Austria
The year began with the first national members' meeting on March 21, 2025, at the Sathya Sai Center in Linz, where 24 participants, including three Young Adults, gathered for a day of spiritual learning, reflection on activities, and personal offerings to Swami on His 100th Birthday, followed by collective bhajans.
A major milestone was reached in April 2025 with the founding of the non-profit organization Sai Care Austria, led by Mr. Rainer Benda and Ms. Susanne Irresberger. This initiative strengthened efforts to support those in need through healthcare, education, environmental care, and humanitarian aid both locally and internationally.
A significant focus was the ongoing Ukraine service project, in collaboration with the SSSIO Germany. Each month, approximately 270 packages of diapers were distributed to orphanages in the Odessa region and refugee children in Taranivka. In addition, 80 packages of seasonal clothing were sent to Poltava and Taranivka and 10 packages of toys were delivered to orphanages in Sumy and Odessa. Also, life-saving medications were provided to those in need in the Kharkiv region. More than 500 greeting cards were written in English and translated into Ukrainian to accompany the aid. Over 1,500 volunteer hours were dedicated to this work, including a remarkable 2,500 km journey by a volunteer to transport packages to Germany to reduce shipping costs. Volunteers provided hygiene supplies for 16 elderly refugees from the Sumy region, purchased cooking facilities and food for refugees from the Luhansk region, and donated beds for four children in an orphanage in Sumy.
SSSIO members also made individual contributions, such as knitting around 100 pairs of socks, making 43 crocheted toys, and preparing 100 greeting cards for a children's Christmas celebration in Taranivka. During the Christmas season, around 50 packages of warm clothing, blankets, food, and gifts were received, along with monetary donations. The SSSIO supported food distribution in Kyiv, provided therapy materials in the Odessa region, and contributed to the establishment of a safe bunker in the Mykolaiv region, as well as the purchase of 60 additional blankets and pillows for refugees.
Belgium
SSSIO members organized environmental clean-ups in Antwerp, Verviers, Overijse, Brussels, and Calais in collaboration with devotees from the Netherlands. Local outreach included donations of clothing and hygiene items to refugees in Brussels and support for disadvantaged families. Devotees also contributed to humanitarian and educational initiatives in Haiti, providing human values education and donating books to students.
Czech Republic
SSSIO members from the Czech Republic continued to strengthen their spiritual foundation through regular bhajans and online study circles. Volunteers prepared and sent 200 Easter gift packages for children in orphanages in Ukraine (in Poltava and Sumy), reflecting their shared commitment to serve those in need with love and compassion.
In June, about 30 devotees across the country came together in Prague for a joyful national meeting on the topic 'Purity is Enlightenment'. The meeting featured bhajans, a video discourse by Swami, a study circle, and a spiritual game. The highlight of the program was an inspiring talk by Mr. Krishnanand Padmanabhan, who shared his experiences with Swami from his time as a student at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL).
Around 10 SSSIO Members planted traditional fruit-trees as part of a local community orchard project in the idyllic countryside landscape of the Czech Republic. This mindful service to nature reminded them of Swami's vision of harmony with the environment and service to society.
Joining the worldwide observance of the 100th Birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the SSSIO Czech Republic organized a day-long Birthday celebration in Prague. The program was attended by about 20 people who enjoyed bhajans, meditation, an uplifting video discourse, a study-circle, and reflections on recent activities. Participants thus renewed their commitment to His universal message of love, service, and human values.
Denmark
In Denmark, SSSIO volunteers lovingly rendered monthly services, including singing and music at nursing homes for people with dementia, alongside visits to the physically disabled. Their compassionate service also extended to feeding the homeless, providing them with knitted clothing, and assisting asylum seekers by transporting them to hospitals for medical examinations. Monthly café service for Ukrainian refugees featured cross-cultural, values-based music, shared meals, and cultural excursions.
In February 2025, a universal peace concert in Ukrainian, Danish, and English brought together 35 participants, mainly Ukrainians, who enjoyed the music and values-based message. The year concluded with a public Christmas concert attended by around 200 Ukrainians and Danes, in a spirit of unity and harmony. Starting in 2023, SSSIO volunteers planted a total of 665 trees in honor of Swami's 100th Birthday, including 135 trees planted in 2025 alone.
