Region 1 Savanne Mauritius Volume 4 Issue 1 March 2016 · Region 1 Savanne -Mauritius Volume 4...

Region 1 Savanne - Mauritius Volume 4 - Issue 1 - March 2016

OUR VISION

To drive Devotees

to live according to the teachings of BHAGAWAN SRI

SATHYA SAI

BABA

OUR MISSION

To assist and

support devotees for their

SPIRITUAL

UPLIFTMENT

OUR GOAL

To render SELFLESS

SERVICE to the SOCIETY

OUR OBJECTIVE

To spread the teachings of

BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI

BABA in the

society through Public Outreach

MESSAGE OF THE LORD

DO WE REALLY UNDERSTAND HIS MESSAGE? - Page 2

CHINNA KATHA

GOOD AND BAD - Page 3

SPIRITUAL GAME

NATURE IS OUR TEACHER - Page 4

PAST EVENTS - Page 5 - 8

REGIONAL OPERATIONS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

ETHICS: ROLE OF FAMILY IN INCULCATING VALUES - Page 9-10

DEVOTEE’S CORNER (PART I)

OBITUARY - 0-11

DEVOTEE’S CORNER (PART II)

CONGRATULATIONS - Page 12

INVITATION

SRI SATHYA SAI ARADHANA MAHOTSAVAM - Page 12

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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter

Volume 4 - Issue 1 - March 2016

B aba’s life is his message, and as such our lives

should reflect his messages by a display of our innate

qualities of love, compassion and selfless service.

Our lives must reflect his message by the continuous

daily practice of his teachings.

God gifted us with human birth to be examples of his

love and compassion so that we can get closer and

closer to him and ultimately

merge with him. Cognizant of

the extent to which we humans,

are taken up by worldly matters

instead of contemplating on

GOD, swami had to incarnate in

human form to show us the

way. He says that he is God and

we are also God. We all know

that God is within and all

around us. So what stops us

from being God like?

There’s greater wealth around

but most of it is spent

wastefully in actions that do not

promote love and compassion

like helping the poor, the sick

and downtrodden. We say that

Baba is God and he can do anything. But has he not

said that we are also God? We must have enough

faith, will and determination to accomplish what

swami can.

People see

and learn

from Swami’s

love and

compassion

and that is

why so many

offer their services freely to the needy. Swami’s

messages on the importance and benefits of selfless

service have touched their hearts, and that is why so

many are helping in his mission and finally helping

themselves to reach God. Money comes from those

who are touched, and that is why such selfless

projects like the hospital, water and schools are

immensely adored and touched by believers of

swami.

It is high time that we, as

devotees of our beloved

Bhagawan tasks, set the

example. Wherever we go we

must be models in what we do,

through our conduct, talks and .

If we really understand Swami’s

teachings and practice them,

our lives will be far better and all

the blessings of Swami will be

upon us. Let us not waste our

resources on trivial things, but

on things that will help Mother

Nature and the society at large.

The messages of Swami are so

clear and profound : LOVE ALL

SERVE ALL; HELP EVER HURT NEVER; BE GOOD, DO

GOOD, SEE GOOD. Swami’s wants us to be GOOD

persons and be an example for others to change and

hence, the entire world can also change in this

process of goodness.

We need to constantly practise Sai literature and put

them into practice. Incremental changes will bring

along major changes overtime and only then we can

claim ourselves to be worthy of his grace.

Help Ever Hurt Never

LOVE ALL SERVE ALL;

HELP EVER HURT NEVER;

BE GOOD, DO GOOD, SEE

GOOD.

3



Service to Man is Service to GOD

A guru narrated a story to his disciples…

When Rama, Sita and Lakshman were travelling

through the forest during their 14 years exile, they

once met some devotees. All sat under the shade

of a tree.

“Oh Lord” inquired a devotee, “could you tell us

the difference between good and bad?”

Lord Rama smiled and said, “The difference between good and bad is just like the difference between a

sandalwood tree and an axe”.

The devotee was baffled. “Oh Lord, could you elaborate?”

“Like all good things, the sandalwood tree gives freely of its

fragrance. And like all bad things, the axe only knows how

to cut and destroy. Even when the axe cuts the sandalwood

tree, the sandalwood gives freely of its fragrance making

everyone happy,” explained Lord Rama.

“Is that not unfair?” queried the devotee.

