When I was about 5 years old, my mother would always tell me that “Amma and Appa (Mother and Father) may not always be there for you, but Swami will always be there for you.” In all honesty, I then thought that she was crazy, but it was only about 13 years later that I realised the profound truth in her words.

I had just graduated high school in India and was set, both in my mind and heart, to come to the United States for my undergraduate studies. I did not directly get admission into a university, instead, I chose to go to a community college and then transfer to a university to get my degree. Due to this, I had to build my entire life up, piece by piece, to figure out everything, from food to accommodation.

My mother used to teach in a high school and coincidentally, one of her student's family had just moved to Houston and she was able to get in touch with them. Just a few days before my departure, we were able to connect with the family. It turned out that his father was in Chennai, where I am from, to care for his parents. Uncle gave me a prepaid mobile SIM card which I could use to contact my family as soon as I land in the United States. Swami planned it all so well.

Once I landed in Houston, I contacted aunty, she helped me to settle in and introduced me to the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Houston, which became my second home. I immediately felt at home with my Sai brothers and sisters and of course received so much unconditional love, support, and home-cooked food. Truly, Swami has showered me with the love and care of thousands of mothers. (Sai Prashanth, USA)

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I started singing Sai bhajans at the tender age of four and one of the first bhajans I learned was an offering to little Krishna. My imagination was further kindled by my grandmother’s stories of little Gopal and my childlike imagination would allow me to run wild with Krishna on green pastures with His young calves. One of the most incredible discoveries I made was that the cows were very dear to Krishna and He would protect them from demons and was even ready to give up His life for the cows. One of Swami’s first projects was to set up a Gokulam at Puttaparthi as He dearly loved and honoured the cows as mothers and would personally select a unique saree for each cow.

When the pandemic hit us, I was incredibly blessed to volunteer with farm rescue sanctuaries. We started rescuing newborn orphan calves, baby goats, and old spent cows from traumatic situations. Sometimes we urgently rescued a calf by placing them in the backseat of our cars. Raising orphan calves was a very challenging task and Swami was constantly holding my hand through beautiful dreams and miracles. Once in a dream, He even transformed Himself into a beautiful animal to show that He is the indweller of all beings. We rescued about 23 cows and 9 goats. The pregnant cows and goats gave birth to beautiful offspring at the sanctuary and it was so heartwarming and fulfilling to see them raise their calves in peace.

I often think about the promised ‘Golden Age’ and sincerely feel that we can truly usher in this age of love by expressing our sincere gratitude to these beautiful beings through service. As Swami once said it is our supreme duty to protect the animals and not treat them just like commodities. All His life, Swami lived this example by showing great love towards all animals. (Sai Santosh, USA)

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Ever since I was six years old, Swami has played a significant role in my life. Since I was a child, life has not been easy as I was raised by a single parent who had to work multiple jobs to provide for me. We stayed at my grandmother’s home who helped to sustain us. As a child, I also suffered from a reading disability which affected me throughout my life and made it challenging for me to study at school. Attending the Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) classes at an early age helped me. When I was young, I did not see the value in attending these classes at all. I did not realise how Swami helped me battle through the pain that I was going through at that time.

Now that I am a young adult, I understand the reason why Swami guided me on this path. He has moulded me into a person who can inspire others going through similar issues in their lives. Even though I struggled as a child, I have still been able to achieve success in my studies by graduating with honours in high school and obtaining admission to college to pursue a four-year degree. I thank Swami for this opportunity and all the things that I have learned in SSE. If not for His positive insight into my life, I would not be the person that I am today. I know this is not the end and am looking forward to the next chapters of my life. One of my favourite quotes from Swami, that has stayed with me ever since I was a little girl, is “Life is a challenge, meet it! Life is a dream, realise it! Life is a game, play it! Life is love, enjoy it!” For me, this quote means to enjoy everything that I have in life and not to take anything for granted. (Savina, USA)

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I was working abroad years ago and one of my colleagues, who also happens to be a Sai devotee gifted me a book on Swami. While reading the book, I came across the concept of Self-realisation. At that time, I did not dwell on the subject, but this idea of Self-realisation was reinforced when I witnessed my Ammamma (grandmother) breathing her last breath. I thought to myself that the ultimate goal of this life is Self-realisation.

