Day 4 Overview
As per the familiar routine, with Vedam chanting and Bhajans in Sai Kulwant Hall, energised all for the day ahead, after which the Zone 6 attendees made their way to the stunning ‘Sai Hira Global Convention Centre’ for an address by Sri Rathnakar, Swami’s nephew and Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. This landmark building was awe-inspiring in every sense.
As they walked through the gates and toward the steps into the building, its scale, serenity, and modern design, all harmonised with Swami’s message, struck them, making all present realise the world-class statndard we wish to represent when engaging with the wider human community and esteemed guests.
The air-conditioned auditorium, with its prism-shaped acoustics enhancing walls, offered a sense of cool clarity—perfect for focused spiritual reflection. Above, the ceiling bore the Sarva Dharma symbol, reminding all that faiths are one and sacred.
The group sat in peach-coloured, cinema-style reclinable chairs, arranged in a U-shaped space that seats 1,000. The arrangement enhanced their experience, both physically and spiritually. Behind them, in white lettering, stood a core message from Swami: “Help Ever, Hurt Never.” It felt more than decorative; it felt directive.
Brother Shithu Chudasama, the Zone 6 Chair, opened the session with a heartfelt welcome address. He reflected on the journey so far on this pilgrimage and shared encouraging feedback from the Central Trust, who had been deeply moved by the sincerity and unity of the group. He spoke with humility and pride about how the UK Sai family had come together, embracing their wider European brothers and sisters in a collective spirit of service and love.
This was followed by an address from Brother Pratapbhai, the UK National President, who expressed similar sentiments, commending the discipline, decorum, and adaptability shown by the entire group throughout the pilgrimage.
Bhajans were then sung as anticipation grew for the arrival of the esteemed speaker.
Sri Rathnakar entered the auditorium quietly, and when he spoke, he began with deep emotion: “My heart is full. My words are few.”
From the outset, he spoke not as an official, but as a devotee among devotees; grounded, authentic, and profoundly connected to Swami’s love.
He shared that this Zone 6 pilgrimage was the largest group to visit Prashanthi Nilayam in over 10 years, and that both he and the Trust were deeply joyful and eager to serve.
He warmly asked how many were there for the first time, and how many had never seen Swami in His physical form. Many hands rose.
“You are more blessed than those who saw Him,” he said, “because your love is based not on form, but on faith.”
It was a humbling thought—that belief without sight is the most powerful of all.
Sri Rathnakar then spoke candidly and movingly about Swami’s teachings—from the deeply personal to the beautifully universal. Some of his reflections included:
* Prayer is silent—it arises from the depths of the heart, and that’s where Swami resides.
* Prashanthi is our home, and one should return whenever the heart calls. No permission is needed.
* We can go to God not with our problems, but with our faith:
“Don’t tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big your God is.”
* That parents give no greater gift than spiritual guidance to their children.
* That we are all instruments of God, equally valuable in His eyes.
He told stories of John Hislop, an ardent devotee of Swami, the karmic theory, and shared the moving reality that over 200 new Mandirs have opened since Swami’s Mahasamadhi, many filled with devotees who had never seen Him physically. And yet, they come, drawn by His love.
His closing advice was simple, yet profound:
“Spend 15 minutes a day in silence—in prayer, meditation or reflection. It’s the greatest investment you can make.”
And as he left them with Swami’s universal mantra:
“Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu”
(May all the worlds be happy)
the auditorium rose in a standing ovation.
After his departure, the group gathered on the steps outside for a group photo and recorded a video message for Swami’s 100th birthday celebrations later this year. There was a shared joy in the moment, a snapshot not just of faces, but of devotion.
The evening began with a graceful presentation from Ms. Luckshi Easwarakumar, the UK Young Adults Coordinator, who addressed the audience with humility, clarity, and gratitude.
She paid tribute to those who came before, saying the UK youth had been blessed to stand on the shoulders of their elders, building on a strong foundation of love and service.
She introduced the “Moment with Sai” initiative, a deeply personal offering from the UK Young Adults. The project invited young devotees to share their most treasured memories with Swami, which were recorded, compiled into a video montage, and shared on YouTube. The video has now received over 182,000 views across 15 countries; a beautiful testament to Swami’s ever-expanding reach through sincere expression.
She also reflected on growth, selfless service, and the elevated place Swami gave to women, reminding all of their vital role in shaping spiritual society. Her words were heartfelt and clear—a reminder of Swami’s universal message, made personal.
What followed was a creative and insightful performance titled “The Ceiling Den,” delivered by 9 of the UK Young Adult brothers who demonstrated new found acting and dancing skills presented in an assortment of costumes including sarees, suits, wigs, makeup and more.
Modelled on the popular Dragons’ Den / Shark Tank format, the skit placed young “entrepreneurs” before a panel of “investors”—but instead of business proposals, the ideas centred around how to live Swami’s message of Ceiling on Desires.
Each character presented practical, often humorous but deeply thoughtful pitches around the following messages from Swami:
* Don’t waste food
* Don’t waste time
* Don’t waste money
* Don’t waste power/energy
The “Dragons” offered wise, occasionally witty responses—but what struck the audience most was how relatable, engaging, and grounded the entire piece was. It was spiritual teaching in real-world language, delivered with devotion, humility, and creativity to show how helping others is far more ‘profitable’ for the human condition than making vast sums of money.
The audience responded with applause and reflection, and for many, it sparked a quiet inner question:
“What would I pitch to Swami?”
“What desire could I place a ceiling on?”
Explore Day 5
Zone 6 devotees experienced a deeply moving day in Prasanthi Nilayam, beginning with a joyful Seva visit to ZP Girls High School in Gorantla, where they were warmly welcomed by 650 students. Brother Shithubhai shared, “We came to see Sathya Sai Baba in each one of you,” as girls expressed dreams of becoming doctors, IAS/IPS officers, and their love for English. Gifts were distributed, and a framed photo of Swami was donated by Netherlands devotees. That evening, UK President Brother Prathap Thakkar reflected on the UK Sai mission’s growth: 70 active centres, 1,000+ Balvikas students, and 10,000 foodbank donations this year alone, reminding all that true offering lies in our transformation. The day closed with a beautiful choir performance and a heartfelt group rendition of My Sweet Lord.