Young Adults

Overview

The International Sai Young Adults Program empowers individuals aged 18 to 40 to lead purposeful lives by embracing the spiritual principles exemplified in the life, teachings, and work of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. With a focus on holistic character development, the program fosters personal transformation and selfless service, inspiring Sai Young Adults (YAs) to make a meaningful impact within their families, communities, and nations.

In 2024, YAs across 10 zones organized and participated in a wide range of activities, including devotional sessions, service initiatives, education endeavors, and healthcare camps. From a pilot study in Malaysia aimed at revitalizing Sai Centers to the Sai Blossoms program in the United States of America, which nurtures a deeper connection of body, mind, and intellect, YAs continue to explore innovative and meaningful ways to strengthen their connection with Bhagawan Baba.

A key milestone of the year was the SSSIO International Sai Young Adults Leaders Retreat in Greece, where YA leaders from all the Zones gathered to empower and equip themselves to serve as better leaders within the SSSIO. The Pathways subcommittee dedicated the year to strengthening their foundations for future initiatives, while other subcommittees implemented beautiful projects such as the Summer Showers series, the #Sai100 Gift Hamper—a collection of celebratory media posts leading up to Swami’s 100th Birthday celebration in 2025, and the release of a new bhajan audio album.

Through collective devotion, service, and innovation, the International Sai Young Adults movement continues to grow in strength and purpose, upholding Swami’s message and inspiring future generations to walk the path of love and selfless service.

International Programs

At the international level, two key events marked the year 2024. The SSSIO International Sai Young Adults Leaders Retreat, themed ‘Roar your Role’, took place from July 26-29, 2024, in the vibrant city of Athens, Greece. Fifty-five YAs from 26 countries gathered at the Sai Prema Ashram, embarking on a journey of heart-to-heart connections while creating visions of the future for the International Sai Young Adults Program.

Each day began with the sacred resonance of Omkar, Suprabhatam, Veda chanting, and multilingual bhajans, transcending boundaries and fostering oneness. In the first session, participants explored their identities by crafting symbolic hats, reflecting on whether they led as instruments of Sai’s will or from personal ego. Surrendering these hats at Swami’s Feet symbolized letting go of 'me' to embrace 'Him.'

The second session delved into personal challenges faced by YAs–relationships, work, studies, and mental health–reminding them of the WAVES framework for problem-solving: Welcome challenges, Awareness, Vulnerability, Equanimity, and Self-confidence. The third leadership session addressed practical issues faced within the organization, like low turnout, burnout, and post-pandemic engagement. As the team collaborated, many innovative ideas emerged, emphasizing the need for quality over quantity, collaboration, and relevance.

The retreat served as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated young leaders can have in their communities and the importance of collaboration and support within the Sai community worldwide.

The SSSIO International Conference on S.A.I. (Service, Adoration, Illumination) organized from June 28–July 1, 2024, welcomed more than 500 participants from 35 countries to Kenya, a land blessed by Swami’s divine presence decades ago. The YAs played a vital role in the conference, contributing to altar decoration, media, registration, processions, musical symphony, drama, service activities, tree planting, and facilitating workshops.

A highlight was the amazing musical symphony, The Rhythm of Africa—Our Hearts Beat for You Swami, blending soulful multilingual bhajans with gratitude-filled narrations. An inspirational video showcasing worldwide YA initiatives was offered to Swami at the conference. The YA drama, Back to Godhead—An African Experience, conveyed the importance of human values and devotion to Swami, as shown through the lives of the African people.

The YAs from several countries wore traditional vibrant African costumes, showcasing the richness and beauty of the African culture. The SAI 100 panel discussion explored 13 initiatives to deepen spiritual commitment and increase YA leadership in the SSSIO. On the last day of the conference, YAs visited the Sri Sathya Sai School of Kisaju, distributing food hampers to local families and planting 200 trees with students and staff. Leaving the conference with full hearts and renewed inspiration, the YAs carried Swami’s love forward, committed to serving humanity.

