National President's Welcome |
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Dearest Brothers and Sisters,
Jai Sai Ram!
I pray that with Bhagawan’s Grace, you are all keeping well.
As the school summer holidays came to an end in September, the National team became very busy with organising this year’s National Sai Smaran bhajans, held at Oxhey Wood Primary School. There was a record turnout and a significant increase in participation by singers and musicians. The hall was vibrating with spiritual energy, which was very uplifting for all those in attendance. Sri Sathya Sai Baba has emphasised the significance of bhajan singing as a means to uplift the mind, awaken devotion, and attain spiritual growth, underlining the transformative power it can have on individuals and communities.
October started with an interactive “Ask Me Anything” session with the Young Adults. It was very engaging, where the Young Adults shared some of their challenges and asked some very practical questions.
This was followed by a visit to Region 8, where the National team had the opportunity to meet with most of the local office bearers. We were fortunate enough to visit both the Sri Sathya Sai Centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow and participate in their devotional singing sessions, as well as observe the Bal Vikas children in their class.
October also marks a very auspicious day in the calendar with Avatar Declaration Day on the 20th. This ‘Day of Declaration’ in the life of the Sampoorna Avatar, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, was when He chose to let out His ‘True Truth’, giving out the most potent tool for humanity, the message of Manasa Bhajare:
The Avatars that have come and gone have all cut down trees because they were white-ant infested, but this Avatar is different and unique. Now, the white ants are removed, the tree is saved, protected, fostered, and encouraged to grow. I am not inclined to punish; I am the goldsmith who repairs and reshapes broken ornaments.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. 2, Ch. 22, 25th October 1961
The National Birthday, celebrating the 98th year of the advent of our dearest Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, is on Saturday 4th November in Sandbach, Cheshire. The theme of our celebrations this year is ‘Journey to Sai’. The theme represents a profound spiritual quest marked by devotion, selfless service, and a commitment to inner growth and transformation. More details about the programme are to be found below. Please kindly remember to register if you have not already done so.
Preparations for Global Akhand bhajans are also taking place and we look forward to singing the glory of our beloved Bhagawan during the weekend of 11th and 12th November.
We pray that Swami continues to shower His Love and Grace upon everyone and keep us at His Divine Lotus Feet.
Lovingly In Sai Service
Jai Sai Ram
Pratap Thakkar
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Register now to avoid disappointment |
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National Birthday Celebrations |
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We would like to invite everyone to join us at the National Birthday Celebrations 2023, marking the 98th year of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s advent.
This year we are extremely fortunate to have as our chief guest Brother Jagdish Chandra Saraswatula, who not only studied at Swami’s Institute of Higher Learning, but also taught as a Professor in the Department of Physics. Brother Jagdish was blessed by Bhagawan to give talks in the Divine presence on several occasions, including compering during Bhagawan’s birthday celebrations. He will share some of his uplifting experiences.
- Date: Saturday 4th November
- Time: 10.30am–4.30pm (arrival & breakfast from 9.30am)
- Venue: Sandbach High School & Sixth Form College, Middlewich Road, CW11 3NT
There is limited capacity, so please register soon!
We look forward to welcoming you and your family on the day.
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Popular annual event attended by 450 people |
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UK National Prayers for Peace |
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The widely-anticipated event, the National Prayers for Peace, commenced with a team of dedicated volunteers beginning the process of setting up on the Friday night. Devotees from all across the country then gathered at the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple in Tividale on the Saturday to continue preparing for the event, working across the clock to ensure that each brick for the havan kund was laid perfectly, each flower was carefully sown on the garlands, and the pooja items were placed neatly ready for fifty couples to use the next day. The list of tasks appeared endless, but the circa seventy volunteers worked tirelessly to get everything done.
Sunday had finally arrived, with volunteers applying the finishing touches, whilst Vedam chanters and those performing the pooja got ready. The sixty Vedam chanters began the procession from the Shirdi Temple, with the Shiva Lingam being carried behind. As they entered the hall, the sound of the Vedas beautifully collided with the melodies of bhajans and all were able to take their first darshan.
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Region 4 President, Sister Manisha Patel, welcomed the gathering and then the three priests began with various prayers to invoke the right atmosphere. The main part of the pooja began as eleven rounds of Namakam and Chamakam were chanted vibrantly, whilst the central pooja was carried out. As the priests poured all the offerings and libations onto the Lingam, so did each couple on their Padukas. The power of the Vedas being chanted could be felt by everyone in the tent, each person sat transfixed as they absorbed the vibrations permeating the air.
