Om Sri Sairam
A Spiritual Retreat was organized for the Balvikas Alumni, above 22 years of age, in Zone 1 and 2, on the 9th and 10th of September 2017, in Swami’s Ashram, in Brindavan. 56 Alumni participated from 9 Districts. 30 ladies and 26 gentlemen, participated. The program started with lighting of lamp, followed by Veda chanting and Bhajan singing by the Alumni.
The program was officially inaugurated by our State President and the Office bearers of the Organisation at 10.31 am. A soulful invocation, by Smt. Arundaty Harish, set the mood to the program. After welcoming the gathering, the objectives of the meet was explained to the young audience. A small video clip was shown, wherein, Swamy assures the children, that He is always there with them and for them.
The chief guest Saimeera, herself a Balvikas Alumnus and a Balvikas Guru, currently Warden, SSSIHMS Nursing college, Whitefield, shared, the wonderful experiences she had with Swami from the time she was a young girl. When Saimeera quoted Swami, “Balvikas children are your Premaputras”, the bunch of flowers from the centre of Swami’s foto dropped down, assuring us that He is there with us always.
The State president,Sri. Nagesh G.Dhakkappa gave a very inspiring talk and said that Swami wanted us to be happy always. We should try to involve ourselves in His work, in whatever little way we can. This was followed by Bhajan Anthakshari, where all the participants and the Gurus participated very enthusiastically.
Post lunch, there was a very informative and interesting update by members of the State IT team, as to how one can participate and be a part of Swami’s work. It was encouraging to see some of the youngsters expressing their willingness to do whatever they can, as it could be done, in their free time, from their homes.
A bus was arranged for the participants to visit the school and Ranganatha Swamy temple for which, Swamy had laid the foundation, in Kalkunte. Soulful Bhajans were rendered at the temple, and Mr.Raghavachar , from the Kalkunte school, narrated how Swami came walking all the way, for laying the foundation to the temple. We had a wonderful darshan at Chikka Tirupathi. Campfire and games were organized, post dinner, where we saw young poets, mono acting and other talents in the youngsters.
The second day, the participants were blessed with the opportunity to chant Omkar, Suprabhatham in Sai Ramesh hall and do Nakarsankeerthan round Swamy’s Mandir in Trayee. The participants were allowed inside the Mandir for Sai Trayee LIngeswara Abhishekam. It was really a blessed morning. The session started with a brief report of the previous day’s activities.
Sri Jagannath Nadiger, Joint State Co ordinator, Educare, rendered a very inspiring talk on “ Excellence at work”. The participants visited Swamys Super Speciality Hospital, and were very excited to understand that they could also render service in SSSIHMS.
Ms. Kusuma Kumari, State Co ordinator, education wing, proposed the vote of thanks, and made the participants give in writing, as to how they would involve themselves, in Swami’s work. Two participants shared their views about the Retreat.
Sri. Cheelurappa, Jt. State Co ordinator, education wing, gave a piece of advice to the youngsters. The one and a half day Retreat came to a close with Mangala Aarthi to Swami and Prasadam.
Please find attached a few photographs clicked during the program.
Jai Sairam