“It may appear unfair,” said Lord Rama, “but the chopped

pieces of sandalwood are rubbed to make a paste and this

paste is applied on the forehead. The axe, , blunt after having cut the tree, is put into the fire till red-hot

and beaten to make it sharp again”.

With rapt attention, Guruji’s disciples heard how, Lord Rama explained the difference between good and

bad.

“We are often dissuaded from the good path because of the injury we sustain at the hands of those who

are bad”, Guruji said.

“But as Lord Rama explained so beautifully, the good never stop giving freely of their fragrant actions

even though the bad hurt them. But then good is always rewarded. And the bad are always punished”.

4



Match the columns to find out what they teach.

God is Love, Peace & Strength

NOTES:

Answers will be available in the next issue.

All SSE students are encouraged to participate in the Spiritual Game. The answers should be sent to the

Regional Education Coordinator, Sr. Sandyah Ghoora or the Regional Committee of Savanne, by latest 17

April 2016. A draw will be carried out during a Regional activity to determine the winner.

Be like a bee And purify everything by burning

Be like a tortoise And cleanse your surroundings

Be like water And never give up till you succeed

Be like fire And stay firm and steady

Be like an ant And drink only honey

Be like agarbatti And remain detached to you surroundings

Be like the sun And cleanse everything that you come in contact with

Be like the swan And willingly dance to God’s directions

Be like the lotus And always flow towards your source, God

Be like the flute And pull your senses inward

Be like a puppet And be a great yogi

Be like a mountain And work tirelessly

Be like a spider And let God’s music flow through you

Be like a river And sacrifice yourself to serve others

Be like a fish And discriminate between good and bad

5



NATIONAL BHAJAN SESSION - MAHA SHIVARATRI

The National Council

held Bhajan sessions,

Rudram and exhibition

at Ganga Talao during

Maha Shivaratri, from

05 to 08 February

2016.

God is All Names & All Forms

REGIONAL WORKSHOP - WORLD CONFERENCE 2015

The first Regional activity for year 2016 was held on 17 January at the Sathya Sai Centre of Tyack. The

event started with a Yaj, followed by the launching of the Savanne Regional Strategic Plan for the year.

Following the World Conference held at Prasanthi in November 2015, the Regional Committee hosted a

workshop to share the different facets of the conference, presented by Bro Adiraj Pentiah and Pravine

Ghoorah. The workshop was based on LOVE IS THE SOURCE, PATH & GOAL.

REGIONAL EKADASHI RUDRAM

Ekadashi Rudram was held at the Sathya Sai Group of Bois Cheri (Shiv Shakti Mandir) on 14 February

2016 with the participation of Prasanthi Group. Devotees from all around the island attended in great

numbers. A blissful activity that coincided with Valentine’s day.

Continued on Page 6

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Continued from Page 5

NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

The 48th anniversary of the Independence of Mauritius and the 24th year of the Republic of Mauritius

were celebrated on 12 March 2016 at the Smt. Foolbasseea Babooram Ashram, Chemin Grenier. The

guest of honour was the Secretary of the Ashram, Mr. Beekharry. The programme consisted of 3 major

parts, namely, a Graduation Ceremony, a “Collage” Competition prize giving (Theme: Go Green) and the

National Day celebrations, including a flag raising ceremony. The Balvikas students of the Organisation

performed the cultural programme on that day. The residents of the Ashram enjoyed the event.

Bliss is God; Be in Bliss

Continued on Page 10 Continued on Page 7

FOOD DISTRIBUTION - MAHA SHIVARATRI

For the 3rd year running, the Regional Committee of Savanne, with the support of Grand Port, served

food to some 5000 pilgrims on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Devotees started the cooking and preparation

as from 05.00 am and lasted till noon.

“The Gift of Food to the Hungry is the Noblest of all Gifts” - Sathya Sai Baba

7



Food is God; Do Not Waste


Continued on Page 8

CAVADEE CELEBRATIONS

Cavadee was celebrated across the island on 24 January 2016. On this auspicious occasion, the Sathya Sai

Centres of Surinam and Chemin Grenier and the Sathya Sai Group of Bois Cheri served Panacon and

refreshments in their respective villages to the devotees.

BLOOD DONATIONS

Blood Donation, one of the major service based activities of the Organisation, was held during the

months of February and March in Surinam, Tyack and Chemin Grenier respectively. 84 pints were

collected in Surinam, 93 pints in Tyack, and 278 pints, for the first time in Chemin Grenier. Mega Blood

donation was held at Ganga Talao by the Organisation on the 01st of January 2016, where over 450 pints

were collected.

