Birthday Issue - 2007  
North-East Region of India comprises of the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Sai activities are mostly in Assam and Manipur followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.

Since time immemorial, Assam has been a melting pot for people of various culture and traditions. The colourful ethnic tribes form a distinctive and integral part of the Assamese society. Assamese culture is like a beautiful multi-coloured carpet which is thickly woven as a whole yet keeping the colour and beauty of each and every design intact.

Assam is bordered in the North and East by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Along the South lies Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to her South, West Bengal and Bangladesh to the West. Brahmaputra river (only one male river - meaning son of Brahma) born in Manas Sarovar is flowing all through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam merging in Bay of Bengal.

Manipur is unique of its natural beauties, flora and fauna, art and cultural and the multi-ethnic communities. One can have a rendezvous with the different unique lifestyle, culture and tradition in the various festivals of Manipur. To the Manipuris, festivals are the symbols of their cultural, social and religious aspirations which remove monotony of life and help them lead a better and future life. It is bounded by Nagaland on the North, Assam on the West and Mizoram on the South. Along the east it shares a 398 km. long international boundary with Myanmar.

Love, born in the hearts of people belonging to NE states flows to all villages of hills and plains through service activities and merge in SAI that lives in the hearts of vast humanity, "Ekoham, Bahushyam". Sai activities done by Sai youths in rural areas spread the message "Love all, Serve all". "Help ever, hurt never".
BABA'S CLARION CALL TO YOUTH
Achyut Prasad Sarma, State President, SSSO, Assam & N.E.Region
"The World follows the ideal persons who dedicate themselves to the higher cause. The World listens to them and proceeds in the path shown by them" - says the Bhagavad Gita.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the very embodiment of this proclamation who launched His Divine Mission through His message of peace, love and service to mankind. Beloved Swami's mission has always been one of 'Supreme Service'.

The growth of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation from a tiny village called Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh in South India, into a global level organisation to propagate the ideals and mission of Sathya Sai Baba is the greatest miracle of 20th Century. Based on the experiences of the last century the activities to spread the Sai ideals and mission to the humanity, the 21st century will witness pure love and service to mankind. The ever growing need for creating the awareness of the activities in the Sathya sai Centres across the country and also in keeping the view of millions of devotees who intend to join the organisation, so as to involve themselves in the services that are being rendered by the organisation has led to establishment of institution covering educare, medicare, sociocare and acquacare. To carry forward these activities Swami is preparing His students and the youths on whom the future of the country depends.

Sri Sathya Sai organisation therefore emphasizes the need to organise the Bal Vikas and the youth to be upright leaders of tomorrow. Sri Arobinda has said - "The youth constitute an immense reservoir of strength which if properly directed can prove to be source of great power to the nation." The foundation for a better society can be laid by training the Bal Vikas and the youth in accordance with the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It is our firm belief that our youth who have gone through the Bal Vikas and pre-sevadal classes are capable of guiding others in due time morally and spiritually uplifting the whole society including themselves. Swami wants the organisation to guide the youth in such a way that a change will emerge from within in each of them that is everlasting. Swami therefore desires that the youth visit Prasanthi Nilayam to experience themselves of the activities going on under the direct guidance of Bhagavan Baba and then to involve themselves with helping hands in service activities.

So Swami says, "Not by penace, nor by baths in sacred waters nor by studying of scriptures nor by Japa can the ocean of worldly existence, the cycle of birth and death be crossed. It can be done by service to mankind."
SAI YOUTH AND SEVA
Dwarik Sharma, State Trust Convener, NER
Youth is the spring of life. Flowering of intellectual, physical and spiritual faculties during this period of one's sojourn in this world opens up immense possibilities. Bhagavan Baba lays great emphasis on channelising these youthful energies on the right lines to ensure improvement of the quality of life of the common people. By undertaking self-less seva not only the youth are extending a helping hand towards the distressed and the deprived but also are strengthening their own spiritual muscles.

