Launch of Sri Sathya Sai Run & Ride | Felicitation of Former National Cricketers | Aug 17, 2025
On this sacred evening, the divine abode of Prashanti Nilayam witnessed the culmination of the National Youth Parthi Yatra, a soul-stirring journey of devotion, service, and transformation. The atmosphere was suffused with the fragrance of unity, humility, and the steadfast resolve of youth who have dedicated their lives to living and spreading the ideals of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
As the session commenced, the timeless truth reverberated in every heart: Hari Ananth, Hari Katha Ananth—indeed, it is impossible to comprehend the vast scope of service activities silently yet powerfully taking shape under the auspices of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (SSSSO) across the length and breadth of the nation. Every act of seva stands as a testimony to Bhagawan’s immortal dictum: “Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray.”
On behalf of the Sri Sathya Sai Young Messengers, Mr Osho humbly offered the consolidated service report cum compendium at the lotus feet of Bhagawan, sharing the tireless efforts of thousands of hands and the transformations evident in countless hearts. The work, being undertaken with sincerity and love, is not just social service but a spiritual sādhanā, leading to inner purity and outer harmony.
The evening also marked significant milestones in the grand vision charted by SSSSO for the Centennial Birth Celebrations of Bhagawan (2025–2026). The four national initiatives, first announced in Bhagawan’s presence during last year’s Birthday Celebrations, are steadily gathering momentum and inspiring nationwide participation:
1. Sri Sathya Sai Prema Pravahini – A divine initiative that has touched hearts across the country, flowing like a sacred river of love, winning widespread appreciation.
2. Sri Sathya Sai National Cricket League – Concluded successfully earlier today, culminating in an exhibition of discipline, unity, teamwork, and the blending of sports with spiritual values.
3. Sri Sathya Sai National Film Festival – A cultural initiative drawing youth and creative aspirants, fostering values-based storytelling.
4. Sri Sathya Sai National Run & Ride – Formally launched this evening with the divine blessings. Sixty runs are planned in different parts of India, offering categories of 2K, 5K, and 10K, with the grand culmination scheduled during Aradhana Mahotsavam 2026. In a moving ceremony, symbolic torches were handed over by the esteemed Trustees and dignitaries to regional representatives, igniting the flame of youthful commitment across the nation.
The session also witnessed a heartfelt felicitation of legendary figures from the cricketing world, who have inspired generations with their sporting excellence and values. Among them were:
* Former West Indies great Alvin Kallicharan,
* India’s seasoned players and administrators like Lalchand Rajput,
* Veteran Hindi commentator Susheel Kumar Doshi,
* National umpires Amit Rana and Sadashiv Iyer,
* Andhra Pradesh stalwart and visionary behind the Cricket League, K.M. Rao, along with Agam Rao, Vedam Hariharan, and Venkataramana.
Earlier in the morning, select former cricketers—including Arjuna Ranatunga, Murali Kartik, MSK Prasad, and Amol Mazumdar, among others—were felicitated in recognition of their sporting contributions.
Their words, reflections, and well-wishes added grandeur and left the gathering inspired, demonstrating how sport can also become a vehicle for values, discipline, and unity.
The evening drew to a sublime close with the Youth Musical Program—a heartfelt offering of devotional songs suffused with love and gratitude. The music uplifted every soul present, binding the assembly in a collective experience of bliss and surrender. The three-day Parthi Yatra thus concluded on this exalted note, reminding all that the legacy of Bhagawan continues to flow powerfully through the resolve and dedication of His children.
As the curtains fell on this National Youth Parthi Yatra, it became clear that Swami’s mission marches on with renewed vigour, carried forth by young hearts that have pledged: to love all, serve all; help ever, hurt never.
