Sathya Sai Youth group undertakes programmes for young adults to honour parents, develop powers of discrimination and determination, with higher levels of discipline for becoming exemplary citizens and inspiring leaders.  Emphasis is placed on programmes to help the youth cultivate harmony in the home and society.

Youth groups hold their separate Bhajan sessions and study circles to develop the leadership potential in young adults, while also inculcating human values and spiritual awareness.  Members of the Youth groups come from various walks of life, and look to incorporate human values through dramas, music, and art.   The Youth group also holds workshops for members to learn basic care-taking skills, and puts these into use by actually helping out at elderly peoples homes.

Youths between the ages of 16 - 30 are encouraged to participate in these gatherings, aimed to guide the youth away from the illnesses that exist in modern society, and once again embrace the eternal values of Love, Peace, Truth, Integrity and Character. 

Sai Baba has provided guidelines to youth, as to qualities of life that they should live by, "Students have to imbibe the nine important qualities which are precious as nine gems.  These are spirits of sacrifice, humility, the spirit of selfless service to society, friendliness, discipline, commitment to integrity, truth, love, nonviolence, and faith in God."  

"The age span of 16 to 30 is crucial, for that is the period when life adds sweetness to itself.  When talents, skills and attitudes are accumulated, sublimated, and sanctified.  If the tonic of unselfish service is administered to the mind during this period, life's mission is fulfilled."

This is important, as "The future of the country depends on the skill and sincerity of the youth. Therefore, the necessary enthusiasm and encouragement must be generated among the youth.  All hopes are based on the students, the youth..."

"Youth is the age when you will be able to develop good ideas and conduct.  You should make a determination to do so.  You should dedicate yourself to the service of your country and the service for your parents.  If you turn your mind inwards to God you will be starting your life in a manner where bad qualities do not haunt you."

Currently, there are youth groups in the following locations in Japan: Chiba, Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, and Nagoya.

Main Events/Activities for 2002

1) Organization of "Sai Leadership" Workshops
2) Organization of "Satsang"
3) "Bhakti Project," a play presented to Swami by the women of Youth
4) Publications of "Premadara," "Human Values Diary"and "75 Great People"
5) National "Family Day"
6) Third World Youth Conference
7) Formation of "Sathya Sai Youth Band"
8) Events in conjunction with Bal Vikas
9) Organization of Service Activities organized by Sai Youth

In addition to Youth Bhajans and Bhajan practice, Study Circles, Gayatri Club, and Narayana Seva, which the Youth groups carry out regularly, the Youth Groups organize a number of other important activities, some of which are as follows:

i) Youth Group Action Plan on Baba's 75th Birthday and Production of "75 Great People".

The Youth group selected 75 people from around the world, who led exemplary dharmic lives, while contributing to society, and made a booklet outlining their lives. By looking through the lives of these exemplary people, it was possible to feel the energy of God guiding them, and enlightening the lives of all those around them. At the same time this provided a basis for members of the Youth group, showing how to overcome various difficulties in life. The production of this booklet was made possible due to the almost full participation by members of Youth Groups in Sai Centers. At the moment, an English booklet is being produced.

ii) Japanese Action Plan after Second World Youth Conference -- Production of "Human Values Diary"

The production of Human Values Diary has been on-going activity since 1996 by the Youth Group. This diary helps us lead our daily lives in accordance to the Five Human Values, which are truth, righteouness, peace, love, and non-violence.

Recent years have seen the youth of Japan and their values take a turn for the worse. Some of the reasons for this can be attributed to family ties not being as strong as before, youth finding it hard to control themselves, and the fact that society as a whole is more interested in the short-term profit or pleasure, all of which have led to the decline of morality. In view of this, the Youth group has improvised the "Spiritual Diary" that was made by the group between 1996 - 2000, in a way that is easy to use for non-Sai devotees as well. From Swami's discourses on "good thoughts, " "good company," "the importance of controlling the heart," teachings of Swami have been presented without the aspects of "God, religion, spirituality," essentially enabling users to cultivate morals without even knowing about Swami. At the moment. a number of public junior high schools have started to use this Human Values Diary.

iii) Family Day

Currently in Japan, families taking part in Sai activities together is very rare, and most devotees participate in center/group activities instead of spending time with their families. For this reason,the Youth groups have set up "Family Days," where parents are invited to the center/groups, to promote understanding, and closer family ties. In 2001, this Family Day was held in three centers throughout Japan.Youth devotees wrote letters expressing their gratitude to their families in preparation of this event. In addition, a play emphasizing Swami'seachings on "importance of family," "respecting your parents" was staged. At one of the centers, a play about a young man worshipping his parents as God was presented. Parents and youth members discussed their feelings after the performances. Youth members learnt that their parents were most interested in seeing that their children got only the best, while the parents realized that their children only wanted to be their parents' pride and joy. Keeping Baba's teaching "Peace starts in the home," Youth members have resolved to keep working towards this goal.

iv) Others

Christmas Drama by Youth

Drama -- Youth groups actively stage dramas for various Sai Center festivals and Seva. In addition to being powerful mediums for teaching values, it helps develop the inner talents on Youth members.

Translation -- Youth group is now undertaking the translation of "Premadara."

All Japan Youth Sadana Camps

Sports Meet -- While youth members play an important part within the Sai Centers, they are also active in many other ways. Through sports, members learn to adhere to rules, and the importance of teamwork, and through this, members engage even more actively in center activities. Sports meets are held regularly at the Kobe and Osaka Centers.

                                   

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