Pennywise Head Dies At 73

Pennywise Head Dies At 73
By RHONDOR DOWLAT Sunday, September 6 2009

LALL PALADEE, founder/Chairman of Pennywise Cosmetics Limited passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on Friday at his Sai Centre, two houses away from his Prescott Lane, Tunapuna home.

Paladee was described by many as the “Community Charity Guru” for he was popularly known for serving people and helping them by giving groceries, establishing medical camps, giving away new clothes, medicines and eye glasses as well as building homes for the destitute.

On Friday at about 7 am Paladee went to his nearby Sai Centre to perform his daily meditation and offering of prayers. He was sitting in the centre, which he built, when he died.

Paladee’s funeral will take place tomorrow at about 9.30 am at his home in Tunapuna and then to the Daaha Sanshaar at the Caroni Cremation Site. All the eight branches and one warehouse of Pennywise Cosmetics will be closed as a mark of respect.

Speaking with Sunday Newsday, one of Paladee’s son, Satnarine, who is one of the directors in the company, described his father as a loving individual. He assured that he and his siblings will continue to carry on his father’s legacy. “He was such a loving person, very strict but loved by all. He built a centre accommodating all religions and served the community. He was fondly called ‘Mister Service’. We love him and he will be missed.”

Paladee was a frequent visitor to India, having visited there about 20 times and given the fact that he was a very strong Sathya Sai Baba devotee, considered himself blessed when he met with Sathya Sai Baba on three occasions, including a private session.

Paladee was the husband of Shanti and father of six children – five boys and one girl. He was also the grandfather of 12.

Paladee was born to Kausilya and Shree Paladee on November 20, 1935. He attended the Tunapuna CM (now Presbyterian) School, where he gained the School Leaving Certificate at the age of 15. He immediately entered the world of work, his first job being with a business in Tunapuna where he earned 50 cents per day as a salesman, among other things.

After three and a half years he joined Louis Thomas as a van salesman engaged in wholesaling haberdashery lines. His stay, however, was short-lived because one day his keen business sense spotted an opportunity for self-employment and with Thomas’ blessings, he launched out on his own.

He was about 19 years old at the time when he ventured into the wholesale business selling haberdashery items including hair pins, clips, toothbrushes, etc.

Initially he walked the streets, taking an order from a shop keeper or store owner and then returning with the merchandise. In the beginning, because capital was very limited, he had to fill order by order and there were times when on Fridays, especially, he would travel several times to Port-of-Spain to turn over his capital and deliver orders.

From pounding the pavements he graduated to a bicycle, which he won in a raffle. He then bought a used Husky van, followed by an almost new Husky motorcar. Eventually he bought a new Hillman Hunter station wagon, TW series. Between the ages of 37 and 40 years, Paladee suffered three heart attacks, which forced him out of business and confined him to home for several years. His wife, Shanti played a significant role. Her earnings as a professional seamstress and income received from her sewing classes helped sustain her family during this difficult period.

The Chaguanas market provided the solid foundation upon which the present corporate business was established. From small, insignificant beginnings the wholesale/retail business founded by Lall Paladee became LPS Trading, then Lall Paladee and Sons Trading as Pennywise Cosmetics and in 1996 the business was incorporated as Pennywise Cosmetics Limited.

The first branch was opened in Arima around 1984 followed by Trincity Mall, Tunapuna, Chaguanas, San Fernando, Grand Bazaar in 1996 and Port-of-Spain in 1998.

NewsDay Reference

Sathya Sai Organisation Of Australia In Fiji

Sathya Sai Organisation Of Australia In Fiji

Free checks draw crowd
By Mereseini Marau
Saturday, August 22, 2009

A TEAM of 32 doctors and nurses provided free medical service to people of Navua and surrounding areas at the Lomary Catholic Primary School on Thursday.

The team includes six general practitioners, four nurses, three dentists, one dental processor, two eye specialists, three pharmacists and two gynaecologists. They are members of Sathya Sai Organisation of Australia — a non-governmental organisation.

