Sri Sathya Sai Global Council NZ at the Unity of Faiths Women’s Program

With Swami’s divine grace, Sister Vaishali Bhat Sumbly, National Public Outreach Coordinator of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council New Zealand, represented the Council at the Unity of Faiths Women’s Program the 12th Annual Women’s Peace Symposium. Organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association New Zealand, the event took place on Saturday, 9 August 2025, at the Baitul Muqeet Mosque, Wiri, Manukau under the theme “Preserving our Values and Humanity”.

The symposium brought together women from various faith backgrounds to exchange perspectives on preserving moral values, nurturing compassion, and fostering understanding in an increasingly divided world. Among the distinguished attendees was Melissa Derby, Human Rights Commissioner, Race Relations, who expressed her interest in participating in the future activities of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council New Zealand.

In her address, Sister Vaishali shared that the erosion of values is one of the greatest crises facing the modern world, not due to a lack of knowledge, but due to a weakening of compassion, empathy, and spiritual grounding. She emphasised that women, throughout history, have been the torchbearers of dharma, love, and balance, whether as mothers, teachers, caregivers, or spiritual seekers.

Drawing from the Hindu tradition, she reflected on the Divine Feminine as Shakti in her various forms Durga’s courage, Saraswati’s wisdom, and Lakshmi’s harmony reminding the audience that these qualities live in every woman. She spoke of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision, where women are seen as the foundation of peaceful societies, and recalled Swami’s belief that the purity of a mother shapes the character of families, nations, and the world.

She also highlighted the five universal human values taught by Swami Truth (Sathya), Righteousness (Dharma), Peace (Shanti), Love (Prema), and Nonviolence (Ahimsa) as the lifeblood of all faiths, urging that they must be lived, not just preached.

In her closing words, Sister Vaishali inspired the audience with a call to action: One woman rooted in dharma can uplift ten families. Ten such women can uplift a village. A hundred can change a nation. And when women of all faiths unite in love and strength, they become a global force for peace. She urged everyone to live Swami’s eternal message “Love All. Serve All. Help Ever. Hurt Never” as the guiding light for preserving values and humanity for future generations.

Her heartfelt delivery and deep insights were warmly received, and her presence helped strengthen interfaith bonds, opening doors for greater collaboration and community service in the spirit of unity.

Jai Sai Ram