| Announcements for Sunday 18 December 2022 1. Hope you all enjoyed the wonderful Nativity play and Christmas Carols by our very young SSE children. 2. Only one announcement today – Soar Valley College is closed next two weeks, so we will have our Sunday bhajans at Sanathan Mandir, Weymouth Street, at our normal time. Dates are Sunday 25 December & Sunday 1 January. PLEASE STAY BEHIND AND JOIN US FOR HOT DRINKS & MINCE PIES IN THE CANTEEN. 3. Thought for the Week – by Sai-Krishna Thakrar |
| Announcements for Sunday 11 December 2022 1. Food Parcels – Thank you to everyone who donated and helping out last Sunday with the food parcels. The food parcels were delivered to TEECH charity last Sunday and they will be on their way to Moldova on Boxing Day. Rob, who manages the delivery of the parcels to Moldova, has offered to come to our Centre in the new year and give a talk on his experiences. 2. On Thursday 15 December, there is a special Christmas Nativity Play programme at Narborough Centre, from 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend so please join in. 3. Our Centre’s Christmas programme will be on next Sunday (18 December). Programme will include special guest speaker Pastor Graham Thomas. We will also have SSE performing a short play and sing Christmas Carols, and we may even have Father Christmas, so please join in everyone and join us for some mince pies & hot refreshments after the programme. 4. Thought for the Week – by Krishna Karnad |
| Announcements for Sunday 4 December 2022 1. Food Parcels – Thank you to everyone who’s donated so much food items to send to Moldova. Today after bhajans, we will sort & pack the food items into food parcels, here in this hall. We are planning to make over 100 food parcels. Everyone is welcome to help with the sorting/packing, so please stay after bhajans if you wish to get involved in the sorting/packing. 2. Our study circle will be on next Sunday – please join in the discussions. Jaybhai please say a few words on the topic. 3. Our Centre’s Christmas programme will be on Sunday 18 December. Programme will include special guest speaker Pastor Graham Thomas. We will also have SSE performing a short play and sing Christmas Carols, and we may even have Father Christmas, so please join in everyone. 4. National Christmas celebration programme is on next Saturday 10 December. You have to register if you wish attend – please see any of the Centre coordinator if you need help with registering. 5. On Thursday 15 December, there is a special Christmas Nativity Play programme at Narborough Centre, from 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend so please join in. |
| Announcements for Sunday 27 November 2022 1. Swami’s 97th Birthday is on Wednesday – excellent programme, good talk by Brother Prusty, lovely bhajans and a very good birthday cake for Swami!! 2. Food Parcels – Thank you to everyone who’s donated so much food items to send to Moldova. Next Sunday is last day to bring items. Also, next Sunday, after bhajans, we will be packing the food parcels here in this hall. Everyone is welcome to help with the packing, so please stay after bhajans next Sunday if you wish to get involved in the packing. We are also collecting good quality clothes – children & adults clothes – so please bring them as well. 3. Our next study circle will be on Sunday 11 December – Jaybhai please say a few words on the topic. 4. National birthday celebration programme is on Saturday 10 December . You have to register if you wish attend – please see any of the Centre coordinator if you need help with registering. 5. Our Centre’s Christmas programme will be on Sunday 18 December – we will provide more details next week. |
| Announcements for Sunday 20 November 2022 1. Swami’s 97th Birthday is on Wednesday next week, and the birthday celebrations start at 6:00 am, with Paduka Puja at East West Community Centre, ……and then in the evening here at Soar Valley College from 7:30 pm. Programme includes 108 names chanting, Bhajans, Message from Brother Bishu Prusty (Former Sai Student SSSIHL) & Birthday Cake cutting Everyone is welcome to join in, and please pass on this message to all your family & friends. 2. Food Parcels – Just a reminder that we are still collecting food items & clothes until Sunday 4 December. And on that Sunday, will be packing the food parcels here after bhajans. Everyone is welcome to join in & help out. Please let Jagdishbhai or Savitaben if you would like to help or you need more information. 3. There is a Service Wing meeting immediately after bhajans today, so please stay behind when we will be discussing events coming up – Swami’s birthday, Christmas Party for the elderly on 17 December & Christmas programme here on Sunday 18 December. |
| Announcements for Sunday 6 November 2022 1. Akhand Bhajans are at Ram Mandir next Saturday & Sunday. Bhajans start at 12:30 pm on Saturday & finish at 12:30 pm on Sunday. We need help on both those days, from 8:00 on Saturday for setup, and also with preparing & serving refreshments. If you would like to help then please see Jagdishbhai, Savitaben or Hansaben. 2. Swami’s Birthday bhajans will be on Wednesday 23 November here at SVC. Programme will be from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. 3. Food Parcels – Just a reminder that we will be collecting food items for refugees in Moldova and for our local food bank until end of this month. Also, as part of this collection, we have been also been asked to donate new/used clothes, so please bring them if you have any. 4. Thought for the Week – by Vihaan Kika |
