SSSIO Public Notice
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
OM Sri Sai Ram.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has advised all His devotees to spread His message and share His love with everyone around the world. Many devotees and SSSIO officers are dismayed and saddened that the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (SSSCT) of India has been blocking the dissemination of Bhagawan’s message.
For example, the SSSCT has blocked YouTube videos about Swami in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, and USA – to name a few. This action is not in accordance with Intellectual Property (IP) laws. Furthermore, the SSSCT has been acting in contradiction to the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who directed the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization (SSSIO) to spread His message of love to all corners of the world .
The SSSIO does not recognize any claims of exclusive ownership of His words or media by any entity as that was not the will of Bhagawan. The claim that mere geographic origin of media confers copyright is incorrect and not based on any IP law. The SSSIO is committed to spreading Baba’s message of love freely through every available media and technology, and taking appropriate actions to ensure that all devotees can enjoy Swami’s darshan and His message unhindered.
Finally, the Prasanthi Council has sent an email to the Trustees of SSSCT on January 5, 2022, requesting them to reverse these actions by the SSSCT, in the interest of all devotees of Bhagawan. As there was no response, a follow-up email was sent by the Prasanthi Council to the Trustees of SSSCT on January 11, 2022 requesting them not to block video, audio, and print material of Swami on YouTube. Till today, no reply has been received.
Swami assured us that Truth will always prevail (Sathyameva Jayate) and Dharma protects those who follow Dharma (Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah).
Please see the attached Public Notice for further details.
Thank you.
Jai Sai Ram.
Lovingly in the Service of Sai,
Leonardo Gutter, Co-Chair, Intellectual Property Committee
Krishna Srinivasan, Co-Chair, Intellectual Property Committee
Venkat Sadanand, Chair, I.T. Committee
Anupom Ganguli, Chair, Media Committee