BALAVIKAS MEET REPORT BY DR LAVANYA SARASWATHI

The major attractive aspect of this program was the whole event was modulated and Organized by senior Balvikas students of Begumpet zone. Interestingly all were welcomed with a fruit basket by group - Balvikas students.The session started with Vedam chant, garlanding Swamis photo and lighting the lamp by the students.

At the outset our District president Sri. H. Srinivasulu Garu spoke a few introductory lines about our Organization and made it clear that we are not here to spread any religion. For the benefit of new comers he explained that there are mainly 3 functional wings of our organization, which are Education, Service and Spiritual wings. He said that this programme is part of the education wing.A pocket book on Veda in Telugu “Vedamalika” was released by Smt. Lalithamma Garu, District mahila Vibhag co-coordinator.

The meet had a very interesting interactive program with Mrs. Uma Rao, a Senior Balvikas guru from Dallas, USA.Smt. Uma Rao Garu emphasized the need for conducting Balvikas classes .and the different aspects of the class like, slokas, story telling, bhajans, group activities etc. She said that parents have a very important role to play.A Guru, only sows a seed and it is the responsibility of the parent to water and nurture it and see that it blossoms into a beautiful flower.

Basic manners to greet elders or our guest are also taken care of in the class.To develop intimacy with parents and also to increase the strength of the class, she advised to have a parent participation class wherein we have group activities for the parents. This develops commitment from the parents too in bringing their children to the class, discussing and making them follow what is being taught and in turn help themselves to live like a role model to their children.

A habit is learnt in 2 months if the child is around 10 years and it will take 11 months if the child is around 30 years. Children need a mentor other than the parent and that has to be a Balvikas Guru.They also need an alternate peer group with same or higher morals, and it has to be a Balvikas group.Balvikas creates consciousnes of right and wrong, good and bad in children, which is very important as the parents may not be always available to keep a watch on them.

Children learn to think before they act after attending the classes.They are told how to live righteously and truthfully in this world.Life applications play an important role in moulding a Child’s character. Balvikas brings out the inherent talents which are hidden, unknown and un-recognized evenby the parents and the students themselves.

Balvikas students presented their skills in sloka recitation, padyasukthulu and their meaning, bhajans, drawing, story writing, Veda chanting etc. Parents were inspired by their talents. Some children had put forward their problems in the form of questions, which were answered by Smt.Uma Rao Garu and by other parents too.

The sample Q’s are: Q 1. When we get angry as children can we forgive that person who is the cause of our anger? If so how?

A. YES. By just keeping quiet for some time and making them realize later that what they have done is incorrect.By channelising your energy in any productive work like cleaning your room, or doing homework very fast etc. it is said that when we are angry we get a lot of energy.By talking to that person who is the cause of our anger with a smile and helping them in their needs, we will make them feel ashamed.By being open to that person who is the cause of our anger, as sometimes they will not be aware that they had caused us anger. This will reduce our agony and their anger.

Q 2. How to cope up with daily chores and satisfy every body?

A. Attend Balvikas classes regularly which will help you to maintain time and time management and also to plan your things perfectly. Improves your concentration, develops intuition, will help you follow self-discipline etc.

There was an inspiring talk by Mrs.Pooja Sawhney, who stated that for the success of a Bal Vikas class how all are important - a guru who is the front wheel, a parent who is the back wheel, and a student who is riding the bicycle.

A few parents also expressed their opinions and appreciated the motto of the class.The activities of Begumpet zone were detailed by Smt. Saraswathi Rama Rao Garu.The session closed at 6.30pm with harathi.

NOTE: All the participants irrespective of age left the hall with this same feeling - "THE NEED OF THE HOUR FOR ALL ROUND DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN IS BALVIKAS AND ALL OF US HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY".
Sairam

A REPORT BY SRI MULLAPUDI CHANDRA MOULI

On Sunday the 13th July 2008 ahead of Gurupoornima Day here at Shivam Premises an Excellent Event on the theme of Reprogramming Lives……was set up. It is a unique one in as much as Youth from different parts of the State having settled in Hyderabad with their parents working with a meager earning to meet both their ends daily. That too! Aimless with their poor educational background.

