Region 1 Savanne Mauritius Volume 5 Issue 1 April 2017 · Region 1 Savanne -Mauritius Volume 5 -Issue 1 April 2017 OUR VISION To drive Devotees to live according to the teachings

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Echoes from Region 1 Savanne - Sai Newsletter

Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017

MESSAGE OF THE LORD

REMOVE EGOISM - Page 2

CHINNA KATHA

THE MARK OF A TRUE DEVOTEE - Page 3

SPIRITUAL GAME

EASTER ANAGRAM - Page 4

PAST EVENTS - Page 5 - 7

DEVOTEE’S CORNER (PART I)

INTERVIEW WITH UNCLE RAM MULLIAH - Page 8 - 9

DID YOU KNOW - Page 9

REGIONAL OPERATIONS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

WOMAN – THE PILLAR OF A VALUE BASED SOCIETY - Page 10 - 12

DEVOTEE’S CORNER (PART II)

OBITUARY & CONGRATULATIONS - Page 12 - 13

BHAJAN & STOTRA - Page 13

Region 1 Savanne - Mauritius Volume 5 - Issue 1 - April 2017

OUR VISION

To drive Devotees

to live according to the teachings of BHAGAWAN SRI

SATHYA SAI

BABA

OUR MISSION

To assist and

support devotees for their

SPIRITUAL

UPLIFTMENT

OUR GOAL

To render SELFLESS

SERVICE to the SOCIETY

OUR OBJECTIVE

To spread the teachings of

BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI

BABA in the

society through Public Outreach

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T he fruits of the tree of human life are sweet,

but they are encased in the bitter skin of egoism

and ignorance and have hard inedible seeds of

desire, anger, pride, etc. One has to exercise one's

intelligence to peel off the outer skin of ignorance,

throw off the seeds of vice and wickedness and

partake of the sweet kernel of life.

To remove the evil of egoism, service is the most

efficient instrument. Service will also impress on

the person doing service, the unity of all mankind.

He who dedicates his time, skill, and strength to

service can never meet defeat, distress, or

disappointment, for

service is its own

reward. His word will

be ever sweet and

soft, his gestures ever

revered and humble.

He will have no foe,

no fatigue, and no

fear.

Man must get rid of

the feeling that he is the doer. As long as the ego is

dominating, the

Atma, or God

consciousness will

not be realized. The

egoist cannot

recognise the Atma.

Therefore, first

crush your ego. It is

egoism that is the

root cause of all

man's troubles. The

main criterion for

service is sacrifice.

Egoism should be

the first quality to

be offered for

sacrifice. Giving up

bad feelings is, in itself, sacrifice and that sacrifice

becomes a man's fortune. Sacrifice does not mean

that one should renounce possessions and family

and leave the comforts of home to lead an ascetic

life in the forest.

Little acts of service can confer on you great

spiritual benefit. Firstly, it will destroy your

egoism. Pride will transform friends into enemies;

it will keep even kinsmen afar; it will defeat all

good schemes. Service will develop in you the

quality of humility. Humility will enable you to

work in happy unison with others.

Service is worship;

each act of service is a

flower placed at the

Feet of the Lord, and if

the act is tainted with

ego, it is as if the

flower is infested with

slimy insect pests!

Who will contaminate

the Feet with such foul

offering? Have no

egotism while you serve the people.

Dreams are the

reflection, reaction

and resound

(resonance) of that

which is within you.

The same does not

apply to the dreams

in which Swami

appears. Swami

appears in dreams

only when He wills

it and not when you

want.

Help Ever Hurt Never

God is the Sun and when His rays fall upon your heart, not

impeded by the clouds of egoism, the lotus blooms and the petals

unfold.

Sathya Sai Baba

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Service to Man is Service to GOD

There will always be worry and grief of some type or the other. There is no escaping it, be it in the past or

future; while walking, dreaming or even while sleeping. But by placing faith in the Lord and dedicating

everyday chores and tasks to Him, the effect of these constant worries can fizzle out completely. Here’s how.

