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.