At the Lotus Feet
ALL INDIA WORKSHOP ON PARENTING JULY 1st and 2nd , 2012 – PRASHANTI NILAYAM The All India workshop on Parenting commenced at 10am on 1st July 2012 with the Jyothi Prajwalana (Lighting of the lamp) by Mrs. Sarla Shah, National Coordinator for Education Wing of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President, Sri Nimesh Pandya, National Vice President and Sri. N.Ramani, National Vice President. Inaugurating the Workshop Sri V.Srinivasan, All India President delivered the key note address on the following lines: Swami has set up our Organisation to function as an effective means to perform spiritual sadhana Transforming individual lives to transform the world is the key note of our Organisation Balvikas, being the heart and soul of our Organisation needs to be a holistic programme for the entire family Full benefits of Balvikas are reaped only if the parents are involved The Balvikas programme has to be made interesting not only for the children but also for parents Parenting programmes are the need of the hour to avoid dualities and resulting conflicts in behavioural patterns at home vis-à-vis what is taught in the class Similar programmes can be targeted at schools for the teachers where school balvikas is being conducted so that the concept of duality is totally removed from the child’s minds Smt. Sarla Shah, released the book “Sai Parenting – The Child is the father of the Man”, containing articles on Parenting received from various states. Smt. Vidya Srinivasan, JNEC then spoke on the Objectives of the Parenting Workshop, in her introductory address. She stressed on the importance of Parenting Workshops and also listed out the Expectations from such Parenting programmes. Restructuring of Balvikas Programme to facilitate dynamic participation of parents, Orientation of Programmes at the entry point of each Group of the Balvikas, Framing of Balvikas prospectus and obtaining a simple sign up form from the parents for more commitment from their end, encouraging the parents to train themselves in Balvikas syllabus to take classes were some of the areas highlighted by her. This was followed by a very inspiring session by Dr. Guru Raj Karjagi on Counselling for Parents and Creative Teaching techniques. Interspersed with animated activities, interesting anecdotes and appropriate video clippings, his session covered different parenting styles and the need for the parents’ accepting the child unconditionally. He also stressed upon the fact that Balvikas should not be a coaching centre but must be a creative learning centre which is child centric. The post lunch session commenced with a presentation by Mrs. Samhitha Nehru, SEC, Delhi NCR, on “Organising Parents Meet in the changed economic scenario.” She focused on the intricate details of the 3Ps of organizing parents meets, namely – Planning, Preparation and Presentation. Prof. E. Mukandan, SP, Kerala now addressed the participants on the”Motivation Methodologies for Parents” He elaborately explained the What, Why and How of Motivating Parents, using many anecdotes and practical illustrations in support of his topic. Dr. D. Syamala of Andhra Pradesh explained how the SSSVIP programme along with Bhagawan’s Aquacare, Medicare and Sociocare projects have motivated and inspired the rural Balvikas students and parents of the tribal areas of East Godavari District. Sharing the findings of a very detailed survey of Balvikas parents of Nanaganallur samithi, Tamilnadu, Sri.Sai Sundar, SSSIHL Alumni, expressed the need for regular Balvikas Parent Contact Programmes for improving the quality and quantity of Balvikas strength. He mentioned that as a follow up of this survey, data from the teachers of the students whose parents’ were surveyed initially, was also collected, which resulted in positive responses from the parents as well as the teachers. The post dinner session started with Parenting Approach in Urban Centres by participants from Mumbai, Maharashtra. Through interesting activities using day-to-day articles the need for acceptance of the children, effective communication and positive parenting practices, was brought out very effectively. This was followed with Sharing of Experiences in Conducting Parenting Workshops in cities by West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat. The speaker from West Bengal shared intricate details regarding planning, organizing and conducting parenting workshops. The speaker from Uttar Pradesh shared real life experiences while conducting workshops and emphasized the role of grandparents also in parenting. The speaker from Karnataka focused on the importance of active participation and involvement of parents in our Organisation activities. Finally the speaker from Gujarat shared the experiences of parents’ transformation after attending parenting workshops. Smt. Kamala Pandya, DNEC compered the entire day’s proceedings. Thus, the first day of the programme ended with the chanting of Shanti Mantra. On the second day of the Workshop speaking to the participants on Expansion of Bal Vikas and SSSSO, Sri Nimish Pandya, National Vice President stressed on laying down the ethos of the Organisation and transforming the world through self transformation. He emphasized on training all the Gurus to realize the Divinity with in and in turn make the children realize the Divinity as indweller. He advised the Gurus to train the children to master the minds and transform themselves as ‘master minds’. He advised the Gurus to enlighten the parents about the holistic programme of Bal Vikas. Citing the examples of successful Bala Vikas children, he advised the gurus to train the children to bring in the desired positive change in parents and the society. He suggested to involve parents in organizational activities and in Bhajans to begin with. He suggested to bring out standard Parenting Manual in Sathya Sai Way. After this inspiring speech by Sri Nimish Pandya, the participants from the states of Odisha, Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur have shared their experiences in conducting Parenting Workshops in Rural Areas. A Team of Gurus from Tamilnadu have presented a lively demonstration on Parenting. Professor Yogendra Verma from Himachal Pradesh guided the parents of teenagers how to conduct themselves and handle sensitive issues of teenage children. He has also given many suggestions to Bal Vikas gurus on Parenting with focus on Young Parents and Parents of teenage children. Later Sri N.Ramani, National Vice President addressed the participants on Sathya Sai Way of Parenting, quoting his personal life as an example drawing very many parallels and how Parenting has helped to shape him up. He has given the methodology of Parenting to be in Sathya Sai way of Love and Love alone. Sr.Neetha Khanna, DNEC compered the entire day’s proceedings. Thus, the second day of the programme ended. While concluding the workshop, Dr.L.Sasi Bala, National Deputy Coordinator for Parenting summarized the workshop presentations and thanked all the participants. Workshop ended with the Maha Mangala Harathi.
Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet – Nurturing Young Hearts with Values and Devotion
In the journey of life, the foundation laid during childhood shapes the character, values, and worldview of an individual. Recognizing this, Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet has been a guiding light for children and educators alike. This unique initiative focuses on imparting value-based education, blending spiritual teachings with practical life skills, and nurturing the holistic development of young minds.
The program emphasizes the importance of approaching life with love, compassion, truthfulness, and humility. By bringing children under the guiding principles of Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet , educators instill a sense of moral responsibility, helping them differentiate between right and wrong, and encouraging them to lead lives rooted in integrity. The “lotus feet” symbolize devotion and surrender, reminding students that learning is not just academic but also a spiritual pursuit.
One of the key aspects of this initiative is its focus on holistic education. While conventional schooling primarily develops intellectual abilities, Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet integrates emotional, ethical, and spiritual learning. Children are encouraged to cultivate empathy, patience, and resilience alongside their studies. They learn that knowledge alone is incomplete without values and that true wisdom emerges when intellect and character grow together.
Stories and parables form an essential part of the Bal Vikas curriculum. Narratives from spiritual texts, folklore, and real-life experiences are used to convey timeless lessons about honesty, kindness, courage, and perseverance. Through engaging storytelling sessions, children are able to connect with complex concepts in a simple, relatable manner. Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet ensures that these lessons are not just theoretical; they are practiced in daily life through guided activities, discussions, and reflections.
Another hallmark of the program is its emphasis on nurturing the teacher-student relationship. Mentors, often referred to as Gurus in this context, serve as role models whose actions speak as loudly as their words. By observing their Gurus, children learn the values of selflessness, discipline, and compassion. Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet encourages educators to lead by example, demonstrating virtues that children can emulate in their own lives.
Community service is an integral component of Bal Vikas. Children are introduced to acts of service early on, helping them develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility. By participating in activities like environmental care, assisting the needy, or contributing to local initiatives, students experience firsthand the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving without expecting anything in return. Programs under Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet emphasize that such service is a practical expression of spiritual learning, turning abstract values into concrete actions.
The program also fosters an inclusive and supportive environment. Every child is encouraged to express themselves freely, explore their interests, and learn at their own pace. The focus is not just on achievements but on nurturing a sense of self-worth, confidence, and respect for others. In this way, Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet creates a safe space where children feel valued and inspired to grow into responsible and compassionate individuals.
Parents and families play a crucial role in reinforcing the lessons learned at Bal Vikas sessions. Collaboration between educators and parents ensures that children experience a consistent environment of values both at home and in the classroom. This partnership strengthens the impact of the teachings, allowing children to internalize ethical and spiritual principles more deeply.
In addition, continuous learning and reflection are encouraged not only for children but also for Gurus. Mentors are guided to regularly update their knowledge, improve teaching methods, and deepen their understanding of spiritual principles. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet ensures that the educators themselves evolve, which directly enhances the quality of guidance provided to students.
Ultimately, the aim of Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet is to cultivate individuals who are not only academically competent but also morally upright, emotionally balanced, and socially responsible. By instilling the values of truth, love, peace, and service at a young age, the program lays the groundwork for a harmonious and compassionate society. Children learn to carry these principles into adulthood, creating ripples of positive change in every sphere of life they touch.
In conclusion, Shri Sathya Sai Baba Bal Vikas At the Lotus Feet is more than an educational program; it is a journey of the heart and soul. Through a combination of stories, practical lessons, mentorship, and service, children are guided to grow as complete human beings. The initiative reinforces the timeless wisdom that true education is not just about academic success, but about developing a life of integrity, love, and devotion. By walking the path of values under the guidance of such a program, young minds are nurtured to shine brightly, carrying the light of Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings into the world.
Bhajans By Shri Sathya Sai Baba Triloka Palini Jagadeeshwari