These days even Small Shops, Establishments and Hotels have put up Computers. The boys were unable to meets the needy of the present day demand to acquire a suitable job. The thought of Word in Action reached the people via media and hundreds of applications reported to have poured in as revealed by Sairam Rama Chandra in the programme. It was found to be also a Herculean task to screen the needy students in accordance with the criteria laid. 50 Students in Shivam Computer Lab and 17 students in Saroornagar Computer Lab were selected and trained for 75 days. At the end Course completion certificates were given to all the trainees in the function. Some of the Students could also get Letters of Offer of Jobs with a decent job related salary. This is going to be an ongoing event…

It is all the Gracious Bliss showered by SWAMI on all the students trained in Computer Basics – M.S. Word – Power Point Presentation and Paint Brush – Personality Development & Spoken English and above all the Character to build up in the Divine Wave Lengths.

Sairam Balachandra welcomed the Students, Parents, Guests and every body. At the outset he requested every body to follow the programme word to word since every word has a story to tell behind. It is found to be true and through out the programme (9.30 A.M. to 2.00 P.M) students and even a large number of elderly people did not stir out from their seats and keenly watched the proceedings. Most of the parents, students and guests experienced Blissful Tears while listening to the pathetic stories of some of the students and their parents..Bhagawan’s Grace helped these poor families to a great extent from here on…..

1. One Computer Trained student who is studying Senior Intermediate lost both of his parents, left with a sister who is studying X class. The sister narrated that his brother cooks the food and they are living in a shed. Luckily he got an appointment order.

2. Another Trainee lost his father, and his mother performing the duties of a House Maid brought up him up paying 1500 hundreds rupees towards rent. Both the mother and son were found immense joy with Blissful tears. He has also got a letter of offer.

3. Another Student Trainee was jubilant for securing a seat in this great organization and promised that he would serve others also in future. His old Father working as a Security Guard having Knee Joint Pains and Mother have come up from a backward Family and the Father was having blissful tears throughout the day with Bhagawan’s grace. There was not soul with out moist eyes when we see and hear this family story! The student has also got a letter of offer.

4. One student Trainee who was having a staunch devotion towards God since his childhood days was about to turn otherwise with the difficult situations faced by him and became almost gone into depression. Now after being here in Shivam his mother has confirmed that her boy is alright and changed person.. The Boy told the audience that he had a lot of change in his attitude, having participated in the Parthi Yatra along with other Sai Youth recently. He had experienced the helping hand of Mother Sai.

5. One Trainee Boy just 18 year old got a letter of offer. His joy knew no bounds while receiving the letter of appointment.

6. One student in a power point presentation planned that he would build a house of his own after 20 years showing the plan of action. He is quite confident after the training programme in which personality development was also a subject.

7. One Graduate Student Trainee while learning all the subjects specialized in the M.S. Paint and Art Work. This fetched him a Decent Job Offer. His joy also knew no bounds.

8. One Student from Archaka Family having only Telugu medium of education felt the necessity of education in English to perform well in Computer Operations. He, however, did not feel any difficulty by following the instructions of Faculty Members. He is extremely happy now.

9. Six student trainees performed a Skit on the present day violent situations and how the wicked turned out eventually to be pious and peaceful when he heard the untold misery of affected co-passenger’s father. The co-passenger was Mr. Bharat.The bad guy Actor is Mr. Ramesh. The skit is Sai Spoorthi.

Dr. Sairam R. Ram Chandra Reddy Garu performed Jyothi Prajvalana.

Sairams A.Rangarao Garu, G. Satyamurthy Garu, Padmashri M.V.Rao Garu, Thumuluri Krishnamurthy Garu, M.Venkata Rao Garu, Sairam Smt. Jhansi Garu, J. Nageshwararao Garu, Shri Venkat – EMRI (108 ) Garu have offered flowers at the Lotus feet of Bhagawan and also presented Certificates of Merit, Letters of Offer and Memento to each one of the student trainees.

The Gurukul School children (50) from Shankarapalli have also attended in between the programme and 3 Students of X Class who secured meritorious marks were honored with presentations.

The story of 8 students who attend classes from outside Hyderabad limits. They were in the service at Shivam by remaining overnight and also the self cooking process adopted by them was exciting. When one of the Lady Sevadal Sairam Smt Shasikala noticed their plight, jumped in to action by mobilizing 20 voluntary lady sevadal to continue cooking for these 8 trainees throughout the period. Their service is commendable. Bhagawan’s Grace must have been there as always.

