FAQs

1) Why this meet?

Who does not want to sit at the lotus feet of Swami and bask in His Presence and Love? Be it a festival day or an ‘ordinary day’, Sai Kulwant Hall is ever full and overflowing! Multitudes who throng to have just one glimpse multiply everyday. But the ones who are privileged to occupy prime positions and partake His grace copiously are the Students. And this holds true, whichever phase of the life of the Avatar you may take. Students are always ‘His property’ and are gifted His maximum time and attention - they are His very own. In whichever part of the world we may be, whatever be our position or problems, His eyes are always on us, and His physical being thrills when He beholds us, His dearest ones, whom He has loved and still loves… just for love’s sake, nothing else.

We meet to express our joy, our love and gratitude to our Mother Sai… and see Her smile. We also meet to take inspiration from our mother/ sad guru

2) Why on January 1^st?

As is always, His will is beyond scrutiny. Nevertheless, it brings one and all great joy. Over the period of few years more and more alumni got to be in Parthi on the 1^st of Jan. Eventually, Bhagwan in His sweet compassion, allowed us to have the 1^st of January as the alumni meet. A boon to begin each new year afresh at His lotus feet.

3) How is Jan 1, 2010 different?

This is no ordinary New Year; it is the curtain-raiser for our Bhagavan’s 85^th Birthday celebrations. It has got to be grand and glorious, and suffused with gratitude to the One who has sacrificed His every second to confer joy and peace, succor and solace to you, me and millions world over.

And this year, the event is being organized by the alumni of Sai schools and colleges from all parts of the world, along with the ones who are working in various Sai institutions in Puttaparthi and Whitefield ( with Swami’s explicit blessings of course).

4) Who is invited to be part of this event?

All the former students of Sri Sathya Sai University (including the erstwhile Sri Sathya Sai College for Arts, Science and Commerce, Brindavan) and the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam.

5) Is it a one-day event or for a couple of days?

The meet is generally a three day event, beginning on the 31^st of December. The 1^st of January would be the main day. While the 2^nd of January will be set aside to request Bhagwan to interact with the alumni. (Village Camp either on 30^th or 31^st Dec, as usual).

Hence the days to block on your calendars would be 31^st December 2009 – 2^nd January 2010.

6) How to register for the event?

Please visit www.saistudents.org. Register with your details.

As part of the registration process, you will be asked for your travel and stay itenary. This will help the meet facilitators in better organizing seating in mandir and accommodation for all.

Please note, the last date for registration would be the 20^th of December, 2009. However, it would be very helpful if alumni, who plan to come for the meet with family members and need accommodation, register by 30^th of November, 2009. This will help the ashram authorities to set aside the accommodation required by us for the event.

7) When do we have to be in Puttaparthi? Is there anything that I need to carry to prove my identity?

As the event commences on December 31^st, it is essential to be present in Puttaparthi latest by December 30^th 8 p.m.

Last year Bhagwan chose to bless all with an alumni only exclusive divine discourse in the Poorna Chandra auditorium on the 31^st of December. Given Bhagwan’s ever increasing shower of love and attention on the alumni, it is best advised to come for the meet as early as permitted by your personal commitments.

ID cards for the alumni would be given upon reporting in Puttaparthi for the meet. These ID cards will help sevadals and the meet facilitators to recognize you.

It would be best if you can carry a proof of your residence in sai college/school ( like photo copy of degree certificate/ marks card). This is especially useful for those who could not visit puttaparthi for last couple of years due to personal commitments.

8) Can I come with my family? Are there any arrangements done for our accommodation?

Yes. Bhagwan has been most gracious in instructing the ashram authorities to provide accommodation for the alumni and their family, when they come for the meet. Additionally, there will also be special seating arrangements made for the family members of the alumni, for darshan.

Please note, in order to make use of these facilities, you are requested to register with the alumni website. Specific passes that will help the sevadals identify family members and allow them to be seated accordingly will be given out in Parthi as and when you arrive.

Please remember that the accomodation in the Ashram is limited and the Christmas and New year devotees would also be there before us. So we may have to adjust to the prevailing accomdation situation that time.

9) What exactly is the programme during these three days?

The first event of the meet would be a day long Grama seva. All alumni gathered would visit a surveyed village(s) to take part in planed seva activities. These activites could include tree plantation, temple renovation, sanitization, narayana seva, free medical consultation and more.

On the 1st of January, alumni would be allowed to put up a music program either preceded or followed by an exclusive all-alumni band recital. In His compassion, Bhagwan often permits the alumni to accompany the music program with a group dance performance.

However, all planed programs are subject to change, to allow Bhagwan to choose a day and time that best suits Him, to bless us all which is the most looked-forward for the personal interactions. Basis this is also advised that we plan for a day or two extra to stay in Parthi after the event is over.

10) Is there any website where we can find updates about this forthcoming event?

Yes. Timely information on regular update can be found at www.saistudents.org

11) Who is organizing this event? Can I participate in anyway?

The event is being organized by the alumni, guided by instructions from Bhagwan. Other current faculty and administration members will be assisting the alumni in our efforts.

Your participation would be much appreciated. In order to help, please arrive in time for the meet. You will find a group of alumni assigned with roles to streamline the preparations for the event. These brothers will be able to guide you best.

Please contact your local zonal/country coordinator. ( kindly give the list of current coordinators list)

12) Is there any contact email or contact number to seek more clarifications?

enquiry@saistudents.org