Since Sai Seva activities started in Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and other N.E. States several decades back - the youth have always been in the forefront. In organizing free medical camps in remote areas, visits to Hospitals, Orphanages, Leprosiums, Schools for physically and mentally challenged children etc., our youth have never lacked enthusiasm. During the time of natural calamities like floods, landslides, outbreak of epidemics etc., free distribution of clothes, mosquito nets, foodstuffs, other essential items amongst the affected people were undertaken primarily by the youth.

It is a happy augury that the youth have come out to inspire more and more people of the younger generation especially those in the fringe. We pray Bhagavan Baba to bless the Sai Youth Movements in our states for better progress with renewed vigour.
YOUTH CAMP OF ASSAM, MANIPUR AND N.E. STATES AT PRASANTHI NILAYAM
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation of Assam, Manipur and North-eastern States organized a youth camp at Prasanthi Nilayam from 24th to 28th October 2007 in which more than 450 youth, both boys and girls, came to Prasanthi Nilayam from the state of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland to participate.
  
The delegates were blessed with Bhagavan's Darshan in Sai Kulwant Hall during the duration of the camp, both in the morning and afternoon. The deliberations of the camp were conducted in the Conference Hall where many eminent speakers like Sri B. N. Narasimha Murthy, Warden, Whitefield College Hostel, Prof. Anil Kumar of Sri Sathya Sai University, Sri Sanjay Sahni, Principal of Sri Sathya Sai College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Whitefield, Bangalore and Sri A. P. Sarma, State President SSSO Assam and NE Region, interacted with them and answered their queries. On the afternoon of 25th October, a group of these Sai Youth presented a cultural programme in Sai Kulwant Hall comprising two items - Bhortal Dance of Assam and Dhol Dholak Cholom of Manipur. The programme began at 5.15 p.m. after the Divine Darshan of Bhagavan in Sai Kulwant Hall. The first item Bhortal Dance presented by a group of seven dancers captivated the audience by their brisk footwork to the beat of a drum and rhythmic movement of cymbals held in their hands. The second item of the programme was Dhol Dholak Cholom, a drum dance of Manipur which is traditionally associated with the worship of Lord Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu during a famous festival of Manipur. The group of youth performers with drums in their hands showed marvelous acrobatics and won the appreciation of one and all in Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagavan showered His blessings on the dancers and posed for group photos with them. He also materialized a gold ring for one of the dancers. The dance programme was followed by Bhajans which were also led by the Sai Youth of Assam and Manipur. At the conclusion of Bhajans, Arati was offered to Bhagavan at 6.15 p.m.

The youth meet at Prasanthi Nilayam and also the successful celebrations are perhaps the last combined items of Northeastern States (so far one Sai State) offered at the Lotus Feet of our beloved Lord Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
ASSAM (GUWAHATI) :

  1. Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Nilayam, Guwahati was the venue of an inspiring gathering of youth from all over Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura as well as representatives from Manipur when a State Level Youth Conference was held on 23rd & 24th June 2007.


    While inaugurating, the State President dwelt at length on how to become an able instrument of Bhagawan, the Trust Convener outlined Bhagawan's messages and directives to the Youth. The State Youth leader exhorted the youth delegates to come out with renewed vigour to serve the society. Guest faculty Dr. G. K. Sarma from Assam Institute of Management and other faculty members gave valuable inputs on various facets of Swamis Life and Mission. It was heartening to see over hundred youth participating with greater zeal. In the afternoon of the conference a monthwise plan on youth activities was drawn up. As a result of the decision to publish a youth newsletter for better exchange of information and to create inspiration, the newsletter has already been published and distributed during Gurupoornima.

  2. Among the many activities undertaken by the Guwahati Samithi, the celebration of Bal Vikas Day at 'Shishu Kalyan Sadan' an orphanage located at Jalukbari on the outskirts of the city, was an example of love and brotherhood. Undaunted by inclement weather, the Bal Vikas Children from various units of Guwahati accompanied by their gurus and organisers went all the way to the beautiful institution to spread the message of love.