Sri Sathya Sai International Leadership Programme (SSSILP)

In 2024, the Sri Sathya Sai International Leadership Programme (SSSILP) for Young Adults introduced the SSSILP Summer Showers—a special series to inspire Young Adults toward a more profound spirituality and self-introspection.

The first session, held on March 2, 2024, featured Dr. Sunder Iyer and focused on self-love and personal growth. Dr. Iyer emphasized the importance of 'Plugging into the Source', the inner Self, and that everything in our consciousness precedes its physical manifestation. Drawing from his experiences with Swami, he highlighted the significance of internal validation over external recognition and encouraged YAs to cultivate focused intentions to align with the universe's resources and realize their full potential.

The second session, held on April 14, 2024, titled ‘Experiencing Equanimity,’ was led by mental health professionals Ms. Katarzyna Andersson and Ms. Ayushi Rambojun. The role of self-confidence in shaping our mindset was discussed, with special emphasis on practices such as breathing exercises, meditation, a healthy diet, and physical activity to nourish the mind and body, fostering a resilient and positive mindset. The box breathing technique was particularly impactful for the attendees.

On October 6, 2024, Mr. Neil Bisarya led the third session on ‘Unleashing the Power of Love.’ He introduced spiritual tools like the Maypole technique to connect with our Higher Consciousness and the Figure of Eight Exercise for harmonizing energies and relationships. The session concluded with practical applications for work, relationships, and personal challenges. With over 100 participants, the Summer Showers series helped YAs grow spiritually and refine their leadership skills by offering familiar wisdom in new and engaging ways.

Ocean of Music (OoM)

The Ocean of Music subcommittee released their fifth album titled ‘A Garland of Melodies’ in September 2024, featuring six beautiful bhajans. Reminiscing over the words of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, “Life is a song – sing it,” the album was a collaborative effort by the YAs, who contributed as lead singers, chorus singers, and instrumentalists, as well as through audio editing and mixing of the album. These recordings are available on all YA media platforms on SoundCloud, Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer, and YouTube. A few YAs also recorded unique musical offerings for the sacred occasions of Maha Shivaratri and Aradhana Day. Additionally, they provided support for music in various International SSSIO events.

International Sai Young Adults Veda Programme

The International Sai Young Adults Veda Training Programme has trained over 1000 Young Adults from across the world since its inauguration on June 20, 2020. On April 24, 2022, the International Sai Young Adults Veda Programme Subcommittee was officially launched to encourage everyone to learn the sacred, spiritual practice of Veda chanting. This is facilitated through regular online sessions led by experienced teachers, ensuring participants develop accurate pronunciation, intonation, and adherence to traditional Sanskrit grammatical rules. In 2024, the program also included two webinars featuring inspirational speakers who shared profound Vedic wisdom.

On May 18, 2024, Swami Chidananda addressed the Young Adults on the topic "You and Your Personality – Fragmentation to Integration," offering profound insights from the Vedas on self-awareness, inner potential, and the power of the mind.

On September 28, 2024, Maha-Mandaleshwar Swami Abhishek Chaitanya Giri Maharaj, the head of Shri Jagadguru Sanyas Ashram in Rishikesh, delivered a discourse on "Achieving Paramatma Through Your Duties." He highlighted the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings on dharma (right conduct) as a path to spiritual liberation, emphasizing Karma Yoga—the practice of performing one’s duties with devotion and detachment—as a means to inner transformation.

Sai Young Adults Media Team

Sai Young Adults Media Team spreads Swami’s teachings through creative media such as graphic design, animation, and videos. In 2024, three weekly initiatives have been a constant feature. On Mondays, 1–3 minute audio clips from Swami's discourses were published on social media and titled ‘Sri Sathya Sai Says.' Wednesdays were dedicated to showcasing Swami’s handwritten letters to devotees (“Letters to Students”). Every Sunday, visually engaging posts featuring Swami’s quotes were published (“Quote of the Day”). These were also translated into Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian.

