Retreat Theme:
"100 Years of SAI - Serve, Aspire, Inspire"
As we commemorate 100 years of our Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, we reflect on the essence of SAI — Serve, Aspire, Inspire. Serving others with love and humility, aspiring to live by the values of kindness, patience, and inner peace, and inspiring change through our actions to positively impact the community and the world. These principles embody Bhagawan’s message, leading individuals towards selfless service, personal spiritual growth, and the ability to inspire others to lead lives of purpose, compassion, and devotion.
Guest Speakers
Br. T Ravikumar came into Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s fold in 1963. Joined in the first batch of Balvikas of the Ulsoor Samithi in Bangalore, India and joined the erstwhile Sri Sathya Sai College as a student in 1974. Did his B.Sc. from the same college and secured a university rank. Went on to do his M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry from the SK University and secured a university rank.
Was part of the Vedam, bhajan, band, drama and public speaking groups from his very first year in Sri Sathya Sai College. Received a Diploma in Sri Sathya Sai Education from the Divine Hands of Bhagavan and was appointed by Bhagavan as a faculty in the Department of Chemistry at Sri Sathya Sai College in Brindavan in the year 1981.Received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and a Gold Medal from the Divine Hands of Bhagavan in 1990 and was appointed as the Deputy Warden of the University Hostel by Bhagavan in 2009.Retired as an Associate Professor in 2018 from the Dept of Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Since 2011 has been the Warden of the Brindavan Hostel and a resident of the Sri Sathya Sai Hostels from 1974 to date.
Has been trained by Bhagavan in public speaking and blessed to speak in Bhagavan’s Presence a number of times, including in every single Summer Course since 1977 and in every Dussera celebration from 1986 to 2010.Has given talks in different parts of the world in Asia, UK, Europe and the United States on Bhagavan and His message of Love.
Dr. Siddhartha Raju is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Languages and Literature at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Prasanthi Nilayam. Prior to his faculty position, he was a member of the acclaimed Sundaram Bhajan group in Madras and later joined the Prashanti Bhajan Group upon enrolling in the MBA program at SSSIHL, Prasanthi Nilayam.
He had the distinct honor of traveling with Bhagawan to Kodaikanal in 2009. Following Bhagawan’s guidance after his post-graduation, Siddhartha earned his MA in English from Chennai. He joined SSSIHL as a faculty member in 2011 and has been serving there ever since. In 2016, he received the Sai Krishna Award for Best Teacher at the Prasanthi Nilayam campus. He completed his doctoral studies in Post-Colonial Studies in 2019.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Siddhartha is a dedicated stage actor and was actively involved in theater during his time in Chennai. He continues to contribute to the dramatic arts by scripting and directing dramas at the University. He also travels extensively, both within India and abroad, delivering lectures on the life and teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Retreat Details
Retreat Program Schedule Timelines:
- Friday, May 23rd 2025 – 05:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday, May 24th 2025 – 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday May 25th 2025 – 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Monday May 26th 2024 – 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
Join us for a vibrant SSSE Children’s Program filled with joy, creativity, and spiritual growth.
The day features exciting workshops like Divine Decode (Sai emoji game), Sai Stretch & Smile (yoga), Art from Heart, Sai Magic with Science, Card-making to honor 100 Years of Divine Love, and much more. Children will enjoy interactive sessions with young adults, bhajans workshops, guest talks, poster displays, and value-based games.
We’ll conclude this inspiring day with beautiful dance performances and a soulful music program by our SSSE children a heartfelt tribute to Sai’s love and teachings.
Retreat Seva Opportunities
- Hot Food Seva
- Foster Care Support Foundation
- Blood Donation Camp
- Men’s and Women’s shelter Hygiene Kits seva
- Trees Atlanta
- Likhita Japam
- Narayana Seva
- Save the Horses
- Pillow Making
- Baby Bundles
- Bird House Making
Workshop 1: Gayatri mantram – the universal prayer as taught by Bhagawan
Participants will understand the meaning, significance, and the correct way to recite as
Swami prescribes.
Workshop 2: Master the Mind and be a Master Mind
This workshop helps participants develop experiential knowledge by applying Bhagawan’s teachings in everyday life. It also provides practical tips to train the mind in the spiritual journey from devotion to transformation.
Workshop 3: How to love someone you despise?
The workshop will deliver into the practical application of “Prema”, the core teaching of
Bhagawan, into practice.
Workshop 4: Loving God through Sai bhajans
In this workshop, our Guest Speaker Br. Siddhartha Raju will be explaining and expanding on how we can add, adore, and achieve God through Sai bhajans — exploring how devotional singing can deepen our connection with the Divine and transform our daily lives.It is open for generic audience and not restricted to music group / musicians.
Coming Soon !!!!
The Retreat is being conducted in DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody Hotel
Location: 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
Link to book rooms at the Hotel with special rate.
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/srisathyasaibabaatlanta/
Airports Nearby:
Hartsfield Jackson International Airport – 23.50 miles
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.
Location
For any questions contact: sssgcusaregion3retreat@gmail.com