Our Lives are Your Message, Swami For the past year, time and again we’ve heard devotees say that our beloved Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has only left his physical form, that he remains ever-present, guiding us with unfaltering love. When we, the Young Adult group of Manhattan’s Sai Baba Center, started planning a presentation and offering for Swami’s Mahasamadhi, we set out to find out how He lives on in the busy streets of New York City. For several weeks, we attended service projects that Sai Baba devotees spearhead around the city. On a Saturday around noon, we met Hugo and Victoria Vasquez on the corner of 1st Avenue and 29th street and watched them organize a small troop of devotees into an efficient assembly line that for the past 13 years has been feeding over 300 homeless people. In the corner of Adam Clayton Powell and 116th Street, Hemant Wadhwani coordinates a feeding operation that every Wednesday evening provides hot meals to people from all faiths and ethnic backgrounds in Harlem. Downtown, we met with Bowery service coordinator Don Nolan on a drizzly Saturday morning. Every week since 1978, they have served home cooked meals to low income residents of the area and anyone who passes by. After that, we were off to Goldwater Hospital in Roosevelt Island for the weekly service of singing and entertaining patients. Then, on the third Sunday of April we attended the monthly Senior Citizen’s Lunch that brings devotees together to cook and serve healthy vegetarian meals for seniors from the vicinity of the Madison Baptist Church on 31st street. Putting a video together of all these experiences was a challenge and a blessing, and having it finished in time to present it at the Sai center for our April 19th program was a true Swami miracle. With our eyes still teary after the video, we sang about Swami’s meaning in our lives. We dedicated fours songs to our Bhagavan. The bhajan ‘Hey Sai Tera’ asked how we may hold Him in our thoughts while surrounded by worldly attachments; ‘Krishna Nee Begane’ performed for Swami by Hariharan; Nada Particular, a song by Miguel Bose that told us the name of Bhagavan is our only resting place, and Lovely Day, a Bill Withers song rewritten for Swami. At the end of our program, we encouraged everyone to browse an exhibit on the timeline of Swami’s life and teachings. In the process of documenting Bhagavan’s work, rehearsing to sing His glory, and researching about His life, we learned a great deal about ourselves, connected with devotees who melted our hearts with their dedication and selflessness, attended seva projects we had never been to, and became motivated with new opportunities to serve. More importantly, through the lenses of our cameras and in person, we were able to see Swami’s love in the devotees who extended a hand to people in need, living His message. We saw Swami hard at work, all over the city. Om Sai Ram ~The Manhattan Sai Center Young AdultsNew York, USA

The Legacy A typical monsoon day in August of 1973 at Prasanthi Nilayam saw the start of the Brooklyn Sai Center. During an interview in the small interview room with Swami, in the presence of Sister Anne Sohani and her godson, Brother Tyrone Lowther, Swami granted Sister Mary Callender’s request to start a Center in His name in Brooklyn, New York. The only picture taken of the Center’s inception was made two minutes before Swami granted the request. Tyrone asked Swami if he could take a picture of Mary and Anne with Swami. Somewhere in the archives there also exists a picture of Tyrone and Swami, taken by Anne. As they returned home with great anticipation, the group made plans for starting the Center. They choose Friday as the Center satsang night so as not to conflict with existing spiritual meetings, especially Hilda Charleton’s Thursday gathering. Thus, the place selected was the Sanctum of Peace Church, at 1357 Bushwick Avenue. Sister Mary and her husband Don provided the building, a row house, in a neighborhood far removed from the bustle of Manhattan. Prior to Swami’s permission, the church held study meetings based on Edgar Cayce. They called themselves the “Searching for God Group.” Who could have guessed that the book, Sai Baba, Man of Miracles (purchased at different stores—unbeknownst to either of them), that Mary and Anne exchanged as Christmas gifts would foretell the miracle that was about to unfold! The Center started immediately upon Mary and Anne’s return from their August 1973 visit to Swami, the official inauguration was on Swami’s Birthday, November 23, 1973. Until 1975, when the American Council was established, the Brooklyn Center thrived on Om’s, laying on of hands, and other spiritual practices already familiar to the participants. Most of the attendees were those who had visited Swami. The