In 2016, I visited the Kalpa Vriksha (wish-fulfilling) tree in Puttaparthi. While I was there, I thought deeply about how I wanted to learn about Self-realisation. Two years later, I found myself with a group of like-minded young adults serving Swami in the Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana of Love Subcommittee.

The subcommittee's main focus was centred around Self-confidence, Self-satisfaction, self-sacrifice, and Self-realisation which is also known as the 4S. My wish of being on the path to Self-realisation was fulfilled. Being in the subcommittee has helped me to better understand Swami's teachings on the 4S as I am learning throughout this journey about Self-realisation.

There have been instances in my life when things have not turned out as I have planned and when this happens, I get stressed and anxious. Last year, there was a time when despite putting effort into a particular task assigned to me, I was not seeing the results I had expected. One fine morning, I dreamt that Swami handed me a sweet. Through this dream, I realised that Swami gave me His Divine assurance that I need not worry about the results of undertaking any particular task for Him, for He is the Doer, and I am but a mere instrument.

Thank you, Swami, for making your Divine timing prevail in every aspect of my life and for having the best plans in store for me. (Yakshi, Mauritius)

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I have been blessed with Swami’s grace all my life. He has helped me on several occasions. One particular period of my life where He has helped me is when I had taken a calculus class for my major studies at college. It was extremely hard for me and at one point, in the semester, I left the class. I was upset and clueless about how to ace the subject. Then in the summer, I enrolled in the calculus class again which was for six weeks. When the class started, my professor announced that only quizzes and tests were going to be counted in this class. I was extremely nervous and prayed to Swami to guide me through this class. 

Throughout these six weeks, I made sure to study diligently and revise all the study materials provided in class. By Swami's grace, I was able to succeed in calculus class. This is an achievement of which I had never dreamt. I thank Swami every day for all His blessings and grace. Without Swami, nothing in my life would be possible. (Ishwara, USA)

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I am blessed to have been born into a Sai family as a fourth-generation devotee and to have the opportunity to attend Balvikas and travel to Puttaparthi. Over the years, Swami was my constant support - the one who I would think of in times of dire need or imminent dangers. He would always help me and I would thank Him profusely. I carried on with my life while thinking about how Swami chose to be part of my life. Amidst challenging circumstances, with an assurance to never forsake me, I held onto Swami’s words, “Why fear when I am here" and realised it is not just merely a quote by Him.

Swami became the only loyal friend that I have ever had. He was the friend I had been searching for all my life. During trying times, I realised, that when there is no one, He has been a real blessing. Just being able to utter Sai’s name or think of His breathtaking form is a blessing by itself. Today, I have my own “personalised” Swami with me at all times - actively guiding me and testing me with those long silences yet always reassuring me that He will never let go of my hand! I live my life with this firm faith that if I take one tiny step toward Him, He will take a hundred steps toward me, protecting, and guarding me as the eyelid protects the eye. (Nivedita, USA)

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At the age of 13, I received the Divine call to go on a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam. Growing up in India, I would save my pocket money by taking the bus to school instead of the auto rickshaw so that I could go to Prasanthi Nilayam every six months to see Swami, and each of my pilgrimages were marked by an indelible encounter. 

As Swami is Antaryami (inner witness), there are no secrets with Him, and He has made sure that I understood this reality. I used to look forward to His Divine darshans as His physical presence made me feel a source of joy, peace, and strength. As years rolled into my adolescence, I could never be anything but Swami’s good boy, because I felt that He would know about all my whereabouts. He was, is and will continue to be my moral compass.

He inspires me to perfection, grace, and subtlety all of which have shaped my personality and have influenced my career path. His teachings are unfathomably deep and transcendental. He is beyond human capability as He has said, “In truth, you cannot understand the nature of My reality either today or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent inquiry, even if all mankind joins in that effort.” And I have understood this. (Aditya Ayyagari, Canada)

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#𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 and take a 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 to reveal your 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮 to practise for the week! ❤️

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A couple of years ago, I was sitting for an important public examination as part of my primary schooling, which would determine whether I qualify for the second phase of school or not. One day, I remember vividly, I threw a massive tantrum about not wanting my mother to tutor me. Out of repentance for being naughty and refusing to study, I decided to sleep on the floor of my room as a form of self-punishment.