Team leader Dr Gunu Naker said they saw more than 3000 people at Tavua, Ba, Sigatoka and Navua.

“Many people come for eye check, blood pressure, heart check and skin rash,” Dr Naker said.

“Some problems we had were people didn’t bring their medication and glasses, so we are unable to offer much advice whether they should continue with that medication or start with the ones we give,” he said.

The main aim of the group was to provide free medical service to people in rural areas, who would otherwise could not go to hospital because they can’t pay for transportation.

“We met the Ministry of Health and they informed us which areas needed medical attention and we visited them.”

Ranadi Rokosalu had a free check at Lomary.

“I am happy because some of us from the interior find it hard to go to Suva for expert advice.”

The team was in Nadi yesterday.

Fiji Times Online Reference
Official Sathya Sai Baba Website

Sai camp provides free care
22-Aug-2009 11:25 AM

MORE than five hundred people of Nadi took advantage of a free medical camp set up by medical professionals associated with the Satya Sai Organization in Australia.

Team leader Doctor Gunu Naker who is a general practitioner based in Australia is in the country with a team of more than twenty highly trained specialists and general practitioner doctors.

Doctor Naker told Fiji Daily Post that the medical camp trip to Fiji which started last year is getting popular every year.

“Last year we were able to see over three thousand patients,” Doctor Naker said.

He said all medical services including specialist diagnosis given to patients were absolutely free.

“The Satya Sai Organization is not a religious but a spiritual organization and service to mankind is an absolute priority,” Doctor Naker said.

He said the medical wing of the SSO in Australia has a team of thirty medical professionals and there is a sister team based in New Zealand as well. “Our Kiwi counterparts have been coming over here for the past four years now and they mostly concentrate in Vanua Levu but they have spent two days in Viti Levu during their last visit as well,” Doctor Naker said.

He said the free medical camp this year had taken place following a medical conference which was held at Dr. Umanand Prasad Medical School based at the University of Fiji. “We were very fortunate to have had the company of the Honourable Minister for Health Dr. Neel Sharma in the conference as well.”

He said the medical conference was well attended by the medical fraternity and is gaining momentum each year.

“The conference and free medical camp will now be an ongoing thing because it was very important to have a good medical facility so that everyone benefits in the end.”

“Students from the school have been joining us as well ever since we started last year and it is nice to have them amongst us as they get to learn a lot from their experiences,” Doctor Naker said.

He also thanked the management and staff of Andrews Primary School for providing the venue for yesterday’s medical camp.

By SHALENDRA PRASAD

Fiji Daily Post Reference
Official Sathya Sai Baba Website

A True Offering To Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya Sai Baba

A True Offering To Sathya Sai Baba

A few years ago at the time when preparations were being made to begin the construction of the Super Speciality Hospital, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba seemingly had less time to devote to the students. Day and night He was busy with matters relating to the new hospital. Every evening immediately after darshan Bhagawan would call a group of doctors for an interview and He would discuss with them matters relating to the new hospital, even the most minute details, as this was to be a model hospital. Bhagawan would come out of the interview room only after the evening bhajans had commenced and thus the students did not have much of an opportunity to interact with Bhagawan during this period. Previously after the evening interview Bhagawan would come out and speak to the students and guide them, but this wasn’t possible at that time as Bhagawan was extremely busy. There was one very young student of Bhagawan who could no longer bear the pangs of separation from his mother Sai. He wrote a letter to Bhagawan one day and took it during evening darshan but unfortunately he was sitting a few rows back. When Bhagawan came to his side this boy got up and offered his letter to Bhagawan. Bhagawan stopped, leaned over and made a special effort to take this young boy’s letter.