group also served dinner every Friday night after the meetings, as an opportunity for fellowship. Then Center guidelines were published, indicating that no food be offered after center meetings. Only light prasad [food offered to God] or fruit were to be considered. So the dinners stopped, and, perhaps coincidentally, many people left as well. At one point there were only five devotees attending regularly. Of course Baba has often said, “quality not quantity,” and reminded devotees, “Swami’s grace is always with you.” Members also remembered that Jesus said that it is enough when “two or three are gathered in my name.” In addition, an old proverb comments, “it is better to have five in harmony than 100 in conflict.” During this period, Mary and Don were caring for a series of foster children who also attended the satsang. Then Swami gave the Center 10 bhajan books. They were small and simple and the group learned all the bhajans. Some bhajans were replaced by the mixture of hymns and spiritual music the group had used at first. One of the earliest Maha Shivaratris [special all-night payers] in the area was held at the Brooklyn Center. Anticipation mounted as the Center members felt that Swami was about to send more devotees (because of the books). Indeed, the Center grew and at one point it comprised of devotees from Manhattan, Queens, India, and Guyana. The altar, originally a simple table with a picture and a statue of Swami sculpted by Heidi King, was replaced by a beautifully crafted piece, made by Michael Hollander. Of course, the picture and the statue remained. An early newsletter, started by the Center and edited by Judy Wechsler, provided schedules of area activities. Eventually, this simple sheet became the regional newsletter blessed by Swami. For several years, the Center had about 21 children and young adults. But, of course, our lives shift. The children all grew up to be good citizens. Some members retired and moved to other places. Change of job or residence caused others to move on. As some came and some left, eventually the Center suggested that there be a division, and the South Ozone Park Center was born. Of course, all things change except Swami’s love. Today, 2012, the founding member, Sister Mary Callender, has merged with Swami. Swami Himself has taken samadhi. Sister Anne and her husband Bisu have moved to New Jersey, and others have moved on in various ways. The Center still does its seva [service] and conducts weekly Center meetings Fridays at 7:30 p.m., at the same address. There are currently about seven members regularly attending, a small SSE Class, and occasional visitors. Following Swami’s precept, there is an active seva program, including food service several times a month, monthly provisions of groceries to an adopted family. In August, there is an annual book bag and school supply seva for about 70 children at the local soup kitchen. In conjunction with the New Hyde Park Center, an annual Christmas gifting for a local day care center as well as gifts for children at a local soup kitchen are provided. The Flushing Center and individual donations also contribute to this toy seva, which provides gifts for approximately 250 children. With a rich legacy to sustain it, the Brooklyn Center continues. Sai Ram! ~Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of BrooklynBrooklyn, New York, USA

Mid-Atlantic Region’s 37th Annual Retreat The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Organization of the Mid-Atlantic Region held its 37th Annual Retreat recently at Camp Westmont nestled in the heart of the beautiful Pocono Mountains. The theme being, “Why Fear When I am Still Here!” the retreat drew over 950 Sai devotees to the annual Memorial Day weekend event held on 325 acres of rolling hills in Wayne County, PA. Despite having left His physical body, our dear Swami clearly showed that He continues to walk with us each and every day. According to Regional President Prity Bhatt, “With abundant grace and blessings from our Lord, another memorable and joy-filled retreat was experienced by all. Swami provided many opportunities for us to experience His Divine presence. We witnessed the theme of the retreat unfolding in many ways. Over and over, He showed us that He has been with us, is with us, and will be with us.” The retreat was a textbook lesson in living Swami’s teachings through surrendering and working together in unity. Mrs. Bhatt noted that, “It is hard to fathom how everything came together. It was only made possible by His love and grace.” She explained that two weeks before the retreat, the chief architect for the devotional hall stage became seriously ill. However, a backup team was formed, and for the fifth year members pitched in to turn the camp’s basketball court into a beautiful sacred