Retreat Theme
“One Sai. One Family. One Resolve – Unity in Devotion, Strength in Service”
Keynote Speaker
Sri. R.J. Rathnakar is the son of Swami’s younger brother, Sri R.V. Janakiramaiah. From an early age, he was brought up under the loving care and divine guidance of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who groomed him for greater responsibilities in His divine mission. He was awarded the All-Rounder Gold Medal in 1990 and completed his MBA from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in 1991.
Bhagawan later appointed him as the Chairman of Srimati Easwaramma High School, Puttaparthi, and in March 2010, he was appointed as a Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. He currently serves as the Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and is also a Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning Trust.
Blessed with innumerable intimate experiences as a Sai student and trustee with our beloved Bhagawan, Sri Rathnakar’s dedication to Swami and His mission is exemplified through the impeccable planning and execution of the grand centenary celebrations held in Puttaparthi—the Janmabhoomi and Karmabhoomi of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Guest Speakers
Sri. Vedanarayanan Kollengode is a distinguished Sanskrit scholar and educator, serving as a teacher at the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam. A devoted student of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, he came into His divine fold in 1968 and had the rare privilege of being among the very first batch of Balvikas students.
Deeply rooted in the values imparted by Bhagawan, Sri Vedanarayanan has been associated with Swami’s educational institutions since 1976. Following his Bachelor’s degree in Science from Sri Sathya Sai College, he pursued his Master’s degree in Philosophy from Bangalore University, securing First Rank and a Gold Medal, as per Bhagawan’s guidance. He further completed his Master’s degree in Sanskrit from Mysore University, once again earning a distinguished rank.
For over four decades, Sri Vedanarayanan has been a familiar and revered presence in Prasanthi Nilayam. He has been steadfastly participating in and leading the early morning Vedic invocations in the Ashram, inspiring countless devotees through his dedication and devotion. Since 2003, he has been leading Vedic chanting in Sai Kulwant Hall during Darshan, continuing the sacred tradition initiated by Bhagawan.
In recognition of his exceptional contribution to education, Sri Vedanarayanan was honored with the National Award for Best Teachers in 2004 by the then President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He was also the recipient of personal letters of appreciation for two consecutive years from the Honorable Minister of Human Resource Development, Ms. Smriti Zubin Irani, for the outstanding performance of his students in Sanskrit.
Despite numerous accolades, Sri Vedanarayanan remains deeply humble. In his own words:
“More than any of these awards, the greatest reward for me is the opportunity to chant Vedic hymns in front of the very Origin of the Vedas – the Veda Purusha – our beloved Swami Himself.”
Sri. Arun Uthayan, Originally from Sri Lanka, belong to a family which has been followers of Swami since the year 1968. His first family pilgrimage to Puttaparthi was in 1969. He got enrolled in the Balvikas program in 1970, when it was launched in Sri Lanka. After graduating from the program in 1979, he joined in the Intermediate education program (Grade-11) at the newly established Sri Sathya Sai College of Arts and Science in Prasanthi Nilayam. Then, he continued with the Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and accomplished Master’s Degree in Commerce in 1986.
While being a student in Puttaparthi, he had played sitar as a member of the music group, chanted vedha as a member of the Veda Chanting group and the participated in the maintenance team.
After completing studies, he has been very active in Sai Centres in Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi and now in Canada. His involvement includes various roles such as Balvikas Guru, Study Circle facilitator and president of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Scarborough. At present, he is functioning as the SSSGC National President for Canada. He has also been active in facilitating and participating study circle sessions as a student at the Sri Sathya Sai Hostel, Sri Sathya Sai Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in Abu Dhabi and now at the Scarborough Sai Centre. He working with youth in the Greater Toronto Region in the study of Sai Literature and Bhajan singing and also conducting weekly sessions at home for youth/young adults from various centers in Greater Toronto area.
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Location
Retreat Details
Retreat Program Schedule Timelines:
- Friday, May 22nd 2026 – 05:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday, May 23rd 2026 – 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday May 24th 2026 – 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Monday May 25th 2026 – 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Morning
The morning Devotional Program starts at 6 a.m with Omkar (the chanting of Om 21 times) in the Devotion Hall followed by Suprabhatam (invoking the Lord of Parthi). A small group of selected devotees circumambulate the temple and Sai Baba’s room chanting Vedic verses, starting from Swami’s room. Simultaneously, Nagarsankeertan takes place: ladies and gents, in separate groups, walk around, almost following the Vedic chanters, singing devotional songs (Bhajans). After a warm and nourishing breakfast, the morning devotional program will continue with group Bhajans in the main hall, followed by inspirational discourses from our keynote speakers.
Afternoon
Spiritual workshops on topics related to the retreat theme and Swami’s teachings.
Evening
The evening devotional program will begin with group Bhajans in the main hall, followed by evening cultural program(s). We retire for the night with dinner
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Please use any of the links below to book your hotel room at a special discounted rate, just 10 minutes from the venue.
https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.34190.html?groupId=Q68FS1M0
Please find the distance from the nearest airports
1) GSO – Piedmont international airport (15 – 20 mins from venue)
2) RDU – Raleigh Durham International (1 hour away)
3) CLT – Charlotte Douglas International (1hr 30 min)
4) JQF Concord Padgett Regional – 1 hour 10 mins low cost airlines
Retreat Rules
The restrictions, rules and self-control are the royal roads leading to that goal of self- realization. They are not just to bind you, to limit or control you – Sathya Sai Baba.
This is a spiritual retreat. To ensure that all attendees can spiritually benefit from the Retreat, we require that everyone observe the following basic rules:
General Rules
Park only in the designated areas. Men and women will be seated separately for all activities. Do not undertake any independent workshops or group activity. Engaging in any commercial transaction is prohibited. Please note that pets are not allowed in the premises.
Dress Code Rules
Modest clothing, suitable for an Ashram, is required at all times. No shorts, miniskirts, or tight fitting clothes are allowed. Early morning and evenings can be cold so please come prepared with sweaters and shawls.
As children will take part in outdoor play activities, sneakers and comfortable play clothes are encouraged.
Behavior Rules
Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and possession of firearms, fireworks, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.
Retreat Memories from 2025
For any questions contact: sssgcusaregion3retreat@gmail.com