SRI SATHYA SAI GLOBAL COUNCIL – ZONE1 (USA- REGION 2)

A Warm and Loving Sai Ram Dear Members,

With Swami's grace, Hope you all had a divine and wonderful week!  

We have more events coming up in Aradhan Mahostavam month of April. It is going to be a blissful month.

Advanced Wishes to All Center Members and Families who will be celebrating Ugadi.

Important Message in change in Location for the Month of April 2024.

SaiRam Dear Members.

We THANK Swami, all Center Members, Parents & SSSE kids for accommodating all devotional and SSSE activities at the new location for the whole month of April, @ Hovatter Elementary School in Aldie –  41135 Collaboration Dr, Aldie, VA 20105.

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FAnFzr8dtbNo76MAA?g_st=iw

Please Note and mark your calendars, We have major events lined up at the Center, Regional and National during the next couple of months.

This Sunday, April 07th, Regular Devotional & SSSE Classes @ Hovatter.

Looking forward to seeing all the Members, Parents, and kids at the center this Sunday.

See below for important details.

Please find this week's Centre Newsletter, updates from all wings (Devotion, SSSE, Seva & YA) along with Center Calendar for April 2024 and Zonal/National and Regional updates.

Sai Ram

Please check the attached April 2024 Calendar above.               

Quick Highlights:

This Sunday, April 07th, there will be Regular Devotional & SSSE Classes @ Hovatter.

Look for more details from Devotional and SSSE Sessions.

Please mark your calendars so that you can attend the Center with family and friends, and enjoy the bliss of these special programs.

Subscription

Don’t forget to subscribe to SSSCL YouTube Channel:  

https://www.youtube.com/@loudounsaicenter

Sai Ram

Sri Sathya Sai Center of Loudoun

1. Regular Devotional Satsang and Bhajans is on Sunday April 07th 2024 from 9:45 AM. (Address above).

   Tentative Agenda: 

   09:00 AM – 09:45 AM: Setup (Please join if available)

   09:45 AM – 11:00 AM: 21 OMs, Chanting 21 times “Samastha Lokah”, Jyothi Meditation, Swami Darshan Video, Satsang – “OM SRI SAI SARVAJANA PRIYA NAMAH – (10)” and Practice  Unison Bhajans, Shivopasana & Hanuman Chalisa.

   11:00 AM – 11:35 AM: Bhajans and Closing Prayers.

2. SSSCL – Festival Hosting: Sri Rama Navami 2024 Celebrations: With Swami’s grace Sri Rama Navami celebrations will be at Nistala’s residence on Saturday, April 20th 2024 from 4:00 PM EST to 6:00 PM EST.

   Use the below Bhajan signup link for SSSE, YA’s and Adults for Sri Rama Navami celebrations. Last Day for the Signup is Sunday April 07th 2024.

   Link: https://forms.gle/R3qJSvQEr7fmSQdbA

Sri Sathya Sai Educare (SSSE) Updates  

SSSE Classes on Sunday April 07th @ Hovatter Elementary School.

1. Regional Retreat Memorial Day weekend: SSSE Play, If you are coming to Retreat this year and interested to be part of the offering from our center, Please reach out to Sister. Sai Neeraja @ sse@loudounsai.org

Upcoming Events and Dates:

Aradhana Day: April 28th Sunday @ Hovatter Elem School.

Easwaramma Day: May 5th Sunday @ Hovatter Elem School.

Regional Retreat Memorial Day Weekend : May 24th – May 27th.

Graduation Day : June 2nd

Any questions on SSSE related activities please reach out to our SSSE coordinator Sister Sai Vajra Neeraja @ sse@loudounsai.org

Sai Ram

SEVA UPDATES

Important Note:

** We will start distributing knitted/new baby caps to the hospitals in the DC Metro Area next month.  If you are part of this service activity or willing to participate please bring  new born baby caps and give to Sister Jayasree N or Raghavendra/Vijay on Sunday at Center.*

Aradhana Mahosthavam – Month of April 2024 Seva Activities

1. *Donating needy items at Single Women Homeless Shelter**
   As part of this service activity we will purchase and donate items like Paper Bowls, Paper Plates, Spoons & Forks, Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, and other items at Single Women Homeless Shelter.
   Signup link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFA929A0F8CF8-48315233-donating#/

2. *New Shoes/Gentle Used Shoes collecting and donating at various homeless shelters service activity.**
   As part of this service activity we will be collecting new shoes/gentle used shoes & sandals(Men, Women & Kids) and distribute at
   various homeless shelters during our monthly Narayana Seva(Reston & Leesburg shelters).
   **NOTE: Please do not bring very old shoes and uncleaned shoes for donating(We do not accept).*

3. *Earth Day Service Activity on 4/6/2024.**

   Sri Sathya Sai Loudoun Center and Sri Sathya Sai South Bethesda Center is partnering with Potomac Conservancy to  celebrate Earth Day by cleaning the Potomac River at Aspen Hill Park on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 between 9.00 AM and 11.00 AM located at 5013 Baltic Ave, Aspen Hill, MD 20853.

