Past Students
Living Life with Sai- 7th November, 2010
The alumni of the Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas gathered at the Lotus feet of Bhagawan to renew their bond with Mother Sai on 7th November, a red letter day in the annals of the Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas movement. “The ideal of the Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas is to raise a generation of boys and girls who have a clean and clear conscience. Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas is the primary basis of the great movement to restore Dharma in the world. The young minds of children are not polluted and hence they can be led into good ways of living, simplicity, humility and discipline.”, instructed Bhagawan in 1969 to the members of Sri Sathya Sai Mahila Vibhag which was founded the previous year. The Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas movement is the first stone laid by Bhagawan in His institutionalised methodology of Educare. As time passed by, slowly and steadily the Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Programme designed by Bhagawan for children between 6 years to 14 years of age, in three groups, took shape and with the formation and expansion of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas spread far and wide. Training modules were developed, research went in deeper, and with Bhagawan’s active and continuous guidance,Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas was crystallized into a 9 year non-formal education system for children enhancing their learning to become role models in character and also in academic performance. Over 2000 members of the alumni of Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas of this unique programme had assembled in Sai Kulwant Hall to pay their obeisance and express their gratitude to their Lord. Bhagawan arrived for Darshan at 1810 hrs by car on this rainy evening. As the fragrance of nostalgia filled the air, it was a trip down memory lane for all. And what a touching scene indeed it was to witness their hearts’ outpouring! The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp by the Divine hands, followed by a melodious prayer song seeking strength and devotion to ever be at His Lotus Feet and abide by His teachings. Two alumni, Dr. Unnikrishnan from Kerala and Smt. Gunjan Sahni from UP spoke about the impact of the Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas programme in their lives. Dr. Unnikrishnan revealed that he understood what it was to be a doctor when he got the opportunity to do seva at the Sathya Sai Clinic. He further added that the Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas programme sowed the seeds of love and compassion in his heart which helped him to empathise with the needs of the patients, facilitating the humanising of ‘Medicare’. Sister Gunjan Sahni elucidated on how at every step of her life, the values imbibed in her balvikas days aided in strengthening the will and sharpening the power of discrimination , thus enabling her to maintain a fine balance. Justice V. Ramasubramanian, a judge of the Chennai Hight Court ,a product of the first batch of Balvikas paid obeisance to Bhagawan. Each of the speakers expressed and explained the impact that the Balvikas training has had on their lives. Often choking back tears of emotion they expressed their gratitude to their Guru and Lord, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.Next it was the turn of nine gems – balvikas students who had excelled in their lives – to be presented before Bhagawan, reiterating the fact that Balvikas results in blossoming of one’s personality bringing about holistic development. On this occasion, Bhagawan also blessed the compilation of articles by the Balvikas Alumni from all over India entitled ” Living Life with Sai, Sai Hi Hai Jeevan”. The crescendo of the programme was the performance of the balvikas students of the new generation. “Little Champs” brought the curtain down with their musical which touched the chord of every heart. They serenaded Mother Sai with the rendering of “Twameva mata cha pita twameva” in sanskrit, telugu and hindi and two soulful offerings of “Suraj ki kirne” and “Sai Maa”. The accompanying instrumentalists on the violin, mridangam, ghatam and ganjeera engaged in a delightful jugalbandi that had a professional fragrance.Bhagawan blessed the gathering and apprised the children of His satisfaction with their performance. Bhagawan specially appreciated the child who played the violin. The programme concluded with Arati, but not before enthusing all of ushering in the Sai Era through the medium of Sri Sathya Sai BalVikas – the first step in the Educare mission of Bhagawan Baba.
Shri Sathya Sai Baba Past Students – March 2011 – Celebrating Legacy and Spiritual Growth
The journey of learning under the guidance of Shri Sathya Sai Baba leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of students. The Shri Sathya Sai Baba Past Students – March 2011 edition reflects on the spiritual and educational legacy that former students carry forward in their personal and professional lives. This special feature not only honors the alumni but also highlights how the principles taught by Sathya Sai Baba continue to influence communities and individuals decades after their formal education.
During this period, the publication emphasized the achievements and experiences of past students , showing how they integrate spiritual teachings into their daily lives. From balancing professional responsibilities with ethical conduct to engaging in selfless service, these alumni exemplify the core values of Sathya Sai Baba: love, truth, peace, right conduct, and non-violence.
One of the most inspiring aspects highlighted in the Shri Sathya Sai Baba Past Students – March 2011 feature is the emphasis on character development. Sathya Sai Baba’s educational philosophy was not limited to academic excellence; it focused on nurturing virtues that create responsible, compassionate, and spiritually aware individuals. The alumni stories shared in this edition reflect this holistic approach, demonstrating how the teachings continue to shape lives long after formal schooling ends.
The March 2011 edition also highlights initiatives taken by former students to give back to society. Many alumni are actively involved in charitable projects, health camps, educational initiatives, and other community service activities inspired by the principle of selfless service (seva). Their dedication exemplifies the idea that true education extends beyond personal success to the welfare of others.
Spiritual practices remain an integral part of the lives of these alumni. The Shri Sathya Sai Baba Past Students – March 2011 edition emphasizes how meditation, prayer, and participation in bhajans help maintain inner peace, focus, and alignment with higher values. For many, these practices serve as a daily reminder of their connection to the divine and the ethical framework instilled during their time under Sathya Sai Baba’s guidance.
The edition also celebrates the sense of community among alumni. Gatherings, meetings, and reunions provide opportunities for former students to reconnect, share experiences, and continue learning from one another. This ongoing interaction fosters spiritual growth, encourages mutual support, and strengthens the commitment to living a life guided by love and integrity.
Through features in the Shri Sathya Sai Baba Past Students – March 2011 edition, it becomes evident that the influence of Sathya Sai Baba extends far beyond the classroom. Alumni have become ambassadors of his teachings, demonstrating how education rooted in values transforms individuals into agents of positive change. The stories and reflections shared in this edition serve as both inspiration and a practical guide for current and future generations of students.
In conclusion, the Shri Sathya Sai Baba Past Students – March 2011 edition celebrates the enduring legacy of spiritual and value-based education. By highlighting the achievements, service, and continued devotion of former students, it reinforces the timeless message of Sathya Sai Baba: that education is most meaningful when it nurtures both intellect and character. This edition stands as a testament to how the seeds of love, service, and righteousness sown in the past continue to bear fruit in the lives of countless individuals and communities.