To say the least this boy was ecstatic. Then the darshan continued and as usual Bhagawan called a group of doctors for an interview. All the students were depressed as they felt they had been deprived of the love of their mother Sai yet another day. Then, after about five minutes, to everyone’s utter amazement, the interview room door flew open and Bhagawan emerged in all His glory holding a small letter in His hand, the letter of the young boy. Bhagawan called that young boy to come near and asked him, “Boy, should I read aloud what you have written to me in this letter, so that everyone may listen.” The innocent boy replied. “Whatever you think or wish, Bhagawan” Bhagawan himself read the letter aloud so that all could hear. The letter was as follows:

Dear Bhagawan,

You have given so much to me and to every one here. You have provided free education for me and all my brothers and now I hear that you are constructing a BIG Hospital that will provide the most modern health care facilities to every section of the society totally free of cost. Bhagawan! I also want to be a part of your glorious mission but I am just a small boy and I don’t know how I can contribute. Bhagawan, my parents are extremely poor but in spite of that they send me a little extra pocket money every month. I know it’s due to their love and concern for me.

Bhagawan! For the last three months I have not given my clothes to the dhobi. While all other boys were sleeping in the night I washed my clothes and thus I managed to save a little money. Bhagawan! I have also resisted the temptation of toffees, chocolates and all other things and thus managed to save a little money. Bhagawan! I offer this 100 rupee note to you. I feel ashamed and small to give you so little but even if this money can be used to buy a small brick for the foundation of the new hospital, I will be the happiest child in the world.

Your loving Son.

You know the twinkle in the eye of a mother when her son does something that makes her feel extremely proud. Well, that twinkle was there in Bhagawan’s eye. Holding the 100 rupee note in His hand, Bhagawan said to that young boy. “My dear son, this is not just 100 rupees, this note is worth millions and millions of rupees for Me.”

What do we learn from this? In God’s kingdom power, wealth, position and status are of no importance whatsoever. God only looks to see whether our heart is pure. For, had God looked at the magnitude of one’s sacrifice, would Lord Rama accept the jungle fruits from the hands of Sabari and relish them, would Lord Krishna accept the banana peels instead of the bananas from the hands of Vidura and feast on them and would Bhagawan leave aside a group of highly educated doctors in the interview room and come and spend the time with this young boy? God only searches for our love and devotion.

Just before the war Arjuna was full of doubt but after receiving the message of Lord Krishna all his doubts vanished, his delusion was removed, he regained his memory and he told LORD KRISHNA: “KARISHYE VACHANAM TAVA” “I will do as you tell me”. The same principle holds good for our sports meet as well. Bhagawan guides us, inspires us, and mentions to us how the sports meet should be conducted. From then onwards all the students, right from primary to P.G. level, spare no efforts in fulfilling Bhagawan’s wish, even if it means foregoing sleep, food and comfort. The students don’t mind at all. The work done is thus transformed into worship because in everyone’s mind there is only one thought and that is to please Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Reference

Sai’s Mission in Arkansas, USA: Harmony and Health for Poor People

Sathya Sai Baba Harmony

Sai’s Mission in Arkansas, USA: Harmony and Health for Poor People

Serendipity or any other logical explanations are totally illogical when we look back and remember the sequence of events, writes Dr. Sunny Anand from Arkansas referring to Bhagawan’s unseen hand that was operational in executing a service activity initiated in His name. How often we are aware and how often we acknowledge the Divine for such simple but obvious providence from the Greater Heaven that makes our mission moving. Read on the story of HARMONY, “Healing ARkansas’ MOst NeedY”, a humble ministry of Divine Love for humanity. Read on a narrative from Dr. Kanwaljeet Singh Anand of the U.S.

Dr.Kanwaljeet Singh Anand is a doctor of repute from the United States, Professor of Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Neurobiology. He did his doctoral degree from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, University of Indore, Indore and to a PhD from Jesus College, University of Oxford, UK. Currently Dr. Ananad is the Director, Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute Pain Neurobiology Laboratory.