The Faculty Members - Sairam Sripada Ravikiran Garu, Satya Prasad Garu, Ram Chandra Garu and 2 others have toiled hard to attend the classes and to mould the destiny of the trainee students to the delight of every participant. Every parent and student has acknowledged the guidance of the Faculty Members. Kudos to the entire Faculty from all of us.

Sairam Srinivasulu H. Garu District President Senior Most Sevadal and Ex-Member Postal Services Board, Sairam Shri Devulapalli Kailasa Prasad Garu has keenly watched the entire proceedings.

Shri Venkat Garu, EMRI Chief narrated the incident of how Bhagawan asked for their Service to envelope the entire Globe without limiting his 108 service to Hyderabad City alone. He was was very much toched and today by HIS grace he could provide the service to 50 Crore people across the 8 States. Further 4 States are to enter into an Agreement. He narrated his background as to how at the instance of his father he jumped into the service and assured to serve to the best extent. Incidentally our Roddam Ramchandra who is part of this programme to day is a serving official of EMRI actively.

Padmashri Shri M.V.Rao Garu recollecting his earliest tour to Ananthapur while on his way back to Bengaluru. At that time, he could go to Puttaparthi at the behest of accompanying principal of a college from Bengaluru.. In the first visit, he could not visit SWAMI though SWAMI visited his nearest relations’ house and enquired about him. He asserted that Ananthapur is the largest Ground Nut cultivated District in the entire Globe. This is pleasant surprise to the audience and obviously HIS grace again!

Many would be interested to learn that Dr.Rao at 82,is our SSS VIP Council chairman advising our members on Agro aspects. This has been a great and laudable service. The Sevadal and other Volunteers immense fully assisted the ongoing programme of action by providing additional chairs, serving water, biscuits, tea etc. in a cool atmosphere since the entire open hall was packed to full capacity of 2000 +

The Sai Alumni of earlier years from Mahabubnagar spontaneously erected a beautiful, gleeful and flowery shamiana with silky side curtains presented a wonderful look to the entire audience. Some of the persons responsible were also introduced to the audience in acknowledgement of their service by Sairam Balachandra.. Bhagawan’s Grace would continue to be showered on these souls.

Sairam Balachandra Garu with his Oration thronged the entire audience into silence and ensured their constant attention for long hours; it shows his caliber and HIS grace. The Omnipresence of Bhagawan was experienced by every body the moment he announced that the Fan for SWAMI was switched on. Bhajans and singing of Patriotic Songs mixed with Bhagawan’s poems were also made to repeat by the entire audience by Shri Balachandra. Till the end, he was found tireless. Thousand Kudos to him.

Many people both Men and Women toiled hard, by staying outside the shamiana function area and made arrangements for lunch. Lunch was arranged for every one inside the Sivam premises. It was gathering of 750 people that day! Five Trainee Students performed Haarathi to SWAMI .
Bhagawan’s Blissful Grace is experienced by every body. Sathakoti Pranamams to SWAMI to continue HIS showers on all of us.

Lovingly yours in Sai Seva
14.07.2008 Chandramowli Mullapudi Himayathnagar Sai Samithi

REPROGRAMMING OUR LIVES-A DAY WITH BOYS

Dear Brothers,and sisters,Sairam and good day

Not many would have seen the programme at Sivam on Sunday the 13th of July 2008-It is all about Reprogramming lives of every one. This has been a very special and touching activity designed and executed by our Hyderabad youth groups.It is not a one day job,they had to work many months before they could launch this activity in May.

It all started with the kind and generous permission granted by our Sri A.Ranga Rao garu and the prayers to our beloved Swami by our boys followed by their efforts in pooling and mobilizing the resources and systematic follow up thereafter.Our computer guys like Sri Sreepada,Gangadha Sarma,Sreedhar,Pavan, Naveen,Satheyendra and a number of guys spent many deep nights to get this going.Remember it is not easy-it is hard to come out like that in the software world business.

