Day 1 Overview
This morning we commenced the pilgrimage with a 7am line up and a silent and orderly walk in rows of two from our ensuite residence in the North block to the sanctity that is Sai Kulwant hall. Once seated, we were wowed by the retreating of the curtain which was floating around Swami’s samadhi. The Divine Master’s energy felt by all with immediate effect, and every heartbeat instantaneously aligned and beating rhythmically in unison. The now customary Vedam chanting kept the reverberations of the spiritual atmosphere alive and we were then treated to melodic music generated by sitar, harmonium, tabla and bhajan singing concluding with morning Arthi.
In the afternoon, the Zone 6 pilgrims delivered the first of seven programmes.
The balvikas children, as flag bearers, represented countries from across Europe. All the children were impeccable in their posture and pace as they took the privileged walk across Sai Kulwant Hall to His Samadhi, taking a humble bow to Swami before being seated in an orderly fashion, doing the team proud. Parents and Gurus’ hearts were lifted in ecstacy (and some relief!) with every cherished child granted the opportunity to create a memory from which a story will no doubt be shared with generations of the future.
Our much respected Mr Mel Griffin (Former National Council Member, UK) delivered a talk to remind all present in person and online that He is the source, and we have simply returned Home in taking this trip to His Divine Abode and being in His Divine Presence.
Following the beautifully articulated talk, the super sized high resolution screens in Sai Kulwant hall were filled with moving images and cinematic sound to show the audience a montage video of the activities taken up by the various wings within the organisation and across Europe. A humbling reminder of the energy Swami has endowed on His devotees to look after Mother Earth and fellow man.
The audio visual projection was followed by Zone 6 Vedam Chanters taking charge and we ended the afternoon with sweet bhajans and delivery of Arthi.
Late afternoon, our group gathered once more for the evening programme, a highlight of which was a captivating talk by Dr. Gangadhar Shastry, one of Swami’s earliest appointed lecturers and a revered member of the Sai academic family since the 1970s. Having spent decades in close proximity to Bhagwan, both directly and through observation, Dr. Shastry offered a unique lens into what it means to live a life in alignment with Swami’s teachings; not just in word, but in thought and action.
Dr. Shastry began by acknowledging the privilege of this pilgrimage, reminding us that being here in Prasanthi Nilayam is not by our own doing, but purely by the will and grace of our beloved Bhagwan. He emphasised that India, through the Vedas, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana, has long stood as the spiritual heart of the world, not only for its scriptures but for the lived values they inspire. From his own upbringing in a deeply orthodox and scripturally grounded family, he reflected on how even the highest knowledge is transformed when lived in the presence of the Divine, and how Swami’s own example refined his understanding of dharma, humility, and spiritual responsibility.
Central to his message was the reminder that Bhagwan never asked us to do anything He Himself hadn’t demonstrated, whether it was showing gratitude, maintaining inner discipline, or practising true humility. Dr. Shastry spoke powerfully about universal consciousness, encouraging us to see everything as a reflection of the Divine, and to remember that our human birth, the highest of all species, carries an immense responsibility: to align our thought, word, and deed; to overcome ego; and to never squander the sacred opportunity we have been given.
In his inimitable style – rich with gentle humour, vivid storytelling, and deep sincerity — Dr. Shastry urged us to live not just as followers of Swami, but as walking expressions of His message. As the session drew to a close, hearts were full, minds stilled, and spirits lifted, with a renewed sense of clarity about the path ahead.
Explore Day 2
On Tuesday 29 July 2025, the day began with a devotional walk to Sai Kulwant Hall, where pilgrims, dressed in coordinated attire, participated in Vedam chanting and bhajans. The highlight was the Grama Seva to Kadiri, where pilgrims from Zone 6 (UK and Europe) were warmly welcomed by villagers from 44 communities. The visit featured cultural performances, heartfelt addresses, and the distribution of 500 ration kits, dhotis, and sarees, symbolising Swami’s love and unity. Sri Rathnakar, Managing Trustee, shared a moving story of divine intervention, reinforcing faith in Bhagawan’s grace. In the afternoon, Spanish and Italian devotees offered musical tributes and reflections, emphasising the unity of the Sai family across nations. The day concluded with a profound discourse by Sir Siddhartha Raju, Sir Ravikumar, and Sir Amey Deshpande, who reminded all that the real pilgrimage is internal, anchored in spiritual discipline, constant remembrance of the Divine Name, and living Swami’s teachings in every thought, word, and action.