Shirdi Sai Devotees Summit, New Zealand

Shirdi Sai Global Foundation and Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of New Zealand Inc organized Shirdi Sai Devotees Summit on 27th and 28th February, 2016. The summit was attended by delegates from USA, UK, Germany, Malaysia, Australia and India. Besides, large numbers of devotees and well-wishers from New Zealand participated in the event.

The event saw an enchanting performance that showcased some aspects of Maori cutlure by way of dance and songs before the audience. The indigenous Maori culture of New Zealand, which is highly integrated with the nature, reminded many a visiting delegates, especially from India about the rich Tribal culture in some parts of India. During the event financial assistance was also provided to help flood effected people of Fiji and to Starship Foundation, Auckland which works for the medical needs of children and infants.

In his keynote address during the summit, Dr Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, who was the Chief Guest stressed the fact that Shri Shirdi Sai Baba’s main focus was on community service. He cited various instances drawn from the holy book ‘Sai Satcharita’. He urged all Sai temples to become effective community service centres. Dr Satpathy stressed that mankind, everywhere in the globe is facing different kinds of problems and hence there is ample scope for local Sai centres to be actively engaged in the meaningful community service by identifying and serving local needs.

In recognition of the yeoman service rendered by Dr. C.B. Satpathy, Mr. Phil Goff, recognized him as ‘Outstanding Global Humanitarian’ and presented a plaque of recognition. Dr. Satpathy presented a cheque of NZ $ 12,000 to Mr Brad Clark, the CEO of Starship Foundation, working for the medical needs of children and infants. Dr. Satpathy also donated a substantial amount for the welfare of the flood victims in Fiji and Chennai. He also encouraged the Maori Dance, performed by the ethnic Maori tribe of New Zealand.

The prominent personalities who attended the summit included Mr Sadashiv Lokhande, Member of Parliament, Ahmeadnagar (Shirdi), India, Mr Phil Goff, MP, Mount Roskill, Mr Kanwaljit Bakshi, Mr Mahesh Bindra and Dr Paramjit Parmar all listed MPs of Indian origin in the parliament of New Zealand.