Founders Festival Parade: Detroit, MI
On July 20, 2024, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Detroit Metro joined the vibrant community of Farmington, Michigan, to commemorate its bicentennial year and the 60th anniversary of its Founders Festival. This annual event brings together a diverse array of residents, businesses, religious institutions, and other organizations. Over the years, the festival's parade has grown significantly. This year marked the fifth time that Sai Center members have participated in this joyful summertime Founders Festival Parade.
While SSSIO (Sri Sathya Sai International Organization) members have quietly supported many local non-profits, schools, nursing homes, and food pantries, many residents are unaware of how Sai volunteers serve the community. Participating in the Farmington Founders Festival Parade was a wonderful way to raise community awareness of the SSSIO's mission and the human values at its core, values that would resonate with people from all walks of life.
During the parade, the Detroit Metro SSSIO members, including Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) children, carried signs that beautifully illustrated human values – such as truth, right action, peace, love and non-violence, as well as many sub-values that are fundamental to all faiths and universally practiced.
Every journey begins with a single step. By participating in this parade, Sai volunteer spread Sri Sathya Sai Baba's inspiring mission of love and service. They also fostered a connection with the wider community and the opportunity to make a greater impact through loving service.
As Sai Center members marched, they also joyously sang English songs with positive messages, uplifting everyone's spirits. By walking alongside so many diverse groups, they promoted the spirit of friendship, love, respect and tolerance, and demonstrated unity within the community. People of all ages, from all walks of life, celebrated their individual contribution to the Farmington community, serving as a microcosm for global unity.