Estonia
In 2025, two notable events connected Estonia with the wider Sathya Sai community.
The centenary Birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was celebrated in Pärnu with a heartfelt gathering of 13 to 15 devotees from Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu. Over the course of about three hours, participants engaged in group prayers, inspiring talks, viewing media presentations, bhajans, and open discussions, concluding with the cutting of a large cake dedicated to Swami.
Ms. Evelyn Kanepi, a renowned Estonian folk song author, performer, and leader of the Tallinn Sai Group, traveled to the United States and presented two concerts at Sai Prema Nilayam during the centennial celebrations, with inspiring performances on November 17 and 23.
Germany
The musical group 'Joy of Divine,' composed of nine Sai musicians from across the country, organized three 'Nights of Spiritual Songs' in churches in Bochum in February and in Hamburg in July and September. The programs were enjoyed by 300 guests from outside the Sai organization. A priest who attended the program remarked that the group had truly brought peace that evening.
Spiritual growth was further nurtured through two weekend programs held in April and October, each attended by 20 to 25 participants. Centered on the themes 'Know your Self' and 'The one who protects dharma will be protected by dharma,' these gatherings offered opportunities for deeper understanding through study circles, dramas, and presentations.
Service to the needy remained a central focus throughout the year. As part of the Ukrainian service project, 765 parcels of diapers were delivered to an orphanage and around 200 families, while medications were provided to 150 elderly individuals in the Kharkiv region. School supplies for an entire year were given to 200 children in 20 foster families. In addition, 500 boxes of winter clothing and 350 boxes of blankets, bed covers, and pillows were distributed to evacuated families across regions, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Taranivka, Kherson, and Kyiv. Complementing these efforts, the German SaiCare Foundation supported 25 orphans by enabling them to pursue a three-year technical education.
Hungary
In April 2025, 11 volunteers in Hungary held a craft workshop for 14 children in Budapest. In May, 40 devotees gathered for a regional meeting in Kaposvár, and spent the day singing bhajans and performing other spiritual activities. In August, in keeping with a decades-old tradition, 26 Sai devotees participated in a four-day spiritual retreat where they practiced daily spiritual exercises. In September, Mr. Jirka Blazek, Central Coordinator of Zone 7, gave an uplifting talk on Swami's teachings to 14 people at Győr.
Latvia
In March 2025, the SSSIO in Latvia organized a public seminar titled 'Human Values in Today's World,' where the Education Coordinator presented the four steps to Self-realization. The session generated positive feedback, particularly from Young Adults.
On May 25, 2025, SSSIO volunteers gathered for a hike along a forest nature trail by the river, blessed with sunny weather perfectly suited for the occasion. United in purpose, everyone took up the shared task of '100 steps towards Swami', taking 100 steps toward themselves in quiet reflection.
The year ended with the celebration of Swami's 100th Birthday in Latvia on a Sunday, which allowed for wider participation. The gathering was marked by a profound sense of sharing, devotion, and love for their beloved Sai.
Lithuania
Baba's 100th Birthday was the central focus for Sai devotees in Lithuania. SSSIO members hosted the international Sarva Dharma Choir during their Baltic tour, 'There is only one language – the language of the heart,' from August 1–6, 2025. Two concerts took place in Lithuania, drawing warm responses from audiences, with more than 60 attendees in Kaunas and over 200 in Vilnius. Afterward, choir members spent time at the Saulės Kalnas meditation center, connecting with local devotees in a spirit of fellowship.
The Netherlands
On May 17, more than 70 people gathered in Houten for the national Members' Day, featuring a program of meditation, bhajans, reflections on humanitarian relief in Syria, and updates from the National Council. Workshops in the afternoon explored themes such as coping with Alzheimer's, leading study circles, practicing bhajans, and preparing handmade baby clothes for Swami's hospital in Puttaparthi, making the day both practical and uplifting.
Center Coordinators Days, held twice with 22 participants each, offered space to reflect on achievements, challenges, and plans, while encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and learning. As a symbolic gesture, the coordinators wrote letters to Baba, inspired by an international gathering in Athens.