One day Narada boasted before Lord Vishnu about how there wasn’t any devotee better than him. But in doing

so he went against the very first qualification of a devotee - freedom from egoism.

So, in order to teach Narada a lesson or two in devotion, Vishnu spoke of a farmer, who was tilling his little

plot of land, as a greater devotee. He even recommended that Narada should visit and learn the art of devotion

from him.

A little humiliated but at the same time curious, Narada proceeded to the farmer’s village. But what he saw

amazed him. The farmer was all the time engrossed in either doing his work on the field, in the cattle shed or

was busy at home.

And in spite of the most vigilant watch, Narada did not hear him utter

the Lord’s name more than thrice a day; once when he woke up from

bed, another time when he took his midday meal and the last when he

retired for the night.

Narada was naturally incensed that he was deemed inferior to this very

poor specimen of a devotee.

While Narada was always singing melodiously the divine stories of the

Lord and spreading everywhere the message of chanting the name of the

Lord, here was a horny-handed son of the soil who remembered the

Lord just three times a day, whom Lord Vishnu judged as being superior to him!

He hurried to heaven, his face flushed with anger and ignominy, but Vishnu only laughed at his plight. In

answer to his anxiety, the Lord gave him a pot full to the brim with water and asked him to carry it on his head

and go round a certain course without spilling even a drop.

Narada did so, but when asked how often he had remembered the Name of the Lord while doing so, he

admitted that in his anxiety to walk without spilling the water, he had forgotten the Name completely.

Vishnu then explained to him that the farmer, who was carrying on his head more precious and more spoilable

burdens than a pot of water and who had to be careful not bring harm to

any of them, must therefore be more admired for remembering the Lord

at least three times a day!

So, even if you remember the Lord with thankfulness at least thrice or

even just twice a day, it is rewarding enough and confers with you with

great peace.

Do not give up your worldly duties, but do them with the Name of God

on your lips, thus inviting the Grace of God upon you.

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Unscramble the letters to find the words in our Easter Anagram.

Life is a game - Play it

Word’s first letter

A-D-E-I-L-N N

A-E-L-O-P-S-S-T A

A-I-O-R-S-V-U S

A-M-N-O-R-S R

C-C-F-I-I-I-N-O-R-U-X C

C-E-E-I-N-O-R-R-R-S-T U R

E-J-S-S-U J

H-N-O-R-S-T T

I-C-H-T-S-R C

S-C-O-R-S C

Answers: Nailed - Apostles - Saviour - Romans - Crucifixion - Resurrection - Jesus - Thorns - Christ - Cross

Good Luck

Prema Swarupulara

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Food is God; Do Not Waste

Continued on Page 6

BLOOD DONATIONS

Blood Donation, one of the major service based activities of the Organisation, was held during the months

of February and March by the Sathya Sai Centres of Surinam (29 January), Tyack (19 March) and Chemin

Grenier (26 March) respectively. 111 pints were collected in Surinam, 111 pints in Tyack, and 195 pints in

Chemin Grenier. Mega Blood donation was held at Ganga Talao by the Organisation on the 01st of January

2017, where over 500 pints were collected.

NARAYANA SEVA - SATHYA SAI

CENTRE OF CHEMIN GRENIER

Narayana Seva was held to the

Barbe Family on 11 March 2017.

The family lives in a precarious

condition. The children go to

school without any food. The

team helped the family with

some basic commodities.

LADIES DAY - SATHYA SAI CENTRE OF CHEMIN GRENIER

On the occasion of Ladies day (19th of every month), the Ladies wing of the Sathya Sai Centre of Chemin

Grenier, pay visit to the residents of the Smt. Foolbasseea Babooram Ashram of Chemin Grenier. A

bhajan session, adored by the residents, is performed, followed by tea and cakes.

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Continued from Page 5

Discipline is the Mark of Intelligent Living

NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

The 49th anniversary of the Independence of Mauritius and the 25th year of the Republic of Mauritius were

celebrated on 12 March 2017 at the Smt. Foolbasseea Babooram Ashram, Chemin Grenier. The

programme started with a Human Values walk from La Croisee to the Ashram, followed by the flag

raising ceremony. The programme ended with a cultural show,

comprising of patriotic songs, poems, drama and dances by SSE

students. The ceremony and the mesmerising performance of the

children were heartily appreciated by the residents.