| Announcements for Sunday 30 October 2022 1. Study Circle today – just to summarise our discussions….. 2. National Birthday Celebration is on next Saturday (5 November) in London. Programme starts at 10 am to 4:30 pm. The theme for this year’s Birthday Programme is thus, ‘Why Fear When I am Here’. When the Lord of the universe reassures us, then what is there to fear? We haven’t received any names of devotees interested in going by coach, so we will not be booking a coach this time. 3. Akhand Bhajans this year will be on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 November at Ram Mandir. Programme starts on Saturday at 12:30 pm and finish on Sunday at 12:30 pm. 4. Swami’s Birthday bhajans on Wednesday 23 November will be here at SVC. Programme will be from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. 5. Food Parcels – Just a reminder that we will be collecting food items for refugees in Moldova and for our local food bank. Please take a leaflet from the information desk. Also, as part of this collection, we have been also been asked to donate new/used clothes as well, so please bring them if you have any. 6. Our centre meeting is on next Tuesday – 1 November at 7:30pm. It’s a Zoom meeting and everyone is welcome to join in the discussions. |
| Announcements for Sunday 23 October 2022 1. Wishing everyone a Very Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsha Abhinandan! May Swami bless you all with lots of love, peace, happiness and good health. 2. Study Circle next Sunday – please join in the discussions as we share Swami’s little gems in the form of letters written by Swami to his devotees. 3. National Birthday Celebration is on Saturday 5 November in London. Programme starts at 10 am to 4:30 pm. The theme for this year’s Birthday Programme is thus, ‘Why Fear When I am Here’. When the Lord of the universe reassures us, then what is there to fear? We are blessed to have Dr Shashank Shah as our guest speaker. Dr. Shah is blessed to be from a family of Sai devotees from 1965. We are looking at arranging a coach for Centre devotees, so please let us know if you would like to attend by giving your name at the Information Desk. 4. Akhand Bhajans this year will be on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 November at Ram Mandir. Programme starts on Saturday at 12:30 pm and finish on Sunday at 12:30 pm. 5. Swami’s Birthday bhajans on Wednesday 23 November will be here at SVC. Programme will be from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. 6. Food Parcels – This year we have an opportunity to donate food items for refugees in Moldova and for our local food bank. We have prepared list of items required – these are available at the information desk. We will be collecting items until end of November, and you can bring them here to SVC or we can arrange to pick them up from you home. As part of this collection, we have been also been asked to donate new/used clothes as well, so please bring them if you have any. 7. Please stay behind after these announcements as we have Service meeting where we will be discussing all the above programmes. |
| Announcements for Sunday 2 October 2022 1. Talk about last week’s programme. (Zainesh – can you please put a few slides with photos from the Centre’s WhatsApp Group, or any other suitable source. Happy to send you some if it helps – please let me know. Thank you.) Mugs – please collect a 50th Anniversary mug if you didn’t collect one on Sunday. There is one per for family at the Information Desk. 2. Next Tuesday, 4 October, we have our Centre meeting . It’s on Zoom and everyone is welcome to join in and be involved in the discussions about how our Centre is run. Meeting starts from 7:30 pm. 3. Message about joining Centre’s committee as a coordinator – “Would you be interested in supporting one of our wings in 2023? You might have a passion for teaching, singing, organising events or want to support the needy in our community. We’re looking to grow our team of coordinators and would love you to be part of the team. Please speak to me or any of our coordinators if you would like to find out more. Thank you. Vinod Patel, President, Sri Sathya Sai Centre of Leicester “ 4. Reading of the Shirdi Sai Satcharitra One of the most anticipated events from the centre calendar is the reading of the Shirdi Sai Satcharitra (lifestory and teachings of Shirdi Baba) to mark Shirdi Sai Baba’s birthday. This year, with the grace and compassion of Bhagawan Baba we will be performing the Palki Procession followed by reading of the Shirdi Sai Satcharitra. *Palki Procession* – _*Friday 7 October at 8.00pm* *Reading* – Saturday 8 October at 5.30am_* If you would like to take part in the reading or have any further questions then please email us at *info@nrsaicentre.org.uk * Let us all come together and read his glory and bathe in the bliss of his love. 🙏 5. Please stay behind after these announcements as we have garba to celebrate Navratri festival. 6. Thought for the Week – Aashika Anand |
| Announcements for Sunday 18 September 2022 1. Next Sunday, we have 50th Anniversary programme here at Soar Valley College. Programme starts with Nagar Sankirtan at 8:30. Please gather in the car park if you would like to join the procession, starting from the car park to here in the hall. And if anyone wants to find out more about the 50th anniversary programme, and see how they can be involved in the Service activities, please come & see any one of the coordinators who can provide more detailed information. 2. Thought for the Week – Shyla Patel |