space. “People worked day and night, and over and over, whenever a difficulty arose, Swami did not allow us to despair,” said Mrs. Bhatt. She said, “We felt His love and presence in many ways—warm greetings of Sairam upon entering the camp grounds, a welcoming smile at the registration or seva [help] desk, listening to favorite bhajans [devotional songs], or hearing a story/anecdote from one of the esteemed guest speakers resulting in an “aha” moment.” Other moments included being transported to Prasanthi when looking at Swami’s picture at the altar, finding peace when meditating in Swami’s room, learning a practical tip about Swami’s teachings in one of the workshops, being nourished by delicious prasadam [consecrated food] in the dining hall, and being cared for during the medical/health camp. A highlight of the retreat was the heartfelt and touching speeches by keynote speakers on Saturday and Sunday that included Dr. Narendranath Reddy, Dr. Rupak Changkakoti, and Mrs. Sarojini Changkakoti. Each shared intimate stories about interacting with our dear Lord in their youth as a result of their families having served Swami for several generations. Dr, Reddy discussed the qualities and duty of a good devotee when Swami takes care of us.  He noted that, “Swami has said that following My teachings and My instructions will do better than meditation. Swami wants us to realize that we are embodiments of Divine atma [soul], to realize our true nature is divinity, and to help others to realize it, too.” Dr. Reddy pointed out other qualities included having faith in oneself, having faith in the scriptures, and having complete faith in God. “Faith is the foundation, and when there is true faith, there is love.” The Changkakotis narrated very touching stories about having to put their faith in action when despite their devotion, stressful challenges would arise.  Dr. Rupak Changkakoti told a moving story about having to have faith when Swami asked him to move to Canada to spread Swami’s teachings, only to be unemployed for months during the time when the fiber optics industry took a downturn. Mrs. Changkakoti captivated the audience with a story about being a young girl and demanding that Swami give her proof that her father was safe when word came that he had fallen ill in another city. Swami would indeed give a sign, filling her family’s prayer room with an exceedingly sweet fragrance and piles of vibhuti [sacred ash]. Dr. Changkakoti later delighted the audience with some bhajans that he had sung for Swami on several occasions.  Mrs. Changkakoti then led the audience in a powerful and heart-opening meditation. Following lunch, Professor Anantharaman, the recently appointed media spokesman for the Sai Organization and the Central Trust, treated us to a thought-provoking talk. He discussed the difficulties that arose within the organization following the Lord’s transition, when negative media was being disseminated. A long-time professor at Swami’s university, Professor Anantharaman explained, “We did not know how to deal with the media originally,” noting that Swami had not talked to the media in years. He stated that if Swami’s true message is to continue to flourish worldwide, “it must come through his devotees and students.” The four-day retreat was blessed with perfect weather, and many devotees participated in the early morning Omkar, Suprabhatam, and Nagarsankirtan [all form of prayer] activities that ended with rousing bhajans in front of Swami’s room. The East Brunswick and Bridgewater centers lovingly put together Swami’s room. That was a favorite spot for many who dropped in to meditate at the lotus feet of our dear Lord. According to South Besthesda President Dr. Sivakumar Sreenivasan, “The fact that one can experience His love no matter where you are and in what you do came true at the retreat. I was one among the four-team leads responsible for maintaining cleanliness of the Swami room during the retreat. What an opportunity! We did four-hour shifts at a time. It was incredibly fulfilling, and it was something that I looked forward to during my four days at the retreat. Never was there ever a feeling that I was missing a program while I was in the Swami room. He also made sure that every petty desire was fulfilled.” During the weekend, a variety of workshops and other activities were available for center members to take part in, including a workshop on light-meditation led by regional vice president Douglas Gaum; a raw food workshop taught by Ella Gurevich, and a quilt-making session facilitated by the East Brunswick Center members. For cultural lovers, the retreat featured a concert by ‘Whistling Wizard’ Mr. K. Sivaprasad, who regaled the audience during a 90-minute presentation in which he whistled bhajans in a melodic, flute-like voice.

