Genesis & History
The 50th Birthday celebrations were held at Prashanti Nilayam between 14th and 24th November, 1975. The Third All India Sathya Sai Seva Dal Conference and the Third All India Bal Vikas Gurus Conference were held at Prashanti Nilayam on 15th, 16th and 17th of November. The Rathotsavam started from Prasanthi Mandir at 8.30 am on the 18th morning. Chandi Yaga was performed in the Divine Presence from the 19th to the 23rd of November. Baba performed the Poornahuti of the Yaga on 23rd morning.
The Second World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations was held in the Divine Presence at Prasanthi Nilayam between the 19th and the 21st of November, 1975. A rally by the Bal Vikas students was held on the 22nd. Baba blessed the devotees with His Darshan from a helicopter on 23rd morning. When the helicopter landed, Sri Vengala Rao, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, received Him. Accompanied by the Chief Minister, Baba then moved in a procession to the Sarva Dharma Aikya Stupa. The Stupa was then inaugurated by the Chief Minister. On 23rd evening, Members of Sathya Sai Central Trust; the State Presidents of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation from India and all over the world; Sri T. A. Pai, Minister for Heavy Industries and Civil Supply; Sri Subbarayudu and Sri Sagi Suryanarayana Raju, Ministers of Govt. of Andhra Pradesh; offered their homage at the Lotus Feet at Poornachandra Auditorium. Baba then delivered His Birthday Message. He gave Darshan seated in the Jhoola on the 24th night.
Unity of all religions and that all religions are holy paths to the same goal was underscored. It was emphasised to make organisation acceptable to people of all religions and all castes. Furthermore, it was decided to form the World Council of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations.
At the conclusion of the World Conference on 22nd November, Baba nominated the following members as the Members of the Governing Body of the World Council of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations: Sri Indulal Shah, Dr. J. Hislop, Dr. K. Pani, Sri S. Sitaram, the Rajmata of Navanagar, Dr. Bhagavantam, Sri Sohanlal, Sri Balesingham, and Mrs. Natalie Santos.
It was during the 50th Birthday celebrations that Baba most graciously permitted the Sathya Sai Organisation worldwide to hold the 24-hour Akhanda Bhajan on the same day at the same time globally. It was to commence at 6.30 pm on the second Saturday of November and end at 6.30 pm on Sunday.