SSSIO volunteers across the country collected and sorted warm clothing for those in need in Ukraine. Around 15 volunteers in Vlijmen prepared shipments that were sent via Germany to support displaced people facing urgent needs.
Public outreach initiatives brought Sai's values into the community. On September 14, a Values Day in Den Bosch gathered about 30 participants for music, stories, discussions, and workshops centered on love, truth, peace, nonviolence, and right conduct.
In Rotterdam, the International Day of Peace was celebrated on September 20 with devotional music in a public park, creating a welcoming space for reflection and unity under the theme 'Peace starts with You.'
Family and community bonding were highlighted on September 25 in Houten during the Sai Family Day, '100 Years of Love,' where families, children, and grandparents shared prayers, stories of Sai Baba's life, creative activities, and group participation, concluding with bhajans in a joyful atmosphere.
On November 15, in Zaanstad, around 30 volunteers planted trees and shrubs as part of the SAI 100 initiative. Working together in prepared grounds, they contributed to creating a diverse green space, ending the day with shared gratitude and fellowship.
The Sri Sathya Sai Baby Service Project continued its dedicated efforts, with about 10 volunteers creating clothing for newborns. In 2025, 236 parcels were delivered to the General Hospital near Prasanthi Nilayam, where they were distributed to grateful mothers in need.
Poland
On March 28, a large tree-planting initiative in the Jamy Forest District brought together 215 volunteers, including nine Sai devotees, who planted 6,000 trees under the guidance of local foresters.
On March 29, the Sarva Dharma Choir performed in the Evangelical Church in Groß Lindow, Germany, before an audience of about 160. The concert, held in a Gothic church, was received with deep emotion and gratitude, creating a warm and memorable experience for both hosts and performers.
From August 1 to 6, the Sarva Dharma Choir undertook a pilgrimage tour across the Baltic States, offering five concerts in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The performances, held in venues ranging from meditation centers to libraries and churches, attracted audiences from around 50 to over 220 people. Each concert was received with enthusiasm, often with standing ovations, as the choir shared messages of love and unity through music, leaving a deep impression on everyone.
In May, over 75 Sai devotees from Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania gathered in Spała for a regional meeting under the theme 'Purity is Enlightenment.' With the presence of Mr. Adriano Bratovic, Zone Chair of Zone 6, the gathering was marked by inspiring talks, workshops, and a spiritually uplifting atmosphere filled with joy and love.
The 100th Birthday celebrations reached a global peak during the 11th SSSIO World Conference held from November 19 to 24 at Sai Prema Nilayam in Riverside, California. A group of Polish devotees, including members of the Sarva Dharma Choir, participated in and contributed to the event. The choir performed two concerts — one on November 19, honoring women and the feminine aspect of divinity, and another on November 21 as a tribute to Swami. Featuring songs from various religious traditions and languages, the performances were met with prolonged standing ovations and deep appreciation.
In Poland, the celebrations were also marked locally on November 22 in Kraków, where over 20 devotees gathered for bhajans, prayers, and shared reflections in a joyful and reverent atmosphere.
Throughout the year, spiritual practices continued through daily online morning prayers led by Maria Quoos, attended by many, as well as a nightly prayer gathering for the sick involving about 30 people from various religious backgrounds across Poland.
Sweden
In 2025, SSSIO Sweden offered a blend of programs. In April and October, volunteers served the homeless at the Ny Gemenskap restaurant in Stockholm, a non-profit entity supporting those facing poverty and social vulnerability. They prepared and served meals to 75 guests and distributed essential care packages, offering both nourishment and dignity.
A highlight of the year was the grand celebration on November 23 in Stockholm, marking the 100th Birthday of Baba. Centered on His message of love, selfless service, and unity, the event saw enthusiastic involvement from Young Adults in organizing and performing. SSE children aged 5 to 16 presented a musical drama conveying human values, along with Veda chanting, a talk on Sathya Sai Baba, and a group song on peace.
Throughout the year, monthly bhajans were held on the third Sunday, bringing together SSSIO members in person and online, followed by experience-sharing. Weekly online SSE classes for children aged 6 to 16 connected participants across Stockholm and other cities. A special moment came during the summer, when the first in-person class was held in a Stockholm park, allowing children and families to meet, share activities, and enjoy time together.