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Once the final round of Rudram was chanted, the priests continued with various other mantras, and then finally took to dressing the Divine Lingam. The curtain was removed and all the devotees were able to have darshan whilst the Young Adults sang Stotrams and Bhajans. A delicious Mahaprashadam was served by the temple volunteers before the devotees departed.
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Centre-based visits strengthening bonds across our Organisation |
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UK National Council visit to Region 8 |
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A long-planned meet finally became a reality on Saturday 7th October in Edinburgh Sai Centre. 10 members of the UK National Council flew or drove to Scotland to meet Region 8 Sai devotees and office bearers. There were around 15 members from Edinburgh, along with Aberdeen Sai Centre President, Brother Prem and the Regional Vice-President, Sister Sreebala.
The meeting started at around 3pm with introductions, followed by Brother Pratap and other National team members addressing a lot of queries and concerns raised by the R8 team. After a quick break, there were bhajans and Mahaprashadam.
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The National Council members also visited Glasgow Sai Centre on Sunday 8th October. Around 40 local Sai devotees and members were present. The programme started with bhajans at 10am, followed by a discussion until 1pm. Topics covered all Wings, i.e. Bal Vikas (SSE), Service, Spiritual and Young Adults, as well as media. Some snacks and hot drinks were provided afterwards.
The visits helped resolve a lot of outstanding queries from members and gave people an opportunity to express their views, as well as simply to learn from each other. For instance, the other Regional Presidents who had made the visit found it useful to learn about how Region 8 had addressed certain issues that are commonplace in our Organisation.
Above all, the bonds between the brothers and sisters of our UK Organisation have become stronger.
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33,000 items packed ready for delivery to local schoolchildren |
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Syria school packs service |
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Following on from the Syrian earthquake service, we were given the opportunity by the Samara's Aid Appeal charity to support the children of Syria with items of stationery that are required for their schooling.
We were provided with lists of equipment required for three different school year groupings, equally split between boys and girls. We then started making enquiries about costs with suppliers, making sure that the quality of equipment was not compromised.
Our challenge was determining where all this equipment could be delivered, that too from several different suppliers. Swami, as always, guides us and once again, we were guided to brother Bhavesh and his warehouse in Leicester: he not only offered the use of his warehouse, but also started making enquiries with his suppliers for the same equipment. He obtained samples that were reviewed and found to be of very good quality.
Once agreed, the equipment was ordered and process of planning for packing started. Nearly 30 person-hours were expended to ensure that, on the day of packing, everything went smoothly in terms of ensuring the correct equipment was packed in their allocated bags to suit the age group and gender. Spreadsheets with colour photos of the different items were produced to help the volunteers on the day of packing.
Each bag would need a label to identify the age group and gender and we are thankful to the devotees from Bedford Sai Centre (Region 3), who came forward and handwrote nearly 800 labels in one evening.
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As the warehouse is in Leicester, the local Regional service coordinator, Sister Bhavna, set about getting volunteers who wanted to help on the day and spent many hours creating a schedule to accommodate the timings volunteers were available and to ensure all those who wanted to help got a chance to do so.
A group of 21 volunteers from Regions 2, 3, 4 and 5 came together on Saturday 23 September for the mammoth task of packing. The goods were unpacked from the supplier’s boxes and sorted into groups for each type of bag. All worked together diligently, lovingly and joyfully with smiles on their faces, listening to bhajans in the background while packing the bags throughout the day.
Quality checks were carried out to ensure the correct items were packed in the different bags, before being individually labelled and put in boxes. These were then stacked 20-high on each of four pallets, before being shrink-wrapped and ready for delivery to the charity and their onward journey to reach the children in Syria.
A total of 768 bags were packed with over 33,000 individual items.
We pray that these small gifts will bring joy to the children of Syria and help them in some way with their schooling.
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Ukraine/Moldova service update |
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We very much thank UK devotees for their generous donations. These have been delivered to a Ukraine refugee centre in Moldova, as well as other needy people in Moldova itself.
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For the welfare of the country and of the entire world, the spirit of service, vital enthusiasm, constructive imagination, pure motivation, and unselfish alertness are all needed urgently.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 15, Ch. 31, 19 November 1981
The purpose of the Young Adults Wing is to serve the whole Organisation whilst supporting the spiritual journey of the next generation. Thus, it is the duty of the Young Adults to be of service, not only to their fellow brothers and sisters across the nation, but also to the world from which they merely borrow. This series of articles will capture a snippet of the service activities supported by Young Adults across the United Kingdom, in the hope of inspiring others.