S.S.E. Student Offerings to the Divine Mother 2013 S.S.E. Student Offerings to the Divine Mother 2013 Posted May 1, 2013 May 6th of each year is observed as Mother’s Day. For this occasion, our children submitted poems, drawings, and other creations for publication in Sai Sarathi. These following submissions on the theme of “mother” are from the Sai Spiritual Educational [SSE] classes of the Sai Centers in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the USA. Amma My mother whom we call “amma” is a kind person who helps me with my home work. Amma does many things in her life like cooking, cleaning, helps us with the home work, taking us to our classes, and many more. She is very busy still she will spend a lot of time with me and my sister Jayanee. She correct my mistakes and teach me good things.She is a sweet, kind and beautiful person. She is also very clever I love my mother. ~Mayura Kugapalan Amma Amma helps with my home work and school projects. She takes care of me when I am sick. She is sweet and loving. She goes to college.Her favorite color is purple.Her favorite food is rice and curry.Her favorite thing is reading books.Her favorite person is me (Jayanee)I love amma. ~Jayanee Kugapalan Mother Just like a sailor who follows theNorth Star without hesitationto reach his or her destinationWe the sailors sail throughThe Sea of LifeAs our mother’s; the North StarWho guides us Without her the world would befull of darkness-nowhere to beWith the light of the North Star totally goneWith her the light mysteriously appears on Without her we wouldn’t survive with the monstrous, horrendous, cruel wavescrushing us into juicewith our mothers she would protect us—keep us safe That is why our mothers are a great work of art that comes straight from Swami’s heart.Thank you and Sairam, ~Prachi Soni Mother, Mother Mother, Mother bitter-sweet,Like healthy foods I don’t like to eat,You are my shoulder to cry on,You are my friend to laugh along,My bravery when I am scared,Day and night you’ve always cared,Mother, Mother I know your heart,Has always been an ocean of love from the start. ~Brundha Akkupalli, Group 3Fairfax Sai Center MOTHER Mother you are my best friendI know you will be with me ‘till the endMother you are the best teacherFrom the day you taught me abcTo the day you taught me what person to beMother you are so very caringBecause of all the love you’ve been sharingMother you are my godIn my heart, footsteps you have trod. Mother I love you soMore than you knowWithout you I am lostScanning the world for your warmthEven when I’m close to youYour love finds me at every doorI found your warmth always in my HeartAs the Sun is to lifeYou are to me Mother you are everything I aspire to beWhen I look into a mirror you are what I hope to seeYou are always singing while you tirelessly toilFor me and dad, both of us you really spoilI see you always doing the right thingInto our household divinity you bringYou love and support me drying every tearI am so thankful to have you here Mother you are always helping me through  the toughest of timesI know because you are constantly showing me the right signsMother you are forever there for me and dadEven when I occasionally tend to get madMother you always seem to careRegardless of the burdens you have to bearMother I’m so happy you’re always with meBecause without you, I don’t know where I will be Mother, you’re the purest embodiment of love.Surely, God has sent you from aboveAs a blessing, as a gift.For you guide me through this large world.For you are not just a mother, but a friend.Mother,You are everlasting.You are everywhere. [Poem dedicated to ‘mother’ by all Group 4 Girls at South Bethesda Center.] Mom I disobey you but you still love me, I get mad at you but you still love me, I yell at you but you still love me, No matter what I do you love me, This unconditional love you have for meis greater than anything else in the world, It makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world…. ~Sandeep Kanchiraju, Group 3Fairfax Sai Center Mother A mother is someone who gives you light after months of darknessin her womb,A mother teaches you what’s right of all the mistakes you have made,A mother gives you joy when you are really sad,A mother gives you hope when you are really bad,A mother bears all the pain even if you are a burden,A mother is a gift that you get but don’t know its value until she’s dead. ~Rahul Karnam, Group 4Fairfax Sai Center Eashwaramma—A Loving Mother Eashwaramma [Sai Baba’s mother] grew up in a village 10 miles from Puttaparthi called Kolimikuntla. Eashwaramma and Pedda Venkappa Raju, Swami’s father, were distant relatives. Eashwaramma was wedded at the age of 14, which was not rare at the time. Eashwaramma was a kind-hearted housewife, who had given birth to seven children before our dear Swami was born to her. Her house was filled with laughter and little children learning how to walk and talk. When Swami was born to her, she was proud to have a divine child. She was bound to give birth to Bhagavan, and so it happened. One morning, she was at the well drawing water, when a blue light arose from the well. It pressed itself inside her and she fainted. She was soon to be the mother of Swami. Our beloved Swami was born on November 23rd, 1926. His family was proud to have such a child in their family, but there was one person who was prouder than anyone else. That proud person was Swami’s own mother, Eashwaramma. As Swami continued His childhood in His home in Puttaparthi, along the banks of the Chitravati River, Eashwaramma enjoyed her motherhood as the mother of the Avatar. After many years, Eashwaramma felt that Puttaparthi needed improved facilities. Eashwaramma expressed her desire to Swami, and He was ready for

