Through various scientific studies, music has been recognized as an effective form of therapy to provide an outlet for emotion and reducing stress. Researchers have found that listening and playing music increases body immunity and overall health. The Sathya Sai Centre of Cooksville has taken on an initiative – Melody of Divine Love – to provide the service of music therapy while simultaneously spreading Sathya Sai Baba’s name.

A local senior home that houses residents of varying levels of mental and physical disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Arthritis was approached to allow this community initiative. With Sathya Sai Baba’s Grace, the program manager welcomed the Sai Centre’s proposal with open arms and accommodated time and day every month for its volunteers’ arrival. SSE students and adult volunteers devoted their time to practice, prepare and perform. These performances include singing songs, bhajans, dancing, and narrating spiritual stories with all the accompaniment of live music. The demographic of the community allows for celebration on various holidays such as Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas. The Cooksville Sai volunteers tailor their performances to commemorate these events. The commitment and support from the students and adults is vital in the success of the program as they contribute to the planning, scheduling of practices, providing audio/visual equipment and any other necessary tools.

Sathya Sai Baba has said, Wherever my devotees sing, there I seat myself. The presence of Sathya Sai Baba is felt through every resident. Each month, the students bring in divine vibrations, and a sense of joy and happiness to residents of the retirement home. Elders have always appreciated the students for their faith in God, commitment to serve Him and for their discipline.

Sathya Sai Baba shows His love and compassion in many different forms as the students are given the opportunity to display and strengthen their hidden musical talent, public speaking skills, time management and compassion towards seniors. Hence, the goal of Melody of Divine Love is to provide a platform for young talents to spread the warmth of their love, to develop a sense of serving mankind and to aid them in their own spiritual journey.