In this next issue, we hear the reflections from Sister Saumya from Region 2 on the Sri Sathya Sai Prema Tharu project.
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Last November, the global tree planting initiative, Sri Sathya Sai Prema Tharu, was announced in Prasanthi Nilayam, with the goal of planting 10 million trees worldwide by 23rd November 2025 – Swami's 100th birthday. Trees can be planted individually or as a collective. For the past two months, I have been part of a team sharing this important initiative with members within Region 2 through centre visits, ahead of the autumn planting season. Being part of this team has allowed me to reflect more deeply on the importance and beauty of Prema Tharu as a service initiative.
Prema Tharu means tree of love.
For me, the name Prema Tharu not only reflects the love with which we will plant trees as a birthday gift for Swami, but also reflects the great impact that trees have on our lives. Swami often said that nature is the best teacher and highlighted trees as being the greatest teachers of selfless love and sacrifice. A single tree does so much for the environment without expectation of reward. Their roots maintain soil health, filter out water pollutants in the soil and prevent flooding. Their trunks and branches provide shade and habitats for fungi, plant and animal life – big and small. Their leaves provide food for insects and help trees to bear fruit. It is via the leaves that oxygen, carbon dioxide and water are exchanged between trees and the wider environment. This is how trees are large regulators of global temperatures and rainfall patterns. Of all the things that we could offer Swami as a birthday gift, the choice of trees is significant because just one tree, let alone ten million, has so many beneficiaries. The longevity of trees means that these benefits last hundreds of years.
Unfortunately, over the last century, millions of trees have been cleared to make way for human settlements and agriculture. This has had destabilising effects on the global climate and thousands of species are at risk of extinction because of habitat loss. We are seeing increasing reports of climate disasters around the world such as floods, droughts, forest fires and storms. Last year, even the UK was subject to wildfires in a record-breaking heatwave. Mother Earth, now more than ever, needs us to consider the consequences of our choices and actions and act in a loving and responsible way, such as through ceiling on desires and participation in service projects like Prema Tharu.
It has been very inspiring to visit centres and see the eagerness of devotees of all ages to participate in this project. Sri Sathya Sai Prema Tharu is a wonderful opportunity for us to unite and take collective action, not only in showing our gratitude for 100 years of Swami’s loving presence and intervention in our lives, but also in undoing the damaging effects of human activity on Mother Earth. When 23rd November 2025 arrives, it will be amazing to see how love for Swami has transformed spaces around the world with the introduction of millions of trees. This gift will have a legacy that lasts for hundreds of years to come. With Autumn now well and truly upon us, I can’t wait to get started in what should be a busy but fun tree planting season!
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Region 1 (London South East & South West)
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On 23rd September, Merton Sai Centre hosted its annual Elders' Tea Party organised by Age Link, where many of our elders from the local neighbourhood visited us. They all participated in a variety of games, and watched the Bal Vikas children's shows! These performances included: musical performances, singing, dancing, storytelling, poem reading, telling jokes, and a magic show! Our guests thoroughly enjoyed the acts, but there was still more to come: we had some quizzes and we had a game of Bingo, which was led by our Sai Young Adults. To finish the day, we gifted our guests with numerous presents, and a card from the Bal Vikas children, highlighting their gratitude and affection towards our seniors.
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Tooting Sai Centre served 85 hot meals and 82 bags of fruit to the homeless in Central London on Saturday 30th September.
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With Swami’s grace, 70 cake portions, stationery, toys, warm clothing, shoes and food items were donated by Merton Sai Centre devotees to Care-4-Calais, to support 60 refugee families.
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On 10th September, we celebrated Krishna Janmashtami at Wimbledon Sai Centre and the entire programme was dedicated to Lord Krishna. We were so fortunate to have Dr. Jenani Jegatheeswaran and her family from ISKCON join us for this special day. She talked about Lord Krishna's birth story and why it is important to pray and chant Lord Krishna's name. Dr. Jenani's family also sang uplifting Krishna keertans, accompanied by the dholak drum. Through this, we gained a deeper understanding of the importance of chanting Krishna's Maha Mantra and its profound values.
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Ganesha Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi was celebrated at Wimbledon Sai Centre on 24th September. The celebration included chanting Shree Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam and performing heartfelt bhajans dedicated to Lord Ganesha. As a token of devotion, we presented modak (sweet dumplings), known to be Ganesha's favourite, and Arugampul (Durva grass), which is believed to hold immense spiritual significance in attracting Ganapati's energy. Devotees generously contributed a variety of Prashadam offerings, including kadalai (chickpeas), vada, sweets, and more, enhancing the festive spirit. Many devotees joined in this celebration and transformed the day into an extraordinary and blessed one.
