| National President's Welcome | | | | | Dearest Brothers and Sisters,
I pray that you are all keeping well with Bhagawan's Grace. The month of October celebrated Avatar Declaration Day on the 20th; which led us into a busy November, firstly with the National Birthday Celebrations on the 5th, where we had the theme, 'Why Fear when I am Here.' Bhagawan has reassured us that He is always with us and so we should always hold on to Him. Before your trouble arrives, I am present the day before. To prepare you and give you strength, to show you I am always there.
I want to seize your fears, make you brave. So smile my bhakta, "why fear when I am here." Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba We shall soon have Akhand Bhajans across the country with several Regions holding Regional as well as local Akhand Bhajans. Akhand Bhajans started back in 1945, when Sister Geetha Mohan Ram's family was one of the nine families that started the first Akhand Bhajan under Bhagawan's direct guidance. After conducting Akhand Bhajans for 25 years, Bhagawan lovingly declared it to be a Global event. Coming up to 23rd November, we will see many Centre/Group and Regional Birthday celebrations happening, with offerings from our dear Bal Vikas (SSE) students, Young Adults and other adults, programmes filled with devotional songs, multi-faith prayers, dramas and talks. With pure hearts, let us come together, contemplate on Bhagawan with the wonderful activities happening throughout the month of November and leading up to December with Christmas celebrations, and offer our love at His Lotus Feet. Jai Sai Ram Ketan Gokani
| | | | | Arrive in Prasanthi in time for the start on 31st July. More details to come in due course...keep your diaries free! | | | | | Our next National programme... | | | National Christmas Celebrations 2022 | | | | | Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Jai Sai Ram!
On behalf of the UKCC, it gives me great pleasure to invite you and your family to attend the National Christmas Celebrations on Saturday 10th December 2022. The theme for this year is "The Kingdom of God is Within You." Registration is now open via the link below. Date: Saturday 10th December 2022
Time: 11am–4pm
Venue: Southborough High School, Kent Way, Surbiton, KT6 7SU The programme will include a Christmas service - Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols - with sermon, the children's Christmas nativity play, Christmas songs by the Bal Vikas (SSE) children and activities for the children. There might also be a special guest appearance by Santa himself! We look forward to seeing you all there! Loving Sai Rams, Ketan Gokani
National President | | | | | Why Fear When I Am Here? | | | National Birthday Celebrations 2022 | | | | | Over 200 devotees from around the country congregated at The Bushey Arena near Watford for the National Birthday Celebrations marking Bhagawan's 97th birthday.
The proceedings commenced with Nagar Sankirtan, with the bhajans echoing throughout the school and instantly lifting the mood. This set the tone for things to come. Bal Vikas (SSE) students took to the stage to recite Vedam with high energy and enthusiasm. After an introduction from our National President, Brother Ketan Gokani, and a clip of Bhagawan's Divine Discourse, we had the keynote speaker, Dr Shashank Shah. Dr Shah gave a captivating speech on the theme for the day: "Why fear when I am here?" He shared many illuminating insights on why there is so much fear present in today's society and how to overcome these. Dr Shah said that FEAR can be broken down into four components. F is for 'Faith'. The first step in overcoming fear is to have faith; faith in His powers. Without faith, experiences will not come. The second step in overcoming fear is 'Equanimity'. Those who are devoted to God must strive to treat all things with equal importance. You must consider both success and failure, pleasure and pain, with equanimity and not give preference to that which appeases the mortal senses. The third step is 'Action'. Dr Shah explained that we must all commit to action, not the result. In every action that we take, if we consider it as an offering to God, we will partake in actions that do not cause harm. The final step in overcoming fear is 'Reflection'. While it may be uplifting to attend and sing bhajans, for example, Swami has said that it is nothing more than a good use of time – it does not constitute spirituality. Dr Shah explained that spirituality is the realisation that we are not the body but the dweller within. To answer questions such as who we truly are, reflection is necessary.
| | | | | After lunch, there was an interactive online Kahoot quiz! The entire audience joined in, tested on their knowledge of Baba's teachings and history. Following this high energy item, the remainder of the day comprised a Q&A session between Dr Shah and Young Adults on how we should practise Swami's teachings, from which Dr Shah's key message was that we should strive to consistently read Sai Literature in our daily lives; a captivating round of musical offerings - sitar and tabla recitals and original compositions by talented singers and artists; and of course, the Birthday Song.
