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Posted on : Oct 18, 2011

Tribute to Victor Kanu by dr.narendranath reddy

On 3rd September, 2011, Dr. Victor Krishna Kanu merged in the Divine Lotus Feet of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. His love for Bhagawan Baba can be appreciated through his inspiring words, dedication to service and his pure, selfless love. Dr. Kanu will always be remembered as a pioneer of Sathya Sai Education in Human Values. He is an inspiration to Sathya Sai educators worldwide.

Dr. Kanu implicitly followed Bhagawan’s every command and surrendered to Swami completely. With unwavering support from his noble wife, Mrs. Genevieve Kanu, he sold all of his properties in London to establish the Sathya Sai Schools in Africa. He happily sacrificed to help his fellow Africans, with the firm conviction that everything is ordained by God. He served Swami through the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization in various capacities. He was the Central Coordinator of Africa and the Director of The African Institute of Sathya Sai Education.

During the Sri Sathya Sai World Education Conference in July 2008 in Prasanthi Nilayam, Dr. Goldstein and I submitted the conference programme for Bhagawan’s approval and guidance. Dr. Kanu was included in the list of speakers, but we were not sure if Dr. Kanu could speak because of his poor health. Swami graciously blessed the programme and insisted that Dr. Kanu speak in His Divine presence. At the conclusion of Dr. Kanu’s talk at the conference, Swami lovingly blessed him profusely.

Dr. Kanu firmly believed that the Sathya Sai Model of Education would lead to the realization of the Divinity within us and thus, usher in the Golden age. He was convinced that only the Sathya Sai Education Model and the students of the Sathya Sai University and institutions could transform the world through human values: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-violence. With Swami’s blessings and guidance, Dr. Kanu replicated the Sathya Sai Education model in Africa, enabling students everywhere to reflect Baba’s life and teachings of love and truth.

During June 2010, Dr. Kanu was admitted to the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram for treatment of his heart condition. Bhagawan, in His infinite compassion, blessed Dr. Kanu while he was in the hospital. Shortly thereafter, he was discharged from the hospital and returned to Africa to continue to serve in the Divine mission with heightened enthusiasm and vigour.

Dr. Victor Kanu was a valued member of the education committee of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation. During the meeting of the education committee in Prasanthi Nilayam in July 2011, he echoed his sincere conviction that all the institutions, organisations and establishments started by Bhagawan should be treated with utmost respect and reverence. He emphasized the importance of all officers and devotees of the Sai Organisation working in harmony, unity and love in the divine mission.  

In addition to his leadership in education, Dr. Kanu actively participated in many humanitarian works of the Sai Organisation. He helped coordinate the provision of food, clothing and medical relief to the needy. He was also instrumental in the Sainet project, which provided life-saving insecticide treated mosquito nets, in malaria endemic areas of Africa. In a one year follow up, there was a 50% reduction in the incidence of Malaria in the African villages where the Sainets were distributed.

Dr. Kanu is an exemplary devotee who loved and served Swami till his last breath. Dr. Kanu left his body while visiting Sierra Leone to oversee construction of a Sathya Sai Centre. Indeed, it is a Divine blessing to merge with Him while doing His work. Dr. Kanu will be remembered with reverence in the annals of Sai History for over three decades of loving service conducted with dedication, devotion and determination.

- Narendranath Reddy
  Director, Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation

 - Radio Sai team