Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in a discourse during the World Youth Conference of 1997, revealed the important role of Young Adults in fulfilling a noble mission:
“Young men and women, the world’s good fate, world’s progress is dependent on the transformation of the youth, today. Only when the youth transform themselves with good character, will the world be able to experience ideal virtues.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, World Youth Conference, 1997
The guiding principle for Young Adults is self-transformation. Sri Sathya Sai Baba revealed a clear path to achieve this grand mission. He said:
“It is the privilege and duty of the young men and women to promote the welfare, progress and peace of the world. Transform all your actions into sacred duties. Experience the love of the Divine. That is the meaning of Swami’s declaration: “My life is My message.” Adhere to the ideals set before you by Swami.
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 30, 16 July 1997
The Sri Sathya Sai Young Adults Programme (SSSYAP) seeks to deliver this powerful message to the world through Young Adults worldwide. The Programme encourages men and women, between the ages of 18 and 40, to lead purposeful lives in service of their families, communities, and countries by learning and practicing the spiritual principles revealed by the life, teachings, and work of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Primary importance is given to holistic character development through both personal transformation and selfless service.
The International Young Adults Committee (IYAC) was established under the auspices of the Prasanthi Council and works with its guidance. The IYAC comprises of the International Young Adults Coordinator, Deputy International Young Adults Coordinators, Subcommittee Leads, and the Zone and Deputy Zone Young Adults Coordinators. Together, they coordinate and lead the SSSYAP around the world.
“Young people should consider the true purpose of life. They should get rid of all the impurities in their hearts. With pure hearts, they should embark on service at all times and everywhere. ‘Hands in society, head in the forest.’ From today develop an unwavering mind and a steady vision. That is the way to divinize the world.”
Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 30, 16 July 1997
Young Adults are engaged in service activities in their respective communities around the world, including serving the needy by providing food, clothes and medical care. They also participate in various disaster relief projects such as tsunami, hurricane and earthquake relief.
In addition to the regular SSSIO activities and events, the Sai Young Adult programme has undertaken several initiatives that further:
- a) help develop YA interests and talent and
- b) address YA-specific issues in leading a spiritual life.
YAs can connect with like-minded individuals providing an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
YAs all over the world are involved in activities such as:
- Devotional: prayer, meditation, devotional singing, study of Sai teachings
- Retreats/conference: workshop for personal enrichment, motivational speakers
- Education: computer literacy, education in human values, vocational training, mentoring
- Service: soup kitchen, disaster relief, blood donation, medical camps, Serve the Planet
- Cultural: music concerts, drama, poetry, devotional songs album, radio programmes
- YA development: leadership training
- Miscellaneous: Go – Green initiatives, YA sports day, media training
YAs engage in these activities in their respective communities around the world with the understanding that they are uplifting themselves spiritually by helping their fellow man.
“The highest spiritual practice is to transform love into service. Service will lead you to devotion.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, World Youth Conference, Prasanthi Nilayam, Nov, 18, 1999
These various activities are thus rendered with love, compassion and a feeling of oneness. The YAs have learned that all of humanity is pervaded by the one and same God, and by serving any part of humanity with love and compassion, they are serving God.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba has said that youth is the most precious time in one’s life. This is the time when all of one’s faculties and energies are at their peak. Hence, the Sai Young Adult programme has been established to encourage and guide YAs to make the best use of this time and lead a purpose-filled life. These young men and women, motivated by Sri Sathya Sai Baba and His all-encompassing love, are thus a beacon of hope for all.
St Louis YAs actively participating in Service projects
For further information or to connect with the St Louis YA officers, please contact stlouissaiyas@gmail.com.