There is a Telugu proverb, which says: ‘If the whole village unites, the entire farm can be harvested.’ With unity any work can be accomplished. You must strive to promote unity. You must fraternise with the villagers and demonstrate your awareness of the Divine that is present in everybody. You should not get entangled in local politics. Political differences have entered the villages and ruined community life in the rural areas. You should tell the villagers: ‘Every individual can have his own political views. But these should not affect the welfare of the village as a whole.’

In matters concerning the progress and well being of the village, all the villagers should act as one regardless of party differences. You may support any party of your choice. But this should not affect your attitude to matters concerning the development of the village. All of you should act unitedly. Sai Sevaks (volunteers) should promote such a cooperative attitude. Unsanitary conditions account for most diseases in rural areas. You have to provide sanitary facilities for the villages such as dustbins, drains, latrines, etc. In all such work, the involvement of the villagers should be ensured so that they learn to develop self-reliance. You must try to wean the addicts from the drink evil, which has ruined many homes. Provision of roads, wells, lights and the like should be undertaken wherever they are required. The service you do must meet the needs of the villagers and give satisfaction to them.

Adoption of a village can become meaningful only when you give love to them and earn the love of the villagers. Nothing should be done in a spirit of condescension. I know there are many good workers in the Seva Dal. Not in Andhra Pradesh alone, but in all the States. There is, however, a malady that is noticed in the organisation. If the leaders behave well, the workers can render excellent service. The primary requisite is to see that the right persons are chosen as leaders. They must be filled with the spirit of service to society and dedication. They must feel that they owe everything to society and that their life can be worthwhile only when they have discharged their obligations to society. They must consider social service as their primary aim in life. It is only when they devote all their physical, mental and other resources to the service of the community that they will be doing real sadhana. (SSS Vol.17, pp. 81-82)