Argentina
From May 31 to June 2, 2024, a Veda Retreat took place at Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, bringing 40 participants from the SSSIO of Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia together in devotion and unity. The continuous recitation of Vedic chants, the morning Suprabhatam, and learning a new mantra filled the event with spiritual energy. Selfless service, joy, and a deep sense of brotherhood were felt throughout. The organizers expressed their gratitude to Sai and all who contributed.
On July 6, 2024, more than 300 people attended a public meeting, titled “A Path of Peace, Love, and Happiness,” in Mendoza, Argentina. The event, convened by the National Council of Argentina, was held to share the life and teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba with the public. Attendees, primarily from the Cuyo region, were inspired by the speakers, renowned journalist Claudio María Domínguez and Mr. Leonardo Gutter, Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation. They shared their experiences with Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the essence of His teachings. The event was widely publicized on the radio, local television, and social media. It garnered such interest that hundreds of books, photographs, and Vibhuti packets were distributed.
Between October 11 and 13, 2024, the Coast Region of the SSSIO of Argentina organized a retreat in Noccan Kani, Santa Fe, to delve deeper into the teachings of Sai Baba in the light of Yoga Vasistha (a sacred text on non-dual philosophy), bringing together more than seventy devotees from across the country. The event featured study circles, devotional singing, inspiring talks about Baba, and a lively bonfire on Saturday night. A highlight was the participation of Pablo Parodi and Martín Parodi, who clarified doubts about Yoga Vasistha during the satsang. Members of the National Council shared activities carried out nationally. The gathering concluded on Sunday with a fraternal lunch, leaving participants with the fulfillment of a true celebration for the soul.
Bolivia
On July 13, as part of the winter campaign, 25 blankets were distributed to people in need in different areas of La Paz, Bolivia. Since then, every month, six members of the Sai Center of La Paz have provided food and clothing to vulnerable people, offering them protection from the cold. Around 20 and 30 people benefited from the service.
From February to October 2024, food was distributed monthly to 15 families in need in the city of Sucre. The initiative was made possible by 10 members of the Sai Center of Sucre, while five SSSIO members helped to distribute the food. The supplies were donated to low-income people, including those experiencing homelessness.
On November 22, 2024, the Sai Center of Sucre, Bolivia, held a public meeting to discuss the theme “Spiritual Realization - A Challenge in Today's Life.” The event also honored the 99th Birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, celebrating His Message of love, peace, and service. The gathering welcomed 70 participants, including 40 SSSIO members and 30 non-members. The keynote speaker, Mr. Marcelo Berenstein, communications coordinator for SSSIO Zones 2A and 2B, addressed the challenges of spiritual realization in today's life, emphasizing love, inner peace, and selfless service. He also shared his experiences and the practical teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, urging participants to practice these teachings in their daily lives.
On December 23, 2024, 21 members from the Sai Center of Sucre distributed 155 food baskets to families and individuals in need across the central area, Barrio Belén, and Azari. In the days leading up to the event, the food items were gathered and packed, and on the day of distribution, the volunteers gathered for a prayer before delivering the baskets. The goal was to provide essential food supplies and bring hope to families in need, strengthening community bonds and the spirit of solidarity during the joyous Christmas season.
Brazil
On April 19 and 24, 2024, two medical camps were held at the Good Jesus Rest Home in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, providing medical care to elderly residents and the local community. The camps offered 108 consultations in geriatrics, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, gynecology, and general practice. Food, medicine, hygiene products, and other essentials were also donated. The program involved 52 volunteers, including doctors, medical students, and assistants. Patients were also referred to medical institutions for surgeries and further tests.
On April 27, a public meeting was held at the Indian Embassy in Brasília, in honor of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The event featured speeches, devotional songs, and book sales, and was attended by 83 people, including the Honorable Indian Ambassador and the Chairman of Zone 2B.
On June 30, 2024, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Natal organized a Sai100 service activity in Queimadas, benefiting the quilombola-descendant community. Volunteers collected and distributed clothing, hygiene kits, and food baskets, serving 150 people. The event featured devotional prayers, a circular cultural dance, and community interactions fostering unity and joy.
On September 28, 2024, a Public Meeting was held in Rio de Janeiro, featuring a lecture by Professor Dr. Dalton Amorim, titled “Human Values: Self-Observation and Consciousness.” The event included devotional songs and a heartfelt presentation by children from the Sathya Sai School of Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, who sang songs about peace and human values. Around 175 SSSIO members, guests, and students attended the meeting, which highlighted the transformative power of human values and collective action.