Throughout the year, the team marked major festivals with heartfelt greeting posts, encouraging YAs to celebrate unity in diversity. To boost engagement, interactive polls and trivia were introduced, fostering both participation and learning. During the festive period of Navaratri, the team collaborated with the International Sai Young Adults Veda Programme to highlight Durga Suktam, a prayer to the fire God Agni. One verse, with its meaning and proper intonation, was posted daily on all social media channels, and later compiled on YouTube, for viewers to follow and learn.

As the year drew to a close, the team, in collaboration with the YA Editorial Team, created a ‘gift hamper’ of 100 celebratory posts to honor Swami's 100th Birthday. The first offering, ‘12 Days of Wisdom Sai Baba Gave to Us,’ launched during Christmas, featured 12 symbolic gifts, each linked to Swami’s teachings and creatively tied to its corresponding number to inspire devotees.

The continued collaboration between the media and editorial teams also led to the expansion of the Sai Young Adults' presence on WhatsApp and Facebook. New platforms like a WhatsApp Community, WhatsApp Channel, and Facebook Channel provided a more personal, interactive space for engagement, allowing for direct interactions through polls and questionnaires while serving as channels for sharing updates from digital media.

Sai Young Adults Editorial Team

The Sai Young Adults Editorial Team (YAET) subcommittee oversees all written content within the SSSIO International Sai Young Adults Committee, ensuring high-quality writing, proofreading, and copyediting of published materials. YAET provides editorial support to all International YA subcommittees and works closely with the YA Media Team to generate content for weekly social media initiatives while assisting with writing captions across all social media platforms. Additionally, YAET played a key role in the Sai100 gift hamper initiative, collaborating with the media team to provide content and overall support.

Every month, the YAET compiles the Young Adults section of the SSSIO magazine, Sathya Sai – The Eternal Companion. This includes collecting reports from different countries on inspirational activities, sharing Swami’s message, as well as reviewing reflection articles where devotees share their personal experiences and connections with Swami. Every year, the team compiles activities representing Young Adults across different zones and subcommittees for the SSSIO Annual Report.

Zone 1

Canada

The Canadian Sai Young Adults in Region 1 hosted a sandwich service, where meals were prepared and distributed to those in need. They also organized a sports social, which fostered community bonding through recreational activities. Meanwhile, YAs in Region 6 created and delivered care packages for women’s shelters to provide warmth and support during the holiday season. Across both regions, YAs played active roles in Swami’s 99th Birthday celebrations at their respective Centers, contributing to the planning, coordination, and execution of the event, and demonstrating their commitment to service and community engagement.

Trinidad and Tobago

In March 2024, the Young Adults in Trinidad and Tobago prepared and distributed 100 care packages filled with essential personal care items, including sanitary napkins, toiletries, hair care products, and more, for teenagers in need. These packages were distributed to students at SWAHA Hindu College in Sangre Grande, which was highly appreciated by the school’s principal and staff.

On March 10, 2024, the YA and service wings brought together 35 Sai devotees and embarked on a fascinating tour of the Caroni Swamp. This 12,000-acre wetland, one of Trinidad’s most extensive mangrove forests, is a protected site under the Ramsar Convention. This tour encouraged spiritual reflection amidst nature’s beauty.

On April 20, 2024, twenty-five YAs were among 400 participants in the Support Autism T&T 5K Run and Fun Walk, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Marabella. The event raised funds to support people diagnosed with autism, benefiting Rahul’s Clubhouse and SATT Autism Center. SSSIO Trinidad & Tobago (SSSIOTT) hosted a booth for refreshments and shared Swami’s quotes on nonviolence.

On September 7, 2024, SSSIOTT held its annual beach day for the Blind Welfare Association (BWA) at Mayaro Beach, a cherished tradition for over thirty years. This year, the event welcomed Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs), including family members, with 40 YAs playing a crucial role in the activities. The VIPs were transported from the BWA’s North and South branches to the beach, where they enjoyed devotional prayers, song performances, and delivered speeches. A human chain was formed in the water to assist with safe bathing, supported by volunteers and lifeguards. Before leaving, the VIPs received care packages and snacks.

