A Report on the Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Master Trainers Programme for Group III

The Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Master Trainers programme for Group III was inaugurated on 15th July 2011, the auspicious day of Guru Purnima by Smt Sarla Shah,to whom the Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Movement was unfolded by Bhagavan Baba for the benefit of mankind. Nearly 230 Master Trainers ( 190 Mahilas and 30 Gents ) drawn from all parts of India. 10 Observers attended the Programme .

VVIPS who attended the proggramme

Delivering the inaugural address, Smt Vidya Srinivasan, the National Coordinator for Balvikas highlighted the importance of giving adequate inputs to the children for day to day life through the medium of Balvikas.

Smt Vidya Srinivasan, the National Coordinator for Balvikas

She added that the focus on expected outcome from Group III should be to develop a cadre of children who would be torch bearers of the Nation with the ability to perceive the underlying unity in all creation and reflect the ideals of Bhagavan Baba in their lives.

The All India President Shri V Srinivasan while giving a deep insight into the vision of Balvikas stressed the need to adapt ourselves to the modern scenario by changing the mode of teaching without changing the core values. While urging the Gurus to be dynamic and vibrant, he called for a gradual shift from syllabus oriented approach to activity oriented approach to pave the path for experiential learning.

Shri Nimish Pandya, District President, Mumbai aptly summed up the hallmark of Balvikas as “experience borne out of practice, Inspiration through vibration and Communication through love and service” He spoke of the effectiveness of the tool of mentoring in strengthen the bonding with the children and emphasised the dire need to listen to the children’s outpourings. Last, but not the least, he exhorted the gurus to make learning an enjoyable experience. Dr Jumsai, Director, Institute of Value Education, Thailand shared his experiences of the transforming power of love at the Sri Sathya Sai School, Thailand.

Dr Jumsai, Director, Institute of Value Education, Thailand

The programme was a unique learning experience with speakers like Dr Gururaj Karajagi who explained the relevance of Bhagavad Gita in facing the challenges of life in today’s world.

Dr Gururaj Karajagi

Such a profound and lofty message of the Gita was conveyed in a simple lucid way that left the audience asking for more. The inspiring session on the lives of freedom fighters complemented by patriotic songs transported the gathering, down memory lane to the bygone days of freedom struggle. The art of managing one’s own resources, namely, thought, breath and time, inculcating the habit of savings at physical, mental and spiritual levels and the importance of family participation and Parenting were deftly handled by the speakers to drive home the message.

Jaya Malladi

Using the spiritual diary as a means to strengthen the sadhana of self-audit was made easy by the speaker.

However, the icing on the cake was the inspiring session on “Transforming Potential in Group III and integrating social consciousness in Balvikas’ by Shri Vijay Menon who stressed the importance of exposing children to the realities of life so as to arouse the empathy element in them to facilitate selfless seva.

Shri Vijay Menon

Although the programme concluded on 17th July, leaving an indelible imprint in the hearts of the enthused participants, it marked the beginning of a new era in BalVikas to herald a new tomorrow. In his concluding remarks, the All India President Shri Srinivasan exhorted the gathering to carry Bhagavan’s greatest legacy of love to all creation.

All India President Shri Srinivasan

Jai Sairam.