Similarly at Saroornagar Convner Vasudeva Rao took lot of interest and pain to get his end on the subject going.Sri Vinay has evinced keen interest in training the boys with Sri Naveen.They spent a lot of their time and resources in this project. Of course there has been full fledged back by our A- team comprising, Sri Y.Srinivas,Sai Gollapudi,Balachandra,Ramana Reddy and Gopikrishna.The Samithi conveners and unit in-charges support has been the main stay in understanding and providing the logistics and selection etc,

The Kitchen staff members were outstanding in providing good meals every day! Sri Pattabhi is one of the guys who bears all that but says nothing!But simply helps with all that is required. You may be wondering why am I taking these names after all?This is to invite all the other guys to come and join us and enjoy this great mission of the Lord. You will be simply missing if you do not at least come and witness as to what is going on...

It is amazing to see the Hyderabad boys and elders in Men and women going week after week to the villages- organizing,serving the village folk in so many ways and coming back satisfied and feel happy that they are in HIS mission. I was delighted to see and enjoy our MC Balachandara at his best with our Ramachnadra,Sreepada,Sreedhar Sarma,Sathyendra,Vinay taking over the programme-I was very pleased to hear the applause from our elders in the audience. I begin to learn -given freedom and responsibility-how well they organised-The stage decoration was simply superb!

The seniors and elders were simply very happy and aprreciated the efforts of the boys in staging this programme-Swami's blessings all the way to them. Incidentally, you will wonder- why am not describing what happened on 13th morning at Sivam? Fortunately this time it is Sri Mullapudi our brother who will address this appropriately.I am happy, he tells me ,but for my mail he would not have come!-This shows my mails are working for some at least and am sure many soonest- to witness and enjoy this programme and many more to come!

It is amazing that he has taken notes and wrote the report as well...Now it is time that I stop here! and you read, enjoy and call us back--if you like it!

Thanks for your patient reading!

Love you all dear readers
In Sai Service
Srinivasulu
Your District President

BALAVIKAS BEGUMPET ANNUAL MEET WITH PARENTS

Dear Brothers and sisters,Sairam and good day

Not many may be knowing that on 13th of July the Sunday we had another very absorbing programme and this time it is Begumpet at Windsor terrace hall in Begumpet. About 160 people comprising gurus,parents and children gathered at 3.30 pm to celebrate and review the Balavikas programme that is going on in this samithi. We had a guest in Smt Uma Rao from USA to interact with parents,teachers and Gurus and provide them with some fundamentals and method of conducting programme that interests all concerned.

Incidentally we had our good friend Sri Prakash garu who has been very supportive and provided interesting hints.Sri Prakash has had invaluable experiance in Balavikas environment while in US. Here is a report compiled by Smt Dr.Lavanya Saraswathi garu our Blavikas Guru and the editor of the Balavikas monthly Telugu magazine.

Please read,enjoy and send your feed
Thanks,regards and love to all
Srinivasulu
Your District President.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AT HABSHIGUDA

Saturday /Sunday would be a relaxing experience for many...as its a week end...there is no office for many...lot of time to spare for the family...big time to pass it on watching TV/Movie... But its some thing else for 25 youngsters of Sai Org, Hyd...as they all decided to spare some value added time at Habsiguda TrafficSignals... They just came out from their offices...business houses...colleges...but yet very enthusiastic to take up some activity for the benefit ofcommunity around...

Recapitulating what Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Varu has been telling them...LOVE ALL: SERVE ALL. They controlled traffic from 4 pm to 8 pm under the supervision of traffic police.The experience was unique as every commuter passing through the streets patted the efforts of youth.

Many elders who had seen this blessed our brothers for doinga good jobThe police officer supervised this effort,requested us to come every week end. Like this the Sai Youth of Hyderabad initiated assisting the traffic policeat at 3 places now for the past 4 weeks every Saturday at Dilsukhnagar, Mehidipatnm and Habsiguda.