| Announcements for Sunday 11 September 2022 1. A minute’s silence at the beginning was for the Queen. The Sri Sathya Sai Organisation United Kingdom offers our most heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Royal Family during this difficult time. During her reign over the last 70 years, Her Majesty the Queen, held Service very close to Her heart, a quality which as we know as one of the teachings of our Dearest Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. 2. Hope you enjoyed Sai Smaran Bhajans yesterday……………….. 3. Today after bhajans, we have Service Wing meeting. Please join in if you would like to find out more about how we can all be involved in our Centre’s 50th Birthday celebration. We will be also doing a practice run for Nagar Sankirtan so you can help us by joining with that. And if anyone wants to find out more about the 50th anniversary programme, please come & see any one of the coordinators who can provide more detailed information. 4. We celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi last week and we had talk by our SSE children (Naya & Sarah Tank) on the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi. It was such a wonderful talk that we have asked them to talk again this week, so more of us can have the opportunity to listen to the message – unfortunately last week we didn’t have the PA system so it was difficult for everyone to hear – so here is the talk again….. 5. Thought for the Week – Shivani Patel |
| Announcements for Sunday 4 September 2022 Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to everyone. (Say a few words about the talk by SSE children) 1. Welcome to SSE – new term starts today. 2. On next Saturday (10 September), we have National Sai Smaran bhajans here at Soar Valley College from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please join in you’re able to, and you can join in at anytime and stay as long as you wish. There will be refreshments available and maha prasadam at the end. 3. We have been announcing about our Centre’s 50th Anniversary programme recently and today we will give more details: Talk about the programme…………. Next Sunday, there is a Service Wing meeting where details of how we can all get involved will be discussed. The meeting will be immediately after bhajans so please join in. If you can’t join in then please let Jagdishbhai, Savitaben or Hansaben know if you’re available to help on the day. 4. Centre meeting is on Tuesday 6 September – on Zoom from 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join the meeting. 5. Thought for the Week – Vaidika Chauhan |
| Announcements for Sunday 28 August 2022 1. SE classes start next Sunday after the summer break, so we look forward to seeing gurus, children & parents next week. 2. On Saturday 10 September, we have National Sai Smaran bhajans here at Soar Valley College from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. 3. Finally on Sunday 25 September, we have our Centre’s 50th anniversary celebration. We will provide more details of the programme we have organised for that next Sunday. 4. Thought for the Week – Maya Tank |
| Announcements for Sunday 21 August 2022 1. On Saturday 10 September, we have National Sai Smaran bhajans here at Soar Valley College from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. 2. Immediately after the bhajans today, we have Service Wing meeting where we will discuss the Sai Smaran bhajans & also the next significant programme coming up later on in September – our Centre’s 50th anniversary celebration bhajans on 25th. Please stay behind and join in the discussions on we can all get involved with the celebration. 3. Thought for the Week – Krishna Gokani |
| Announcements for Sunday 14 August 2022 1. Vote of thanks to Sister Rani (& flowers) 2. Krishna Janmastami – we will celebrate Krishna Janmastami on Friday 19 August, here at Soar Valley College, from 7:30 pm. Please come & join us for this very auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. I’m delighted to confirm that we will have a speaker for our Janmashtami programme – sister Kishori Jani from ISKCON Leicester. Despite the short notice and her busy schedule she’s managed to fit this in as ISKCON will have their own programme in Leicester later that evening. Sister Kishori is an excellent speaker and very active YouTuber with her talks & chats 3. On Saturday 10 September, we have National Sai Smaran bhajans here at Soar Valley College from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please see Ashaben if you would like to sing on the day. We have to send a recording of your bhajans, by 19 August(next Friday!), to the National team who will then select the bhajans. 4. Thought for the Week – Bhakti Chauhan |
| Announcements for Sunday 7 August 2022 1. Next Sunday 14 August, we have a special speaker from India – Sister Rani Java. A wonderful opportunity to hear from one esteemed guest speaker sharing her experiences with Swami. Sister Rani was blessed to have countless physical encounters with Bhagwan as well as Mother Easwaramma. 2. Krishna Janmastami – we will celebrate Krishna Janmastami on Friday 19 August, here at Soar Valley College, from 7:30 pm. Please come & join us for this very auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. 3. On Saturday 10 September, we have National Sai Smaran bhajans here in Leicester – we are waiting for confirmation from SVC if we can hold them here. Please see Ashaben if you would like to sing on the day. We have to send a recording of your bhajans, by 22 August, to the National team who will then select the bhajans. 4. “Liquid Love” – Blood Donation – There is urgent need for blood donors to come forward. Anyone between 17 and 60 can donate blood. Also if you have been a regular donor up to age of 70, you can still give blood & save lives. Please see Jagdishbhai for more information. 5. And finally, today we want to thank Pravinbhai who has been a great friend to us for many years. Today is his last day and we want to show our appreciation for years of loving service to us. Let’s give Pravinbhai a round of applause. We have a small gift to show our appreciation and we also invite him to join us on Sundays (now he’s free on Sundays!) to join us for bhajans. Thank you Pravinbhai. 6. Thought for the Week – Devshree Patel |