On November 23, 2024, the Sai Center of Fortaleza, Ceará, held the XIV Love in Action – Sai 100 Project, a medical camp and community service commemorating the 99th Birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The event provided free medical care, including general consultations, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and beauty services. In addition, recycling workshops were held, and vegetarian snacks were distributed. A total of 60 people were served by 24 volunteers, including members of the Sai Organization and non-members.
Chile
In 2024, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Seminario, Santiago, served approximately 50 meals to people in the street on 51 different occasions throughout the year. Meals distributed at the Sai Center included a main course, bread, dessert, and juice. Between 5 and 10 volunteers participated in meal preparation, packaging, and distribution. Additionally, two special services were held for Chilean Independence Day and Christmas, featuring Sai Spiritual Education activities and the distribution of Christmas gifts.
On February 17, 2024, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Seminario, Santiago, hosted a Healthy Pickles Workshop for the local community. Led by a Young Adult from the SSSIO of Chile, the workshop taught participants how to prepare pickles using vegetables like purple cabbage and onion, while highlighting their health benefits. A total of 30 people attended, including 12 SSSIO members.
On March 29, 2024, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Seminario in Santiago, Chile, hosted a beautiful Easter Meeting. Mr. Kishor Nanwani, humanitarian relief coordinator for Zone 2B, was a special guest. About 30 people attended the event, which featured a satsang dedicated to Namasmarana, repeating a holy name. A sumptuous lunch was prepared and shared with the Sai family, fostering a spirit of unity.
On April 24, 2024, in celebration of Human Values Day and Aradhana Mahotsavam, the Institute of Sathya Sai Education in Human Values of Chile presented the puppet show, “The Grateful Bird,” at the Sai Center of Seminario. The performance offered a fun, heartfelt, and reflective experience for 13 SSSIO members, conveying a profound message of gratitude to God.
From November 22 to 24, 2024, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Seminario hosted a National Retreat to celebrate the 99th Birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. In attendance were senior leaders of Zone 2B, including Mr. Sergio Espindola, chairman; Mrs. Ada Espindola, public outreach coordinator; Ms. Monica Granati, central coordinator; and Mr. Alejandro Gana, deputy central coordinator. The event featured workshops, discussion groups, devotional singing, food preparation, and collective sharing, bringing together approximately 40 SSSIO members of Chile.
Colombia
The Santa Helena Sai Center in Bogotá organized a monthly public event, “Tertulia en Valores” (Conversations on Values), to promote human values through workshops, films, and discussions. In August 2024, the event's theme was Resilience, which attracted 44 attendees, including 38 people who were not SSSIO members. In September 2024, the theme was Gratitude, with 11 attendees, including eight from the general public. These gatherings provided an inclusive platform for meaningful dialogue on human values.
At the Maria Montessori District Normal Institution, Bogotá, human values classes were conducted from March to November 2024 for 300 students. A group of 15 teachers was trained at the Institute of Sathya Sai Education of Colombia, eight of whom were from the public. Human values classes were also offered to the institution's teachers. Coordinated by the Education Department and the vice president of SSSIO of Colombia, this program shared Baba's teachings with volunteers, students, families, and educators.
On June 7, 2024, the event, “Spiritual Fulfillment: A Challenge in Today’s Society,” took place at the main auditorium of Uniandinos (Association of Graduates of the University of the Andes) in Bogotá, with 150 participants, including 110 people who were not SSSIO members. The program featured lectures and panel discussions by senior SSSIO officers and volunteers of Zone 2B. The audience had the opportunity to engage with the speakers through a Q&A session, and a book stand was available for attendees to browse.
The Public Outreach Committee of the SSSIO of Colombia held a Spiritual Retreat for the public from July 26 to 28, 2024, at the Mary of Nazareth Retreat House, in Chía, near Bogota. The theme, the same as the previous month’s public conference, was “Spiritual Fulfillment: A Challenge in Today’s Society.” The retreat was aimed at the general public, especially graduates of the Human Values course at ISSE of Colombia, and attracted 18 participants, including 14 from the public.
Since 2023, the Service Wing of the SSSIO of Colombia has been providing support to the San Joaquin and Santa Ana Geriatric Home, in San Francisco, Cundinamarca, as well as three other homes in Bogota. The program assists approximately 100 elderly residents, most of whom were abandoned by their families. About eight volunteers regularly participate in this service, including three from the public, to bring love, joy, and entertainment once a month to the residents. The volunteers also offer hairdressing services and distribute essential items and gifts, such as backpacks, shoes, underwear, chocolates, and cookies. In December, a special event brought together 22 volunteers who distributed clothing and donated a stove for cooking.