On November 28, 2024, 37 students from SWAHA Hindu College, inspired by their teacher who serves as the National YA Coordinator, participated in a service day at the SSSIOTT South/South East Service Center. The students assisted in preparing, cooking, and distributing 400 hot lunches to the homeless, elderly, and visually impaired. They also learned basket weaving from the visually impaired.

United States of America

In 2024, the Sai Young Adults of the USA launched two key national initiatives. The Group 4 SSE to YA Transition initiative addressed the challenges faced by SSE students as they leave home to join college, often resulting in a weakened connection to the Sai community. To bridge this gap, pilot YA groups in six college campuses were established to provide consistent support and engagement to freshman students. The initiative fosters a sense of belonging and builds personal connections through satsangs and fun events such as baking cookies.

The Sai Blossoms initiative inspires and supports YAs in taking up sadhana for the body, mind, and intellect in honor of Swami’s 100th Birthday. This program has helped participants cultivate new habits, stay accountable, and strengthen the body-mind-intellect (BMI) trio, aligning with Swami’s vision for YAs to serve society effectively. The initiative hosts regular webinars featuring guest speakers to enrich the spiritual journey of Young Adults, along with an app to promote individual accountability.

Across various regions, YAs have been implementing projects that foster spiritual growth, service, and unity. Region 1 hosted the Socially Responsible Service YA Mini Retreat, an in-person gathering that encouraged grassroots programs, enabling YAs to explore and align socially responsible service opportunities. In Regions 2 and 5, YAs launched monthly Gita Vahini satsang. These sessions offer practical wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita as expounded by Swami to navigate life’s challenges. YAs in Region 3 participated in a 30-day gratitude challenge, a WhatsApp-based initiative that encouraged daily reflections, fostering a positive approach to life.

Region 7 brought together over 45 YAs for the Sai 99 Day of Bhajans, uniting the community in devotional singing. YAs spread holiday cheer by leading Christmas carols at a convalescent home, uplifting the spirit of residents.

Organized by the Zone 2B Young Adults Veda Group, an online Veda Meeting was held on May 19, 2024, with a mix of 80 Young Adults, Sai devotees, and the general public. The session aimed to promote Vedic learning, emphasizing proper pronunciation, intonation, and the significance of the Vedas in daily spiritual practice. To extend the reach, the recording of the workshop on Gayatri Mantra was uploaded to YouTube, featuring Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

Since August 2024, the Zone 2B Young Adults have been conducting monthly online study circles on the second Sunday of each month. These discussions are based on Summer Showers in Brindavan, 1972—a series of discourses delivered by Swami during the 1972 Summer Course. Each session is led by a National Young Adults Coordinator (NYAC) from a different country in Zone 2B.

Argentina

Since 2022, the Sai Young Adults of Argentina have been hosting virtual vegetarian cooking workshops to promote healthy, meat-free eating and to dispel common misconceptions such as “without meat, there is no protein,” in Argentina, a country with a strong non-vegetarian culture. These online, bi-monthly workshops, with around 30 participants, are based on Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings on the importance of a satwic and vegetarian diet for a spiritual aspirant.

On November 15, 2024, the Sai Young Adults of Argentina hosted a question-and-answer session with Mr. Leonardo Gutter, Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation. The session, attended by approximately 60 participants, provided valuable guidance on spiritual growth and practice. It was live-streamed for public access and is now available on the SSSIO Argentina YouTube channel.

The Service in Sai Literature initiative was conducted seven times in 2024. Through Instagram polls, followers of Argentina’s official Sai Young Adults Instagram page voted on a spiritual topic from several options. The selected topic was then explored through Sai literature, with a Young Adult sharing key insights in a video. The topics included mind & nutrition; belief with faith—not doubt; Baba is always close; dharma; being a Sai administrator; real happiness; and strengthening character.

