About the Sai Centre
Milton Keynes is a large town in South-East England, about 45 miles (72 km) north-west of London within the county of Buckinghamshire. It was formally designated a new town on 23 January 1967. It took its name from the existing village of Milton Keynes.
Our Journey ...
Origins of the Sri Sathya Sai Centre, Milton Keynes
On 23 November 2001, as an offering to Swami for his 76th Birthday, a group of devotees prayed to Swami to bless them to open a Sai Centre in Milton Keynes. The target date for the opening of the Centre was January 2002. Activities began in earnest, looking for premises. Ideas on how the altar should look, the Bhajan format, etc. were discussed, whilst praying ardently to Swami to will the Centre opening in January 2002. Divine intervention prevailed as everything that was needed for the MK Sai Centre was donated by devotees. Devotees volunteered their services and offered items for the Centre without being asked – in true Sai Spirit. After visiting several venues, we found the ideal site – the St John Ambulance Hall, in Furzton. Initially we wanted the Bhajans to be between 9:00 and 10:00 on Sunday mornings but the Hall was only available between 7:00 and 8:00 pm on Sundays. We accepted the time slot and booked the Hall for the entire year. One person from the group was nominated to contact the UK Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisation (UKSSSSO) to advise them of our intention and to find out how we could register the Centre with the UKSSSSO. Representatives from UKSSSSO met with the founding group in early January 2002 to formalise the Centre and give guidance on the selection of office-bearers.
On 13 January 2002, the first Bhajans were held at the Milton Keynes Sai Centre at the St John Ambulance Hall in Furzton. Renu Gidoomal (Singer and Artist) inaugurated the Centre, with her melodious voice energising this auspicious event. All activities leading to the Centre opening were executed with precision, further confirmation that the Divine hand was at play.
The MK Sai Centre has annually celebrated a multi-faith devotional singing event for world peace (called the 'Akhanda Bhajan'). This event is attended by a variety of faith groups from in and around Milton Keynes. (Read the full article of Akhanda Bhajan 2014 at the following link:Akhanda Bhajan 2014 in Milton Keynes)
The Centre today has about 100 Members and fully active Spiritual, Service, Sai Spiritual Education, Ladies’, and Outreach Wings. We undertake a variety of spiritual and community service projects locally and internationally.
We also have a vibrant SSE (Sai Spiritual Education) Wing which is attended by over 60 children.