Genesis & History
Baba inaugurated the First International Seva Dal Conference in Poornachandra Auditorium at Prasanthi Nilayam on 18th November, 1984. He also inaugurated at the Hill View Amphitheatre on the 18th, an exhibition entitled “Sathya Sai Darshan,” organised as part of the Conference.
Baba accompanied by Sri. S. B. Chavan, Union Minister for Defence, came in a procession to the Auditorium. Sri Indulal Shah welcomed Sri. S. B. Chavan and the delegates. Sri V. Srinivasan, Vice Chairman of the World Council; Sri V. K. Narasimhan and Sri S. B. Chavan addressed the delegates at the inaugural session. In His Inaugural Address, Baba exhorted the Seva Dal to carry on their service activities in a spirit of sacred dedication, without regard for race, religion, class or caste.
During the joint session at Poornachandra Auditorium on the 20th, Baba went around the hall and blessed the delegates, occasionally speaking to some of them. He gave His Valedictory Message at Poornachandra Auditorium on the 21st. He explained the meaning of village adoption and said that the Sai Organisation should meet all the needs of the villages in the areas of education, water supply, health, roads etc., and the spiritual and moral needs of the villagers. He concluded His Discourse with a Bhajan.
Baba witnessed an unforgettable display of gymnastic feats by students, right from the primary classes all the way up to postgraduates at the vast Hill View Stadium on the 21st evening. He not only sat through the entire programme, but also took part in the last item of the evening, as the helmsman in a boat who helps the devotees cross the stormy sea of worldly life. As Baba alighted from the boat when the lights came on, His appearance was a very delightful surprise to the vast gathering.
During this conference, various wings of the Organisation such as Bhajan Mandali, Seva Dal, Study Circle, Mahila Vibhag, Mahila Seva Dal, Bal- Vikas etc., were classified into three wings : (1) Spiritual Wing (2) Service Wing, and (3) Educational Wing.