The next day, when I woke up, my mother brought me to the divine altar at our home and introduced me to the Gayatri mantra, its meaning, and its powerful essence. She handed me the Japamala (prayer beads) which had 27 beads in total. She told me that from today on, the Gayatri mantra and the beads were mine. If I wanted to succeed in life, I should just chant this mantra daily for 27 times. I looked at Swami’s picture on the altar and promised Him that I will do it for my mother. I wanted to make her proud and He must guide me throughout.

Even today, I carry the same Japamala everywhere with me, with my Friend beside me, guarding and guiding me very silently through every phase of my life. My Bhakta Sakha has been my constant cheer and reminds me that by chanting the Gayatri mantra every day, I can overcome any obstacle in life. When life gets busy, He reminds me of why and for whom I started this practice. Although I started it as a ‘ritual’, He has helped me experience and understand the ‘spiritual’ essence behind the chanting of the powerful Gayatri mantra. (Shalani, UK)

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I was born into a Hindu family and resided with my maternal grandparents until the age of five. My grandfather was a devotee of Lord Shiva and guided me to undertake spiritual practices with him. I commenced primary school and detachment had proven to be a substantial emotional quagmire. I struggled to function academically and was in emotional turmoil over the fear of my parents not fetching me at the end of the day. We visited spiritual leaders to help me overcome this fear but to no avail and with the help of my grandfather, we received a priest who instructed me to light a clay lamp for nine Thursdays. Through this process, the fear and anxiety I endured during the last three years disappeared. Truly, it was Divine intervention from God Himself.

At the end of Grade 4 as a nine-year-old, I walked up on stage and collected nine awards. Soon after this award ceremony, I heard about Swami's name, our Poorna Avatar (Divine incarnation). In 2009, I attended my first service activity at the Sri Sathya Sai Centre. I had received Swami's calling card and was drawn into His Divine realm. Swami's spiritually considerable number nine was pervasive in my life guiding and protecting me.

As I progressed into secondary education, Swami allowed me to become His instrument by serving in the Rotary Interact Club. I dedicated my days to serving in outreach programmes dedicated to senior citizens, special needs children and the upliftment of women in the community. Through these programmes, I experienced the bliss of Swami's work and formed a heart-to-heart connection with the Lord.

Through Swami's Sankalpa (Will), I was admitted into the Medical Programme. Swami's will manifested and I became a mentor at the medical school and have dedicated myself to inculcating Swami's teachings of love for humanity and selfless service into every interaction and academic session with my students. Every interaction with society has become meaningful. (Tivana Chellan, South Africa)

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Before 2015, I did not know who Sai Baba was and I was not involved in any social service at all. I was busy with my university studies and part-time jobs to support my living costs. On Baba’s birthday in 2015, my friends invited me to participate in community service and that is when I came to know about Sai Baba. Since then, I started learning about Sai Baba’s service initiatives and participated in various service activities. I felt happy, peaceful, and loving as I could use my spare time to serve the less fortunate and needy people of Cambodia. I observed how people feel ecstatic and more hopeful in their lives after each service activity. The year 2015 was a turning point in my journey of self-transformation.
 
In June 2016, I had an opportunity to visit Puttaparthi, to attend the Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Festival. Over there, I had moments of bliss and met kind-hearted people. During the festival, I interacted with humble, compassionate, and talented devotees around the world. As I grew closer to Sai Baba, I was inspired by the notable examples of selfless services rendered by devotees.
 
Baba is a source of hope in my life. By embarking on this journey with Him, I have become a better person. He has always answered my prayers by being Omnipresent. Every morning, when I look at His photo, I know He is always with me and reminds me that everything is possible in my life if I try and not quit. I have been successful in obtaining my master’s degree and a job that I prayed for. I also had the opportunity to travel to almost twenty countries after my journey with Sai Baba started. Through Sai Baba’s mission, I receive love, respect, and support from my entourage. Sai Baba has inspired me to do more for society and to be an even stronger instrument by serving in His mission. Thank you, Sai Baba, for showering unconditional love and blessings upon me. (Samuth, Cambodia)

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I am often reminded that Swami has always been the pillar of strength throughout my life. He has been playing a pivotal role in all aspects of my life.