Ecuador
On January 26, 2024, members of the Sai Center of Loja and the Eco Club Vilcabamba conducted a cleanup project along the Chamba River trail. Nine volunteers, including two SSSIO members, collected plastic waste ranging from the wooden bridge near the Yamburara Recreational Center to the concrete bridge near Vilcabamba School. The activity, performed with joy as an offering to God, lasted approximately two hours, and the collected waste was deposited in the recycling bins at the Yamburara Recreational Center.
Since 2023, as part of ongoing service to the children and youth of Guayaquil, an SSSIO member who is a physician has been collaborating with the Kairos Foundation, providing medical care and teaching human values. Three times a week, for approximately two hours, she attends to around 26 children and adolescents aged six and older who are supported by the foundation due to adverse family circumstances. The foundation offers them protection, guidance, and education until they turn 18 and reintegrate into society. In addition to medical care, talks on human values are given to both the children and their families for their well-being.
On November 8, 2024, as part of the Year of Family Unity, the Sathya Sai School of Guayaquil held its Walk for Family Values, attracting around 500 participants. A Nagarasankirtan took place in the Bastión Popular neighborhood, where the school is located. Two hundred students, accompanied by their parents, carried banners with messages as they sang in unison and offered prayers, seeking divine blessings for stronger, love-filled families. As the walk progressed, more people joined in, while others applauded from their windows. Despite warnings about potential danger in some areas, the presence of Sai was felt strongly, for a reassuring experience.
On December 19, 2024, the Sai Center of Loja distributed bags of non-perishable food to 27 low-income families in the suburban neighborhoods of Saraguro, including Pasadón, Tucalata, Quisquishir, Lamatara, Puerto Chico, and Cucucapa. Three members of the Sai Center, along with four volunteers from the Saraguro Health Center, distributed biodegradable jute bags filled with nutritious food donated by eight volunteers.
Paraguay
Every two weeks, SSSIO members in Asunción lovingly distribute food to hospital patients, their companions, and people living on the streets. The program was started at the beginning of 2024 and has already benefited more than 3,000 people, providing around 150 meals per session at hospitals such as San Pablo Maternal-Child Hospital and Obrero Hospital. Fresh ingredients are purchased through donations by volunteers, and the food is prepared, packaged, and distributed by a team of 12 to 15 members.
SSSIO volunteers in Asunción distributed 383 non-perishable food kits to underserved, indigenous communities in the Chaco region on December 1, 2024, in honor of the advent of Sathya Sai. This initiative benefited over 1,500 people in locations such as ‘4 de Agosto,’ ‘Keneten,’ ‘Nepoxen,’ and ‘Saria.’ The project was made possible by the selfless services of 10-12 SSSIO members and three public volunteers.
As an offering of love and gratitude for Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's upcoming 100th Birthday in 2025, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Asunción launched a landmark mission to offer 1,000, free cataract surgeries for the underprivileged. Since its inception in 2019, 872 surgeries have been successfully performed as of 2024 at the Ophthalmic Center in Asunción, with 151 of them taking place in 2024 alone. With only 128 surgeries remaining to reach the goal, a dedicated team of 10 medical professionals and 15 general volunteers continues the noble work of restoring vision and bringing hope to those in need, following Bhagawan’s teachings on love and service.
In 2024, the Sathya Sai School of Paraguay conducted its academic activities from February 14 to November 30, with 23 children (age 4) enrolled in kindergarten. Seventeen students completed the year and will advance to Preschool in 2025. The school integrated the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values (SSEHV) program into the national curriculum, incorporating silent sitting, conscious breathing, storytelling, inspirational quotes, and group activities into daily routines. Additionally, nine SSEHV workshops were held for parents. As part of a social service initiative, the children participated in the “Mini Heroes of Service” project, assisting firefighters of the 3rd Volunteer Firefighters Company of Asunción for a day. Throughout the year, the students demonstrated love and respect, reflecting the values instilled by their education.
Peru
During their visit to Peru in May 2024, Dr. Narendranath Reddy, Chairman of SSSIO, and Dr. Anupom Ganguli, Director of Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, participated in three events organized by the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Foundation of Peru and the SSSIO of Peru. On May 22, they held a conference titled “Scientific Development and Human Values” for engineers. They also gave talks on the theme “Youth, Architects of the New Future” for students, emphasizing the relationship between science and human values. On May 23, Drs. Reddy and Ganguli participated in the 44th anniversary celebration of the SSSIO of Peru, which included devotional chants and an inspiring satsang. On May 25, they led a seminar, “Improving Mental Health by Strengthening Human Values,” discussing strategies for mental well-being and the EASE (Eat responsibly, positive Attitude, Sleep well, Exercise regularly) program. The visit concluded with a spiritual gathering for SSSIO members, featuring reflections and devotional singing. In total, the events brought together 604 participants.