Colombia

A Sai Young Adults retreat was held in Santa Verónica, Colombia’s Atlantic Province, from June 8–10, 2024. The retreat brought together approximately 54 Young Adults from Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, including five participants who were new to Swami’s teachings. The program featured a blend of interactive spiritual, and cultural activities, including Omkar, morning meditation, devotional singing, talks, group discussion circles, a seaside bonfire, and an excursion to an eco-park.

Zone 3

Australia

In February 2024, the YAs in the New South Wales (NSW) Region held the ‘Sai Playground.’ Through various games, this creative exploration helped YAs generate ideas for more effective communication and joyfully engage in spirituality. Similarly, another ‘sporty’ initiative, the Vibhuti Cup, held in Sydney on June 16, 2024, fostered sportsmanship and unity, bringing together participants of all ages for friendly competition. Emphasizing a healthy body and mind, the event featured football, lawn bowling, and team-based activities, showcasing Sai values through camaraderie, satwic meals, and a spirit of inclusivity.

On August 4, 2024, the YAs of the NSW Region worked with service and ladies' wing teams to distribute warm meals and essential care items to the homeless community in Sydney’s Central Business District. The National Young Adults Bliss Retreat, held from September 27-29 at the Sathya Sai College in Murwillumbah, was a three-day gathering focused on service, devotion, and spiritual connection.

Fiji

On September 21, 2024, YAs from Suva, Fiji, revived their decade-long Fun Day tradition, bringing joy to 104 children with special needs and 36 caregivers from five special homes. The event featured inclusive games, arts and crafts, and lively activities, ensuring a day filled with fun, food, and love.

The Young Adults have actively contributed to environmental and community service initiatives across the zone, including tree planting, habitat restoration, medical camp support in Fiji, birthing kit assembly, and homeless food distribution programs. Most notably, the YAs contributed approximately 200 blood and plasma donations at the zonal medical camps. They also played a key role in organizing community events like the Friendship Festival, Sai School Community Day, and Special Needs Community Open Day, fostering unity through games, food, music, and interactive activities while strengthening ties with local families.

New Zealand

The SSSIO New Zealand Annual Retreat, held in Taupo in January 2024 with the theme Living in Sai, featured a special session led by 37 young adults called Lunch with Sai. Designed to embody Swami’s teachings on food and its spiritual significance, the session offered a ‘silent meal’ of lovingly prepared dishes, including ragi sangati and other childhood favorites of Swami, recreating the experience of dining with Him.

The YAs actively engaged in various devotional and service initiatives throughout the year, taking the lead in organizing the Guru Poornima program, offering a heartfelt Qawwali performance for Swami’s 99th Birthday, and blood donation drives. Through weekly online study circle sessions focused on Tapovanam and Mahavakya on Leadership, they deepened their spiritual understanding of Swami’s teachings.

Zone 4

Malaysia

The National Sai Convention was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from August 31 to September 1, 2024, under the theme 'My Life is My Message: Living His Message.' The event gathered 500 devotees, with Young Adults actively participating in various roles. The YAs led an EASE workshop focusing on four key habits: Exercise regularly, maintain a positive Attitude, Sleep deeply, and Eat responsibly (EASE). A satsang with Mr. Aravind Balasubramanya, member of the SSSIO Digital Media Team and International Sai Young Adults Advisor, highlighted how Swami not only presents challenges but also provides the inner strength to overcome them, shaping YAs into stronger individuals. The YA-led ‘Living His Message’ workshop encapsulated the essence of the convention, reaffirming the commitment to practice Swami’s teachings in daily life.

In 2024, a strategic pilot study was conducted to enhance YA participation in Malaysia’s Sai Centers. A heatmap analysis classified Centers based on engagement, and one Center with only four YAs was prioritized for revitalization. A mentor-led outreach through personal calls and discussions addressed challenges while emphasizing meaningful engagement. A National Sports Carnival with 200 participants reignited the community spirit, followed by spiritual and mentorship activities. The Malaysian pilot study highlights the power of personal connection, sustainable mentorship, and dedicated leadership in revitalizing YA involvement. The implementation strategies and outcome of this pilot study were featured in SSSIO’s Sathya Sai - the Eternal Companion magazine – Volume 4, Issue 2.

