Public Meetings in Countries of Zone 8

During 5^th–6^th November 2016, the SSIO sponsored public meetings in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, to introduce the public to the life and teachings of Sathya Sai Baba and the activities of the SSIO. The events were attended by 475 people, including 222 SSIO members.

In Kazakhstan, 253 people attended public meetings in seven towns, wherein SSIO members shared their personal experiences of transformation and showed videos on the teachings of Baba, the International Medical Camp held in the Karaganda region, and other service projects. The volunteers served tea, samosas, Korean salad, sweets, and fruit to all participants.

In Kyrgyzstan, a well-received public meeting took place at the National Library of the capital city, Frunze. SSIO members discussed the activities of the organisation’s devotional, educational and service wings, supported by video and slide presentations.

In Russia, the SSIO sponsored public meetings in all seven sub regions of the SSIO, focusing on human values and the life and teachings of Sathya Sai Baba. In Moscow, a two-hour meeting was organised at the request of the public, for practising meditation, including instruction in the Jyoti and Soham meditations. Tea and refreshments were served after the programme.

In Belarus, the SSIO held meetings in two cities. In one city, the meeting emphasised the importance of thought and its purity; in the other city, two meetings were held on 27^th October and 5^th November 2016 on various spiritual topics, including Sathya Sai Baba’s life and teachings, and the importance of selfless service to society. A similar meeting took place in Moldova.

In Ukraine, public meetings were organised in Kiev. One meeting was led by Sathya Sai Youth, who shared about their personal experiences during trips to Prasanthi Nilayam, service projects, and other activities of the SSIO. The audience viewed video presentations on the Sathya Sai World Youth Conference of 2016 and a service project at an orphanage. One of the guests, a young man from the Islamic Religious Centre, invited SSIO representatives to speak at his centre.

In Azerbaijan, on 5^th November 2016, discussions at a public meeting centred on the power of positive thinking, selfless service, and the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba. Videos emphasised the unity of religions. Scientists and educators in attendance expressed interest in visiting Prasanthi Nilayam to learn more about Sathya Sai Baba. On 10^th November, a representative of the SSIO addressed about 55 students and teachers at the Teaching College of Azerbaijan on the topic of positive vs. negative thoughts.