For his inaugural visit to South Africa next month, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, the founder of One World One Family, intends on expanding the work of the global humanitarian non-profit organisation's footprint in South Africa.
The organisation currently has a feeding initiative in the country aimed at addressing food insecurity in vulnerable communities. This includes providing nutritious meals to school children, feeding the elderly and the homeless.
On March 10, Sadguru will officially launch the One World One Family humanitarian mission at The Venue at 39 Melrose Boulevard in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. He will meet with business leaders, senior government officials and community members. The aim is to expand the World One World Family humanitarian initiatives in the communities they serve.
"We are committed to expanding our current initiatives to reach more schools, elderly individuals, and underprivileged communities," said Allan Reddy, the head of the One World One Family, South African division.
Reddy also leads the programmes in South Africa under Feed the World (SA), a division of the One World One Family (SA) Foundation. But the overall oversight of these projects, he said, would be provided by Sadguru.
Reddy said the philosophy of "One World One Family" was deeply-rooted in the ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - a Sanskrit phrase from the Maha Upanishad. It translated to "One World One Family".
"This principle advocates for universal brotherhood, emphasising that all of humanity is interconnected and should live in harmony, transcending boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, and religion.
"In today's globalised world, this philosophy is particularly relevant. It encourages a collective approach to addressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and social inequality.
"By viewing the world as a single family, we foster empathy, cooperation, and a sense of shared responsibility, which are essential for sustainable development and peaceful coexistence. The One World One Family philosophy also aligns with the mission of the One World One Family SA Foundation.
"By embracing this inclusive worldview, the foundation promotes initiatives that transcend individual interests, aiming to uplift and support communities across South Africa and beyond. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also builds a foundation for long-term unity and prosperity.
"In essence, adopting the One World One Family philosophy fosters a more compassionate and interconnected world, where collective well-being is prioritised over individual gains."
Reddy said in Africa, a free hospital had been established in Nigeria, providing essential medical care, as well as a school providing free education.
"Additionally, a sustained breakfast program is actively supporting school children in Malawi as Sadguru believes that no child should go to school hungry, ever. These initiatives reflect a continued commitment to uplifting communities across the continent."
He said to date, the foundation had expanded its presence to more than 80 countries. And it was a commitment to spreading the One World One Family message across the globe.
"Our collaborative efforts focus on extending this reach into multiple countries in Africa, including Swaziland, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, as we work under the guidance of Sadguru to further the foundation’s impact in the region.
"In South Africa, Sadguru's primary concern is the high poverty rate, and he is committed to addressing this challenge through a structured, long-term approach. His plan includes expanding existing feeding programs to combat hunger, implementing comprehensive educational initiatives to empower communities, and ultimately establishing access to free healthcare to ensure holistic well-being for those in need."
Their office in South Africa is located in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Reddy said the One World One Family Foundation had a global network of millions of members, including dedicated employees and volunteers committed to its mission. In South Africa, the foundation operates with a core team of a few employees and many volunteers actively supporting its initiatives.
He said the One World One Family Foundation was poised for significant growth and impact in the coming years.
The foundation plans to broaden its reach by establishing additional Centers for Human Development across various countries. These centers will serve as hubs for delivering essential services - ensuring that more individuals have access to quality education, nutritious meals, and comprehensive healthcare.
"This expansion aligns with the foundation's commitment to the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. We are also enhancing our partnerships with other charitable organisations, volunteers, and donors. By leveraging a global network of supporters, the foundation aims to amplify its impact, ensuring that resources and services reach those who need them most. This collaborative approach embodies the foundation's belief in collective responsibility and the transformative power of unified efforts."
* If you are interested in attending the One World One Family inaugural event on March 10 from 5pm to 7pm, email [email protected] and a registration link will be provided.