Overview
From August 30 - September 1, 2024, fourty-four officers and members of the SSSIO from 16 European countries from Zones 6 and 7 met in the beautiful premises of Sai Prema, near Athens, Greece. The program included spiritual practices, productive meetings, inspiring talks, and presentations, including highlights from activities in each zone, workshops, and sharing of personal experiences. Presentations were given on healthcare and Envirocare initiatives, and participants enjoyed cultural programs one evening and the joy of being in nature. Examples of service, education, humanitarian relief, and other activities were also discussed. Overall, the atmosphere was harmonious and uplifting, and participants were left with a feeling of unity and deep gratitude.
Since October 2023, SSSIO volunteers in Zone 6 have started an online collective daily prayer session every morning from 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. Around 25 people participated in this beautiful event, which continued every day throughout 2024. The daily session includes 3 Om’s, the Lord’s Prayer, 21 Gayatri mantras in Sathya Sai’s voice, and closing with samastha loka sukhino bhavantu, a prayer for universal peace.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The SSSIO of Bosnia & Herzegovina continued collaboration with Pomozi.ba, a humanitarian organization. In 2024, volunteers donated 930 kg of fruits and vegetables, helping provide daily meals for those in need. SSSIO members also supported a family in need by donating food and hygiene supplies.
The 4th annual retreat was held in Zavidovići, from September 27 to 29, 2024, bringing together members from Bosnia and Croatia, along with Mr. Adriano Bratović, Chairman of Zone 6. The retreat provided an opportunity for spiritual enrichment, satsang, and strengthening bonds within the Sai family.
On October 26, the SSSIO participated in an Interfaith Prayer Meeting at the Church of Saint Antoni Paduan in Sarajevo, organized by the Franciscan Community. The event was attended by political and diplomatic leaders and representatives of different religious communities. The SSSIO was represented by Mr. Šefik Avdagić, the National Devotional Wing coordinator, who delivered a talk on Sathya Sai Baba’s message of selfless love. The event concluded with chanting of the ‘Asato Ma’ prayer, to attain the ultimate spiritual goal.
Croatia
In 2024, Croatian SSSIO members were busy working on the interior design of their new 80-square-metre premises purchased last year in Zagreb's green area. Additionally, a musical titled ‘Why do we need a three-floor building’ was written for the OSIT Association, whose members are adults with intellectual disabilities. The message of the musical was that material things do not bring long-term happiness, and it concluded with the song ‘Let the whole world shine in the sun.’ The audience greatly appreciated the program. The Croatian Radio Television (HRT) featured the project in the regional news on television, emphasizing the importance of developing an inclusive society with equal opportunities for all people.
France
In honor of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's upcoming 100th Birthday in November 2025, Sai devotees have put into practice the SAI 100 initiative, '1 Million Steps To Swami,’ and regularly walk 15 minutes in constant remembrance of the holy name of Sathya Sai or doing other spiritual activities.
Additionally, a group of seven to nine SSSIO volunteers continued to serve the homeless every month by distributing food, hot drinks, warm clothing, blankets, and other essentials for the winter.
Greece
In 2024, Sathya Sai Centers in Athens and Patisia held weekly study circles, devotional singing, and lessons on Platonic philosophy and the Vedas, along with online participation.
SSSIO supported needy families with food and essentials and regularly visited a foundation for disabled children. Christmas was celebrated with joy and devotion, marked by songs, dances, treats, and gifts.
Sai devotees lovingly hosted several European and International retreats in Sai Prema, near Athens, including:
- Sai Art Retreat, April 16–24
- 9th Sai Yoga Retreat, April 27–May 6
- SSEHV Greek Children’s Camp, June 29–July 7
- European SSEHV Families Camp, July 13–21, 2024
- 10th Sai Yoga Retreat, August 2–11
- 13th European Sadhana Camp, August 16–25, 2024
- European Zonal Meeting, August 30–September 1, 2024
Ireland
The Sathya Sai Center in Ireland added a new SSE class for children aged 12–16. This class gained significant momentum, with over 10 children participating in the weekly Sunday sessions.