In 2024, the Sathya Sai Institute of Peru offered two virtual courses titled “Excellence in the Application of Human Values,” aimed at community teachers and education professionals. Organized by the Institute of Sathya Sai Education of Peru, the courses ran from April to October 2024, totaling 120 hours each. With eight facilitators from Peru and four guest speakers from Colombia, Ecuador, and Argentina, the program covered the philosophy and pedagogy of Sathya Sai Education in Human Values, along with practical strategies and success stories. Out of 108 participants, 43 completed the course and received certification.
In 2024, the Education Wing of the SSSIO of Peru conducted 22 Human Values Workshops for children from two adopted communities. The sessions were held on the first Sunday of each month with 15 children in Cerro San Francisco, in the southern part of the city, and on the last Sunday of each month with 28 children from the town of Huarochirí, east of Lima. A team of seven SSSIO volunteers and a member of the public carefully designed and facilitated the workshops with dedication and energy. The children consistently participated with enthusiasm and joy. The involvement and support of parents have been instrumental in the success of these activities, contributing to a positive and enriching learning environment.
A series of four lectures was held between August and September 2024 at the Sri Sathya Sai Center “Ari Sai,” in Lima, under the overarching theme “Life is a Challenge, Face It.” The sessions covered topics such as spirituality, life management for happiness, tools for stress control, and the journey toward love, all based on the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba. Participants included 33 from the public and 26 SSSIO members, supported by 5–6 SSSIO volunteers.
Uruguay
On December 22, 2024, in Montevideo, members of the SSSIO of Uruguay organized a heartfelt service project in Parque Rodó, offering food to people experiencing homelessness. This initiative, held after the last devotional meeting of the year, was carried out by 12 dedicated SSSIO members. Approximately 30 individuals in vulnerable situations received a hot meal, along with kindness and hope. The event underscored the power of selfless service and reinforced the organization's commitment to love in action as taught by Baba.
On November 23, 2024, an event was held in the El Buceo neighborhood of Montevideo to celebrate the 99th Birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The program included devotional singing, the recitation of the Vedic chants, and a lecture. The gathering brought together 38 members of the SSSIO and four others in an atmosphere of devotion and reflection.
Venezuela
Since February 10, 2024, online Vedic recitation classes have been conducted via Google Meet, led by the Vedas Coordinator and the Devotional Co-Coordinator of the SSSIO of Venezuela. Aimed at facilitating the learning of Vedic hymns and mantras, the classes serve 40, divided into four groups of 10, with the direct involvement of two SSSIO members. In addition to fostering the study of the Vedic tradition, the initiative has sparked interest in other SSSIO activities, and many have praised the instructors’ patience and dedication.
The Medical Clinic in Caracas provides free assistance to devotees and their families. In 2024, three volunteer doctors treated 44 patients, providing general medical consultations and removing warts and skin blemishes. This initiative reinforces the SSSIO’s commitment to humanitarian service, bringing good health and well-being to those in need.
From February 7 to 9, 2024, an environmental activity was carried out at the Sathya Sai School of Abejales, Táchira, by 140 participants, including high school students, school staff, and members of the local community. Over three days, participants reforested 7.5 hectares with shade trees, fruit trees, and other plantations to support the school’s sustainability and service activities. In addition to the planting efforts, students were educated on the importance of environmental preservation and its positive impact on the community.
The SSSIO of Venezuela's Public Outreach and Education teams hosted weekly Vedic philosophy and Bhagavad Gita classes that were open to all. These sessions explored fundamental Vedic concepts and a chapter-by-chapter study of the Bhagavad Gita, based on Gita Vahini, Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. The activity attracted 15 or more people every week. It has successfully expanded the organization’s outreach, introducing a new audience to Baba's teachings and increasing engagement through online resources.
The Sai Group of El Toro served food every Saturday in 2024, in Maracay, Aragua State, offering vegetarian meals to the homeless. Once a month, around 70 food containers were prepared, offered to Swami for His blessings, and packaged while participants chanted the Gayatri Mantra before distributing the food. The initiative involved six to nine SSSIO members and has already benefited 840 people. The November 16th event, dedicated to the celebration of Sai’s 99th Year of Advent, was marked by heartfelt expressions of gratitude and blessings for the volunteers. It was further heightened by the joy on the faces of those receiving the food.