Going ‘Go Green’ In The Sai-Way…

If ‘Green’ stands for freshness, hope and nature, the nature is close to be fresh from human exploitation and Mother Earth will be hopefully healed. Taking cue from Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai’s teachings on preserving Nature, Sathya Sai International Organisation, SSIO, is holding a 2- day Go-Green Conference, first time under the Sri Sathya Sai banner, on 25th and 26th of July here, in Prasanthi Nilayam. Bhagawan says:

Today, all the five elements are polluted and consequently man is mired in insecurity. Today, the world is losing its ecological balance as man, out of utter selfishness, is robbing Mother Earth of her resources like coal, petroleum, iron, etc. As a result, we find earth quakes, floods, and such other devastating natural calamities. Human life will find fulfilment only when ecological balance is maintained. Balance in human life and balance in Nature, both are equally important.

It is with an intention of heralding this absolute need of the hour, balancing of human mind and nature, that the SSIO has launched this ‘Green Revolution’ to be close to the Nature, protecting Mother Earth in letter and spirit.

Commencing the proceedings, Alexandro Alex Ghrana, Chairman of the events committee of SSIO, presented the conference proceedings in a nutshell, giving an overview of the same, explaining as to ‘Why Go Green?’ Problems are aplenty with reference to human exploitation of nature and environment, and the conference is aimed at tackling the issue spiritually, said Alex, listing out some of the most grievous of the problems the planet is facing at the moment. Man has to reacquaint himself and commit to action, and realise himself through nature, and thus the Go Green Conference.

1200 delegates from over 70 countries, including India, are participating in the 2-day conference.

When Nature is hailed as the song of God, an auspicious initiation of the ‘Go Green’ nature for the first time in Prasanthi Nilayam has to go on air with a ‘musical’ and thus the theme song next by the International Youth of SSIO. The song was themed after Together We Sing…

Chairman, SSIO, Dr. Narendranath, delivering the welcome address next spoke of the uniqueness of the conference that being (a) it is happening in the Abode Of Supreme Divinity (b) spiritual seekers from over 70 countries are participating (c) it is based on the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai wherein Science & Spirituality is interpreted in detail.

To see the unity among Nature, Man and God is Divinity, reminded Dr. Reddy quoting Bhagawan, narrating a beautiful interview room personal experience wherein Bhagawan revealed that the 5-elements derive energy from Him. Divulging in detail of man’s exploitation of nature and environment, quoting Bhagawan extensively, Dr. Reddy aired great concern, cautioning of the implication of the disaster that is purely man-made. SSIO had some of the unique projects and plans in the past few years to serve and protect the planet, said Dr. Reddy, that being Serve The Planet, Protect The Planet, Honour Our Planet Every Day, giving out ways and means to implement the same via Bhagawan’s teachings. Touching the theme of Reuse, Recycle, Reduce, Dr. Reddy then exhibited a sample of inspirational initiatives by some of the countries, introducing cloth bags saving the environment. Touching upon the cleaning projects happening around the world, clean drinking water being organised all over, tree planting, Dr. Reddy concluded his speech quoting the scriptural injunction, Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah! If you serve the planet, the planet will in turn serve and protect you, concluded Dr. Reddy.

Keynote speaker for the morning was Sri MC Mehta, internationally renowned environmental lawyer, practised at the Supreme Court Of India. Delivering his keynote address, at the outset, Dr. Mehta made it clear that, Go Green means, Think Green, Act Green, Live Green stressing on the importance of practicality of the theme. In environment there should not be two language, but there is only one language and that one language is that you respect the nature and the universe and you will be given everything, echoed Dr. Mehta, with a caution that failing in which one will be perished. Himself being a man of action than resorting to preach, the distinguished speaker then listed out the catastrophic exploitation happening around the world, calling on the SSIO to join hands together to chalk out a joint programme in serving and saving the environment. Environmental Emergency in the world should be declared, stressed Dr. Mehta airing greater allegiance to the issue, extending his unconditional cooperation.

Bhagawan’s Divine discourse dates back to 1993, on the much-talked-about-subject, was then aired at the public address system.

Discoursing on the intimate interdependent relationship between Man-Society-Nature-God, Bhagawan had a word of caution that man’s exploitation  caused the deviation in the nature’s course, turning it hostile. Speaking of the absolute need for a balance between science and wisdom, Bhagawan said: man is aspiring for comforts beyond limits and this is disastrous for his mind. There can’t be no welfare without discipline. Owing to the varied progress advancements, world is progressing in a mechanical manner. There is a greater need for the individual to enquire upon the unity inherent in diversity. They are visualising the one as many. As a result man is unable to comprehend the unity and thus failing to recognise the Divinity. Man must make effort to understand the Divinity latent in him. Bhagawan spoke in detail of the ozone depletion, the cause behind the same, threatening humanity’s very existence.

“Nature is your school, your laboratory, the gateway to liberation and the panorama of God’s majesty. Seek to know the lessons it is ready to teach” said Bhagawan once. It is the onus and privilege of the Sai fraternity to follow – His commands – suit.

Bhajans next ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II