   Signup link for Volunteering: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFA929A0F8CF8-48551983-service#/

4. *Monthly visit to Assisted Living Center**: Our Sai Center engages in monthly visits.  During these visits our volunteers spend quality time interacting with the elderly guests of the center (also playing board games, reading books).

   Date: 4/13/24(Saturday) from 2:00pm to 3:30pm

   Address: 4310 Forest Hill, Fairfax, VA-22030

   Signup Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFA929A0F8CF8-48789432-bringing#/

5. *Narayana Seva: Dinner at Reston Shelter (April 20)**

   Desc: Prepare and serve dinner at Reston Shelter located at: 11975 Bowman Towne Dr, Reston, VA 20190 on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.

   Signup link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFA929A0F8CF8-48859398-april#/

6. *Food sign up link for Sri Rama Navami Bhajans (April 20)**

   SSSCL – Festival Hosting: Sri Rama Navami Bhajans food sign up for April 20th from 4pm to 6pm @ Nistala’s Residence.

   Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFA929A0F8CF8-48923218-srirama#/

7. *Medical Camp at Singh Sabha Gurudwara (SSG) on April 21 2024 from 1 pm – 4 pm  ** 12001 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030.

8. *Narayana Seva: Breakfast at Leesburg Shelter (April 27)**

   Desc: Prepare and serve breakfast at Leesburg Shelter located at:19520 Meadowview Ct, Leesburg, VA 20175 on Saturday, April 27th, 2024.

   Signup link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFA929A0F8CF8-48859397-april#/

9. **SSSCL – Bhagawan’s Aradhana Mahosthavam Celebrations (April 28th)**

   SSSCL will be celebrating Bhagawan’s Aradhana Mahosthavam on April 28th @ Hovatter Elementary school from 9 AM to 2 PM.

   Food signup Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFA929A0F8CF8-48929089-aradhana#/

Young Adults Updates

YA Re-registration Form: Please look for information from YA reps to re-confirm as active YA of the center by registering using the link below.
YA Re-Registration Form

1. Sri Sathya Sai Global Young Adults Conference will be held at the Divine Abode – Prasanthi Nilayam from 12th to 14th July 2024 with the theme Reconnect, Recharge, Rejoice in SAI Love. 

   Website Link:  https://www.sssgyac.com/ 

   The link contains information about the program, the registration link and other relevant details. Additional information is contained in the attached flyer and video. 

If you have any questions and (or) looking for more YA updates, please reach out to our Female YA Rep Varsha Rao @ yafrep@loudounsai.org and Male YA Rep Arjun Sundaram @ yamrep@loudounsai.org

Sai Ram

SSSGC's  Regional, National and Zonal Updates

*Sadhana Aradhana:

Our SSSGC family in India is inviting all of us to participate in an offering to Bhagawan of “Sadhana Aradhana” (worshipful offering of our spiritual practice). It is a 30 day program starting on March 26th and culminating on April 24th, which is Bhagawan's Aradhana Mahotsavam (worshipful celebration commemorating the anniversary of His Mahasamadhi, the day He left His physical form).  The link below is for the booklet which introduces the program and presents a daily practice for each of the 30 days leading up to April 24th.  This united offering of love is a wonderful way to come together to remember, reflect upon, appreciate, and most importantly, practice His teachings. 

See YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/zXVo1usx6eI

Updates from DMV Centers:

None

SSSGC (USA) – Region 2 Updates:

1. We are pleased to announce that our Registration for Annual Memorial Day Retreat is open.

   Please use this link to register.

   https://region2.sssgc-usa.org/retreat/retreat-2024/

   Please note that in the accommodation section, there is one discounted Hotel available for those who would like to stay off site. 

   The theme of the retreat is : “Be always Happy”

   Details of the Retreat:

   Time and Dates: 5 PM 24th May (Friday) to 12 PM 27th May 2024 (Monday).

   Location: Camp Green Lane (249 Camp Green Lane Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054).

SSSGC-USA National Announcements:

1. SSSGC – National Ladies Wing:

   With Swami's grace, I am delighted to announce the formation of the SSSGC-USA National Ladies Wing. It will be led by the Ladies Wing committee consisting of Ramya Gopinath Rao, Devi Sagramsingh, Geetha Mohan Ram, Geeta Reid, Sumana Madhav and Laxmi Maddala.

   The goal of the National Ladies Wing is to understand, embrace and share the teachings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to empower women to blossom to their full potential in all aspects of life and in the multitude of roles that they fulfil.

