To commemorate Easwaramma Day 2023 the SSSIOTT along with the 5 Sathya Sai Schools embarked upon its first Walk for Values and Environmental fair on the 6th May 2023.
The theme of the event ‘Building Communities of Character, one step at a time’ was in line with the objective, which created an awareness of the need for Human Values in the community of Longdenville and environs – an at-risk community for violent crime.
Participants took individual pledges to uphold values leading to personal transformation which can then be spread to families and the community.
The theme was fully expressed through the many banners and posters created by participants with human values inscriptions and prizes were awarded for the best human values posters.
There were over 350 participants comprising of the following:
150 Sai devotees
200 non-Sai devotees from 5 SATHYA Sai Schools including (principal, administrators, staff, students and parents; NGOs and related organisations:
- Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (EMA)
- Adopt a River
- Forestry Division
- El Socorro Centre for Wildlife Conservation
- Institute of Marine Affairs
- Alliance for Rural Communities
- Members from the Ministry of Education
Participants walking the route along the Longdenville Local road, Longdenville heading to the SSSIOTT headquarters, the Sai Nilayam
This historical event emphasized Love for Mother Earth as all participants were encouraged and brought reusable bottles and water was supplied by a mobile Hydra-Station. As a result, Statistics from the event showed that 1816 (77 cases) single-use plastic bottles were prevented from going into the landfill.
Hydra-Station hard at work along the route providing filtered water to all participants
Residents and people from the local businesses came out and supported the walk as participants were dressed in white ‘Walk for Values T- shirts’ moved through the main streets leading to the schools with the support of volunteers, local police, ambulance services, values based local and international music/songs playing from a music truck which filled the atmosphere with high vibrations of energy and joy.
The event concluded at the National Headquarters of the SSSIOTT with a fun, family day with Human Values and Environmental Activities and local healthy traditional cuisine. Treat bags were also distributed to all children.
Participants at the Sai Nilayam having fun with the stilts walkers that lead the walk
Members of some groups at the Sai Nilayam including the Massy Group and the El Socorro Center for Wildlife Conservation who joined to make the event the grand success
Our younger walkers enjoying a delicious doubles at the Sai Nilayam after a successful walk
This was the first major project involving collaboration between all Sathya Sai Schools and families and the Sai Organisation in Trinidad and Tobago which opens new doors for spreading the message of Sai,
“Love All; Serve all”.