May 6th of each year is observed as Mother’s Day. For this occasion, our children submitted poems, drawings, and other creations for publication in Sai Sarathi. These following submissions on the theme of “mother” are from the Sai Spiritual Educational [SSE] classes of the Sai Centers in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the USA. My Mom My mom is a very caring person. She helps me through my life by teaching me about educare and how to be positive, responsible, organized, and manage my time. She gives me unconditional love and is like God to me. She is very helpful. I love her a lot and I know she loves me a lot too. Mom you mean a lot to me. ~Pranav Kuppili, 10 yrs old, Medford lakes Sai center A Rap Song All you need is love,And He will find you,If life is a meal,Then love is an ice cream cakeContinue to loveAnd a four course meal you will make Ahimsa [non-violence] is the way,That’s all I gotta say,You should follow Swami’s teachingsfrom this Easwaramma Day!Don’t fight with anybody,Lead a peaceful life,Or your problems will multiplyYou’ll be rife with strife.So the next time you have doubts,Or don’t know what to do,Think about this rap,Because you just got schooled! ~Devan Kowdley, Group 3, Loudoun Sai Center A Short Narrative for Moms Most children have unusual upbringings. Being a triplet, I can fairly say I’ve had my share of an unusual one. Whenever my mom tells someone that she raised triplets, the phrases that usually follow are, “Oh My God!” or “God Bless You!” or even “I can’t imaging!” While growing up, I could not understand why everyone was making such a big deal about raising triplets. It didn’t seem like much work. I mean, my mom instilled discipline in us at a young age. By first grade, we were doing our chores and helping in the household. Now that I am taking business classes in high school, I realize that having three kids at once isn’t just a financial mess, it also causes a lot of stress. I don’t know what I was thinking. When we came home from the hospital, my siblings and I did not give our poor mom even an hour of sleep! And, on top of that, we threw the once-in-a-blue-moon tantrum. But now, we all know we owe our mother so much. It is pretty much a debt that can never be repaid. I know when I grow up I will look to my mom for advice and her infinite wisdom about kids. So, to all mothers: Bless your heartsAnd Happy Easwaramma Day! ~Avinash Narayana DoddiGroup 3, Medford Lakes Sai Center, NJ ~Siri Kalari, Edison Center My Mom My mom is a very caring person. She helps me through my life by teaching me how to be positive, responsible, organized, manage my time, and Educare. She gives me unconditional love and is like God to me. She is very helpful. I love her a lot and I know she loves me a lot too. Mom you mean a lot to me. ~Pranav Kuppili, 10 yrs old, Medford lakes Sai center Mothers There is only one person who will love you forever, no matter what you do. Friends will walk away and siblings will ignore. Only one will always come back, always be there for you. Many don’t acknowledge how much their mothers do. They take the most important person in their life for granted. Mothers offer only love; unconditional, ever-lasting, love. Some view this as obsession and find it annoying but isn’t that the point? Mothers want you to believe that you are what matters, nothing else. In this way, they are the most selfless persons in the world. The perfect person is your mother. You will always have one person who loves you, someone who cares. Though you may not know it yet, one day you will truly appreciate your mother for all she has done. ~Arya AmaroGroup 3, Medford Lakes Sai Center, NJ Dear Mother, Happy Mother’s DayI love you each and every day.A Mother’s love is so sweetIt’s so sweet, it’s like a treat.When you sing a lullabyI go to sleep without a cry.When I am feeling very grayYou make me smile and see the way.O Mother Sai lead us kindly, lead us gentlyYou’re the sunshine to light our day. ~Chinmayi Sunil Palya (Age 7),Holmdale Center Pulchritudinous Creature As dawn commences,She is up, awakeand ready for theday to arise. She flows from hereto there, cooking andmaking the mostdelectable refreshments. She helps me with…anything I want.She is nurturing, concernedand full of conscientiousness. She is one of the mostdazzling, gorgeous creatures;She is as beautiful as astunning sapphire. She is as colorful asa rainbow—when Ithink of her;This is what I see –from the place whereI happen to be. My amiable Mother—She’s a pizzazz of a bit of everything! [Pulchritudinous Creature is characterized by or having great physical beauty and appeal.] ~Shrivaishnavi Chandrasekar, Group 2 SSE My Mother My mother is the most important person in my life.She helps me through thick and thin and means the world to me.She can be annoying and strict but her intentions are always good.My mother is nothing but perfect in my eyes and I couldn’t ask for a better one. ~Veena BandaruGroup 3, Medford Lakes Sai Center, NJ What is a Mother? What is a mother?Someone who takes care of you, who raises you, teaches right from wrong.May be she is there to watch over you; To protect you until you can handle it.May be, just may be, she is a gift from the heavens. A person who has all these traits:That loves you no matter who you are.Looks out for you her entire life, to make sure that when you fall, you get back up again.Loves you even when you make mistakes.Whether it’s your mother, grandmother, or a woman who takes care of you.Mother means love, joy, adoration, pure heart, and soul!Mother means endless love, love from God Himself!

