First Conference of Sathya Sai Schools of India and Overseas Countries, November 20 – 21, 2001

The First Conference of Sathya Sai Schools of India and Overseas Countries was held at Prasanthi Nilayam on 20^th and 21^st November, 2001. Delegates from 29 countries, representing 47 schools of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, attended the Conference. This included the Directors of Training Institutes and Principals of Sathya Sai Schools from Thailand, Zambia, Australia, Philippines and India. Baba lit the lamps in Sai Kulwant Hall amidst Vedic chants and inaugurated the Conference on 20^th morning. Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai, Director, Sathya Sai Institute, Thailand welcomed the delegates. Baba awarded Diplomas to the 53 teachers from 19 countries, who had graduated in Teachers Training Course, from Four Sathya Sai Training Institutes.

Baba then blessed the delegates with His Inaugural Discourse. The devotees from Indonesia presented in Poornachandra Auditorium a dance drama on the Ramayana that evening. Baba came to witness the drama at 6.05 pm. He gifted clothes to the participants. He materialised a gold chain for the girl who played the role of Lord Rama in the play. Baba had photographs taken with them.

The Valedictory Function of the conference was held in Sai Kulwant Hall on 21^st afternoon. Baba arrived in the hall at 2.30.pm. He went around and collected letters from the delegates. The function began amidst Vedic chants at 2.45 pm. Dr. Art Ong Jumsai expressed gratitude to Baba for His love and guidance on behalf of all the delegates. Dr. Victor Krishna Kanu presented the report of the Conference to Baba. Dr. Judo presented the action plan drawn for the Sathya Sai Schools for Baba’s approval. Baba then delivered His Valedictory Message at 3.25 pm.

He then answered the questions put forward by the delegates. Prof. Yella Venkateswara Rao, the Mridangam artiste, along with his troupe, gave an instrumental music concert in Sai Kulwant Hall that evening.