We are truly blessed to have been able to hold another successful National event. This could not have happened without the tireless dedication of members around the country pitching in to help. May we all take the divine vibrations and messages on Bhagawan's mission from this celebration forward into our lives. | | | | | Overwhelming response from SSSO UK devotees | | | Sharing the gift of joy in a shoe box | | | | | Devotees brought over 300 gift boxes to the National Birthday Celebrations and lovingly offered them at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. These were then delivered the same day to the warehouse in Slough, with more to be taken over the following few days. The charity TEECH will then take them and distribute them to the children of Romania and Moldova. We pray that these gifts of essential items will bring joy to those children. | | | | | Service at the National Birthday Celebrations | | | | | A huge thank-you to the volunteers who started to prepare and cook the prashadam from 6am on the 5th November for the National Birthday Celebrations. Feedback from a volunteer who helped prepare and cook the prashadam: "Thank you for the opportunity, my first in London and really loved being with you all, awesome food, needless to say a day well spent, I am already signed up for the next one wherever it is." We thank the volunteers who selflessly served throughout the day at the venue to ensure all had a blissful time. | | | | | Continuing the series of personal stories from SSSO UK Young Adults | | | A glance from Baba is enough to transform us | | | | | mūkaṃ karoti vācālaṃ paṃguṃ laṃghayate giri yat kṛpā tamahaṃ vaṃde paramānaṃda mādhavam I salute that supreme bliss, Madhava, by whose mercy the dumb become most eloquent and the lame are able to jump over the mountains. If there is one unmistakable characteristic that singles out our dearest Bhagawan as the Lord incarnate, it is His ability to transform the hearts and minds of those individuals that have had the good fortune to know Him. Indeed, Swami Himself has said: "Transformation of society must start with transformation of individuals." (Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 31, Ch 1: 1 January 1998) This is the fifth in a series of articles showcasing the personal journeys of Young Adults from across the United Kingdom, as they share with us how Swami has transformed their lives in a very deep and lasting way. In this issue, we hear from Sister Harshini Jogia, Young Adult Coordinator for Leicester Sai Centre in Region 4. Being born into a Sai family, Baba has been in my life ever since I was young. Attending Bal Vikas from a young age was a huge part of my spiritual journey. His teachings soon became a guiding light on how to stay on the right path in life. I remember being 6/7 years old and telling kids in my class about how God is in everything and everyone (I'm pretty sure they thought I was crazy!). Growing up, the values taught by my parents and through Baba's teachings are still deeply ingrained within me and are my moral compass in life to this day. I first saw Baba in His physical form back in 2009. I was 12 at the time. For some reason, although being close to Him in proximity, I felt so distant and far from Him. Seeing so many devotees gathering for His darshan made me wonder if He even noticed I was there. I was sitting in Sai Kulwant Hall one evening for darshan, left of the entrance. After some time, He came in on His buggy and looked at everyone sitting on His right side. I stretched up and prayed hard for Him to look in our direction on the left. He answered my prayer and turned and looked at what I felt was directly at me. It was His way of reassuring me that He sees me, He knows me. Although I didn't realise it at the time, that glance was to provide much comfort and reassurance in years to come and would help me reconnect with Baba. I came back to the UK still feeling distant from Him. I was a bright student during my GCSEs, but after going to college and seeing other students and their abilities, I began to lose confidence in myself and somewhat turned away from Baba. I used to study long hours but self-sabotaged my chances of excelling in exams by convincing myself that I wouldn't be able to do well – and that's exactly what happened. I was applying to study Mechanical Engineering at university, but my grades were not sufficient. However, out of some miracle of His, I got accepted into one university to study the exact course I wanted. I was 100% sure Baba had something to do with it and was overwhelmed by feelings of gratitude and love for Him. This experience made me realise that God pulls you back to Him at the right time. Even though I had turned away from Him over the years, He still held me close to Him. This was a turning point in my life and as the years went on, He helped me graduate with the highest honours, found me a great job and has now given me the opportunity to serve Him as a Young Adult Coordinator in my centre. I look back and remember the feeling of Him looking at me all those years ago in Sai Kulwant Hall, and realise now, that He has never stopped looking at me, and He never will. No matter how far we may stray, He always brings us back to Him. One glance from Baba is enough to transform us, if not right away then when the time is right. | | | | | | Region 1 (London South East & South West) | | | | | | | | Tooting Sai Centre served 98 meals as well as bags of fruit and water to the homeless. | | | | | | | | Merton Sai Centre hosted an Age Link tea party for seniors in the community. 24 guests were entertained by the Bal Vikas children and Young Adults, supported by 20 volunteers and drivers.