MAHA SHIVARATRI CELEBRATIONS

Maha Shivaratri was celebrated by all Sathya Sai Centres and Groups of the region. Abhishekam (Aka

Chaar Peher Pooja) of the Shiva Lingam were performed at 4 intervals during the night of Shiva, with

prayers starting at 18:00hrs and ending in the early hours of the following day. Special Bhajans and stotras

were chanted to the Lord of destruction.

Continued on Page 7

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God is All Names & All Forms

UGAADI CELEBRATIONS

Ugaadi was celebrated by all Sathya Sai Centres and Groups of the Region on 29 March 2017. The

celebration included Suprabhaatam, special bhajan and talks on the significance of the festival. On the

day, it is customary to partake “Ugaadi Pacchadi”, which is a mixture of 6 different tastes, namely, sweet,

sour, salt, pungent, spice and bitter. The tastes signify that life is a mixture of happiness, sadness, anger,

disgust, fear and surprise.

SPECIAL TALK BY PROF. ANIL KUMAR KUMARAJU

Prof. Anil Kumar Kumaraju, the famous inspirational speaker, the chosen translator and ardent devotee of

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba gave a special talk to the devotees of Region 1 and 2 on 22 April 2017 at

the Ramayana Centre, Rose-Belle. He shared his experience of Swami with all.

SAI SYMPHONY BY MUTHU KUMAR

A Sai Symphony was performed by Brother Muthu Kumar at the Ramayan Centre of Rose-Belle on 20

April 2017. The event was very blissful.


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Discipline is the Mark of Intelligent Living

Sai Ram Uncle - First of all, thank you for

accepting to give us an interview for the Sai

Newsletter.

How did you get to know Swami and how did His

teachings help you in your life?

I have known Swami from a book called “Man of

Miracles”, gifted to me by a friend. Then onwards,

I had discovered a whole new dimension that gave

birth to a curiosity in me - the curiosity to learn

what truth was residing in India. His teachings

have helped me throughout my life, in everything I

do. Swami is always who I turn to everytime. He is

always there. His teachings have allowed me to

have a good disciplined way of living.

Can you please share with us the history of the

Sathya Sai Centre of Tyack?

When taking knowledge of who Bhagawan

actually was, we had started performing bhajans

regularly, along with Late Brother Ramdoo. We

first started with a handful number of people

having Satsang in the homes of the different

“members” that we were. With time, as the number

of people increased, we had to shift to a bigger

place in order to accommodate everyone having

the growing interest to know about Bhagawan. We

then moved to the locality's Hindu temple but after

some time, we were told away due to the fact that

some of our devotional songs included lyrics in

praise of Allah, Jesus, Buddha, just to name a few.

As the rivers of time flowed, we were given the

land where the Sathya Sai Centre of Tyack

presently stands today and the rest is history.

How do you find the progress that we have made

down the ages, backed by the advent of Swami’s

era in Mauritius?

Progress was slow, to be honest but it was

constant. Upon the realisation that Bhagawan Sri

Sathya Sai is, Himself the Avatar of God, different

groups were created and Sathya Sai Centres built

across the country. There were already some

groups in Curepipe and Goodlands but in the

south, Swami Blessed us only later, with groups

settling in Tyack, Surinam, amongst others.

Between the year 1990 to 1995, we were merely

around twenty Sathya Sai Centres but now, we

have so many across the country.

Bearing in mind that the organisation is based on

service activities, although we are working in that

optic, according to you, what more can the

organisation do?

This is very simple - we need to be able to show

our interest for the progress of our Organisation.

We need to be more caring and devoted towards

our own duties. Many people use big words to

impress others but are not able to do anything. We

need people who are responsible and who live up

to their own words. Seva is an important aspect of

our Organisation and needs to be done regularly

and it is in fact a prayer that we do without uttering

God’s name.