| Announcements for Sunday 31 July 2022 1. Centre meeting on Tuesday 2 August – Zoom meeting everyone welcome to join to share your views on how our Centre is run. 2. On Sunday 14 August, we have a special speaker from India – Sister Rani Java. A wonderful opportunity to hear from one esteemed guest speaker sharing her experiences with Swami. Sister Rani was blessed to have countless physical encounters with Bhagwan as well as Mother Easwaramma. So that’s in two weeks’ time – on Sunday 14 August. 3. Krishna Janmastami – we will celebrate Krishna Janmastami on Friday 19 August, here at Soar Valley College, from 7:30 pm. Please come & join us for this very auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. 4. Couple of dates for September – on Saturday 10 September, we have National Sai Smaran bhajans here in Leicester – we are waiting for confirmation from SVC if we can hold them here. And secondly – on Sunday 25 September is a special programme to celebrate our Centre’s 50th anniversary. More details next week about both these programmes. 5. Thought for the Week – by Sara Tank |
| Announcements for Sunday 24 July 2022 1. Only one announcement today – We had our Global Service Day last Saturday, and after bhajans today, we have got our Service Wing meeting to review how it went & lessons learnt. Remember this event was the first one in over 3 years, so there were some difficulties we came across, and discuss how we overcame them and how we can do better next time. We will also discuss some forthcoming events in the next two months – Krishna Janmastami on Friday 19 August, ….and a very big event in September, when we will celebrate our Centre’s 50th Anniversary!! Please join in to find out more details and how we can all get involved with this very significant event for our Centre. |
| Announcements for Sunday 17 July 2022 1. Wearing of masks message – just a gentle reminder for those who weren’t able to come last week – we are taking extra precaution due to the significant increase in COVID infections & requesting everyone to wear masks whilst attending bhajans. 2. Global Service Day – was celebrated yesterday, here at Soar Valley College. First time in 3 years that we‘ve celebrated this event due to COVID restrictions. Everyone had a wonderful time and we’ll show photos from the event next week. 3. National Prayers for Universe Peace – Rudra Ekadashi. The Prayers for Universal Peace are taking place today at Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Birmingham on 17th July 2022, and continues until 4:00 pm. More details at the Information Desk, if you need help with registering for the event. 4. Thought for the Week by Diya Thakrar |
| Announcements for Sunday 10 July 2022 1. Wearing of masks message – You will be aware that the number of covid infections has recently increased significantly, and more worryingly so have hospital admissions. For this reason, and in the interest of everyone’s safety, we need to be vigilant. I would therefore encourage everyone to take the following steps when attending the centre: 1. *wear a face covering* 2. *maintain a distance (where possible)* 3. *sanitise your hands* 4. *stay at home if you are unwell* The only exceptions for not wearing a face covering should be if you are singing or you cannot do so for health reasons. I would also like to request singers to start using mic covers again. Let us all take a collective responsibility for the safety of those around us. 2. Two reminders of events next week end – Global Service Day –Our Global Service Day is on Saturday 16 July, here at Soar Valley College. National Prayers for Universe Peace – Rudra Ekadashi. The Prayers for Universal Peace will take place at the sacred premises of the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Birmingham on 17th July 2022. More details at the Information Desk, if you need help with registering for the event. 3. Thought for the Week by Arpita Gubba |
| Announcements for Sunday 3 July 2022 1. Our Study circle will take place next – please stay behind & join in the discussions on Swami’s Gems in the form of letters to Devotees. The topic for discussion is ” Life Without Goodness is not Real Life ” 2. SSE are holding their Sports Day in the field outside – it is open to anyone who wishes to join in the fun with our SSE children & the gurus. 3. Just two other announcements today –Global Service Day –Our Global Service Day is on Saturday 16 July, here at Soar Valley College. For this year’s event, we are looking for more volunteers –to help with providing refreshments, helping with set-up, volunteers for entertainment, looking after our guests, providing transport from their homes to SVC, etc. You don’t have to commit to the whole day and can come to help for just a few hours. Please see the Service coordinators if you would to help. 4. National Prayers for Universe Peace – Rudra Ekadashi. We offer the prayers at His Divine Lotus Feet with the sole desire of seeking universal peace and happiness to all beings. The Prayers for Universal Peace will take place at the sacred premises of the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Birmingham on 17th July 2022. Details for the event are as follows: Date: Sunday, 17 July 2022 Time: 08:30am – 16:30 pm Venue: Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Dudley Road East, Tividale, Birmingham B69 3DU More information at the Information Desk, if you need help with registering for the event. 5. Thought for the Week by Darshan Raju |