On Sept. 5, 1957, the city of Little Rock, Arkansas became infamous as an example of racial violence and intolerance, communal strife and injustice, economic exploitation and inequality, when widespread riots erupted after the desegregation of Black and White Americans in government-funded public schools, in particular the Central High School. Governor Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent Black students from enrolling at Central High School, which was an all-White school, in direct defiance of the 1954 Supreme Court decision that made segregation in public schools illegal. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as the chief law enforcement officer of USA, knew he had to act boldly. He placed the Arkansas National Guard under federal control and sent 1,000 U.S. Army paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division to assist them in restoring law and order in Little Rock, Arkansas. Even after the election of President Bill Clinton from Arkansas in 1992, the city of Little Rock continued to carry the dirty mark on its reputation – as a center of racism, discrimination, and bigotry!

But the Divine Grace of our Beloved Sathya Sai Baba has manifested in a unique way to finally erase this black mark from the beautiful face of this city. Very few people may truly realize the far-reaching influence of our Beloved Swami’s Love in the lives of people all over the world. The current sequence of events was set in motion when Swami directed His instrument, Dato’ Jega Jegathesan to visit Little Rock in March 2006. In honor of his visit, the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Little Rock coordinated several local community groups and organizations to arrange a lecture and panel discussion at the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, inaugurated by the City Mayor Jim Dailey. To a hall packed with >400 people, Brother Jegathesan spoke about the “Role of Religion and Ethnicity in Building a Caring Community and the Nation”, and challenged everyone to join together in providing free health care to the poor and uninsured Arkansans.

Immediately after his visit, the Sathya Sai Baba Center invited medical volunteers from various groups to start working on a plan for providing free-of-charge medical care. A coordinator of the Arkansas Inter-Faith Alliance, Rev. Joyce Hardy, introduced this group to another group of volunteers who were inspired by the Volunteers in Medicine Institute (VIMI) based in Vermont, USA. Funds provided by the United Methodist Conference of Arkansas were utilized to cover the travel-related expenses of hosting a VIMI representative for a series of public forums on how to start a free clinic. Through the efforts of the Arkansas Inter-Faith Alliance these groups coalesced and started working together on this project from April, 2006.

On July 25, 2006, Central Arkansas Volunteers in Medicine Clinic (CAVIMC) was incorporated and decided to conduct its business as “Harmony Health Clinic”. This name is meant to represent the harmony and interconnectedness between a healthy mind, body, and spirit, as well as the diversity of individuals who founded the Clinic and those benefiting from its services. “Harmony” is also an acronym, inspired by Swami, which stands for “Healing Arkansas’ Most Needy”.

Swami’s Grace was evident from the very beginning of this project. Whenever any need arose, somehow the people or resources required to fulfill that need would appear. Serendipity or coincidence or other “logical” explanations are totally illogical when we look back and remember the sequence of events. There can be no other explanation but the constant, direct, moment-to-moment divine interventions that made this project possible, or made it progress at warp speed. Bureaucratic delays disappeared!!! Certification of tax-free status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which normally takes 6-8 months minimum, was obtained in 6-8 weeks (in June 2007). Somehow, miraculously, a detailed Business Plan was prepared by July 2007, a fundraising campaign was completed in September 2007 with 100% participation from all Board Members, and an interactive website) was launched in October 2007!!! By November 2007, we had located a site for the clinic and our proposal was approved unanimously by the Board Members of the Little Rock Housing Authority (LRHA).

When Dato’ Jegathesan returned to Little Rock, he was amazed to see the progress!! He spoke at an Open House for Volunteers on March 6th that was inaugurated by Arkansas’ Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and Congressman Dr. Victor Snyder. After this function, were confident that the clinic could be opened by early summer, but then Bhagawan showed us who is in charge. Legal problems struck and the lease for the property was delayed further and further!! Month after month passed without any resolution of the legal battles…. Finally, when all the volunteers gave up and surrendered their efforts to His Grace, everything fell into place and a rent-free lease for the clinic facility was signed on July 2nd 2008.