Other upcoming events:
- Bromley Sai Centre
- Friday 18th November, 7.30-9.30pm: Birthday celebrations at St Mary of Nazareth Church, The Avenue, West Wickham, BR4 0DX
- Merton Sai Centre
- Saturday 19th November, 6.30-8.30pm: Ladies' Day celebrations at Sai Mandir, 131-133 Effra Road, London SW19 8PU
- Wednesday 23rd November, 6.30-9.30pm: Birthday celebrations at Sai Mandir
- Tooting Sai Centre
- Sunday 20th November, 9.30am: Birthday celebrations at Fircroft Primary School, Fircroft Road, London SW17 7PP
- Wimbledon Sai Centre
- Sunday 20th November, 9.30am: Ladies' Day celebrations at Malmesbury Primary School, Malmesbury Road, Morden SM4 6HG
- Sunday 27th November, 9.30am: Birthday celebrations at Malmesbury Primary School
| | | | | | | | Region 2 (London North West and nearby Home Counties) | | | | | | | | On Sunday 2nd October, Heston Sai Centre celebrated the 10th anniversary of their Bal Vikas classes. Many current and former students participated, from small toddlers to Young Adults and it was wonderful to hear them chanting Vedam, watch them dance, listen to their singing and bhajans, watch their skits, and award them gifts. The theme was about Swami's mission: Veda Poshana (fostering of the Vedas), Vidwath Poshana (providing sustenance to those engaged in the regular study of Vedic principles), Dharma Rakshana (restoration of righteousness) and Bhakta Rakshana (protection of devotees). There was also cake cutting, to the delight of the kids, and prashadam, which was very delicious.
Other upcoming events:
- Harrow West Sai Centre
- Sunday 27th November, 4pm: Birthday celebrations at Oxhey Wood Primary School, Oxhey Drive, Watford WD19 7SL
| | | | | | | | Region 3 (London North, East & Central and nearby Home Counties)
| | | | | | | | In Region 3, Navratri was celebrated by several Sai Centres and Groups, as well as Shirdi Baba's birthday. | | | | | | | | Avatar Declaration Day was celebrated by most Centres and Groups. On Sunday 23rd October, Mill Hill Sai Centre hosted Dr. Shashank Shah as the guest speaker on that occasion. Brother Shashank elucidated the meaning and significance of the first bhajan sung by Swami on that day in 1940, where he talked about the 4 Rs (Realise, Resolve, Reach, Revere). He then went on to talk about how we can pursue our spiritual goals while living our daily life and fulfilling our responsibilities. How do we go from "my family is my world" to "the world is my family!" Listen to this very interesting talk via the following link to learn about what Swami said about all this: https://millhillsaicentre.org/event/guest-speaker-on-23rd-october/ | | | | | | | | The devotees of Mill Hill Sai Centre were also fortunate to participate in a Health Awareness Programme conducted by fellow devotees in the medical field. Information was given about blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and nutrition, followed by a Q&A session. After the information session, everyone was able to check their blood pressure and glucose levels, and ask the medical practitioners any other questions. We are very lucky to have many doctors in our Centre and it was a highly useful session!
Other upcoming events:
- Cambridge Sai Centre
- Saturday 19th November, 6-9pm: Birthday celebrations at Mayfield Primary School, Cambridge CB4 3HN
- Central London Sai Centre
- Sunday 20th November, 9.30-11.15am: Ladies' Day celebrations at Coram's Fields Nursery, 93 Guildford Street, London WC1N 1DN
- Sunday 27th November, 9.30-11.15am: Birthday celebrations at Coram's Fields Nursery
- Chelmsford Sai Centre
- Sunday 27th November, 4-6pm: Birthday celebrations at Great Baddow Millennium Community Centre, Baddow Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 9RL
- Mill Hill Sai Centre
- Sunday 13th November, 6am-12.30pm: Akhand bhajans at Deansbrook Primary School - access via Church Close, London HA8 9NS
- Wednesday 23rd November, 5-6am and Sunday 27th November, 9am: Birthday celebrations at Deansbrook Primary School
- Milton Keynes Sai Centre
- Wednesday 23rd November, 7-8pm: Birthday celebrations at Jubilee Wood Primary School, 1 Fishermead Boulevard, Fishermead, Milton Keynes MK6 2LB
| | | | | | | | On a fairly warm night, around fifteen volunteers from Narborough Road Sai Centre served around thirty homeless people in the streets of Leicester. On this occasion, the volunteers were involved in preparing and delivering the items to the homeless, such as sweatshirts, scarves, socks, undergarments and hats, as well sandwiches, chocolates, drinks and crisps. The people served were very grateful and elated to receive the items. Some people said the soup was the best in the world, and others loved the clothes and chocolates. A number of them asked which organisation we were from and so we talked about Swami and His message and showed them some pictures. One lady who was staying in an old bus garage was so happy that she cried and asked for Swami's picture and to do a prayer for her. We chanted the Sai Gayatri and Gayatri Mantra, after which she said it gave her goosebumps. There are many homeless people in many cities across the country. They need our help. Are you ready to help?