8




Discipline is the Mark of Intelligent Living

EASTER CELEBRATIONS - SATHYA SAI CENTRE OF SURINAM

On Sunday 27 March 2016, the Sathya Sai Centre of Surinam celebrated Easter Sunday in collaboration with the

Christians of the village. Easter eggs were distributed after participating in the Sunday’s prayers.

REGIONAL VISITS TO CENTRES/GROUPS

This year, the Regional Committee of Savanne is visiting all the centres and groups of the region. The Sathya Sai

Groups of St-Martin and Baie du Cap were visited on 14 January 2016 and 18 February 2016 respectively. The

devotees were encouraged to participate at Regional and National Level.

MAHA SHIVARATRI CELEBRATIONS

Char Paher Pooja were performed by all centres and groups of the region. Abhishekam (Aka Chaar Peher

Pooja) of the Shiva Lingam were performed at 4 intervals. Prayers started at 18:00hrs and ended in the

early hours of the following day. In Surinam, prayers were held in collaboration with the Kovil (Part of

Public Outreach Programme)

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T he family is important in developing the

moral values of child. There is a close contact

between the parents and children, which

determine the personality of child.

Family is the foundation on which values are built.

Moral values like truthfulness, happiness, peace,

justice are instilled in

children’s thoughts, feelings

and actions and they function

as ideals and standards that

govern their actions in their

life. The value system

practised in the family

becomes automatic to the

young family members if they

are taught moral values

systematically. The family,

shapes the child’s attitude

towards people and society,

and helps in mental growth in

the child and supports his

ambitions and values. Blissful

and cheerful atmosphere in the family will

develop the love, affection, tolerance, and

generosity.

A child learns his behaviour by modelling what he

sees around him. Family plays a major role in

helping a child socialize and has great influence

and bearing on the progress of the child. Joint

family system, the presence of elders in the family

plays the effective role in social and moral

development of the children. It will also help

young generation of the family to imbibe human

values and eradicate their negative mental

tendencies when they are among elders.

Children identify themselves with their parents,

other family elders and adopt them as their

personal models for emulation and imitation and

hero-worship them. The behavioural problems are

set correct only by the involvement of family in

the child’s life as they spend most of their time in

adolescence with the

parents. Family is the first

social organisation that

provides the immediate

proximity from which the kid

can learn his behaviour.

Importance of family values

in Life:

A family is a unit of parents

and the children. Value is

defined as the quality or

worth of a thing.

Social standards and

customs defined by a family provide the

emotional and physical basis for a child.

Values developed by a family are the foundation

for how children learn, grow and function in the

world. These beliefs, transmits the way of life a

child lives and changes into an individual in a

society.

These values and morals guides the individual

every time in his actions. Children turn out to be

a good person because of the value taught and

given by his family members.

Truth is God, Speak The Truth

Continued on Page 10

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Ideas passed down from generation to generation make up a family

values. It answers the basic question of how one want to live the family

life. Family values enhance the character and turns the children to be good

human being.

It teaches the individual how to behave and project himself to the next

younger generation and the emotional support adds the importance of

family values.

Customs and traditions followed and taught by the family leads a disciplined and organized life.

Families values helps the child to stand strong on his views despite others efforts to break through with

opposing beliefs.

In addition, beliefs and trusts built around a family helps the children to be responsible and conscientious

adults.

A child has a strong sense of what is right and wrong and are less likely to become victims of deviant influences.

Children who are influenced by strong moral values identify them in others quickly which then produces a new

generation with similar beliefs.

Brother Khirodhur PEERUN of Sathya Sai Centre of Surinam lost her dear mother, Ww

Gayawatee PEERUN, born MOHUN, commonly known as Vidiawatee on 09 January

2016 at the age of 81 years. She was born on 03 June 1934. She was wedded to

Krishnamoorthi Peerun. The couple bore three children: Chitrawtee, (Radha), Khirodhur

(Anand) and Vijaya Luxmi (Narvada). All three children got married.

Anand was wedded to Lalita Kumaree and bore two infants: Nirvan and Urva. The whole

family became actively involved with the Organisation in the late 90’s when the children

started to attend the Balvikas Class. Subsequently, auntie Vidiawatee became a regular

devotee to attend kirtans and to participate in various activities. She became an asthma patient and her health

became fragile with time. She stood boldly with Swami till she breathed her last. She was an exemplary mother in

law who always showed affection and love to her family as well as all the devotees she interacted. Her demise left

a vacuum in the family and the Organisation. Missed by all the nears and dears.

