On 26th November 2016, about 100 SSIO members gathered in a beautifully decorated venue in Houten, near Utrecht, to celebrate Sathya Sai Baba’s Birthday. The theme for this event was “Unity of Faiths.” Every speaker wore a scarf in rainbow colours and offered a flower at Baba’s portrait. Every symbol of the six religions of the Sarva Dharma emblem was illuminated by a candle, which in turn were all lit from a main candle near Baba’s chair. Each speaker emphasised the unity from the perspective of his or her religion. Then, a hymn from each religion was chanted. The symbols illuminated by the lighted candles presented a beautiful sight, illustrating “God is One but the wise call Him by many names.” The ceremony was followed by a movie about Baba. The afternoon programme included study circles, wherein the participants discussed teachings from different religions that resonated with Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings. The children also presented their understanding of the unity of faiths through drawings and a song.

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