11 years ago, we had an unforgettable experience with Swami which is etched in my heart forever. It was the time when my mother was put through untold suffering owing to kidney failure which had lasted for more than a year and we as a family were hoping she would recover. She would do well for 3 days after a dialysis session and then things would take a turn for the worse. One day, she chose to write a letter to Swami and sent it through a relative of ours, who had gone to Puttaparthi. The contents of the letter were known only to my mother and Swami.

One day, my mother disclosed the contents of her letter whereby she wrote, “Taking away my soul will not solve my family's problems, if anything good will happen to my family, I would be prepared to merge with you. Please take me away after my three children have matured and established themselves.”

In 2021, I unexpectedly lost my mother. It was indeed a peaceful transition during the last phase of her earthly sojourn. During this time, my sister and I were in the final academic year at the university while the youngest was pursuing her Advanced Level at school.

By His grace and blessings, our parents took great care of us, and my father continues to do so as we pursue our academic goals. If our beloved mother had left us 11 years ago, it would have been devastating to the whole family and would have taken a severe toll on our education too.

I strongly believe that Swami has taken up the motherly role and guides us in every step that we take with sheer confidence bestowed upon us as He continues to emphasise that unexpected things have a positive impact on our lives. (Hirushayinie, Sri Lanka)

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I have been a devotee of Swami from the time I was in my mother’s womb. I grew up in an environment full of love and have learnt His Divine teachings and messages all my life which made me realise the importance of love in each of our lives.

In 2013, I went on a trip to the United States, specifically to the Disney theme parks in Florida. While I was there, the concept of love that I had, was reinforced when I observed an elderly couple having fun at that park, despite their age. Values such as patience, solidarity and especially love have had to be beautifully present for this couple to reach that point. This left me thinking that love must be known, talked about, and practised eternally in our lives.

Practising this value has been extremely important in my life. I have realised that if I love everyone and consider them as my brothers and sisters, the other human values will also unfold and be practised. For instance, if I love someone, I will be honest with them, I will be calm with them and I will not harm them. In this manner, I would be practising truth, righteousness, peace and non-violence. In college, in my job, or wherever I am, I always try to remember to love others.

Love is the centre of our lives, and we must thank God for His love towards us. Love is not just an act, but an attitude that we must have daily. (Enmanuel, Dominican Republic)

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I lived in the United States for part of my life but about 6 years ago, I moved to the Dominican Republic, a beautiful island in the Caribbean. However, adapting to the new place was not easy for me until I started joining the Sai Young Adults activities. I was able to see new horizons.
 
Swami changed my life for the better and opened my eyes to see the good in the world. When I was younger, I did not have an open mind, and instead was lonely and sad all the time. I knew that I had to change the way I lived, and had to see things in a better way. But luckily for me, I was introduced to Swami and the amazing people in the organisation, and from then on, I was finally able to see the good in the world and the good in people. I could not be happier!
 
Since I came into the Sai fold, I started to see life differently. In my school, practising Swami’s teachings has opened doors for me not only academically, but also socially, which was one of my biggest problems.
 
I am a quite different person today than I was before. I am more outgoing, and I love being part of groups where I constantly interact with people, and I have achieved this thanks to my beloved Swami. (Wilvania, Dominican Republic)
 
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I have known Swami since the age of 11, and this has been the greatest gift for which I will always be thankful. From a young age, I was introverted and socially shy. I never imagined that I would be a leader in groups and make many friends in my life. But, by following Swami’s teachings, He has shown me otherwise.

The human values that Swami has taught me, have helped me improve as a human being. Not only to evolve spiritually, but it has also helped me personally, academically, and professionally. Swami says, “Love All, Serve All”. By following this, I behave lovingly towards others and am helpful all around. This has made many people want me to be part of their groups. In my school too, many people have developed an incredible affection for me and want to develop friendships with me.

My friends see me as a leader, as they see the leadership skills that I portray which are skills that our beloved Swami has taught us. Hence, I usually have an opportunity to lead and coordinate Young Adults or day-to-day group activities.