    The little residents readily joined the Bal Vikas Children as they sang bhajans and veda chanliants etc. Immediately after that they participated in the extra-curricular activities like Quiz, Musical Chair, Blindman's Buff, Singing competition etc., creating immense excitement and joy amidst the hapless souls with whom the Bal Vikas children mingled so freely. They parted with a promise to return again in compliance to the request of the authorities of 'Shishu Kalyan Sadan', not before they ate a hearty tiffin together with them.

3. MEDICAL HEALTH CHECK UP CAMP
In course of observance of "Shaktiswaroopini" day a Medical Health Check-up Camp was organized by the Guwahati Samithi at the Asom Sishu Mangal Sadan, Jalukbari near the Gauhati University. Doctors from different disciplines from Guwahati Medical College examined the health of the inmates of the Children Home and offered free medicines. The camp ended with smiles on the face of the patients as well as the doctors and the Sevadal volunteers with clear Divine message "Help Ever, Hurt Never" and "Love All, Serve All".
4. SELF HELP GROUP ACTIVITIES :
The Mahila Bibhag of Guwahati Samithi has embarked on a commendable initiate to translate the ideals of self - reliance for women into reality. Making good use of their knitting and sewing skills - quality products like children's apparel, table mats, teas cosys, shawls etc. have been produced. In addition a good quality of pickles have also been made. All these products along with other innovative articles like wall hangings, decoration items etc. are sold during periodic occasions organized at the Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Nilayam, Guwahati during festivals. The money raised is then utilized for helping destitute women and children.

In the next phase Mahilas plan to rope in women from the lower privileged section and train them on the various skills so that they can be economically self-sufficient.
5. VILLAGE INTEGRATED PROGRAMME (VIP)
The Uparhali - Sarpara Anchalik Samithi in Kamrup District in association with two other neighbouring Samithis namely Guwahati and Borjhar arranged a meeting at Sarpara village on 30th Sept'07 under the presidentship of the State President to announce the humble beginning of the village integrated programme of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. Recalling Bhagawan's Divine Ugadi Message of this year 2007. The District President of Kamrup district submitted plan of action in the line of discussion and decisions of the recent All India Conference of all District presidents and State Office Bearers held at Prasanthi Nilayam on 29th, 30th and 31st August'07.

In accordance with the general consensus, three villages have been identified and selected namely Sarpara, Uparhali and Rani. Still reeling under the impact of recent devastating flood, the members of the Samithis including the youth and specially the local villagers showed enthusiasm and came forward to associated themselves in this noble task with full faith in Bhagavan and to provide the basic immediate needs namely safe Drinking water, Sanitation - Low cost latrine, and Smokeless Chulhas to the beneficiaries who are identified in the category of below poverty line on further intensive survey.
6. ON THE VIJAYA DASAMI DAY AT GUWAHATI :
On 21st Oct'07 thousands of pilgrims coming for the immersion ceremony were provided with drinking water at the Kachari Ghat by the Seva Dal volunteers and youths of Sri Sathya Sai Samithi of Guwahati. The Seva Dal volunteers with the youths at the forefront has been conducting this activities for more than two decades and the people in general appreciated the efforts of the volunteers to meet the demands of the tired pilgrims of the immersion ceremony.
DOOMDOOMA :
The Doomdooma Samithi initiated several Seva activities in which Sai Sevaks participated whole - heartedly.

On the 1st July, a free medical camp was organized at the local Harijan Colony and 100 patients were examined by Dr. Amal Chandra Bora, a senior physician, with due care and love for free medication and treatment. The Sai fraternity, in return felicitated him for his loving service.