Later, in hindsight, we all realize how this delay had been a GREAT BLESSING in disguise. A hailstorm occurred in May, which revealed major damage to the roof and multiple water leaks, such that the Housing Authority was forced to repair the roof at their cost. Another “accident” occurred when a construction crew was digging behind the property and damaged the water pipe leading to the office building. At that time, we discovered that a ½ inch water pipe was adequate for an office building, but was grossly insufficient for the clinic’s needs. Again the Housing Authority agreed to replace the entire water supply with a 1 inch pipe!!! Not even in our dreams could we have thought about needing a larger pipe for the water supply!!!

As soon as Young Adults from the Sai Organization heard about the news of this clinic, they wanted to come and serve! Despite having a heavy workload, they would drive to Little Rock from far off places like Memphis, Nashville (in Tennessee), Huntsville (in Alabama), and other places to join with the local YA’s and perform this seva of love. These youth spent their entire weekends working hard from morning till night…. they were completely immersed in sharing their Love for Swami, singing bhajans, chanting mantras, cheerfully cooperating and helping each other, while accomplishing a HUGE amount of work!! Tasks in the pre-lunch session included cleaning the parking lot from mud and dry leaves, moving the lawn, killing the weeds, painting lines in the parking lot, painting the curbside, outer walls of the building and outside stairs. Two or three people were constantly working to pressure wash the entire building, outside stairs, metal ceilings of the entrance, and the 200 ft handicapped ramp. Another team worked inside the building to strip the wallpaper, masking tape all handle bars and edges, got rid of all nails, filled the holes with plaster and then scraped it with fine sand paper. At this stage, all the youth joined in a spiritual graffiti competition!!

They drew holy symbols and wrote Sai quotations so that when the walls were painted, these messages would be permanently embedded in the structure and continue emanating powerful spiritual vibrations. Painting of the walls was done with two layers of primer and then a final coat of colored paint, using the Parthi theme colors with light blue, pink, white and yellow for the outside and inside walls. By the end of each day, with tired muscles aching with pain, all volunteers shared stories of Divine Grace, laughed a lot at the antics of our Sai Krishna, or simply sat back quietly grateful for His Presence in our lives.

Miraculous events have continued to happen. Just when we thought that opening a free-of-cost Pharmacy may be too expensive, the Attorney-General of Arkansas called us and gave us an unsolicited cheque of $45,497.20!!! Just when we were thinking about where to get furniture and equipment for the clinic, a physician who had closed down her medical practice called and said she wants to donate all her clinic equipment and furniture!!! Just when we needed to send out a fundraising email to 2000 potential donors, an IT professional showed up with a software program written exactly for that purpose!!! The number of times that our Beloved Swami has come through with His Divine Intervention JUST AT THE RIGHT TIME cannot be counted. His Presence is felt by all who come to participate in this activity. At the same time, a powerful message of Unity goes out into the local community, because we have Sai devotees working with Baptists, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews and other faiths; people speaking English, Spanish, Hindi, or Chinese – all amalgamated into the language of Love; people from rich or poor classes, with black, brown, or white skin, with different professions and disciplines – all working towards One Goal.

At this time the facility is almost ready. The Harmony Health Clinic will offer Primary Medical Care, Dental Care, Pharmacy services, Diagnostic services, Referral services, and Health Education to all those who cannot afford health insurance or get it from the government. We are scheduled to open the clinic on December 4th, 2008. No big fanfare, no inauguration ceremony, no attention-seeking event is planned; we will just say a brief prayer and open our doors to start this humble ministry of LOVE. We know that SWAMI will be there to treat and be treated, to serve and to receive, to cry and to wipe away the tears, to share and to care in every possible way, because He is in ALL and He indeed is all.

Reference

Mawar Presents Deepavali Goodies To The Needy

Mawar Presents Deepavali Goodies To The Needy

JOHOR BARU: Donations given to D. Mariyee put a smile on her face as she was touched for not been forgotten by society.

The 73-year-old was among 37 poor people who received Deepavali goodies from Majlis Wanita Johor (Mawar) at a ceremony in the Sathya Sai Baba Centre here on Friday.

