Sai, the Centre of our Trust
SEPTEMBER 10th, 2002
So far, by Bhagavan’s Grace, we have completed eight parts of “Sai Pearls of Wisdom.” And now, I want to share with you certain special and important events that occurred in September 2002.
One such event was the anniversary of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. A big function was organised on September 10th, 2002. It was really a big day, and many things were brought to light that deserve our attention. To think about these points will also strengthen our faith in Swami. It is with this view in mind that I want to share them with you.
The function was held on Vinayaka Chathurthi Day. You know, Vinayaka Chathurthi? It is the birthday of Vinayaka, otherwise known as Ganesha, which we celebrate during the month of September. Bhagavan gave His Discourse that morning on Lord Vinayaka and the significance behind the worship of Vinayaka. All that was said during the morning session. You probably have read about it in ‘Sanathana Sarathi’. So, it does not require any repetition, much less my comment.
But the evening function -- the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust function -- does deserve our attention. The whole function was organised by students of Sri Sathya Sai University, who work for the Central Trust. There are 100 former students, alumni of Sri Sathya Sai University, working with us in different places. All of them organised the function, and it was a really grand celebration indeed.
The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has completed thirty years. So, they thought that was an appropriate reason to organise a function to commemorate the event. They displayed a big sign with the words: ‘Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust in Service of Humanity’. ‘In Service of Humanity’ -- that is important. That has been the theme of the Central Trust since its inception.
And there were two more beautiful, multi-coloured banners that day, one on either side of the dais. One banner carried these words: ‘Sai, the Source of our Growth’. This was a very good title indeed, because Sai is the Source of any growth. If the Central Trust has reached this level today, rendering service to all humanity in such a magnificent way -- what is the Source? Sai is the Source. So, befittingly, they had hung one banner proclaiming, ‘Sai, the Source of our Growth’.
On the other side of the dais, they had placed another colourful banner displaying the words: ‘Sai, the Centre of our Trust’. It is not simply ‘Central Trust’. It is not simply a charitable trust. It said, ‘the Centre of our Trust’, which is also meaningful. Sai should be the centre of our trust. But unfortunately, our centre of trust is altogether different. Many of us put our trust in money, positions, influence, that’s all. God was never the centre of our trust, and that’s why we are confused. So, these two banners alone, one on either side of the dais, conveyed an ample message to everyone who witnessed that day’s function.
First, the meeting began with an M.Com student named Ramakrishna, who works for the Central Trust. He welcomed Bhagavan Baba, the devotees and the main participants of the event. Who were the chief participants? Some elders: One was Sri P. Rama Mohana Rao, Chairman of Prashanti Nilayam Township. The second distinguished guest was N. Charanjivi Rao. And the third guest of honour was Sri K. Charkravarthi, the Secretary of the Central Trust. These three represented the Central Trust -- elderly persons, experienced, distinguished personalities, who have grown with the Trust. The other participants were former students at the University, who are now working for the Central Trust.