The SSIO of Mauritius, Savanne Region, places on record the presence and help of the departed soul and pray to

Swami to keep her in HIS fold.

God First; The World Next; Myself Last


Continued on Page 11

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Love All Serve All

Brother ABHIMANYU APPADU, lovingly called ANNA by one and all, left his

mortal coil on 01 March 2016 to merge with the Lord. He was born on 07

February 1950 and wedded Sister Suttee Saveetree (lovingly known as

Shyama) on 28 May 1971. They bore two progenies, namely, Jairaj Acharya

(Vashist) and Neelam Devi (Anusha).

He joined Moka Flacq District Council as Clerk in 1975 and retired as Chief

Inspector of Work at Savanne District Council. When Sathya Sai Centre of

Surinam incepted in the year 1980, bhajan sessions were conducted in houses

of devotees. The family had the rare priviledge to house Thursday bhajans in the year 1984. Anna

became actively involved with the Organisation in the year 2001 after he suffered a severe heart attack

at Ganga Talao on a Shivaratri Day. Swami spared his earthly journey for another ten years.

In this lapse of time, he travelled to Putta Parthi six times. The last one in 2015, Swami held his hands in

Veidehy Hospital in Bangalore after he had a massive heart failure on our way to our spiritual tour in the

South of India to give him some more time to spend with the family. After bypass surgery, though

counseled to rest by the surgeons, he made for Prashanti Nilayam to thank the Lord for HIS Love and

timely help. He left us in an ocean of sorrow, when we missed his undeterred presence at blood

donation in Surinam. We all thanked you Anna for your love and help during your stay in our midst. Ever

remembered by your nears and dears.

We pray to God to shower peace to his soul. We pay homage to our friend

who merged with the Divine on 22 February 2016. Brother Deepnarain

AWOTAR, also knows as Ashwan, has achieved what many of us could not in

his young age. He was a teacher, the holder of a Masters Degree in philosophy,

a priest, an actor, a good comedian, a good friend and above all, a good

human being. Whenever there was a prayer for the Regional Committee of

Savanne, brother Ashwan always responded positively. He never missed any

opportunity to help and serve anybody. No matter the task, he would do his

utmost best to make anybody feel happy.

He stared in many Bhojpuri clips. He also worked on a movie, named VR2.0. Two weeks before he left,

one of his film, Second Life, was broadcasted on the National TV. His contribution in Sathya Sai

International Organisation of Mauritius amazed us all, as he was active at group, regional and national

level. We are all affected by his departure and we pray to Swami for him. Rest in peace dear brother.

You will always be remembered.

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REGIONAL COMMITTEE OF SAVANNE (Region 1)

Phone: +230 5 771 2875

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.saibabamauritius.org/region/savanne

Facebook: Region 1 Savanne - Sathya Sai International Organisation

Mauritius

God is Love, Peace & Strength

T he Regional Committee of

Savanne thanks all devotees for

their help and support. Should

you have any queries, please

do not hesitate to contact the

team. You can also send your

articles to the Newsletter team

on the e-mail address provided.

SAI KATHA - SRI SATHYA SAI ARADHANA MAHOTSAVAM

T he Regional Committee of Savanne will be celebrating the

5th year of Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam through a Sai

Katha. The event will be held at the Sathya Sai Centre of Tyack

from 20th to 24th April 2016. The life, teachings, messages and

works of Sathya Sai Baba will be depicted through Kathas, film

shows, stories and experiences. Stapan and Poornahuti will be

held on the first and last day respectively. Sai devotees and

members of the public are invited to participate in the event.

CONGRATULATIONS

On 20 March 2016, Brother Sandeep Kuppan, the Savanne Regional

Secretary, and Sister Natasha Nobin got engaged. The ceremony was

held at the Ganga Yamuna Saraswati Mandir at Ganga Talao in the

morning. The Regional Committee of Savanne wishes both Sai

devotees good luck for their future endeavour.

CONGRATULATIONS

Brother Mitradeva Rao Sydamah, aka

Milan, won the award for best actor

in a drama competition organised by

the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI).

This is his 5th award for best actor.

The Regional Committee of Savanne

congratulates Milan for his

achievements and wish him the best

for the future.

mailto:[email protected]

Region 1 Savanne Mauritius Volume 4 Issue 1 March 2016 · Region 1 Savanne -Mauritius Volume 4...

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