During the Dasara Celebrations of October 2000, Swami declared that
the students and staff of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning,
starting from November 1, would be visiting the surrounding villages
themselves and distribute food and clothes in the villages. He explained
to them that they should not do it as a 'service to others' but with a
feeling of giving to their own parents. As part of the 75th Birthday
Celebrations in November 2000, He also announced the construction of free
houses for the poor people. He also declared that He would provide for the
education of poor children in the rural areas The Trust undertakes various
activities, such as providing food, clothing, shelter, etc for the benefit
of the poor on a regular basis. It also conducts mass marriages entirely
free of cost for the poor and needy.
The Central Trust is the nodal
agency, which lays down the policy guidelines for all service activities
which are carried out by the State Trusts all over India.
There is virtually no town in India, where the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations (run by the respective State Trusts, which are independent entities) are not carrying out charitable activities meant for the welfare of the citizens irrespective of caste,creed or community.
Some of the activities undertaken by the State Trusts are listed below:
- Polio, blood donation, eye screening camps etc.
- Visits to Hospitals, leprosy homes, orthopaedic centres, maternity homes with food, clothes, etc.
- Distribution of clothes, food to the poor.
- Rehabilitation programmes for orphans, delinquents, etc.
- Village upliftment programmes.
- Giving educational scholarships to the disabled.
- Providing various facilities to people in times of earthquake, floods, etc.