If you wish you can also be part of this community activity. Have a great day... Our Prayers to Swami to lead all of us during the day...and night

SSS VIP CANCER DETECTION CAMPS

You will be happy to learn that our cancer detection camps are in progress in our SSS VIP clusters. This programme is supported by the INDO AMERICAN CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF HYDERABAD. You may recall this is the fourth in the series we have been doing successfully by HIS grace and your efforts. We have done this programme in Ikkurthi/Dilawarpur/Mallapur and Dharmavaram late last year. This year we have done at Cheepunithala in June and now we have completed in Veerareddy palli on the 5th of July 2008.
To day we have just concluded in Vattor in Nalgonda district. We will be conducting this camp in Nagasanipalli on the 19th of July 2008

You will recognize this is exclusively for women village folk and once in a life time opportunity created by our dear friend Dr.Gopal rao and Dr.Lalitha garu from Boston USA. The IACRI mobile van has state of the art equipment to diagnose and detect malignancy symptoms and further confirmation tests are conducted to confirm this deadly disease in their research center,if it is present.

At Cheepunuthala:

1) No. of patients attended: 199
2) No. of Ultra sound tests conducted: 22
3) No. of Sonograms conducted:02
4) No. of Pap Smear Tests conducted: 74

At Veerareddy palli:

1.No patients attended 155
2. No ultra sound tests conducted 35
3. No sonograms conducted 06
4.No of X-rays 05

At Vattor

We had 300 patients tested and the details are awaited. Sri Sathya sai village Integrated programme members were in full attendance from all the samithis to the delight. I and our Sri Ramana reddy garu,had the opportunity to to be present at the last two camps and am very happy to notice that all the samithi coordinators and the team leaders were present in full strength with mahila members supporting the services. It is heartening to see our members arranging the details to the last minute.

The camp medical administrative coordinator Sri Bhaskar rao garu provided all the details and arrangements that included taking care of the Doctors and technicians of the IACRI for their overnight stay and food services in Yadagiri gutta temple guest rooms. Our Sri Dr J.V RAO garu and Dr.JB Rao garu provided the back up support for the camp.

Let us pray for the well being of all the patients,the supporters,service coordinators,medical men,technicians,well wishers and the village folk for their presence and participation and sincere efforts with love.

Nutritional aspects training at Home Science College , Hyderabad

Here is report of our Mahila coordinator Smt Neeraja,who has attended the nutritional programme on 3rd of July at the home science college along with 32 of our mahila members. Readers will recognize this is a programme organized in its series to educate our young men and women on nutritional aspects that need to be taught and practiced in our SSS VIP services in Hyderabad district.You will recall we have on going training sessions on medical,Agriculture,nutritional and health and hygiene,employment,info technology aspects by our Technical groups of SSS VIP continuously. Therefore do not miss to pick them up.Also help us to find out experts in those areas to enable our teams to impart the necessary basics in turn to the village folk.

Report of our Mahila Coordinator Smt Neeraja (MSc Food & Nutrition,SSSHIL ) on the Training Programme on "The importance of Mother's Health in giving birth to a healthy child."

By Swami's GRACE the training program on Health and Nutrition started on 3rd of July at the Home Science College campus in Lakadikapul. It is to train our sevadal members from 18 of our samithis.We had 32 members representing the samithis for this programme from 2pm to 4 pm.The Class was conducted by Dr.Uma Devi garu, Dept of Human Development and Family Sudies assisted by her Msc student and Research asst.The important points covered were:

1. Diet -Consume a minor cereal,like Ragi which is rich in Calcium and Iron along with a major cereal.

2. Replacing jaggery to sugar increases Iron intake.

3. Physical health should be protected from any serious infections which may be transferred to the baby giving birth to handicapped, premature, low birth weight babies.

4. Any chronic illness like BP, diabeties should be taken utmost care under the supervision of a doctor.

5. Self medication is dangerous esp. in the first 3 months.

6. Mental peace and health of the mother is very important in childs mental development. This should be told both to the pregnant woman and other family memebers.

7. Smoking, Alchohol, consuming chalk, mud, (cartogens) etc., should be stopped atleast in pregnancy.

8. After 6th month maximum rest is advised and no strainous work to be done.

Should be away from family life after 5th month.

9. Age of the mother at prgnancy should not be less then 18 years.

10. A gap of 3 years between 2 children should be maintained for the mother to regain her physical loss of enery and weight.

11. Delivery to be done by trained personnel, or at PHC etc.

12. Regular health check-ups, taking iron supplements, TT injections to be followed up.

Anthropometry was made lively by the team, with the help of their creche children. We were taught how to measure height, weight and mid arm circumference using Salter machine, UNICEF weigh Bar, Tri colored Strip, Fibre glass tape etc. We were given a weight graph chart and made to plot different weights and explained how to interpret.We had the opportunity to visit the creche and activity room maintained by the department. We were served hot Samosa and tea.

