Jamshedpur: The Shri Sai Center in the Circuit House Area resonated with spiritual fervour and deep reflection on Tuesday evening as revered spiritual leader, eminent Sai devotee, and former Director General of Police (Uttar Pradesh), Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, visited the center and delivered a powerful message on love, compassion, and values.
Dr. Satpathy, a distinguished IPS officer of the 1972 batch, holds a special place in the history of the Shri Sai Center, having performed its Pran-Pratishtha (consecration ceremony) on October 18, 2012. His return after more than a decade was marked by overwhelming devotion, with hundreds of followers gathering to seek his blessings and listen to his teachings.
The visit began with a grand and traditional welcome accorded to Guruji by the Center’s President and noted industrialist S.K. Behera. General Secretary Amaresh Sinha, along with Vijay Mehta and other office bearers, honoured him with a ceremonial shawl. Dr. Satpathy offered special prayers and performed Pradakshina of Shirdi Sai Baba before addressing the devotees.
Dr. Satpathy urged devotees to move beyond ritualistic practices. “Sai Bhakti is not just worship; it is the art of living,” he said, cautioning against superficial devotion. “Temples should not become places of ‘window shopping’ for God. True devotion lies in good deeds, compassion, and sensitivity in everyday life.”
Emphasising the erosion of values in modern society, Guruji highlighted the importance of family responsibilities and ethical living. He remarked that no religion is greater than serving one’s parents and fulfilling duties with honesty. Stressing the role of parents in shaping children’s character, he said that values must be instilled from an early age, adding that blaming God for a child’s waywardness often reflects gaps in guidance at home.
Dr. Satpathy also cautioned against viewing saints merely as miracle workers. “The true message of saints like Sai Baba or Guru Gobind Singh lies in their teachings of sacrifice, service, and compassion,” he noted, urging devotees to follow these principles in action.
The programme was enriched by graceful Odissi and classical dance performances, along with devotional bhajans presented by artists from the Utkal Association. General Secretary Amaresh Sinha presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting the Center’s ongoing social and charitable initiatives, which received high praise from Guruji.
Addressing the gathering, President S.K. Behera said, “Guruji’s guidance is a perennial source of inspiration for us. This Center is committed to advancing social service by walking the path of love and compassion shown by him.”
Dr. Satpathy expressed happiness over the Center’s growth and service activities and blessed the devotees. The spiritually uplifting programme concluded with a collective Aarti and the distribution of Prasad, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of purpose and devotion.