Continued on Page 9

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Did you know that the Sathya Sai International

Organisation has a new logo since February 2017?

Did you know that the Sathya Sai International

Organisation has declared the 24th April, the day

Swami left His physical coil, as Human Values Day?

Did you know that the Chairman of the Prasanthi

Council, Sathya Sai International Organisation is Dr.

Narendranath Reddy?

Did you know that the nine-point code of conduct

was not given by Swami? It was thought by one of

His students in a presentation. Swami has given the

ten-fold path to Divinity.

Love All - Serve All

The youth in Mauritius are less and less attracted

to spirituality. Why do you think so and what can

be done to solve it?

We need to meet and talk to people, especially the

youth. Luring them into the organisation in order

to help them through life. Youngsters are tending

to go astray and with the undaunted minds of

theirs, it is easy for so to happen. Bringing them

into the Organisation will be slow yet we should

not lose hope. We are entrusting the future of the

world to them so we need to trust them to become

part of the Organisation. In fact, it seems like there

is no one who has taken a step towards the

youngsters going astray. As a matter of fact, this is

what they want: support from someone who trusts

them. Then, they will feel a sense of belonging and

will be more attracted to spirituality and will want

to join in on their own. Approaching them,

meeting them, talking and telling them about what

truth our Organisation is all about and also about

Human Values are the ways how we will be able to

convince youngsters and the population.

Getting youngsters together - talking to them,

making them have faith using simple methods like

Naamasmaranam, singing of His glory and doing

Seva. One has no need to detach himself from the

mundane and retreating to the forest.

As one treads on the path of spirituality, no one

and nothing will be able to lure one out of

spirituality. Like the magnet that attracts metals,

one must become the gold that cannot be attracted

by magnets.

Interview Conducted by Brother Milan Sydamah


"Serve The Planet" (STP) is a young adults led initiative that was launched in

October 2013, as a global public outreach service project of the Sathya Sai

International Organisation (SSIO). Since then, it has evolved and now seeks to

engage members of the organisation and the community in practising Sathya Sai

Baba’s message on Ceiling on Desires and caring for our environment.

The theme for STP for 2017 is ‘Protect the Planet’.

More information available on https://www.sathyasai.org/ya/serve-the-planet-2017

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A s a precursor to the celebration of the Sacred

Day of Advent, in honour of and to recognise the

contribution of women, Beloved Mother Sai

declared 19th November to be respectfully and

joyfully observed as Ladies Day. This is a tribute to

all feminine beings in creation, winged, finned,

four and two legged. May they know in some

unique way that their presence and essence is being

appreciated and applauded.

Women are the makers of the home, the nation and

the world – Baba

Creation and Creativity - Man and Woman are so

created to complement

each other. In

alignment, each has

their function to

perform and while

doing so rhythmically,

in resonance with the

Divine Plan, together

they form a whole. To

build something one

needs a sturdy foundation. Then on, to support any

structure one requires powerful pillars. That

foundation that support that power of creation and

creativity has been bestowed upon every

woman. She embodies infinity, she characterises

eternal qualities and exuding all this positively, she

quite compellingly impacts eternity.

There is nothing in this world that women cannot

achieve – Baba

A society is made up of innumerable individuals,

families, people from different walks of life - an

intermingling of colours and flavours, strata and

status, faiths, views, beliefs, cultures and

economics ever so diverse. Doesn’t it all need a

binding thread? And much more significantly,

don’t these individuals have their origin in the

womb of a woman? Ethics is what makes a society

thrive and a woman of quality who believes in

equality has it in her to uphold and make these

ethics come alive.

Only if the women come up in society, the whole

world will turn sacred – Baba

A woman is born to play myriad roles: a daughter, a

sister, a friend, a wife - integrating acts which

continue on even after marriage while cementing

new associations, and even as she plays out these

roles she constantly exudes the highest undertaking

– that of a Mother. Whether she goes on to have a

child or not, every woman is a born mother, her

mission intrinsically is that of a mother, a tender

caregiver. She is blessed with many hidden facets

along with a natural

flair for compassion,

care, concern, nursing,

making amends, giving,

forgiving, bringing

together, blending, and

harmonizing. She

simply needs to be

mindful, centred and

receptive and tune in as

she experiences this adventurous expedition called

LIFE.

