To commemorate the 90th Birthday of Bhagawan, the SSIO is organising the Tenth World Conference in Prasanthi Nilayam in November 2015, with the theme: Love is the source; Love is the path; Love is the goal. In preparation, Pre-World Conferences are being held on the topics of love and selfless service, all over the world.
Zone 5 Pre-World Conference was held in Hong Kong from 23 to 25 January 2015. Dr. Narendranath Reddy, Chairman, Prasanthi Council; Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai, Member, Prasanthi Council; Mr. Alvin Leo, International Youth Representative and Mr. Nari Chugani, Chair of Zone 5 attended the conference along with 80 delegates. Dr. Reddy discussed various aspects of the theme of the conference and shared video clips of Swami’s discourses on love and selfless service. He also showed highlights of the work of the SSIO and its planned new initiatives. Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai spoke on educational initiatives and the transformational work being done by the Sathya Sai School in Thailand. Alvin Leo spoke of Swami’s divine message to the Youth on how to live by these.
Numerous devotees, including youth, from across the zone shared how their personal experience of Swami’s love and presence in their lives had been the inspiration for their sadhana and transformations. |
On the second day, Sathya Sai children staged an enchanting dance, and SSEHV teachers from Taiwan and Hong Kong performed a human values song, “Smile, Smile, Smile.” A panel discussion analyzed the question: “Can Sai devotees really live in love and selfless service”. They explored the reasons why it is challenging to do so in a demanding world but also suggested very practical ways these could be overcome, starting with the yearning and conviction to obey Swami.
In the evening, an innovative and entertaining quiz, “Kaun Banega Param Premi” (“Who wants to be a supreme lover of God?”) was staged, centering on the twin topics of love and selfless service. Copies of a beautiful and sublime hand-drawn sketch of Bhagawan was presented to the honoured guests, and a rose fell from the picture on the altar on two different occasions during the proceedings, which was taken as a token of divine grace.
The conference is just the beginning of our self-audit, self-reflection and action plan in this year of the 90th Birthday – it heralds our life long journey to Sai. |