| Announcements for Sunday 26 June 2022 1. Global Service Day –Our Global Service Day is on Saturday 16 July, here at Soar Valley College. For this year’s event, we are looking for volunteers –to help with providing refreshments, helping with set-up, volunteers for entertainment, looking after our guests, providing transport from their homes to SVC, etc. You don’t have to commit to the whole day and can come to help for just a few hours. We have a meeting here immediately after these announcements, so please stay behind to find out more details about the event. 2. Meals on Wheels – as most of you are aware, we have been providing meals on wheels service every weekend for the last 40 plus years. This is one of our oldest sewa activities. We are currently preparing a new rota for the next 6 months, so if you would like to help with this activity, or find out more details, then please see Kusumben. 3. Our Study circle will take place next Sunday 3 July. The Spiritual Team will continue with their journey to share Swami’s Gems in the form of letters to Devotees – The topic for discussion is ” Life Without Goodness is not Real Life” We have received strong positive feedback from devotees who have thoroughly enjoyed previous sessions so please do join us next week for soul searching discussions. This will be our last session before the summer break and Study circle will return in Autumn 4. Thought for the Week by Saieshwari Raju |
| Announcements for Sunday 12 June 2022 1. Global Service Day – As we announced last Sunday, our Global Service Day is on Saturday 16 July, here at Soar Valley College. We are looking for volunteers to come & help us on the day – it’s a very rewarding experience for everyone involved, as the volunteers who have attended previously will testify. For this year’s event, we are looking for volunteers –to help with providing refreshments, helping with set-up, volunteers for entertainment, looking after our guests, providing transport from their homes to SVC, etc. You don’t have to commit to the whole day and can come to help for just a few hours. Please see Jagdishbhai, Savitaben, Jasuben or Hansaben for more details. 2. Face Masks – We feel now is the time to make wearing of face masks optional, and from today, wearing of face masks is at the discretion of the individuals. We will no longer have a supply of masks at the Information Desk anymore. Clearly we want everyone to be responsible and if they have any symptoms, or have tested positive, then they should not attend bhajans. 3. Aarti – We will keep a book at the Information Desk for devotees who wish to perform Aarti in the future for any special occasions. Please leave us your name & date when you wish to perform the aarti. 4. History of our Centre – This year we will be celebrating 50th Birthday of our Centre! We are planning a special celebration programme on Sunday 25 September here at Soar Valley College. We will provide more information over the coming weeks and we would like everyone to be involved in the celebration. Please see Rohitbhai if you would like to find out how you can get involved at this planning stage. 5. Thought for the Week by Vibha Ramachandran |
| Announcements for Sunday 5 June 2022 1. Global Service Day – we will be holding our Global Service Day on Saturday 16 July, here at Soar Valley College. We have a meeting immediately after the Vibhuti mantra, so please stay behind to find out how you can get involved with this event. Last time we had our Global Service Day was three years ago, when we went to Beacon Hill Country Park in July 2019!!! Those who came that day will remember fondly what a wonderful day that was! So please stay behind to find out more about this year’s event. 2. Centre meeting is on Tuesday 7 June – It is online, on Zoom from 7:30pm. Everyone is welcome to join in and have an input on discussions on how our Centre events are organised. 3. Thought for the Week by Vidya Jankee. |
| Announcements for Sunday 29 May 2022 1. The online streaming of our Sunday bhajans will cease after today. With Swami’s grace and the inspiration of our youths, we were able to offer online bhajans every week, throughout the COVID pandemic period, when we had to suspend our Sunday morning activities here at Soar Valley College. As things are returning to normality, we believe time is right to stop online bhajans. We would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to the youths for their hard work & dedication. 2. Thought for the Week by Zoe Morbey. |
| Announcements for Sunday 22 May 2022 1. Thank you all for participating in the study circle today. (Jaybhai/Vijayanbhai – please add some relevant comments on the study circle) 2. Gentle reminder – please register to receive our Centre newsletter & the National Love & Light newsletter. If you are having difficulty with the registration, then let us know at the information desk and we will help you to register. 3. Buddha Purnima was celebrated last week (on Monday 16 May) by Buddhists all over the world. Thought for the Day by Shreya Shah is based on teachings of Buddha. |
| Announcements for Sunday 15 May 2022 1. Hope you all enjoyed the wonderful programme by our Bal Vikas students. This was performed at the National Easwaramma Day celebration in London on 8 May. Well done to all the children for your wonderful efforts. 2. Next Sunday, we will be celebrating the festival of Buddha Purnima. 3. Also on next Sunday, we will have our Study circle session, when we will look to share a further Gem from Swami’s letters to Devotees. The theme of Swami’s message is ~Man is God”. Please do join us for this study circle. 4. Thought for the Week by Medha Jenakumaran – PLEASE NOTE THAT MEDHA IS GOING TO READ THIS LIVE BUT WE SHOULD SHOW THE MESSAGE ON THE PROJECTION SCREEN. |
