Third World Conference and Ninth All-India Conference, November 19 – 23, 1980

The Third World Conference and Ninth All-India Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations was held at Prasanthi Nilayam from 19^th to the 21^st of November 1980, as part of Baba’s Birthday celebrations that commenced from the 17^th of November.

He inaugurated the World Conference of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations in the Poornachandra Auditorium amidst Vedic chants at 10.00 am on the 19^th. Prof. V. K. Gokak welcomed the gathering. Sri Indulal Shah, Chairman, World Council, announced that the first day of the sessions would be devoted to a symposium on the ‘Sai Path’, with keynote addresses emphasising six special aspects. Dr. S. Bhagavantam, Mr. Victor Kanu from Africa, Reverend Robert Pipes of the Baptist Church of Washington, Mrs. Elsie Cowan from USA, Sri Jagadesan from Malaysia, Dr. John Hislop of USA, Dr. Bashiruddin of Osmania University, and a few students of the Sathya Sai colleges addressed the Symposium. Baba then delivered His Inaugural Address. Dr. Bhagavantam offered several books written in different languages, at the Lotus Feet for blessings. Baba also released the book “Golden Age, 1980” and an LP record “Sai Katha”, composed by Sri Adinarayana Rao and set to music by Sri Rajeswara Rao. The Symposium for the day concluded with the violin recital of the renowned violinist Pandit V.G. Jog and a flute recital by Sri Hariprasad Chaurasia.

On 20^th, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, world-renowned exponent of Santoor, gave a recital accompanied by Sri Swapan Chaudhuri on the Tabla. The famous playback singers Smt. Minoo Purushottam and Sri Mahendra Kapoor rendered devotional songs composed by Sri Manoj Kumar, renowned Hindi cine star and an ardent Sai devotee.

During the valedictory function on 21^st November, Sri Indulal Shah announced the decisions arrived at in the World Conference and blessed by Baba. Baba then delivered His Valedictory Address. Mr. Charles Penn, Dr. Benito Reyes, founder of The World University at California, and Mr. Curth Orefjaerd from Sweden, shared their experiences with the delegates. The renowned vocalists Smt. Radha and Smt. Jayalakshmi sang devotional songs at the end.

Baba gave Darshan early in the morning on the 23^rd and moved in a procession to the Samadhi of His parents. He then reached the site where He laid the foundation for a 100-bed hospital. Thereafter, Baba proceeded to the Poornachandra Auditorium. He accepted the garlands offered by nationals from over 50 countries. Sri S.B. Chavan, Union Minister for Education, and Sri Govind Narain, Governor of Karnataka, addressed the devotees prior to Baba’s Birthday Message. Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi rendered devotional songs that evening. Baba rejoiced the devotees with His Darshan reclining on the Jhoola. Smt. P. Suseela and party presented Rama Katha.

• Decisions were taken to introduce Door to Door Health programme and to conduct study circles in a more comprehensive way i.e., covering (a) Agricultual and Industrial workers; (b) Devotees and (c) Educationalists and Intellectuals in the Society with topics of Karma, Bhakthi and Jnana, respectively. The aim of all these was to increase spiritual thinking in people and to enable them to take part in the silent spiritual Revolution being carried out by Baba.
• The office of the World Council was shifted from Dharmakshetra to Prasanthi Nilayam.
• Responding to the prayers of the Organisation Members, Baba, out of His infinite Grace and Mercy, granted the Divine Permanent Charter containing the objectives and 9-Point Code of Conduct which was published on 14-1-1981 by the then World Council.