A Report on the 39th Annual Retreat of the Mid-Atlantic Region From May 23rd to 26th, 2014, the Mid-Atlantic Region of the U.S. Sathya Sai Organization held its 39th Annual Retreat at Camp Westmont in Wayne County, PA, drawing nearly 900 devotees to the Memorial Day weekend event. With the theme, ‘Why Am I Here?’ the retreat was an opportunity to experience Swami’s divine presence and to reflect on Swami’s teachings through a myriad of avenues, including memorable keynote speeches, delicious prasadam [offering], uplifting devotional signing, and inspiring workshops. Other highlights included a special multimedia musical offering, a concert by a host of talented performers and a health screening camp with a blood drive that drew 21 participants As in past years, the retreat’s keynote speakers shared frank and heartwarming stories about interacting with our dear Lord that evoked numerous thoughtful questions, as well as laughter and tears. Brother Leonardo Gutter told of how he came to Swami and then began his mission of introducing Swami’s message to the country of Argentina. The psychologist noted that through public meetings that draw more than 5,000 people, 80-90% of the Argentina population have heard about the avatar, Sai Baba. Expounding on the retreat’s theme of “Why Am I Here?” Gutter noted that we are here because “We were brought here by Swami to destroy our egos and awaken from the slumber of ages.” He urged devotees to “have intensity in their spiritual practices and not be lazy.” Gutter shared numerous examples of how Swami had shown up miraculously in his life, including in dreams, and said that to get God’s attention, “One has to ask with all one’s intensity until one is tired or until He is tired of hearing the pleas.” Gutter described how he once lost his money and passport in Miami Airport and when all attempts to recover the items proved futile, he went into the men’s room and prayed intensely to Swami for 45 minutes. Out of nowhere, a woman showed up with his money and passport and asked if the items were his. She later vanished into thin air. Gutter challenged participants to have full confidence in Swami and say, “I trust you Swami.” If anything happens, know that He wills it to happen for your own good. He also challenged retreat goers to “promise Swami that they would never do anything bad again, and never get angry or criticize anyone. If you don’t criticize or get angry, you are halfway there.” Dr. Choudhary Voleti, a successful heart surgeon, discussed how he used to live in a 7-bedroom house in Los Angeles with 7 cars in his driveway. After meeting Swami and being moved by His mission, Dr. Voleti left his lucrative practice to serve Swami in Puttaparthi. Though born in India in a village about 150 miles from Puttaparthi, Dr. Voleti noted that when he first came to serve at the Super Specialty Hospital, his attitude had some of the arrogance of a big time surgeon coming to provide his serves but he soon realized that Swami could have called anyone else. “It was His grace,” said Dr. Voleti that he was given the opportunity to serve. Dr. Voleti noted that Swami believed that education and healthcare should be free for all and emphasized that all the patients were equal whether they were from L.A. or Puttaparthi. Dr. Voleti noted that Swami could discuss any topic and would even give advice to the doctors regarding difficult cases. Swami would say, “Heal the body, then the soul.” Dr. Voleti served for 12 years in the Super Specialty Hospital before deciding in February 2011 to retire and live in Hawaii. “I was living in a beautiful condo in Hawaii, and yet on July 8, 2012, I surrendered the ticket to Wimbledon that I had pulled strings to get, and went back to India,” said the cardiologist. Today, he is working again and is now the hospital’s director. “I believe in Swami now more than ever,” said Dr. Voleti, telling retreat goers never to say that “Swami was here. Swami IS here. I can see it every day when I go to my office.” For many attending the retreat, the performance by singer and harmonium player T.V. Hariharan, Swami’s former student and lead singer, was one that they will always remember. He sang several inspiring and uplifting devotional songs that resulted in a standing ovation from the crowd. Brother Hariharan also shared his heart-warming story about how he left Swami because he felt obliged to go out into the world in order to help his family financially. After working in the IT field in a job that was unrewarding, he eventually returned to what he really loved—singing. The retreat also included a LEAP (Life Enriched by Application of Principles) evening during which SSE children used games to share Swami’s teachings. The retreat concluded with remarks by regional president Mrs. Prity Bhatt, who said that, “The gopikas [milk maidens] were able to find Lord Krishna by following His milk covered footprints. We are here to follow the footprints of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.” If there was any further doubt for participants about why they were there, a huge rainbow formed an arc over the camp and dazzled all with its brilliance, proof that Swami is still here and still helping us to transform as we continue on our soul’s journey. ~Edith BillupsSouth Bethesda Sai Center, Maryland, US