| Announcements for Sunday 17 April 2022 1. Happy Easter to everyone. Hope you all enjoyed the wonderful bhajans today & the ‘inspiring’(?) talk by Graham Thomas. Please stay behind for the Hot Cross buns in the canteen. 2. Next Sunday 24 April, there is special Aradhana Mahotsavam (Maha Samadhi) programme. This will be a regional programme, here at SVC, starting from our normal time of 8:45 and will finish at 12:00, followed by maha-prasadam in the canteen. Programme will have bhajans and a speaker. 3. Easwaramma Day celebration is on Saturday 7 May in London. Our SSE children will be performing in the programme and it will be lovely if devotees from our Centre go to support them and watch their performance ‘live’. This will also be an opportunity for our children, parents, teachers, young adults & devotees from across United Kingdom to express our heartfelt gratitude to our Divine Mother Easwaramma. We will be arranging transport from here, so please let us have your name if you wish to attend. We need to gather this information quickly so we can book the coach, so please let us know if you wish to join us. 4. National Poster Competition 2022 Bal Vikas (SSE) children from around the country were inspired to send in their entries for the annual competition, this time on the theme ‘Sacrifice – the Highest Virtue’. We are so proud to announce that Meghna Sunkara from our Centre won the competition!! And Sowmiya Vijayan, also from our Centre, got second place!! This is Meghan’s winning poster (projected on the screen). Our congratulations go to Meghna and Sowmiya, and well done to all those other children who sent in their entries. We also say well done to the teachers who encouraged them, parents who supported them and of course all Bal Vikas children for their efforts!! Well done everyone. 5.Thought for the Week by Sai-Krishna |
| Announcements for Sunday 10 April 2022 1. Happy Ram Navami to everyone. Hope you all enjoyed the wonderful bhajans today & the talk by Avantikaben. Plus we also celebrated Vaisakhi, which is on Thursday 14 April – wonderful presentation by Bal Vikas on significance of Vaisakhi. 2. Next Sunday, we will celebrate Easter- Pastor Graham Thomas will be our special guest & speaker on that day. We will also be offering hot cross buns & drinks so please join us in the canteen after bhajans. 3. On Sunday 24 April, we will have special Aradhana Mahotsavam (Maha Samadhi) programme. This will be a regional programme, here at SVC, starting from our normal time of 8:45 and will finish at 12:00, followed by maha-prasadam in the canteen. Programme will have bhajans and a speaker. 4. Easwaramma Day celebration is on Saturday 7 May in London. This is a national programme, in London. Our SSE children will be performing in the programme and it will be lovely if devotees from our Centre go to support them and watch their performance ‘live’. This will also be an opportunity for our children, parents, teachers, young adults & devotees from across United Kingdom to express our heartfelt gratitude to our Divine Mother Sai. We will be arranging transport from here, so please let us have your name if you wish to attend. 5. Thought for the Day by Sai-Isha – Bal Vikas student. |
| Announcements for Sunday 3 April 2022 1. Collections for Ukraine, Children in Need & Homeless – thank you to everyone who’s donated items for these worthy causes. We will be delivering the items next week so today is the last day for collections. 2. Ram Navami– we will be celebrating Ram Navami – birth of Lord Ram – next Sunday 10 April. Significance of this festival is that it indicates the victory of good over evil and establishment of dharma. We will have special Ram bhajans & a speaker to explain more about significance of Ram Navami festival. 3. Easter Sunday is on 17 April and Pastor Graham Thomas will be our special guest & speaker on that day. We will also be offering hot cross buns & drinks so please join us in the canteen after bhajans. 4. Easwaramma Day celebration is on Saturday 7 May in London. We will provide more information next week. 5. Centre meeting is on Tuesday 5 April – online on Zoom, from 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join in the discussions. Thought for the Day by Alicia – Bal Vikas student |
| Announcements for Sunday 27 March 2022 1. Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers. Hope you all have a lovely day. More details of what we have planned for everyone in a minute. 2. Collections for Ukraine refugees– please continue to bring the items here on Sunday for the next 3 weeks, and for Children in Need & Homeless until next Sunday. 3. In view of the current unrest, whilst continuing the daily 9@9 prayers, we are also planning National Prayers for world peace on *Saturday 2nd April from 4.00 – 6.00 pm* Please join us in chanting the Lord’s Name in unison. The programme will consist of collective Gayathri and Sai Gayathri chanting, Multi Faith Prayers and a Divine Discourse. You can participate online through the National website or the National YouTube channel, the details of which are on the attached flyer. 4. And now – Mother’s Day programme……..………Miraben/Sujathaben – can you please provide some details of what’s planned for the devotees, apart from the tea & biscuits!!! Thank you. 5. Thought for the Day by Radhika – Bal Vikas student. |