GURUPOORNIMA SERVICE AT PARTHI

For information and action by the concerned youth

When the moon is at its perfect round spreading its cool over minds that are agitated by the world and by the worldly…and, at dawn when the Sun slowly emerges from the eastern horizon beaming its brilliant splendour over Prasanthi Nilayam, thousands of devotees with one prayer and one attention invoking the Guru of all gurus nay the Lord of all gods against the backdrop of Omkar, Suprabhatam and Vedic chants that sets the stage and tone for the Guru Purnima celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam.

The day is Pournami in the month of Ashada in the vernacular calendar, 18th July as per Anglican Calendar, most auspicious for the spiritual seeker, the day dedicated to Sadguru. Sai Kulwant Hall beautifully gets decorated with floral buntings and colourful lightings and more than that, by the mere presence of those thousands with prayerful hearts…invoking the Lord and waiting for HIS darshan..

Serving those thousands of prayerful hearts is really a great opportunity which is blessed to Hyderabad Youth by Our Beloved Swami with immense grace once again in the Canteen.

Let us all grab this opportunity with both the hands...

The Schedule

Onward journey to Prasanthinilayam : 16-july-2008 (Wednesday) by Yashwanthpur Express starting at Kachiguda at 9.00 p.m.

Return Journey to Hyderabad: 20-July-2008 (Sunday) by Yashwanthpur Express starting at Prasanthinilayam at 7.00 p.m.

Train Fare (both the sides)

We are doing a group reservation for you also.

You are expected to carry:

1. Two white T-Shirts ( For service in Canteen)
2. Two dark colour loose trousers ( Not jeans)
3. Two pairs of White dress for Darshan

Information required to be furnished

Do respond either telephonically or by mail stating your availability for the activity ,along with your Name , Age , Contact No and Area of residence .

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT - SWAMI'S GRACE

Report of the Convener Mehadipatnam Samithi

By the Grace of Bhagawan Sree Satya Sai Baba Varu the activity of traffic management was conducted successfully. This time it was an experience of our Faith in Swami and our commitment to complete the activity successfully, when planning and intentions was passed on to Him. We were just 8 at 10am,we thought that we should wind up. We just told Swami, that is all we can do and we don't know how to go with just 9 of them not even 10.

We called the Traffic CI to say that we were only 8, when he asked us to come immediately to Rethibowli.. .. We prayed to Swami, did SAIGAYATRI and started-2 more joined and we were 11. We went to the Site...it was like Kurukshetra with heavy traffic on all sides. We decided that we shall do on 2 sides with the available team and the Traffic CI agreed for that.

That's all! we did not even know the time and it was 12:30,after starting the activity from 10:30am. We really enjoyed, why not?? when Swami was there with us all the time! Many people queried who we were and why we were doing?, some waived their hands with smiles as a mark of acknowledgement of our service, from their cars, bikes etc. Some appreciated, some took photographs too......but our team was totally engaged in the activity.

This time two of our volunteers also guided the Left side traffic movement, in addition to regulating traffic as per the Traffic cop's directions. The Traffic in charge asked, why we don't get the Press for publicity when we are doing so much,we said that we were doing service, our BABA does not like publicity.

With the support of all from other samithies especially, the conveners of Koti, Kalyan nagar and Ameerpet, the activity of Mehdipatnam samithi has become Our Satya sai samithi's activity.We am thankful to Swami for this.

REQUIREMENT OF SEVADAL FOR THE WORLD EDUCATION CONFERENCE

We are having World Educational conference from July 19th 2008 to 22nd July 2008 at Prashanthi Nilyam. Please refer to the Circular given by our A.P State Organisation to arrange 30 Youth Sevadal members (18 years to 40 years) for World Educational Conference.( KITCHEN SEVA).

Reporting Date : 18th July 2008.
Return Journey: 23rd July 2008.

Please communicate the same in your respective samithi's to mobilise 30 youth members from Hyderabad District. Last Date for Sevadal Registration is 10th July 2008 .Please contact K V Ramana Reddy ,District Services Co-ordinator,(Cell: 9849058444) for any clarifications.

