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There were devotees from over 182 countries gathered in the Divine Valley - Prashanthi Nilayam to salute our beloved Sathya Sai Avatar and celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the advent of His birth. As Swami says "Devotees didn't gather because birthday is celebrated. Birthday is celebrated because devotees are gathered". This grand occasion was combined with the first oversea convention of chairpersons of Sathya Sai organizations, Bal Vikas Rallies and Dramas in preparation for the 75th anniversary of Swami's birthday and an Exhibition of local publications on Sai Literature. Words cannot describe the blissful state one was in during those days.
There were over 3000 children from all parts of the world gathered to participate in the Bal Vikas Rally and the play titled Cosmic Drama (300 children). There was also a seminar hosted by the children of Sai with attempts to establish a New World order for Peace. The dignitaries for this conference involved delegates (children) from U.K, U.S.A., Australia, 3apan, Ghana, U.A.E., Malaysia and many other countries. Each representative (dressed in their national costumes) presented a synopsis of the countries state in their mother tongue and also discussed challenges faced by Mother Earth. They all came together with the mission statement of establishing Unity as their main aim for the Golden A~.
The Bal Vikas Rally that was held in the Vidya Gin Stadium was an event one can never forget. There were approximately 32 floats depicting Divinity through Unity. Children of the world brought out the unchanging principles of the Human Values as laid down in the scriptures, by Avatars & Saints. Emergence/propagation of the Vedas, Gurukuls as the Foundation of Values, Great Epics (Ramayan & Mahabbarat), Multi Faith, Multi culture, Bhakthi movements, Lives of Great men, Life of Swami were some of the topics that were expounded in the floats.
The similarities between the preparation done at our Centre for Swami's birthday in Toronto and the events that took place in Puttaparthi confirmed that the Divine Director was in charge.
Ladies day was celebrated with great devotion. Chanting the Vedas, leading the band, the Scottish band, presentation of music programs, speeches were all done by Mahilas. It was a day when all daughters of Sai marched on as Soldiers of Sai. During the Divine discourse, swami taught us much about the importance of discharging one's duty. It was also inspirational to learn that in India and in many overseas countries 19th of each month is celebrated as
a Mahila day.
The first overseas convention of chairpersons of Sathya Sai Organizations was held from the 20-24 of November. Swami in His inaugural address emphasized Unity & Duty which became the main focus of the conference. Swami said that the members of the Sathya Sai Organizations should consider Unity as their life breath. He instructed all to follow the example of Sai. Follow the Master. Swami assured all that the whole world will be transformed into Sathya Sai Organization and Sathya Sai will be installed in the hearts of one & all. What a Divine assurance it was Many eminent speakers Sri. Indulal Shah, Brother Jagadeesan, Dr. Jumsai. Sri Srinivasan and many others also shared their wisdom relating to the role of office bearers as devotees and the direction of the Sai centres. Importance of the Charter of the Sathya Sai organization was discussed. Many new resolutions were made which will be shared by the chairpersons in their respective centres. Swami's message for the conference was "My work is My Blessing". It was very (Continued on page 3)
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