Throughout 2024, SSSIO volunteers served the local community on the third Sunday of every month by preparing 200 vegetarian meals. This community service initiative has been highly appreciated, and residents have requested that the Center members increase the frequency to twice a month.
During Christmas 2024, the older SSE students took the lead in preparing a special festive luncheon and sang Christmas carols for the community.
Israel
On November 23, 2024, over 60 people gathered at the Sathya Sai Center of Tel Aviv to celebrate Sathya Sai Baba’s 99th birthday with devotion and joy. Attendees included members from Israel, India, Russia, Ukraine, and the Nepalese community, as well as the Ambassador of Nepal in Israel and his wife. SSSIO members sang 20 melodious, heartfelt bhajans, and the event concluded with a talk by Ms. Neha Gurung, Chairperson of the Sathya Sai Center.
SSSIO members also conducted service initiatives. Notably, they visited bereaved, elderly, sick, and terminally ill people and provided psychological and spiritual support, lifting their spirits with devotional songs. Some members from the North Center had the privilege to support and lovingly serve a cancer patient till the end of her life.
Italy
The weekly online meetings that started in 2021 during the COVID pandemic continue regularly and are held on Friday and Sunday evenings, delving into topics such as the study of the Vedas, the life of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and spiritual themes from different religions.
From September 13–15, 2024, the devotional wing of the SSSIO hosted a public meeting in Assisi titled, ‘The Eternal Quest for the One: The Spiritual Way from Symbology to Advaita.’ The program featured discussions, presentations, and activities based on spiritual symbols and values inspired by Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Serbia
In 2024, in-person meetings restarted for the first time since the end of the pandemic. On March 8, 2024, Maha Shivaratri was celebrated in Senta, where there is a small group of three SSSIO members. They were joined by followers from other spiritual paths, reflecting the principle of unity in diversity.
The members of the Senta Sai Center also celebrated Sathya Sai Baba’s birthday for the first time. The theme of the 99th Birthday celebrations was ‘Our Sai Matha,’ emphasizing the five symbolic forms of the Mother through talks, prayers, poems, a drama, and spiritual songs.
Slovenia
Between nine and fifteen SSSIO members gathered every Thursday to chant 108 Gayatri mantras, followed by Jyothi meditation and devotional singing. Special occasions like Maha Shivaratri, Human Values Day, Guru Purnima, Akhanda Bhajans, Sathya Sai Baba's birthday, and Christmas were celebrated with 50 to 70 attendees.
In commemoration of Human Values Day, the Sathya Sai Center in Ljubljana was remodeled, and all past national country presidents were invited and honored.
Two books based on Sri Sathya Sai Baba's life were translated into Slovenian and distributed as gifts during various meetings.
SSSIO members met every Saturday to prepare lunch packets for the homeless shelter in Ljubljana; around 5,000 lunch packets were prepared in 2024.
Spain
From December 6–8, 2024, around 35 people attended the National Meeting in Madrid, themed ‘From Darkness to Light’. The event included study circles, workshops, talks, devotional songs, a walk in nature, and inspiring sessions by Dr. George Bebedelis, who shared his spiritual experiences with Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Switzerland
The National Spring Satsang focused on ‘Silence’. Mr. Adriano Bratovic, Chairman of Zone 6, was the guest speaker at the National Autumn Satsang.
During his visit, the SSSIO in Switzerland launched a tree-planting initiative under the SAI 100 initiative. In autumn, around 200 trees were planted in the Swiss mountains.
The year ended with a heartwarming play that attracted approximately 70 people.
United Kingdom
On August 3, 2024, a tea party was organized by fifteen SSSIO volunteers for about 70 seniors. The event included music, dance, games, and refreshments.
On September 7, 2024, the SSSIO gave a presentation on selfless service at the Pinner village fair, attended by about 3,000 people. Many visitors engaged with the charity hub.
On November 3, 2024, Dr. Suresh Govind, lead of the SAI 100 initiative, gave an inspiring talk to around 80 people, followed by a highly appreciated interactive session.