| Announcements for Sunday 20 March 2022 1. Collection for Ukraine refugees – please continue to bring the items here on Sunday for the next 3 weeks. We will then assess the need for more items when the situation of exact requirements should be more clearer. List of items required are mainly medications & toiletries, plus socks & underwear. Please see Jagdishbhai for more info. 2. SSE collections – last week, there were also presentations from two of our SSE children from Group 3. They have special projects to collect care packages for the homeless in Leicester, and collecting for Easter hampers for children in need. Please pass on any items for these two very worthy causes to SSE gurus. 3. Study circle today Our study circle session is today, & we will continue with this immediately after aarti, so please stay behind to join in the discussions. 4. Next Sunday is Mother’s Day programme and we will have a special programme on this day to celebrate honouring the mothers. We are planning to have tea & biscuits for all devotees after bhajans, so please come & join us. Thought for the Day by Diya Thakrar – Bal Vikas student |
| Announcements for Sunday 13 March 2022 1. The horrific situation in Ukraine, where thousands of innocent people have lost their lives and many more women and children have had to leave their homes to neighbouring countries for shelter in utter chaos. With Swami’s grace we have another wonderful opportunity to serve. We have been in touch with the local Leicester Ukrainian Community Centre. Please help with any of the items listed below. We truly appreciate your support. Thank you 😊 Medical: First Aid kits. Painkillers. Antiseptic gel, cream and wipes. Calpol for Children. Basics: Boys briefs S/ M. Girls underwear 5 – 9years old. Mens briefs M / L. Ladies underwear sizes 8 – 10 and 12- 14 . Socks for Boys & Girls. Men 6 – 11. Ladies 5 – 8 . Toiletries: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes. Wet wipes. Shower Gels. Shampoo. Sanitary Pads. Nappies all sizes. DROP OFF POINTS for the items: Every Sunday Morning at Soar Valley College, Hemantbhai, Bipinbhai, Jagdishbhai/Savitaben & Hansaben Popat. 2. Study circle on next Sunday 20 March Our study circle sessions led by Vijayanbhai and Jaybhai will restart from next Sunday straight after the bhajans They will continue with sharing Gems from Swami’s letters written to devotees decades ago The spotlight next week is on subject – ” Truth Alone is One’s Real Friend and Relative “ These sessions will be short and sweet as they focus on one letter at a time So please do stay behind after our bhajans next week and participate in the interactive discussion 3. Mother’s Day programme is on Sunday 27th March and we will have a special programme on this day to celebrate honouring the mother of the family. 4. Thought for the Day by Sathya Gadhia – Bal Vikas student. |
| Announcements for Sunday 6 March 2022 1. Welcome to our live bhajans here at Soar Valley College. As you know, we have continued with some of the precautions for the time being. We will review this over the next few weeks & change them as appropriate. At all times, we have to make sure that everyone is safe when they attend bhajans here, so will take care in how we approach this. Thank you all for your understanding and please speak to any of our Centre coordinators if you have any concerns at all. 2. Bal Vikas/SSE Classes are also starting face to face classes from today. Welcome to all children, gurus & the parents. 3. Maha Shivratri programme on last Tuesday was a wonderful programme, with lovely bhajans & prayers, and good vibrations. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped to make a very special evening. 4. Our Centre meeting is on Tuesday 8 march, from 7:30 onwards. Everyone is welcome to attend (it’s a Zoom meeting) and have your say in how our Centre events are planned. 5. Ukraine – We are currently witnessing the most horrific war in Ukraine where thousands of innocent people have lost their lives and many more women and children have had to leave their homes to neighbouring countries for shelter in utter chaos As Sai devotees we understand the value of prayers from the heart Therefore at this difficult times let us all join individually in our own sadhana and pray for the well being of Ukraine and it’s people and pray for those affected by this war I urge you to join in prayers individually in your own homes by chanting 9 Gayatri mantras during the day, or 3 Samastha Lokhas 3 times a day – morning afternoon and evening Let us not underestimate the power of our prayers As Swami says we are all one and therefore let us all pray for our brothers and sisters and their families who are in great turmoil 6. Thought for the Day by Anushka Pancholi – Bal Vikas student. |
| Announcements for Sunday 27 February 2022 1. Return to SVC –We can now confirm that we are starting face to face bhajans at Soar Valley College from next Sunday, 6th March, starting at 8:45 am. We will continue with the COVID guidelines from the last time we were at Soar Valley College – recommend everyone wears a mask, sanitise their hands when they enter the hall, maintain social distancing, seating on chairs apart from the bhajan singers & instrumentalists, separate entrances for ladies & gents into the hall. This time, we will not be registering everyone who attends the bhajans – we feel this is not necessary anymore. We look forward to welcoming everyone at Soar Valley College from next Sunday, 6th March. 2. Bal Vikas/SSE Classes will also start face to face classes from next Sunday, 6th March. Information has been provided to all parents but please contact us if you have any questions. 3. Maha Shivratri is on Tuesday, 1st March – We will celebrate Maha Shivratri at Soar Valley College, with the programme starting at 7:30 pm and finish at 9:00 pm. Please come & join us to celebrate this auspicious festival with a special programme of bhajans. As above, we will follow the same COVID guidelines for this programme at Soar Valley College. 4. Thought for the Day by Sai-Krishna Thakrar– Bal Vikas student. |