Under the aegis of the youth wing of Doomdooma Samithi, on the 7th August'07 an Akhanda Bhajan was arranged in which the devotees of Ledo, Margherita, Digboi, Borgolai etc. participated from 6 p.m. of 8th July, terminating with Omkaram, Suprabhatam and Nagar Sankirtan on the 8th July'07.





Gugu Poornima (29th July'07) was celebrated with due solemnity and devotion, commencing with Omkaram, Suprabhatam and Nagar Sankirtanm followed by a felicitation ceremony at the local Hindi High School. Two senior teachers were offered Padapuja by Bal Vikas Children and presented a 'gamocha' and an Assamese book, in which articles on Bhagawan Baba have been complied, entitled "Uttar Pub Bharatat Sai Suryar Rengani' (Ray of Sai Sunlight). The function terminated with narayana seva, wherein a hundred people were served food.

On the 12th August a unique service camp aimed at serving the tired and hungry pilgrims, devotees of Lord Shiva, who trudged a distance of fifty miles (from Saikhowa to Tinsukia) to offer Puja at the sacred 'Shiva Dham' at Tinsukia. The local samithi workers lovingly served them prasadam, payasam, fruit juice and tea and even medicine to the sick

DIGBOI :

The youth wing of the oil town Digboi in the district of Tinsukia conducted series of programmes on 29th July'07 (Gurupurnima), on 5th Sept'07 felicitation of teachers on the occasion of Teachers' Day and organized among other items Dama competition for Bal Vikas Students. The Refinery located at Digboi is the first oil refinery in the country.

DHUBRI :

Varalakshmi Puja is an important and much awaited event for the people of Dhubri and so on 19th August'07 elaborate arrangements for the same was undertaken by the local Samithi. Ten ladies, observing fast took their seats and started the puja. It was indeed an elevating experience to witness them as they made soulful invocations to Sri Ganesha and Bhagavan Sai and performed the rituals with so much of devotion. Lately prasadam was distributed amidst all the devotees, Bal Vikas children and their guardians, who had assembled these.

MANIPUR (IMPHAL) :

  1. By the grace of Bhagavan, the Manipur Youth meet was held on the 14th and 15th July 2007 at the historic Kangla Hall at Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The meet covered a Youth conference and Bal Vikas Gurus Master Training under the theme "Seva and Self Transformation".

    On each day more than 300 devotees including the youths, Gurus and Bal Vikas Children from the four districts on Kanglatombi Samithi (Senapati District) participated in the meet. Five youths from Assam were also present as delegates. Ten recourses persons (5 gents and 5 ladies) from Guwahati and other parts of Assam and the State President deliberated on various topics relating to youths and B.V. Guru's Master Training. Five local resource persons (3 gents and 2 ladies) also took part in the meet deliberating on different topics.

    Veda chanting by the Bal Vikas Children of Kanglatombi, (Senapati District) and Thoubal District sanctified the atmosphere. The programme concluded with cultural programmes presented by the youths and Bal Vikas Children. The audience were thrilled with the Dhol Dholok Cholom performed by the youths of Thoubal District. All who were present were also impressing with the Nupi Pala presented by the small and talented children (4-5 years old) from Imphal East district.

    It is on this occasion that Sanathana Sarathi in Manipuri language was inaugurated by the State President as the inaugural issue and the people were very happy to see for the first time in their language.

    The programme proceeded with enthusiasm from the youths and Bal Vikas Gurus. The Divine presence was felt throughout the programme. All who were present specially the youth and the Bal Vikas Gurus felt that they were very much benefitted by the lectures of the resource persons.



  2. A blood donation camp and a medical camp also has been conducted. For the years 2008-2009 the following programmes have been proposed viz., distribution of cloth, veterinary camp, plantation of trees, blood donation camp, medical camp, mandir/temple cleaning, spot painting competition on spiritual themes, distribution of essential items to Orphan Homes and Hospital wards cleaning. Half yearly meets of the youth are proposed to be arranged.

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