By James Kamala
In a heartwarming display of compassion, more than 100 elderly residents of Dar es Salaam recently received life-sustaining support in an initiative that went beyond charity — it reaffirmed dignity, restored hope, and reminded many that they are not alone.
Spearheaded by the Sathya Sai Society of Tanzania, this outreach effort became a beacon of kindness in the urban sprawl of Dar es Salaam, reaching seniors who often find themselves overlooked in the bustle of daily life.
Headquartered in Upanga, the Sathya Sai Society’s actions stem not from publicity-seeking but from a deep spiritual commitment — a commitment to service inspired by the teachings of their founder, Bhagawan Sathya Sai Baba. The event, organized with meticulous care and genuine empathy, brought together volunteers and beneficiaries in a quiet, powerful gathering that left a lasting imprint on everyone involved.
Mr. Saboori Naibu, Zone 9 Chairperson of the society — whose reach extends across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa — flew in from South Africa to participate. His message was simple but profound: “Spirituality without service is incomplete.” For society, helping the elderly isn’t an occasional act — it’s a moral imperative, a lived expression of love in action. Their goal is not only to provide food but to say, through every gesture, you matter.
In the Mabibo ward’s Azimio neighborhood, the gratitude was palpable. Elderly men and women, many of whom live on the fringes of the city’s rapid development, received essential food items — two kilograms each of rice and maize flour, one kilogram of beans, and a liter of cooking oil. The items might seem modest, but for the recipients, they represented something deeper: relief, recognition, and respect.
Mr. Nathumal Sajnani, one of the trustees of the Sathya Sai Society of Tanzania, underscored this sentiment. “It’s not just food. It’s love. It’s acknowledgment,” he shared. And it showed — not just in the distribution of goods, but in the warm conversations, the shared laughter, and the tears that flowed quietly from those who, for once, felt seen.
Community leaders echoed these emotions. Mr. Raphael Mlaga, a respected figure from Azimio Street, praised the society’s unwavering commitment. “What they’ve done complements the government’s efforts — but more importantly, it touches hearts,” he said. His words carried weight, especially in a society where the elderly often navigate life with minimal support and fading visibility.
While the Tanzanian government continues to implement policies aimed at supporting the aging population — including priority access in public health facilities — it’s grassroots efforts like this that bridge the emotional and logistical gaps. In the busy hum of Dar es Salaam, the Sathya Sai Society carved out a moment of stillness, where elders felt valued and heard.
But their work doesn’t end there. The Sathya Sai Society has a long-standing presence in Tanzania, with projects that span beyond emergency aid. One of their most enduring partnerships is with Uhuru Mchanganyiko Primary School in Kariakoo — a historic institution that has been championing inclusive education since 1921. The school integrates children with visual, auditory, and other learning disabilities into mainstream classrooms — a progressive model that still sets an example.
Here, the society provides more than just supplies. They fund meals, uniforms, and renovation projects, ensuring that the learning environment matches the potential of the students. It’s a project sustained entirely by member contributions, not from wealth, but from a shared belief in the power of selfless service. “This is not charity. It’s love in action,” said Mr. Sajnani, with unmistakable sincerity.
The spirit of service extends beyond Tanzanian borders. In Uganda, the society has built boreholes in rural areas, providing clean drinking water to communities for the first time. In South Africa, they run youth empowerment and moral education programs, grounded in the timeless principles of truth, right conduct, peace, love, and non-violence — values their founder taught not just as ideals, but as daily practice.
It’s these small, consistent acts — rooted in genuine concern and humility — that ripple outward. In a world grappling with inequality, economic hardship, and increasing disconnection, the Sathya Sai Society’s actions offer a powerful counterpoint. They show that impact isn’t always about scale — sometimes, it’s about presence. About showing up. About reminding someone they still matter.
For the elderly of Azimio, the food supplies may not last forever. But the compassion, the human connection, the knowledge that someone took the time to care — that lingers. It heals in ways statistics can’t measure. And as the sun set on that meaningful day, one thing was clear: kindness, when delivered with love and humility, leaves a mark that lasts long after the packages are gone.