Sakhyam - The Divine Friendship: A National Youth Day Celebration
On 16 June 2026, approximately 200 devotees gathered at the Abode of Peace, Durban North, to commemorate National Youth Day through a heartfelt programme coordinated by the KwaZulu-Natal Sai Lions of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council South Africa.
The morning commenced with a sacred Hawan with recitation of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 108 Names, invoking His divine blessings for the proceedings ahead. This was followed by Veda chanting, setting a serene and uplifting atmosphere. Guests were warmly welcomed by an inspiring address by Brother Reuben Naidoo, National Council President of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council South Africa, who encouraged the Young Adults to remain steadfast in living Swami’s teachings through love and service.
The highlight of the programme was the musical offering titled "Sakhyam - The Divine Friendship", which was a deeply personal journey portraying the evolving relationship between a devotee and Bhagawan through a series of heartfelt letters. Interwoven between multilingual devotional songs in English, Sanskrit, Hindi, Telugu and Tamil, these reflective letters unfolded the story of a friendship with Swami, from seeking Him, to confiding in Him, to discovering Him as the constant companion through every joy and challenge of life.
Adding a unique interactive element to the programme, all Young Adults were invited to write their own personal letters to Swami during the event. These sincere expressions of love, gratitude and prayer were later offered at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet in Prasanthi Nilayam during the young adult’s production “Why Fear When I Am Here”, beautifully extending the spirit of Sakhyam from even those that were not able to attend pilgrimage.
The gathering was further enriched by the presence of Professor Nishikant Barodekar, Professor at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, whose inspiring address touched the hearts of those assembled. Through sharing treasured experiences with Bhagawan, he reminded everyone that Swami’s love is deeply personal and encouraged the youth to cultivate an intimate relationship with Him.
The programme concluded with bhajans and Mangala Arathi, leaving devotees with a renewed resolve to strengthen their relationship with Bhagawan.
As the final letter of the musical expressed, Sakhyam is far more than a theme, it is an invitation to build a lifelong friendship with Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. A friendship rooted in love, strengthened through faith, nurtured through prayer and expressed through selfless service. The programme served as a gentle reminder that no matter where life’s journey leads, Swami remains our eternal Friend, guiding every step with His boundless love.
As Bhagawan so beautifully reminds us:
“God alone is your real friend. Wherever you may go, He is the friend who will never leave you.” - Summer Showers in Brindavan 1996, Chapter 12: “Sathya and Dharma | The Hallmarks of Humanity.”