From an academic standpoint, practising human values such as honesty, perseverance, and peace has helped me tremendously in obtaining excellent grades in the courses I am taking at school. I have realised the importance of having human values as the basis of my life. I thank Swami for teaching me something new every day, regarding good character and a way of being in life because His guidance has helped me to be what I am today. (David, Dominican Republic)

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My connection with Swami began when I got married and my new family were devotees of Swami. He gave me His physical darshan in 2006, at that point in life, I did not know what an amazing blessing that was. My wonderful in-laws let me explore Swami at my own pace, which has been my biggest gift. The year 2014 was a particularly challenging time. It was when I started visiting my local Sri Sathya Sai Centre that I found His true presence, His love and magnanimity shining through every devotee of the centre. I was incredibly touched and inspired by this love which led me to take up every opportunity to serve, love and empower myself.

Beginning with SSE training and learning with the children, offering bhajans, organising cultural programmes, planning and being part of service activities, taking up Young Adults officer roles, understanding the spiritual and administrative responsibilities that come with it, and offering anything and everything with love. He made me say "Yes" to all! He sculpted and moulded me every step of the way. And what a journey it has been!

I bear such gratitude to Swami and His Organisation for the endless amazing opportunities to gain experience, learn and be in good company. Being part of the Sai Organisation has empowered me to become independent and explore a career on my own. It was during a service activity when we volunteered to tutor kids online and offered summer camps in person, that I felt so much at ease, it led me to apply for a teaching job at a local public school and gave me the confidence to take it up as a profession. Swami has undoubtedly shown me when every act is done with love and as an offering to Him, life becomes service. I cannot wait to see what Swami holds for me in the future, but here I am ready and willing to always learn and serve. (Anusha, USA)

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My Amma (Mother), an ardent follower of Bhagawan was my true inspiration to become a devotee of Bhagawan. She always mentioned that “Once you start following the path of Bhagawan, you will understand the meaning of pure love and you will start finding love in every element in the world and alongside, you will reach heights with Swami’s guidance.”

I was a below-average student during my school days and was demotivated to study too. It was both my parents' dream to make me a doctor. As soon as I cleared my entrance exam for medical school on my second attempt, I was in an average standing in getting a place at the medical school.

For the first time in my life, I saw my parents were disappointed with my performance which made me realise that I have the calibre but was lazy to work hard. My regrets flowed as tears. I closed my eyes and remembered Bhagawan and I sincerely requested to Him for a seat, and I promised that I will not repeat the mistake. When I opened my eyes, I saw an autorickshaw with a picture of Bhagawan smiling with His hands raised in a blessing position. I felt His blessings.

I felt so calm when I reached home. My mother got a call from the medical college, and I was offered a place. I was so happy, and it will be a day which I will always remember and cherish as Bhagawan decided to upgrade my name with a doctor (Dr.) designation. (Arunima, India)

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As a child, I always aspired to become a doctor which was always my parents' dream and Swami has been the sole instrument shaping my career path from the very beginning.

In Sri Lanka, the Government provides free education to all students from primary level to tertiary level. A student is given three attempts to apply to different universities for medical studies.

During my first attempt, my marks did not qualify for the minimum entry-level and at that time, l did not dedicate much time to carrying out my spiritual Sadhana and I felt that my bond with Swami was not that close. In preparation for my second attempt, every day, I started my day by praying to Swami. However, I still did not qualify due to the low exam marks. However, l received an offer to study Bioscience at Jayawardenapura University. My family advised me to take up the offer however, I was not ready to give up my dream childhood dream of becoming a doctor.

Finally, I gave the medical exams one last attempt. I can still recall vividly that after the first exam, l came home crying as I knew that I did not perform well in answering the questions. I was discouraged from studying for the remaining exams and informed my mother that l would not go to the rest of my exams. After I finished all the exams, I abandoned my dream of becoming a doctor as l was not expecting good results. When the results were announced, tears of joy overflowed as I obtained 3As which represented the scores to enter the medical field at Jaffna University.

Upon reflection, I understood that “Nobody can change God’s masterplan” and with a heart full of gratitude, I am ever thankful to Swami for blessing me to pursue a medical career. (Saranga, Sri Lanka)

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