YOUTH PILIGRIMAGE TO PRASANTHI

The youth groups of Andhra Pradesh comprising 1075 boys and 503 girls are back to their nests after a wonderful five day pilgrimage in the Divine abode from 25th to 29 of June 2008. Perhaps we had the opportunity to enjoy and witness many things for the first time to the best of my memory.

It is for the first time that boys and girls had the combined programmes session in the conference exhibition hall in Prasanthinilayam.By His grace we could get this for all day and night sessions. It is also for the first time there has been such attendance and programmes tailor made for the present day youth,in terms of content,presentation and most of all interaction session.

The presentations were unique to touch the audience.There were some skits by the ladies team as well.Sri Gollapudi,Sri Srinivas,Sri Ravi Sreepada provided the materials,content,presentation and technical back up.Sri Blachandra filled the spaces with interesting incidents and values.The presentation on light bulb concept and seva Subbaiah were appealing and humorous too! The message is loud and clear- having born we should be glowing and serving appropriately at the right time and place that is useful to the society, otherwise we could be as useless as the fused bulb. The presentation of Chittoor team on "AMMA" was outstanding rousing emotions.

Each day a presentation coordinator was nominated from visiting Districts-as in Nalgonda,Khammam and Chittoor for conducting the day affairs. The coordinators and the audience also provided their feed back.

We could have two hour session in the morning and two hour sessions in the evening by the Ashram speakers in Prof Anil Kumar,Dr,Muduigonda Veerabhadraiah garu and Dr. Anjanaiah garu.We had the fortune of listening to Sri Sairaju a former IAS specialist in rural development and educational service.Some of his practical sessions were outstanding. Further we had practical hints and experience with Swami by Smt Vasumathi Devi garu the State Services coordinator and also Ashramite.This has been an emotional and practical need based presentation touching the audience. Sri SG.Chalam also spoke on how Bhagawan has been so gracious and generous in providing all necessary arrangements well in advance for our group to enjoy their stay and carry home the pleasant experience and bliss.

We had the bonus opportunity to participate in the RAMAYANA SAPTHAHAM from24th to 28th of June both in the morning and evening sessions in the presence of our beloved Swami. Interestingly we recognized that this is the first time that all devotees too had the opportunity to witness and participate in the Sahasrarchna puja on all three days and also Pattabhishekamahostavam on 28th June.This has been a feast to the eyes indeed. Our Boys and girls had the opportunity to serve/distribute Prasadam on the 28 th June in Kulwant hall to the hearts content to one and all limit less. We had the opportunity to listen to Discourses on Ramayana in the afternoon by eminent speakers in Telugu to the delight of our AP contingent. It is perhaps for the first time we were served food even after 2 pm after our sessions by special arrangement at the canteen for so may of us.

There has been exchange of information and contact details for further follow up after the sessions. There was a session on SSS VIP programme carried out by the Hyderabad group as an example to illustrate, -Dr.Krishnakumar and Sri Gopikrishna shared their experience.as to how it is being executed. The other Districts also are in full swing in the state at different stages of implementation. There was a combined meeting on 29th morning exclusively for the District Presidents,coordinators of the state with the Gramaseva President Sri Srinivas,and State President Dr.Anjanaiah garu,Sri SG.Chalam,Smt Vasumathi Devi garu. This was to find out problems related to nomination of youth leaders in districts and as to how to motivate and mobilize new active members and to sustain the forces. Opinions were sought from the audience and were recorded for further action.

The SP briefly explained once again the concept of SSS VIP and requested the format reports by the Guru poornima at least. He discussed on the role of Gramaseva trust and requested to focus on Agro and training services to the needy village folks.He wanted the expertize generated from Hyderabad to be also shared to the other places in the state. This pilgrimage has brought enormous interest among the young and old and has given a never before feeling to all the participants.We hope and trust that this exchange will definitely pave a way for progress and growth in the way our beloved Swami wanted it. At the end Sri Chalam and Dr Anjanaiah garu lauded the efforts of the programme coordinators in Sri Ramana Reddy and Kumari Sai Aruna for their efforts in organizing this programme by their sincere and honest hard work with love and grace.

Let us all pray for HIS guidance and blessings! Thanks,our love and high regards for all those who have relentlessly worked towards the success and joy of this event.