Sri Sathya Sai International Organization - USA

Islam emphasizes the One in the Many, the urge for God who manifests in various degrees in various minds. Unity is the basic teaching of every religion. Faith in Unity is cardinal. The Ramadan month, the fast and the prayers are designed to awaken and manifest this realization. Whichever may be the religion, its emphasis is on unity, harmony, equal-mindedness. Therefore, cultivate love, tolerance, and compassion, and demonstrate the truth in every daily activity. - Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 12 July 1983

In the spirit of interfaith harmony, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Dallas, TX, hosted a community outreach event - an Iftar dinner on March 15, 2025, at the Community Unitarian Universalist Church in Plano. TX. Iftar is the sacred meal at sunset that breaks the fast for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan and marks a moment of reflection and gratitude. The gathering brought together approximately 100 individuals, including 40 guests from the Dialogue Institute of Dallas, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to fostering mutual understanding, respect and cooperation among diverse faiths.

The event was graced by the presence of SSSIO (Sri Sathya Sai International Organization)-USA National Vice President Alex Grana, Plano Mayor John B. Muns, Plano Police Department Lt. Matthew Eadler, Dialogue Institute Executive Director, Beril Birk, and the Interfaith Engagement Lead, Raha Shahin. Upon arrival, guests were warmly welcomed and invited to explore an open house with posters and monitors highlighting the Sai Center’s various service initiatives. Following the open house, guests proceeded to the main hall, where dinner tables, adorned with floral arrangements and candles awaited them. The hall resonated with lively chatter, fostering a spirit of unity among the guests of diverse faiths in the room.

The program in the main hall commenced with a welcome from the President of the Dallas Sai Center, Chitra Niranjan, Alex Grana, SSSIO-USA Vice-President, elaborated on Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings emphasizing the unity of faiths, selfless service, and the core human values of truth, right conduct, peace, love and nonviolence, drawing shared commonalities with the Muslim faith, particularly the observance of Ramadan. Mayor John B. Muns commended the Dallas Sai Center for hosting the event and their ongoing commitment to the serving the community. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of faith-based organizations and Plano’s embrace of diverse faiths. Lt. Matthew Eadler echoed similar sentiments and expressed gratitude for the community support of the Police Department. Raha Shahin of the Dialogue Institute delivered an engaging presentation on Ramadan, and the significance of self-discipline and reflection.

A musical offering by young adults from the Dallas Sai Center, featuring the poetry of Sachal Sarmast and Yunus Emre, enlivened the program. Following a prayer, attendees shared in the generous Iftar meal lovingly served by Sai volunteers. Over dinner, attendees engaged in meaningful conversations about their shared values and experiences. This community event underscored the power of interfaith dialogue in deepening connections and strengthening community bonds.

Continuing the spirit of collaboration, young adults from the Dallas Sai Center were later invited to participate in another Ramadan event hosted by the Dialogue Institute, paving the way to forge new friendships, explore future partnerships and host more shared celebrations.

The Dallas Sai Center extends its deepest gratitude to the Richardson Interfaith Alliance, whose invaluable collaboration was instrumental in making this event possible.