The mother of four, who received items like festive cookies, tit-bits and cash, said, since her husband’s death 23 years ago, she had been working hard to provide for her family.

“I have been unable to work after falling and injuring myself three years ago. I rely on my daughter-in-law and donations to help me get by,” she said.

Mariyee said she was forced to stay with her daughter-in-law after floods washed away her house last year.

“I am thankful for the aid given by Mawar. I believe it will add to the festive cheer in our house,” said the single mother.

In gratitude: Mariyee receiving the festive goodies from Safiah while the Sathya Sai Baba Centre’s state coordinator Govindan Karuppiah (right) looks on at the event in Johor Baru recently.

Another recipient, retiree T.S. Pakirisamy, said it was the first time he had received such help.

“My wife is a stroke victim and has been paralysed for 10 years. I hope the goodies can help lift spirits in our house,” said the 76-year-old.

Meanwhile, single mother M. Kalarani, 44, said she worked as a cleaner to support herself and six children.

“My husband passed away two years ago and I am the sole breadwinner for the family. I am grateful that Mawar is lending a helping hand as I do not earn much as cleaner and don’t have extra money for the Deepavali celebration,” she said.

Mawar Welfare Bureau chairman Datin Safiah Aris, who presented the goodies to the families, said she was pleased to see the smiles on the recipients’ faces.

She represented Sultanah of Johor Sultanah Zanariah Tunku Ahmad at the event.

Reference

Sathya Sai Baba Impresses Politicians Too

Sathya Sai Premaswaroopa

Sathya Sai Baba Impresses Politicians Too
13 Sep 2008, 0620 hrs IST,TNN

BANGALORE: A simple class trip to Premajyoti – a photo exhibition hosted jointly by Sri Sathya Sai Seva organizations – has changed the perspectives of students and politicians as well.

“I didn’t know so many people don’t get drinking water! Where is Anantapur?” asked Chetana of New Baldwin School during the trip on Friday to Palace Grounds, the exhibition venue. She said she was fascinated by Sathya Sai Baba.

Knowing the healing powers of Sai Baba and his ability to solve problems, politicians also turned up in hordes. A staunch follower of Sai Baba for 22 years, surface transport minister K H Muniappa inaugurated the exhibition . The Baba has blessed him with vibhuthi prasad and navaratna rings over the years.

Minister of primary and secondary education, Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, said he was impressed by the ‘Sai Educare’ programme , which focuses on moral and value-based education.

The 10-day exhibition is split into seven segments. Around 180 panels and 10 backlit boards showing rare moods of Sai Baba from the 1940s are displayed. Childhood photographs and others detailing Baba’s journey across India and to East Africa in 1968, his only trip abroad till date, are also displayed.

The photos include those from various schemes such as gram seva, feeding the poor and water development projects in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Chennai.

Sanathana Sarathi, the inhouse journal of the mother organization , has set up book stalls, among others, to mark its 50th anniversary. The proceeds will be used for the group’s welfare schemes.

The exhibition is likely to be held at two other places in Karnataka . Entry is free and is open from 10 am to 8 pm. September 21 is the last day.

Reference

Sathya Sai Baba Inspires – Healing Touch to Needy Patients

Bala Sathya Sai Baba

Healing Touch to Needy Patients
Posted on: Tuesday, 12 August 2008, 00:00 CDT
By B S MANU RAO

Come Sunday, it will be a ray of hope for the needy patients at the government primary school at Kadugodi in Whitefield. Over 2,000 patients will converge on the school grounds where a medical camp is being organized by the alumni of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. It is a monthly event here for over 12 years. The camp has a team of doctors, a makeshift laboratory and a pharmacy . The treatment and medicines are distributed free of cost along with a mid-day meal.