   The Ladies Wing Committee will be reaching out to Regional Committees in the near future to introduce the Ladies Wing and begin working collaboratively with Regional and Center leadership to establish Ladies Wing representatives at the Regional and Center levels. Please extend your enthusiasm and cooperation to the National Ladies Wing Committee as they begin their work for and with our sisters throughout the U.S.A.

   Loving Sairams,

   Balu Karanam 

   President, SSSGC-USA

2. With Bhagawan’s immense grace, see below SSSGC USA National Devotional initiatives in preparation for Bhagawan's Centennial Birthday celebrations. We are excited to share the details of the upcoming initiatives that aim to help with our Sadhana and enrich our spiritual journey.

Sadhana Hour – Fridays, 9 PM to 10 PM EST.

1. First Friday of Each Month – Bhajan best practices and Learning Sessions: Sessions on the first Friday of every month will delve into best practices on leading bhajans and workshops on learning to play common instruments used in bhajans such as taalam, kanjira, harmonium, and tabla. We kick off this series with Sai Shruthi and Rashmi guiding us through the basics of playing taalam on Friday, March 1st.

2. Second Friday of Each Month – Study Circle Sessions: Eminent Sai devotees will moderate study circle sessions on the second Friday of each month. On the second Friday, March 8th, brother Ravi Mariwalla will lead a study circle on the topic “Practice & Inspire.” Please review the attached study guide beforehand for an enriching study circle session.

3. Third Friday of Each Month – Rudram Learning Session: To help follow Bhagawan's guidance on chanting Rudram, every third Friday will feature a Rudram learning session conducted by brother Venkataramana. These classes will start from the third Friday, March 15th.

4. Multi-Faith Talks – Select Fridays: On select Fridays, we will host multi-faith talks by esteemed guests.

Please participate by joining these sessions.  See below Flyer

Zoom Session Details:

“Sadhana Hour” – Bhagawan’s Centennial Birthday Celebrations:

Time: Friday April 05th,  9 PM EST – 10PM EST

Join Zoom Meeting : https://bit.ly/SSSGCUSASadhanaHour

or

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6145311483?pwd=OTNxT1BBVEdWbVFwTTl2WVRKZEZuZz09&omn=84158805797

Meeting ID: 614 531 1483

Passcode: sairam

SSSGC-Zone1 Updates:

• With Swami's Grace, the annual Guru Purnima Sri Sathya Sai Medical Camp will be held from 18th of July to the 22nd of July, 2024 in Prasanthi Nilayam, N1 building.  Health Care Professionals from around the world are invited to join together in unity with this unique opportunity to provide service on the holy grounds of Prasanthi Nilayam. Non-medical volunteers, especially young adults, are also needed and most welcome to join and serve in various capacities.  Space is limited and registration needs to be done in advance with a deadline of May 20, 2024.  

  Medical Professional Registration 2024:  https://bit.ly/MedicalProfessionalRegistration2024

  Non-Medical Volunteer Registration 2024: https://bit.ly/NonMedicalVolunteerRegistration2024

• Sai Inspires Zone1 Bulletin  – https://mailchi.mp/sssgc-zone1.org/sai-inspires-zone-1-bulletin-12790971?e=544b396769

• Subscribe to our Zone 1 Bulletin to receive periodic announcements and special features.

You can share your feedback by using “Contact Us” on our zonal website at 

https://www.sssgc-zone1.org/

Sai Ram

Quick Links: 

• SSSGC Zone1 Website: https://www.sssgc-zone1.org/

• Sri Sathya Sai Prema Tharu – 10 Million Trees Global Plantations Drive: www.sssprematharu.org

• Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Volunteering:  https://forms.gle/LkQVbgthQziY3kzr9 Or email at: volunteer.iep@sssvv.org

• “Prasanthi Connect” Mobile App: Google Play Store | Apple App Store | Use QR code

• Call Sai is a program designed to provide assistance to Sai devotees. Call (1-272 CALL SAI; 1-272-225-5724) or visit https://www.callsai.org/

• SaiLights Magazine: https://www.sssgc-zone1.org/sai-lights-magazine

• Operational Guidelines

• Guidelines, Rules and Regulations

Heartfelt Loving Tribute to Prof Anil Kumar Kamaraju | Translator of the Divine

Jai Sai Ram!

Saideepa Amin (devotion@loudounsai.org) 
Sai Vajra Neeraja (sse@loudounsai.org)  
Vijay Konkimalla (seva@loudounsai.org)  
Arjun Sundaram (yamrep@loudounsai.org)  
Varsha Rao (yafrep@loudounsai.org)  
Prasanthi Babu (vp@loudounsai.org)
Raghavendran Srinivasan (president@loudounsai.org)

!! Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavanthu !!

LOVE ALL SERVE ALL      HELP EVER HURT NEVER