Sri Lanka

In 2024, the Pathfinder Initiative, driven by the dedicated effort of 56 YAs, was launched as a societal upliftment program aimed at supporting underprivileged communities in Sri Lanka through holistic development. It was based on Swami’s educare and sociocare principles. Between May and August 2024, 12 communities were adopted, benefiting 300 children from grades 4 to 13. The initiative empowered parents and community members by providing mentorship, academic support, and parenting workshops, addressing social challenges, and improving literacy and education levels. Consistent follow-ups and assessments have shown significant improvements in students' grades.

On October 19, 2024, the YAs of Colombo organized a spiritual outing for the elders from the Sai Elders Home in Meegoda, offering them a day filled with spirituality, joy, and cherished companionship. The residents of the home visited the serene Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple, St. Mary’s Church, and the Aishwarya Lakshmi Amman Temple in Wellawatte, where heartfelt prayers were offered. Upon returning to the Sai Mandir, the elders were welcomed with an interactive session filled with laughter, warmth, and camaraderie. The day concluded with a sumptuous lunch, bringing smiles of joy and contentment to all.

In November 2024, the YAs of Sri Lanka produced a movie on the importance of the Guru in realizing the ultimate goal of life—Self-realization. The entire technical production was undertaken by the YAs, and the film was uploaded to YouTube to spread the message of a Guru’s role in one’s spiritual journey.

On December 21, 2024, the YAs, along with the ladies' wing, SSE children, and adults, organized a heartwarming event, Sathya’s Christmas Bells Celebration. The program was organized for the children from Lady Ridgeway Hospital, the ‘Adopt a Family’ initiative, and the Pathfinder program, along with their families. Over 30 families participated in a day filled with love, compassion, and the true spirit of Christmas. The event featured engaging children’s games, a mesmerizing magic show, and much more. The children were delighted to receive Christmas gifts, while their families were provided with dry ration packs.

Zone 5

Hong Kong

On March 24, 2024, thirteen young adults gathered at West Kowloon Art Park for an Easter picnic with thirty-two domestic helpers. The event aimed to create a fun and memorable day for the helpers, who often experience loneliness and homesickness. The YAs organized games, prepared sandwiches, and distributed takeaway lunch boxes. The helpers expressed immense gratitude for the joyful experience and much-needed emotional support.

On May 19, 2024, eight YAs and two SSE students visited the Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation, a shelter for over 200 stray dogs. They walked and bathed the dogs, cleaned kennels, and donated supplies. The YAs also engaged in a discussion with the shelter staff about the challenges of animal rescue and ways to support the shelter's mission.

From June 9-10, 2024, 27 YAs and 2 SSE children participated in a two-day retreat on Cheung Chau Island. The retreat, themed "Reconnect and Rejoice," featured devotional singing, meditation, a nature walk, discussions on nature and spirituality, and workshops on happiness and mindfulness. The retreat provided insights and takeaway messages that left participants rejuvenated and recharged.

On June 29, 2024, seven YAs, two SSE children, and four senior devotees organized a nature cleanup at Starfish Bay in collaboration with Beyond Plastic Hong Kong. They collected 10 bags of various types of waste, raising awareness about plastic pollution and the importance of environmental responsibility.

On July 27, 2024, eight YAs visited the Hong Kong Baptist Mr. and Mrs. Au Shue Hong Rehabilitation and Healthcare Home. They engaged the elderly residents in relaxation exercises, a seated dance routine, and human values bingo, offering companionship and emotional support. The visit concluded with the distribution of homemade cupcakes and daily essentials, creating heartfelt connections.

