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 Information
Registration Check-in Desk will open on Friday at 4:00 PM
Main Program
https://region3.sssgc-usa.org/
SSSE Agenda
https://region3.sssgc-usa.org/
Daily Prayer:
The morning begins with Omkar (chanting Om 21 times), followed by Suprabhatam (invoking the Lord) and Ashtottara Namavali (chanting the 108 divine names of the Lord), followed by Nagarsankirtan — the collective singing of bhajans while devotees walk together in a prayerful procession, filling the surroundings with divine vibrations and spiritual upliftment.
Bhajans & Vedam Chanting:
Each day will feature soulful Vedam chanting and uplifting bhajan sessions morning & evening offered by devotees. These sessions provide an opportunity for all participants to collectively immerse themselves in prayer, unity, and divine spiritual vibrations while strengthening our connection with Bhagawan.
Musical Program:
“Like the Rivers to the Ocean: The Nine Paths of Devotion”
In every age, seekers have searched for the Divine through different paths of devotion. Like rivers flowing through mountains, forests, and valleys, each path takes its own course, yet all ultimately merge into the same infinite ocean. Inspired by the teachings of our Dear Bhagawan, this offering of Skit and Song explores the Navavidha Bhakti, the ninefold path of devotion. When lost in the dense forest of worldly life, we look for a river and follow it to safety. So too, these rivers of devotion guide the wandering soul toward peace, love, and the Divine Ocean that eternally calls us home.
FRIDAY, MAY 22 · 7:20 PM – 8:00 PM
- “Nuvvu Navvu Now-u” Life Lessons, Lightly Presented – by Nikhil Kaushik
Discover how the gentle humor of Sathya Sai Baba carries profound life lessons. Smile, reflect, and uncover wisdom hidden in the lightest moments.
SATURDAY, MAY 23 · 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
- “Introduction to the Sai Life-Map Approach” by Ravi Mariwalla
Participants will collaborate to identify relevant Sai Teachings and create a personalized, practical “Value-map” for daily life reference. - “Journey to God: Four Stages” by Arun Uthayan
How to progress through the four stages taught by Swami in the Divine Discourse delivered on 19 August 1984. - “Seniors in Swami’s Service” by Dr. K. B. Chandran & Smt. Vanaja Chandran
A session focused on senior devotees joining together for Satsang and Service, united in the goal to realize the divinity within. Welcoming all seniors (and juniors) to join!
SUNDAY, MAY 24 · 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
- “Scientist Within Us” by Ajay Ram & Dr. Raja Rao
A scientific approach to daily spirituality. Science explores the world; spirituality explores the “Self.” Discover how to use logic and observation to grow spiritually, using Swami’s teachings as our practical guide. - “Devotee’s Dilemma: Divine Timing or Deliberate Effort?” by Aruna Shankar, Srividya Vaddadhi & Nalini Dasana
As spiritual seekers, let us come together to reflect on our current stage of spiritual progress and thoughtfully examine whether we are engaging in sufficient, sustained effort to deepen and strengthen our sadhana. - “Ragas Simplified, Bhajans Amplified” by Divya Jandhyala
Demystify the beauty of ragas and elevate your bhajan singing with confidence and feeling. Experience how a little understanding can transform devotion into expression.
SSSE Agenda
https://region3.sssgc-usa.org/
Musical Offering – “Prana Sakha Mere Sai”
A soulful musical garland of songs and bhajans woven with love and devotion by the SSSE children, offered at the Lotus Feet of our beloved Mother Sai.
Skit Offering – “SAI – Supreme Almighty Is One”
The louder the debate over one religion’s superiority, the more we lose sight of the truth that all paths lead to the same God. This play highlights the love of devotees and the power of miracles in resolving such conflicts, revealing the oneness, wonder, and glory of the Sai Avatar who continues to guide and teach us.
With Bhagawan’s divine grace, a series of heartfelt seva activities and interactive workshops dedicated to serving the community with love and compassion are being planned. These activities provide an opportunity for devotees of all ages to participate in service, create meaningful care items, and support those in need through unity in action.
Kindly request to sign up using the link below:
Seva Activities Signup Link
https://region3.sssgc-usa.org/retreat/seva-mahotsavam/
For more details, please refer the flyers shared.
Blood Drive on Sunday, May 24th from 12:30 – 05:30 pm
Donor Signup Link:
https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1788023
Sai Jeopardy Game Show
A fun and interactive challenge where teams test their knowledge of Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings, values, bhajans, and stories! Get ready for teamwork, laughter, and a chance to learn more about love, service, and spirituality while competing for the ultimate title..
Play — “Different Roads, One Eternal Self”
When one girl’s rigid faith blinds her to the divine in the people right in front of her, a chance encounter with a wise stranger sends her on a journey that reveals the most profound truth of all — that love, service, and unity are not the property of any one religion, but the heartbeat of every single one.
Kindly take a moment to submit any questions that you would like to ask our esteemed guest speakers. Your questions are anonymous and do not require any email to submit.
Please submit your questions using the form
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
Hotel information
Best western
Check-In: 4:00 PM EST
Check-Out: 11:00 AM EST
WYNDHAM
Check In: 3:00 PM EST
Check Out: 11:00 AM EST
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
Hotel to/from Venue transportation is being arranged for all devotees who requested assistance, primarily air travelers.
*Transportation Schedule:*
• Morning: 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM
• Night: 8:45 PM
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.
Please bring your reusable water bottles, medications, and other essential personal items.
Registration Check-in Desk will open on Friday at 4:00 PM
Saree color Suggestions
Friday – Yellow
Saturday – Pink or Purple
Sunday – Green or Blue
Monday – Orange
Please keep checking the Retreat Website if any changes to the Agenda or Locations
Please feel free to reach out to the Retreat Team if you have any questions @
sssgcusaregion3retreat@gmail.com
Retreat Memories from 2025
For any questions contact: sssgcusaregion3retreat@gmail.com