On Saturday May 4th, the SSE children, young adults, and adults from many New Jersey Sai Centers came together to celebrate Easwaramma Day as Children’s Day with a Sai Carnival filled with activities that were both fun and promoted human values from 9:30 a.m. onward. The event was held at Sarva Dharma Service Center in Howell, New Jersey. This inspiring celebration was a tribute to Easwaramma, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s mother. It commenced with vibrant bhajans by children in the main devotional hall and a message on the significance of mothers in our daily lives. By Swami’s grace, the weather was conducive, so booths were set up outside for the various activities. The activities prepared and conducted by the SSE children included games such as Jenga, Ring of Values, Chutes and Ladders, Darts, Memory, Values head-up, Wheel of Dharma, Spiritual Pursuits, an obstacle course representing challenges of life, and so on exemplifying Sai human values. There were also fun activities like decorating the hands with henna, face painting, guided art, T-shirt screen printing, etc. For lunch, there were stalls serving a variety of delicacies from around the world. In the afternoon, there was a magic show with enthusiastic interactive participation by children followed by bhajan antakshari [musical game]. The fun and learning continued with the value-based games, balloons, and cotton candy for children and making greeting cards as a service activity. A robotics booth was also available throughout the day for children to explore and learn. The main idea was to appreciate and enjoy while acquiring knowledge, learn in diverse environments, work in different ways, and use multiple senses, all for application of the values for the benefit of mankind. This was a truly fun-filled event for children and adults of all ages. All participants left thanking everyone for their inspiring efforts for making this event a successful elevating experience in celebrating mother Easwaramma’s day as the SAI “Human Values” Carnival and being especially grateful to Swami for bringing us all together in such energizing events. Jai Sai Ram

Region 2 – Retreat Play 2024 Iwas asked to write a play for the SSE Groups 1-3 back in July of 2023 by Brother Chetan Bhatt, Region 2 SSE Coordinator, while on his flight to the West Coast. Brother Chetan also mentioned that he wanted the storyline to be about a main character who was unhappy with their life and wanted to change it. As I always do, I consulted with Swami through my daily meditations and the script was written in 3 days. It was not going to be just a play; it was to be a Musical Play, [like] musicals you would see on a Broadway stage. Those were Swami’s words to me. An American art form that the children could relate to. His final words to me were, “Do.” The play was presented and approved. The title of the Retreat Play was “Swami, Astra, and His Superheroes.” The leading character is Astra, who is a teenager not practicing the 5 Human Values, and is not living a very happy life. In the play she has a dream in which she visits Swami who is in Prashanti Etherlands. with His mother, Easwaramma. There are four Superheroes that live with Swami, and they set out to help put Astra’s life back on track by practicing Swami’s 5 Human Values. Astra has a flashback in time, where she is able to change her past actions. She is escorted all along the way by Swami’s Superheroes. Astra’s test of character comes in Scene 5 when a local bully challenges her and her Sai friends. Not only did Astra stand up to the bully, but she convinces him and his brother to come to her Sai Center and learn the same 5 Human Values that she has learned at her SSE Classes. The play ended with a Human Values Rap. All in all, Astra transforms and makes a complete turnaround in her life. The auditions were held online in October 2023 for Region 2 SSE children, and the Cast was chosen. By January 2024 the work began. There was audio, visual, music, choreography/dancing, acting, and singing classes both online and in person. Costumes, props, backdrops, were created and rehearsals went until mid-May. The Retreat Play was an awesome gift for Swami on May 26, 2024, and an amazing Musical Play. My gratitude to Brother Chetan Bhatt, Retreat Play Team, Costumes/Props Team, Choreographer/Dancers, Make-up Team, Visual, Sound Team, Editors, Backstage Crew, SSE teachers who gave many hours of their week to help in Swami’s Play to come to fruition. Hats off to the Cherry Hill Center N.J., Madhavi Kanekal, Service Coordinator, for hosting two in-person rehearsals, and to Fairfax Virginia, Raghu Butna for hosting the only in-person rehearsal. Cast included SSE students from Richmond, Pittsburg, Flushing, South Ozone, Cherry Hill, Scotch Plains, and Fairfax Centers. ~Marie Captain, Cherry Hill Center, NJ