On August 31, 2024, nine YAs organized the 'Let's Beat the Heat’ service in Sham Shui Po, providing cold beverages and snacks to approximately 120 street sleepers. Similarly, on October 26, 2024, the YAs organized a food drive for the Refugee Union Center of Hong Kong. They provided essential food items and hot meals to 60 refugees, spreading love and gratitude. Both these service activities fostered community support and highlighted the transformative power of love.

For Swami’s 99th Birthday, nine YAs performed a skit, titled ‘Lost & Found,’ centered around the theme of ‘Knowing Thyself.’ The skit depicted the journey of three characters who rediscovered their true selves through simple conversations and the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The concluding theme of the skit was, “No matter how lost we may feel, we can always find ourselves illuminated by the light of Swami’s love.”

Zone 6

Ireland

Over the past five years, the Sri Sathya Sai Center in Dublin has welcomed a surge of Young Adults, most of whom were previously unfamiliar with Swami’s teachings. A strong sense of belonging to the Sai Family has united them. Recognizing the need to deepen connections, the Center introduced Sai Hikes, blending outdoor activities with spiritual growth. These hikes go beyond physical exercise, offering a space for YAs to discuss personal and professional challenges, explore their spiritual journeys, and adopt new sadhanas. This has resulted in increased participation of YAs in bhajans and satsangs, with many proactively learning Sai bhajans and inviting others to practice. The Sai Hikes have become a powerful catalyst for unity, growth, and deeper engagement in Swami’s mission.

United Kingdom

As part of the Sai 100 initiative, the Young Adults launched a series of five online workshops on mental well-being. These workshops addressed the growing prevalence of mental health challenges, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and medical experts worldwide. The inaugural session on February 25, 2024, focused on defining mental well-being, supporting one another’s mental well-being, and strategies such as maintaining social connections, mindfulness practices, journaling, meditation, and more. The second session on March 10, 2024, focused on the Maypole Meditation, led by Mr. Neil Bisarya, and was attended by eight YAs. The third session was held on April 28, 2024, focusing on the theme of gratitude, while the fourth session, held on June 16, 2024, focused on the importance of journaling. On September 29, 2024, Ms. Brigite Kashtan, Central Coordinator of Zone 6 and a consultant clinical psychologist, led the sessions on Holodynamics.

On April 14, 2024, the YAs of the Pinner Sai Center organized a well-being walk at the Pinner Memorial Park as part of the well-being initiative, where 14 SSSIO members joined. The walk was organized again in June 2024.

Zone 7

Zone-wide Activities

From February 2-4, 2024, 25 Young Adults from 11 European countries gathered at Toulcův dvůr, Prague, a nature reserve, for a meeting themed ‘Don't Stop the Flow.’ The event opened with introductions by Mr. Pavel Marčík (Zone 7 Young Adults Coordinator), followed by bhajans. Ms. Estera Daniel led a workshop on ‘Art of Allowing – free yourself from yourself,’ using dance meditation for self-reflection and the release of self-imposed restrictions that create barriers to our happiness. A key discussion on ‘Dating and Marriage,’ inspired by Swami’s 1991 discourse, emphasized the importance of virtuous character and inner values over external features. Prof. Tomáš Bureš, co-chair of the SSSIO Archival Committee, led a session on relationships and partnership, further stressing the importance of heart-to-heart connections. The retreat concluded with reflections, highlighting continuous spiritual growth and deepening friendships among the YAs across Europe.

To combat deforestation and restore biodiversity in Hohnstein, a scenic town in East Germany, Northern European YAs, in collaboration with SSSIO Germany, organized a tree-planting initiative from October 18-20, 2024, coinciding with Avatar Declaration Day. Fifteen volunteers, including five YAs, planted 1,910 trees—a mix of European larches, Scots pines, Douglas firs, silver firs, grey alders, and red beeches—carefully chosen to strengthen the forest’s resilience. Their efforts not only revitalized the land but also honored Swami’s teachings on the intimate bond between humanity and nature.

Zone 7 YAs began online study circles on the book Prema Vahini in October and December 2024. Each study circle was led by a different YA, encouraging leadership and active engagement. Discussions focused on two chapters and key reflection questions, reinforcing that love is the foundation of all activities, values, and goals.