As a daughter she puts her parents on a pedestal,

reveres them, yet, gives gentle guidance whenever

necessary. As a sister, friend, colleague, teacher she

will not hesitate to step in, once again channelizing

righteousness.

However, what about her role as a Mother? Upon

the female of any species, whether amongst the

animal, winged and aquatic or humankind, lies the

singular onus of rearing the newly born. Most often,

especially in all other species, she patiently rears

the young ones all on her own – protecting,

nourishing, nurturing, freeing. Freeing subtly,

gently, firmly refers to demonstrating, drilling,

inculcating ‘Life Skills’.

Truth is God, Speak The Truth

Continued on Page 11

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In the animal kingdom, in their natural wild habitat, these skills

take on a different meaning altogether from what it denotes in the

more complex kingdom of man. Deep is the innate responsibility

of the woman, of the human mother, to inculcate moral codes,

basic principles and behavioural conducts. Children are not only

the future citizens of the globe, but they are the inheritors of all

the natural resources, the vast mineral wealth, the magnificent

hills and lush plains, the grand glaciers, refreshing rivers and

gushing streams, the surging seas and mysterious oceans, the

dense forests, the exotic flora and wondrous fauna, and as such

they grow up to become the custodians of all the abundance, the

keepers of Mother Earth.

Intuitively keeping in focus this salient truth, women as mothers,

aunts, grandmothers not only do all they can to promote the

physical wellbeing of their children but they foster the mental,

emotional, psychological and spiritual progress too, equipping

them with ethics that will regulate the flow of their conscience,

consciousness and overall growth.

Women embody the aspect of Mother Nature and the ancient sages found solutions to problems in life by

recognising this truth – Baba

Woman and Poise - When there is accord between the heart and the mind there is an inner harmony. The world is

raging with unrest for the poise within is lost. Desires and greed are drawing, dragging, and clasping humans and

humanity into the dark fathomless maelstrom of no return. It is imperative that a balance be restored and a vital

equilibrium maintained. The world needs beautiful minds. The inherent feminine qualities need to come to the

rescue. Outer beauty is of no worth if not accompanied by a beautiful mind ensuring not only positive thoughts,

words and deeds but a synchronicity between them.

Women are the heirs of our ancient culture. Culture means refinement.

Women are the torch-bearers of refinement and they are toiling for the emancipation of the nation – Baba

Woman and Love - Temperatures are soaring, rivers are going dry leaving the soil ever so arid, for there is no love

left in the human heart. Women are naturally conditioned to love unconditionally for that is their inborn motherly

instinct. They excel at it. As mothers, they are the first guru, guide and teacher of their children assisting them to

consciously be aware, beware of unfavourable influences, trust the inner voice and evolve. This process of learning

all things wise and wonderful, of loving and being exposed to the human values of Sathya, Dharma, Prema, Shanti,

Ahimsa…of loving selflessly begins in the womb itself.

Women have satvaguna in ample measure. They are by nature helpful, tender, compassionate, humble and trustful –

Baba

Woman and Values - Essentially a woman is a reservoir of goodness. She is the backbone of her family and she

quite logically extends this ‘family’ kindred sentiment to not only include in a micro way the society she lives in, but

goes on to, in a macro way, extend her ‘TLC’, her know and knowledge, her tending abilities to envelope the vaster

global civilization in a true spirit of oneness. In her was placed the womb, a foundation for the human race, in

likeness to the Cosmic Womb – the genesis of creation.

