Selfless Seva in the Middle East
2020 will be known as the year when a virus shut the world down, and it has been a year like no other! Nevertheless, in the Middle East, volunteers have been buzzing with energy and enthusiasm to engage in selfless Seva. The message of ‘Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God’ which Jesus Christ proclaimed 2,000 years ago is evidently seen in the way the volunteers have actively participated in Seva activities during this COVID-19 period. Swami explains that the urge to serve arises from a compassionate heart; in response to seeing someone in distress.
Selfless Seva from a Compassionate Heart in the form of Sai Love Kit (SSSLK)
1. Car Cleaning Staff
100 individuals whose income had slashed down to bare minimum during these difficult COVID-19 times were beneficiaries of the Sri Sathya Sai Love Kit (SSSLK). The urge to serve manifested in one volunteer when he met one of the car-cleaning staff and learnt about his plight during the pandemic. He was further moved when he saw more such people who were in similar situations, in their accommodations. Immediately, the volunteers sprang into action handing the Love Kits to each of them; the beneficiaries were mostly Pakistanis and Bengalis. They were served rice or atta (flour) depending on their need. Upon seeing a smile on their faces, the volunteers were given the opportunity to experience inexplicable joy. Swami says selfless service, done with the attitude of serving God residing in the other person, really serves the one serving too!
2. Fishermen
20 fishermen were given SSSLK. They have also been hit in these difficult times with meagre incomes. They received these Sai Love Kits with immense gratitude and happiness from the volunteers.
3. Labourers
Seven Bengali labourers with very low income were each given SSSLK.
4. Desert dwellers
20 individuals residing in the deserts in eight different temporary camp shelters were each given SSSLK. Along with the essentials in the kit, they were also given vegetables, fruits and water. In the harsh climatic conditions of the desert, with no electricity or water and the recent pandemic added to it, has made their conditions pitiable. Their faces of relief and happiness can never be forgotten!