| Announcements for Sunday 20 February 2022 1. Return to SVC –We can now confirm that we are starting face to face bhajans at Soar Valley College from Sunday 6 March. We are currently reviewing what guidelines we will have in place when we return, but our initial thoughts are that we will continue with similar guidelines to last time, one notable exception will be that we will not be registering everyone who attends the bhajans. Next Sunday we will provide more details and we look forward to seeing everyone at Soar Valley College from Sunday 6 March. In the meantime, we will continue with the online virtual programme on YouTube. 2. Bal Vikas/SSE Classes will also start face to face classes from Sunday 6 March. We will provide more details next Sunday. 3. Maha Shivratri on Tuesday 1 March – We will celebrate Maha Shivratri at Soar Valley College, starting at 7:30 pm and finish at 9:00. Please come & join us to celebrate this auspicious festival with a special programme of bhajans. 4. Collection for Syrian orphans – Thank you to everyone who donated the gifts for the orphans in Syria. The packs have now been handed over to the National team, and they will make arrangements to deliver the gift bags to Syria. 5. Thought for the Day by Shruti Puthucode– Bal Vikas student. |
| Announcements for Sunday 6 February 2022 1. Return to SVC – Following our Centre meeting, we have agreed to return to live bhajans from Sunday 6 March. We are waiting for Soar Valley College to confirm that we can return and as soon as that is confirmed we will let everyone know. 2. Bal Vikas/SSE Classes – we also plan to start face to face classes from Sunday 6 March. We will provide more details as soon as we have finalised the details. 3. Maha Shivratri on Tuesday 1 March – we are planning to hold this event at Soar Valley College in the evening. Again, we will confirm this once we get confirmation from Soar Valley College that we can use the hall. 4. Collection for Syrian orphans – On the 97th year of our Dearest Bhagawan’s Advent, we as an organisation, have been given a wonderful opportunity to serve vulnerable orphans in Syria. Wars in recent years have left an indelible mark on the nation, thus creating with it poverty, deprivation, and suffering for many families and children. As our Dearest Bhagawan says, “Spend the years of life, the wherewithal you earn or possess, in the service of others who are in distress. Love grows on such service. Service is the sincerest form of adoration of God. UK will offer 97 ‘Dignity Bags’ – bags containing basic everyday items, such as tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, socks, underwear, etc. If you would like to help with this project, please contact any Centre Coordinator for more details. Thought for the Day by Taran Furborough – Bal Vikas student. |
| Announcements for Sunday 30 January 2022 1. National Conference will be face to face/in person this year, on Saturday 19 February, at Bushey Arena just north of London. The conference includes Inspiring talks, Workshops, Musical Programme & Interactive sessions. Conference is open to all Office Bearers & Active Workers. Please register online by 5 February if you wish to attend. 2. Return to SVC – Following government’s announcement to lift most of the COVID restrictions in this country, we have started reviewing returning to Soar Valley College for live bhajans. We will continue to review the situation carefully over the next 2 weeks and make announcement once we have made a decision on when we can return. 3. Centre meeting – our next Centre meeting is on Tuesday 1st February. This is will again be online Zoom meeting, starting at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join and get involved in the discussions on how the Centre events are planned and major decisions are made on running of our Centre. 4. Health & Well Being Webinar – Next session on this very useful webinar is on Tuesday 1st February and the topic this month is “Painful Shoulder”. Please join in to Dr Arul Srinivassan (Consultant Rheumatologist) & Mr Mahalingam (Physiaotherapist) Thought for the Day by Shreesha Ramesh – Bal Vikas student |
| Announcements for Sunday 9 January 2022 1. National Conference will be face to face/in person this year, on Saturday 19 February, at Bushey Arena just north of London. The conference includes Inspiring talks, Workshops, Musical Programme & Interactive sessions. Conference is open to all Office Bearers & Active Workers. Please register online by 5 February if you wish to attend. 2. SSE Registration – gentle reminder for all parents. For GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), every SSE child needs to have an updated enrolment. We still have many of our children not registered, so this is a gentle reminder to all parents to update their details. All gurus are here to help you with it, if you are having difficulty in completing the registration. Please do this urgently if you haven’t done it already. Thank you. 3. Thought for the Day by Lakshmi Gokani – Bal Vikas student. |
| Announcements for Sunday 2 January 2022 1. Happy New Year to everyone. We wish everyone for a safe & very peaceful new year. 2. As you are all aware, the COVID infection rates are continuing to rise, and as we announced last week, we will continue with online bhajans on YouTube for the time being. 3. Centre Meeting –Our Centre’s monthly meeting is on Tuesday 4 January 2022 from 7:30 pm, on Zoom. Please try to join us if you can and have your say on plans for our centre in 2022. 4. Thought for the Day by Easwar Subrahmanyam – Bal Vikas student. |
Sathya Sai Centre of Leicester
Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK