plant, a unit of SAIL, at Durgapur. A day long programme was also conducted for the workers of General Electric in Durgapur.

In addition, Samiti level programmes were conducted for the members at Burdwan Town, Durgapur and Asansol. The programme at Asansol on 31st March 2019 was exclusively for the ladies, where 80 ladies learnt various rescue and first aid techniques during the day long programme. Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyoti Program (SSSVJ)

The rejuvenation of learning in schools, especially village schools under the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyoti Project of SSSSO India found energetic response in Burdwan district too. In two Durgapur schools, Sevadals undertake the following activities – health and hygiene awareness, cleaning, value games, yoga, health check-up, techniques for proper washing of hands and free coaching to students. Health and Hygiene Awareness in SSSVJ School

Recently SSSVJ activities have commenced in a third school under Asansol Samiti.

IMPORTANT EVENTS OR CONFERENCES Bal Vikas Gurus Workshop

A day long District Level Workshop for Gurus was held on 16th September 2018 where 40 ladies and 7 gents Guru participated. District Mahila Conference

District Mahila Conference was held on 12th August 2018 where around 220 Mahilas participated. Around 30 Gents served as sevadal at the conference. Bal Vikas Alumni Meet

As in every year, alumni of Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas met at their respective Samithis of the district. They shared their learning as Bal Vikas students and, importantly, the application in their present day lives. The programme ended with Bhajan and Arati to Swami. Total attendance at 3 Centers was 65 students.

There is no service greater than service to parents. Consider service to parents as service to the Lord. Sri Sathya Sai

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Glimpses of few activities Free Coaching Class

Education is very dear to our beloved Bhagawan. Many children of the District can’t afford proper education. Spreading the light of Education, the free coaching centre started by the Guskara Samithi in 2002 has successfully taken 255 students through the Madhyamik Examination, 46 through the Higher Secondary Examination and 22 students through the BA Examination. The centre now has three branches one each at Aouria village, and Guskara Hat- tala.

Similar work is also taken up by the members of Asansol, Burdwan Town and Durgapur North Samitis. The youth members of Asansol Samiti run the Free coaching Centre at SB Gorai Road. Free Coaching class in progress Sai Protein Preparation and Distribution

Reaching out to the undernourished children and lactating mothers through Sai Protein is a regular activity taken up by members of Asansol Samiti, Burdwan Town Samiti and Durgapur (North and South) Samiti. Every month, members gather to prepare around 70 kgs of this nutritious food.

Sevadals engaged in Sai Protein Preparation

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Cleaning and Sanitation

The year 2019 marked the fourth year of service sadhana at the Ratanti Mela at Guskara. This a three- day Ratanati- Kalika Puja and fair (held on the bank of river Konur) during Holi is very widely attended, with the convergence of thousands of devotees who come to worship of the Goddess. The huge task owing to massive congregation is enthusiastically undertaken by the sevadals, Bal Vikas Gurus and students who work ceaselessly for three days of the Mela, in keeping the mela premises clean, and also for 2 days after the conclusion of the festival.

In addition to regular cleaning and sanitation work and cleaning of big melas, all Samitis and Bhajan Mandalis took part in the national cleanliness initiative of Swachta Se Divyata Tak from 2nd October to 20th October 2018. Members cleaned identified places in respective towns and villages including hospitals and roads. The response was overwhelming.

Cleaning at Leprosy Colony Cleaning at Krishnapur

Cleaning at Ratanti Mela - Guskara Cleaning at Burdwan Town

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Narayan Seva

Members in Burdwan Town Samiti, Durgapur North and Durgapur South Samitis collectively prepare food every week and share with the Lord Himself in the form of Nara Narayans. Blood Donation Camp

During the months of April and May 2018, 116 units of blood were donated by the members in 5 Blood Donation camps conducted by the Samitis. This is in addition to individual members donating blood in times of need. Narayan Seva Blood Grouping Camps

The youth of Burdwan district have taken up blood grouping activity, thus reaching out to a large number of people especially in newer areas. Teams comprising 3-4 youth visit schools, localities and villages on appointed dates and conduct blood grouping camps. Their results are certified by a pathologist after which blood group cards are issued.

Assistance in College Admissions Online Form Free Blood Grouping Camp Fill Up

Another project by the youth and for the youth is assisting in college admission of students by filling up forms online for various colleges. Groups of Sai Youth contact the aspiring students to meet up on an appointed date and, with their laptops and printers, sit with the students to apply to colleges and courses of their choice. This initiative taken up in the State has immensely benefitted many students. Assisting students in online form fill-up

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Weekly Medical Centers

Most of the Samitis of the district run weekly medical centers in the villages. Doctors – both homoeopath and allopath visit the villages and slums along with sevadals and treat the patients. Free medicines are given, and individual follow up is done by the nearest Samiti. This regular activity is in practice for many years in Guskara, Durgapur, Burdwan Town, Krishnapur, Asansol and Kalla.

Weekly Medical Center at Durgapur

Of the nine steps in sadhana (spiritual discipline), as laid down in the Bhakti Sutras (aphorisms on devotion by Sage Narada), leading to the realisation of the Self, dasyam or the attitude of service to God is quite near the final goal. It is the eighth step. The study of texts, the renouncing of wealth in charity, the repetition of the name or the chanting of psalms and hymns may be good exercises to sanctify the mind and to avoid falling into evil ways and ruinous pastimes but they seldom purify the consciousness of the human being. Instead they serve mostly to bloat the ego and instill pride and promote a competitive craving for superiority. You may be sitting in the bhajan (devotional singing) hall and loudly singing in chorus, but your mind may get involved in anxiety about the pair of chappals (sandals) you have left outside the hall. Always at the back of the mind there is fear of the loss of the chappals. This vitiates the bhajan and makes it a barren show. The sadhana (spiritual discipline) of seva (selfless service) is quite distinct. In seva you devote all your energy and attention to the task at hand, for it is a dedicated task. You forget the body and ignore its demands. You set aside your individuality and its prestige and perquisites. You pluck your ego by its roots and cast it away. You give up your status, conceit, your name and form and keep all chitta (consciousness) pure. What- ever the task you are performing, renounce your personal individuality and share its travails and troubles, its fruits and benefits with God. You need not bring in God from somewhere outside you. He is in you all the while. This truth must be your own discovery, your own treasure, your own strength. This is the grand purpose of the sevadal (volunteer service corps). That is the reason why the sevadal is assigned a high place in the Sathya Sai Organisation.

Sri Sathya Sai

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Office Bearers

CURRENT OFFICE BEARERS OF THE DISTRICT

Name Designation Contact Details Bidyut Mukherjee District President Mobile :8900245970 Email: [email protected] Pradip Laha Service Coordinator Mobile :8617813255 (Gents) Email: [email protected] Aparna Laha Service Coordinator Mobile :89064440262 (Ladies) Email: [email protected] P. S. Sukul Spiritual Coordinator Mobile: 9475394461 (Gents) Email: [email protected] Sukhendu Chatterjee Joint Spiritual Coordinator Mobile: 9475177501 (Gents) Email: [email protected] Bharati Panja Spiritual Coordinator Mobile: 9002868674 (Ladies) Email: [email protected] Sudipta Choudhury Education Coordinator Mobile: 9800884388 (Gents) Email: [email protected] Sumi Choudhury Education Coordinator Mobile: 9332253190 (Ladies) Email: [email protected] Saikat Banerjee Youth Coordinator (Gents) Mobile: 9734260181 Email: [email protected] M N Sridevi Youth Coordinator (Ladies) Mobile: 9933012308 Email: [email protected]

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

Sri Sathya Sai

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PAST DISTRICT PRESIDENTS

Name Period Late Shri J. K. Rao 1966 – 1976 Late Shri Omkarnath Ji 1976 - 1977 Shri Chandrachur Mukherjee 1978 - 1979 Late Shri Prasanta Kumar Panja 1979 - 1986 Late Shri Prasanta Kumar Panja 1986 - 1998 Late Shri Manjul Banerjee 1998 - 2000 Late Shri Prasanta Kumar Panja 2000 - 2008 Shri M. Chandrasekhar 2008 – 2017 Shri Bidyut Mukherjee 2017 Onwards

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

Sri Sathya Sai

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

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

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, BURDWAN 18

SRI SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATIONS, WEST BENGAL DISTRICt : BURDWAN C/o Bidyut Mukherjee, Sova Market, Panagarh Bazar Station Road, PO - Panagarh Bazar, Paschim Burdwan 713148, Email: [email protected] State Office: 163, A J Bose Road, Kolkata 700 014, Email: [email protected], Website : ssssowb.org