Latvia

The Young Adults of Latvia conducted two yantra drawing workshops to deepen their spiritual sadhana through meditative artwork. The first workshop, held on April 14, 2024, at the Sathya Sai Center of Riga, focused on the Gayatri Yantra, a symbol associated with the pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment. The second session, held on May 26, 2024, centered on the Sri Yantra, a sacred geometrical pattern linked to divine energy and spiritual awakening.

On May 19, 2024, the YAs embarked on a 10 km excursion through the Latvian countryside in Cēsis. Themed ‘Spring in Nature and in me,’ the experience encouraged participants to immerse themselves in nature and reflect on the feelings, emotions, and aspirations it inspired. They were invited to introspect on how these reflections might motivate them to take on new tasks or implement positive changes in their lives. Both the Yantra workshops and the excursion were open to the public, extending the message of spiritual growth beyond the organization.

Zone 8

Kazakhstan

At the end of May 2024, the 11th Youth Conference of SSSIO Kazakhstan was held in the foothills of the Alatau. The theme of the conference was "Love is the source, Love is the path, Love is the goal," with the motto to start, spend, and end the day with love in the pursuit of happiness. The event brought together seven SSSIO members from three Centers and others.

Attendees engaged in discussions on Sai teachings and participated in workshops on love in action, emotions, and neurography. Highlights included a creative game, an outdoor Sai Olympics, performances, and cultural songs. The morning of the last day featured a devotional session, tai chi classes, and inspiring lectures on love, consciousness, and forgiveness. The conference concluded with a heartfelt sharing of experiences, leaving participants uplifted and hopeful.

Zone 9

Botswana

On Christmas Day, the YAs and Center elders came together to organize a heartfelt service activity by distributing cakes, pastries, and refreshments to children. In the spirit of giving, the volunteers lovingly prepared and donated food hampers containing bread, rice packets, and biscuits to families in need. Adding to the warmth of the occasion, the service team sang Christmas carols, creating a joyful and uplifting experience for everyone in attendance.

Madagascar

YAs organized a vibrant Fun Day for local school children, filled with engaging activities and heartfelt service. The day was brimming with laughter and joy as YAs, dressed as clowns, entertained children with lively performances and interactive team-building games. Food packs and snacks were lovingly distributed, ensuring that every child felt cared for and included. To instill a sense of responsibility for the environment, the YAs also led a garden cleaning and planting activity, accompanied by a brief talk on environmental preservation. The children not only enjoyed a day of fun but also gained valuable lessons in sustainability and service.

Mauritius

Every year on September 8, citizens from across the island embark on a long march to the shrine of Father Jacques Désiré Laval at Sainte Croix, offering prayers and commemorating the anniversary of Père Laval’s passing on September 9, 1864. On this sacred occasion in 2024, YAs from various Sai Centers gathered in a spirit of service, distributing food and refreshments to the pilgrims. Through this collective effort, they joyfully served approximately 1,000 rotis, implementing Swami’s message of ‘Love All, Serve All.’

To mark the conclusion of 2024, the YAs organized ‘A Day with Swami in Nature' on December 22 at the tranquil Ganesha Spiritual Park in Pointe Lascars. Seventy-five members of the Sai family gathered for this spiritually uplifting event, which featured Vedic chanting, bhajans, meditation amidst nature’s embrace, and a lively quiz competition. A study circle on the theme ‘Does Prayer Really Work?’ sparked enriching discussions, drawing insights from children, Young Adults, and elders alike. The event left participants inspired, recharged, and renewed with spiritual vigor.

South Africa

To celebrate Youth month, YAs engaged in a community service activity in June 2024. This initiative brought comfort to an underprivileged community with the distribution of blankets. The volunteers also served freshly prepared biryani. The service proved opportune, as shortly afterward, the area was struck by heavy rains and intense flooding, leaving many homes damaged. The service not only provided immediate relief but also gave solace and support during challenging times.