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Region 2 (London North West and nearby Home Counties)
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The past month saw further progress in Wembley Sai Centre's long period of recovery from the lockdowns and disruption of recent past. We managed to overcome another accessibility hurdle for all members, and, with Swami's benevolent grace, got the use of premises at ground level.
During September, we had celebrations on successive Thursdays: Shree Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesha Chaturthi and Shirdi Baba's Birthday. Our Regional Young Adult Wing also kindly arranged a presentation of the 'Sri Sathya Sai Prema Tharu' project to Centre members.
All are welcome to our devotional meetings on Thursdays, 7-8.15pm. We are currently located at Garden House, 5 St Johns Road, Harrow HA1 2EE.
Upcoming event:
- Harrow West Sai Centre
- Saturday 21st October, 2-5pm: Navratri Garba at Oxhey Wood Primary School, Oxhey Drive, Watford WD19 7SL
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Region 3 (London North, East & Central and nearby Home Counties)
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Bedford Sai Centre celebrated Ganesha Charturthi with prayers, discourse and bhajans. This event was attended by 16 devotees.
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Bedford Sai Centre honoured Shirdi Sai Baba with an uplifiting talk about His early life by Sister Elizabeth, followed by bhajans. The altar was generously decorated with flowers and garlands made by our angel ladies. This programme was attended by 21 devotees. We also had very young children who added a bit of variety and drama to the programme.
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On 10th September, Chelmsford Sai Centre celebrated Krishna Janmashtami with around 50 devotees. The programme started off with a pooja and prayers to Lord Krishna led by Pandit Rajkrishna. This was then followed by blissful bhajans, Aarti and an enlightening talk on Dahi Handi by one of our Bal Vikas Children. The bhajans concluded with a procession and serving of Mahaprashadam.
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On 24th September, Chelmsford Sai Centre celebrated Ganesh Chathurthi with around 40 devotees in attendance. We started with prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesh and sung Ganesh bhajans with bliss and unity. This was followed by a discourse by our Beloved Swami, and concluded with the Hanuman Chalisa, Aarti and serving of Mahaprashadam.
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On 1st October, Chelmsford Sai Centre celebrated Shirdi Sai Baba’s birthday with around 20 devotees in attendance. We chanted the Shirdi Sai Baba Ashtotram and sang Shirdi Sai Baba and Guru bhajans. This was then followed by the Hanuman Chalisa, meditation and Aarti. Then, our Bal Vikas children read the Thought for the Day and delivered a talk on Shirdi Sai Baba. The bhajan was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
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On 9th September, Colchester Sai Centre celebrated Krishna Janmashtami. The group started with Hanuman Chalisa and bhajan practice, followed by our monthly bhajans. At the end of our session, a young adult devotee performed a Bharata Natyam dance telling the story of Krishna and the relationship with his mother. This concluded the event with the Young Adults and the Bal Vikas children having photos taken near the altar.
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The Milton Keynes Sai Centre family is supporting MK Food bank with their MK CAN initiative to collect 132,000 cans – that’s 10km long! MK Food Bank, along with 400 business and community supporters, want to smash the existing world record of 3.8km, with an ambitious target of 132,000 cans. This will provide over half of the canned food they need for an entire year. Our centre has collected 350 cans towards this initiative and some of our volunteers are also taking time off work to participate and support this great milestone.
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The ladies in the service wing of Leicester Central Sai Centre organised a delightful flower arrangement workshop. It was filled with creativity and fun! We want to thank everyone who participated in this beautiful event, bringing their artistic flair to life through this medium. The workshop served as a meaningful opportunity for us to bond and grow together as a wing. Thank you for making this day so special.
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The "Back to Basics" workshop on the "Inner Significance of Service & Team Building," held by Leicester Central Sai Centre on Wednesday 13th September, aimed to unite devotees for meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and spiritual growth. Attendees pondered questions like, "What motivates us to serve?" and "How can we reduce our egoism?" They collectively concluded that service should stem from pure love, devoid of any desire for recognition or reward. The workshop emphasised treating all beings equally, maintaining humility, and serving with a smile.
A team-building activity, featuring a creative tower building challenge, showcased the importance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in organisational success. This engaging and enlightening evening was a testament to the power of unity and selfless service. Kudos to the organisers for a successful event.
