On 29th of March in the year 1968, Sri Sathya Sai Baba defined what is Sathya Sai seva (selfless service) and who is a sevadal (volunteer): “Every seva done with sympathy and skill to anyone in distress anywhere in this world is Sathya Sai seva. The sevadal must be eager to serve and trained to serve, for service from those who take My name must be intelligent and sincere.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba in a discourse delivered on 21st November 1988 said: “Avail yourself of every possible occasion to render service to the society. It need not be limited to individuals. It is important to do national service. Whenever you find that you can render help to anyone in need, offer it. Do not make distinctions between rich or poor or the deserving and the undeserving. Offer service according to the needs of the situation. Today the needs of the poor in the rural areas are quite great. In this situation you must go out into villages, organise service activities and encourage the rural population to participate in them. The village folk should be told the importance of health and hygiene and how to keep their homes and villages clean and healthy.”