“Inspired by Sri Sathya Sai Baba‘s teachings, this initiative was the brainchild of two former students – Dr B Raghavendra Prasad and Swagath Routray – who came up with the idea while waiting for a bus in 1995. We wanted to do something that would make a difference to society, and they came up with this idea”, recalls N V Shankar, an alumni actively involved with the camp since its inception. “Pretty soon a handful of like-minded alumni who shared this passion came together to launch the camp”, he smiles.

In the beginning, some boys went around distributing medicines free of cost in villages, with a doctor in tow. Today, it is an institution that is a beacon of hope to thousands from as far away as 75 km. Many with conditions such as diabetes and asthma depend entirely on this camp for sustenance. For those who need constant medication, medicines are given to last until the next month’s camp.

These camps are equally popular for their competence. Many doctors who come here are well-known and patients too come here seeking quality health care. There is a significant number of patients coming from districts around the city just to seek treatment from these doctors . Some even arrive the previous night and wait.

There is more to these camps than the medical treatment. “It gives us immense satisfaction to see the solace and relief on the faces of these needy patients. It makes us happy to put into practice what we’ve learnt at college, and we feel a sense of redemption for the free education we got. It is a great way to spend a Sunday”, says Dr B Raghavendra Prasad.

“These camps save bread-winners . This in turn saves the families from poverty. This is the larger ramification of our camps, and India needs many more such initiatives”, says Dr Sarath Kumar, another alumni member .

“Over two lakh patients have been treated at these camps over the last 12 years. We were delighted to watch tears of agony change into tears of joy. It has inspired us to do more”, says another member D Anil Kumar.

Former students of the Sai educational institutions at Muddenahalli, near the city, and Alike, near Mangalore, too have joined the effort . The sustained efforts of the alumni have inspired the local youth to volunteer. “At the end of the day, we hope more groups take the lead and start such camps. There are millions out there who need it”, says Dr S T Nityananda.

MEDICAL CAMP
Held every month at govt school in Kadugodi
Free treatment, medicines, mid-day meals
Over 2 lakh patients treated over last 12 years
Reference

Sathya Sai Devotees Treat Beggars Daily

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya Sai Devotees Treat Beggars Daily
10 Aug 2008, 0536 hrs IST, S Girijashankar,TNN

CHIKMAGALUR: Beggars are a nuisance anywhere. They are there at the doorstep of your house and at shops and on the street. But here is one group which sees the other side of the coin and views the issue differently.

A group of seven or eight devotees of Sathya Sai Baba provide food daily to nearly 22 physically-challenged beggars . Vasu, who supplies food every day to these beggars, said they were inspired by Krishnappa , who used to work in a cooperative. One day, when discussing the issue of beggars, Krishnappa said that instead of talking one should find ways to help them. But it should not encourage the ablebodied among them to stop earning their bread.

They first started identifying the beggars who were aged or completely disabled. Thereafter, they purchased a few loaves of bread and began distributing them once a week. This was just the start.

But eight years ago, when more persons joined them, they decided to feed the beggars daily with food from their homes. Now there are over 30 households that prepare food for nearly 22 beggars every day. This group of seven or eight youths collects the food, puts it into packets and distributes them in the evening.

Muddegowda , one of the beneficiaries, said: “I am not an orphan, but this gangrene in my leg pushed me to this situation. I was forced to leave my house and in utter frustration, I wanted to commit suicide. But the Sai devotees helped me and instilled confidence in me to live up to this day.”

Similar are the tales of other beggars, such as the aged Lakshmamma, Perumal, Hajabba and Rangamma. But today, they are able to have one tasty, sumptuous meal a day. The Sai devotees sometimes even provide medical care.

The food prepared in these households varies. If one day it is rice and sambar, another day it is chapati, idlis or rice bath. Housewives who cook the food for the beggars, do not consider it a burden and do it all with love.

Vasu said the beggars look up to them as God in human form. “But we feel they are God, because Swamy (Sathya Sai Baba) has preached that ‘Daridra devo Bhava’ (the poor are God). Since eight years, we are doing this service and no housewife has complained,” he adds with pride.

Reference