Other upcoming events:
- Birmingham Sai Centre
- Sunday 27th November, 10-11.30am: Birthday celebrations at Broadway Academy, The Broadway, Perry Barr, Birmingham B20 3DP
- Leicester Sai Centres
- Wednesday 23rd November, 6-7.30am: Birthday celebrations (Paaduka Pooja) at East West Community Centre, 10 Wilberforce Road, Leicester LE3 0GT
- Wednesday 23rd November, 7.30pm: Birthday celebrations (bhajans) at Soar Valley College, Gleneagles Road, Leicester LE4 7GY
- Narborough Road Sai Centre
- Saturday 19th November, 11am-3pm: Ladies' Day celebrations at East West Community Centre
- Wolverhampton Sai Centre
- Sunday 20th November, 2-5pm: Birthday celebrations at Gujarati Association, Mandir Hall, Mander Street, Wolverhampton WV3 0JZ
| | | | | | | | Region 5 (North England and Northern Ireland) | | | | | | | | Bradford Sai Centre hosted a meeting between Centre and Group Presidents, devotees and UK National Council members on Saturday 15th October. It was a lovely satsang where everyone got to know each other and talk face-to-face after a long time! We discussed activities in our Centres and Groups, and had plenty of time to ask many questions. Bhagawan showed His presence by blessing the food with vibhuti too! | | | | | | | | Greater Manchester Sai Centre celebrated Diwali after their regular bhajan session on Sunday 23rd October. Devotees brought various dishes, and sparklers were enjoyed by children and adults too!
Other upcoming events:
- Joint Akhand Bhajans
- Saturday 12th November, 9am-3pm: Joint event by Bolton Sai Centre, Greater Manchester Sai Centre and Warrington Sai Group, at Veda Mandir, 1 Thomas Holden Street, Bolton BL1 2QG
- Sunday 13th November, 2-6pm: Joint event by Bradford Sai Centre, Halifax Sai Centre and Leeds Sai Centre, at 252 Legrams Lane, Bradford BD7 2HR
- Bradford Sai Centre
- Wednesday 23rd November, 7.15-9.45pm: Birthday celebrations at 252 Legrams Lane, Bradford BD7 2HR
- Leeds Sai Centre
- Wednesday 23rd November: Birthday celebrations - details TBC
- Newcastle Sai Centre
- Akhand bhajans - details TBC
- Friday 25th November, 7.30-9pm: Birthday celebrations at Fairways Community Centre, Hoylake Ave, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE7 7UN
- Preston Sai Group
- Akhand bhajans - details TBC
| | | | | | | | Region 6 (South & South East England) | | | | | | | | Farnborough Sai Centre Bal Vikas (SSE) children celebrated Diwali on 23rd October. | | | | | | | | Rochester Sai Centre donated 140lbs of food items to the Medway food bank on 28th October. | | | | | | | | Folkestone Sai Group visited the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir in Wembley, London, in October.
Upcoming events:
- Farnborough Sai Centre
- Saturday 12th November, 6pm - Sunday 13th November, 6pm: Akhand bhajans at Shiva Cultural & Community Centre, Queens Road, Aldershot GU11 3JU
- Saturday 19th November, 8.30am: Ekadasha Rudram at Shiva Cultural & Community Centre
- Wednesday 23rd November, 6pm: Birthday celebrations at Shiva Cultural & Community Centre
- Folkestone Sai Group
- Sunday 20th November, 5pm: Birthday celebrations at Folkestone Nepalese Community Centre, Baker Road, Folkestone CT19 4NN
- Rochester Sai Centre
- Saturday 12th November, 6-9pm: Akhand bhajans - online
- Saturday 19th November, 6pm: Birthday celebrations at Quaker Meeting House, Rochester ME1 1LS
- Tunbridge Wells Sai Group
- Saturday 26th November, 5.30pm: Birthday celebrations at Southborough Civic Centre, 137 London Road, Southborough TN4 0NA
| | | | | | | | Region 7 (West & South West England and Wales) | | | | | | | | Cheltenham Sai Group, along with the wider community, collected and donated 199kg of food items for the Caring for Communities and People (CCP) food bank. | | | | | | | | Upcoming events:
- Aberdeen Sai Centre
- Saturday 12th November: Akhand bhajans - details TBC
- Edinburgh Sai Centre
- Saturday 12th November and Sunday 13th November: Akhand bhajans - details TBC
- Glasgow Sai Centre
- Sunday 13th November, 10am-4pm: Firhill Room, Community Central Hall, 304 Maryhill Road, Glasgow G20 7YE
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