God First; The World Next; Myself Last


Continued on Page 12

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Be Good - Do Good - See Good

The womb of mother symbolizes mother earth – Baba

The Feminine Soul is eternally grateful for having being chosen for this role of bringing forth individuals of

steadfast substance exuding the essential essence of ethics that forms the basis for a principled progress as well as a

peaceful coexistence. A woman who understands the depth of this privilege puts her heart to her task sincerely,

while passionately wooing the values and safeguarding a lifelong alliance with them. Per se, reverentially, she

knows herself to be profoundly linked to all in the feminine sphere, the echelons in the ‘Motherly Hierarchy’…

Divine Mother of the Universe, Mother Nature, Mother Earth, Mothers of varied species, wherein the focal point,

the spotlight is always away from the self and focussed towards the cultivation of selfless attributes, enhancing

patience, tolerance, forgiveness and unconditional giving - sustaining it all and wholesomely surviving.

In the human species this feminine aspect is called – Woman. And, in her has been placed the courage, capacity,

capability and competence to value all life, to value living, to value values, to value ethical progress ultimately

advancing towards a higher way of thinking, existing and being.

Primarily, pre-eminently, quite vitally a woman values being a woman! Thus, a woman having found her own place

of value under the Sun is untiringly committed to relentlessly be the pillar of a value based society.

That is how the Universe blessed her to be.

Dharma can be made to occupy its position in society and restored to its pristine glory only by women – Baba


T he Sai family is very grieved by the loss of late brother Ashik Choolun, husband

of Sister Ekta, Bhajan Coordinator, and father of Sister Shiksha, Youth Coordinator,

both of Sathya Sai Centre of Chemin Grenier, who passed away on 22 March 2017.

The Sathya Sai Centre of Chemin Grenier is very grateful to him for all his esteemed

contribution, without forgetting his valuable assistance and help for the recent human

values walk and blood donation. Wherever he is, with the grace of our Beloved

Swami, may his soul rests in peace.

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REGIONAL COMMITTEE OF SAVANNE (Region 1)

Phone: +230 5 771 2875

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.saibabamauritius.org/region/savanne

Facebook: Region 1 Savanne - Sathya Sai International Organisation

Mauritius

God is Love, Peace & Strength

T he Regional Committee

of Savanne thanks all

devotees for their help and

support. Should you have any

queries, please do not hesitate

to contact the team. You can

also send your articles to the

Newsletter team on the e-mail

address provided.

CONGRATULATIONS

On 12 February 2017, Brother Ashwin Lochun, the Savanne Regional Devotion

Coordinator and President of the Sathya Sai Group of Bois Cheri, and Sister Neelam

Raginee Seewoochursing, from d’Epinay, got engaged. The Regional Committee of

Savanne wishes both Sai devotees good luck for their future endeavour.

BHAJAN

Manasa Bhaja Rey Guru Charanam

Dustara Bhava Sagara Taranam

Guru Maharaj Guru Jai Jai

Sai Natha Sad Guru Jai Jai

Om Namah Shivaya Om Nama Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya Shivaya Namah Om

Arunachala Shiva Arunachala Shiva

Arunachala Shiva Aruna Shiva Om

Omkaram Bhava Omkaram Bhava

Omkaram Bhava Om Namo Baba

O Mind, without worshiping the Lotus Feet of Guru

Sai Natha, it is not possible to cross the ocean of

life and death. Victory to the Noble Teacher, Lord

Sai Natha. Chant "Om Namah Shivaya". Chant the

name of Lord Shiva, Who resides in Arunachala (a

sacred mountain in Southern India associated with

Lord Shiva). Chant the name of Lord Baba, Whose

form is Om.

STOTRA

OM SAAYEESHVARAAYA VIDHMAHE

SATHYA DHEVAAYA DHEEMAHI

THANNASSARVAH PRACHODAYAATH

“I know through Gurus and Shastras (and by direct

experience) that Sai is God Himself: He is

Bhagavan and Iswara. I meditate on this form in my

heart with all my mental faculties. He is the

embodiment of truth, divinity, universal

consciousness and one who pervades all the worlds.

I pray to such a Sai Parameswar to direct our

intellects to engage in auspicious and righteous

activities. I meditate on this great form”.

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Region 1 Savanne Mauritius Volume 5 Issue 1 April 2017 · Region 1 Savanne -Mauritius Volume 5 -Issue 1 April 2017 OUR VISION To drive Devotees to live according to the teachings