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On Saturday 23rd September, Leicester Central Sai Centre families accompanied their children to Goshalla Farm in Leicester. This day out was reminiscent of Bhagawan's Gokulam in Puttaparthi, known as Gokul Brindavan. Swami's deep love and care for cows, which he often referred to as mothers, served as inspiration. The Leicester Goshalla Farm provides a loving and natural environment for farm animals, particularly cows.
During the visit, children and families had the opportunity to observe these cows in their secure habitat, learn about their characteristics, and even feed them vegetables, fostering a sense of animal care and unity as emphasised by Swami's teaching of "Love All, Serve All." This beautiful day provided a wonderful setting for a picnic-style lunch, bringing family togetherness and community bonding. Special thanks were extended to the Bal Vikas gurus for organising this enriching family outing, and gratitude was expressed to the Goshalla staff for their warm and informative session.
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Leicester Sai Centres jointly held their Krishna Janmashtami celebrations on Thursday 7th September, with over 200 devotees in attendance. The programme consisted of Bhajans, enchanting Jhoola Darshan, and an enlightening message delivered by Sister Kishori Jani from ISKCON Leicester.
Watch the programme here: https://www.youtube.com/live/pDfLg1d0mI0?feature=share
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On Tuesday 5th September, Nottingham Sai Group celebrated Krishna Janmashtami with around 25 devotees in attendance. The programme started with opening prayers and reciting of Madhurashtakam, followed by 16 bhajans sung with love and devotion. After aarti, the whole congregation took part in the Jhoola darshan of Kanhaiya, followed by Prashadam lovingly prepared by the sisters in the group.
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Region 5 (North England and Northern Ireland)
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Bolton Sai Centre actively supports the local foodbank. In August, we collected and donated 225 tins of vegetables for the Urban Outreach Charity; in September, we collected and donated 76 tins of vegetables; and in October, we collected 109 tins of vegetables. Thanks to all our devotees for their ongoing love and support.
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As part of the Sri Sathya Sai Prema Tharu project for Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 100th birthday, we are all encouraged to plant trees and upload pictures to the app. If you cannot take part in an organised tree planting event, you can plant trees in your garden, as this devotee who attends Greater Manchester Sai Centre has done.
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Another beautiful Curry Project service by Bradford Sai Centre on Saturday 23rd September. This is a monthly service activity providing a hot meal and food to the homeless and those who are struggling. This month we had Bal Vikas children getting involved. Centre members and friends were involved in preparing and serving food packs consisting of a portion of hot food, bread, cake, chocolates, biscuits, water and milk. This is served piping hot as a takeaway.
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Region 6 (South & South East England)
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Ganesh Chaturthi bhajans were held by Farnborough Sai Centre on 19th September. Around 30 devotees attended the bhajans and received the divine blessings.
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Bhajans were held by Farnborough Sai Centre at the residence of Sister Mamta Gurung on 28th September, on the special occasion of Shirdi Jayanti.
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As part of September service, food items worth £172.07 were donated by Rochester Sai Centre to the Medway food bank thanks to Swami’s blessings and generous donations of the devotees.
Also, as part of their monthly service, Eastbourne Sai Group donated non-perishable food items worth £60 to their local food bank.
Upcoming event:
- Tunbridge Wells Sai Group
- Sunday 15th October, 10.30am: Navratri celebrations at 20 Duncalf Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5FU
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Region 7 (West & South West England and Wales)
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Region 7 continues to hold weekly study circle sessions on the topics of Dharma Vahini and the 9 Paths of Devotion. As a Young Adults initiative, every week chapters are assigned to attendees to undertake the sadhana of reading and reflecting on our beloved Swami’s teachings. At the Thursday sessions, the Young Adults facilitate discussions, manage IT and challenge the attendees with thought-provoking questions on how we apply Swami’s teachings to our everyday life.
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In September, 43kg of food was donated to Caring for Communities & People by Cheltenham Sai Group.
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On 24th September, Sunday, Aberdeen Sai Centre celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi at Brother Ram’s house. There were 12 devotees, including Bal Vikas children. One of the Bal Vikas students, Harshini, did a short presentation on Ganesh Chaturthi. This was followed by bhajans and sweets were served as prashad after the bhajans.
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On 28th September, Edinburgh Sai Centre celebrated Shirdi Sai Baba’s birthday in the Sai Centre. There were around 70 people who attended, including 3 children. The bhajans started around 6.45 pm and continued till 8 pm followed by Aarti and Mahaprashadam.
There were bhajans conducted on both Ganesh Chaturthi and Shirdi Sai Baba’s birthday at Glasgow Sai Centre. Around 40 people attended on both occasions.
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