SSSGC USA - REGION 2

ONSITE 2024 RETREAT SCHEDULE DETAILS FOR DEVOTEES

Retreat Help Line

Sairam please reach us at all times during the retreat at this number.

Main Schedule

SSSGC USA REGION 2 - Main Schedule Download PDF

SSSGC - USA
Region 2 Retreat 2024 Schedule

Friday, May 24th 2024

  • Arrival, Camp Set-up, Pot Luck Lunch
    09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Registration
    03:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
  • Dinner
    07:30 PM - 09:00 PM
  • YA Cultural Program Practice (Devotion Hall), Unison Singing Practice (YA Hall)
    08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Volunteer Orientation (Canteen)
    08:30 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Lights Out
    10:00 PM

Saturday, May 25th 2024

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam (Devotion Hall), Nagarsankeertan (Assemble outside Devotion Hall)
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Yoga and Meditation (Devotion Hall)
    07:00 AM - 07:30 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • SSSE Speakers (Devotion Hall)
    09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
  • Speaker Session - Sister Seema Dewan (Devotion Hall)
    09:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Break
    11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
  • Workshop 1 (Dome) Workshop 2 ( Gym)

    (Details are available with “Workshops” tab)

    11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Lunch
    12.30 PM - 01:30 PM
  • Community Service ( Dining Hall)
    01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
  • Workshop 3 (Dome) Workshop 4 ( Gym)

    (Details are available with “Workshops” tab)

    02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Tea Break
    04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Cultural Program

    (by SSSE Children)

    05:00 PM - 06:15 PM
  • Dinner
    06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
  • Cultural Program

    (by Adults)

    07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
  • Campfire (backup)

    Depends on Sunday evening’s weather forecast

    08:45 PM - 09:45 PM
  • Lights Out
    10:00 PM

Sunday, May 26th 2024

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam (Devotion Hall), Nagarsankeertan (Assemble outside Devotion Hall)
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Yoga and Meditation (Devotion Hall)
    07:00 AM - 07:30 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • SSSE Speakers (Devotion Hall)
    09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
  • Speaker Session - Prof. Bhagia ( Devotion Hall)
    09:45 AM - 11::00 AM
  • Break
    11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
  • Workshop 5 (Dome) Workshop 6 ( Gym)

    (Details are available with “Workshops” tab)

    11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Lunch
    12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
  • Wokshop 7 ( Dome) Workshop 8 ( Gym)

    (Details are available with “Workshops” tab)

    01:30 PM - 02:45 PM
  • Speaker Session - Prof. Bhagia ( Devotion Hall)
    03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Tea Break
    05:00 PM - 05:45 PM
  • Cultural Program (Devotion Hall)

    (by YAs)

    05:45 PM - 07:15 PM
  • Dinner
    07:15 PM - 08:15 PM
  • Camp Fire

    (if Weather Permits)

    08:30 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Lights Out
    10:00 PM

Monday, May 27th 2024

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam (Devotion Hall), Nagarsankeertan (Assemble outside Devotion Hall)
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Yoga and Meditation (Devotion Hall)
    07:00 AM - 07:30 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing ( Devotion Hall)
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • Speaker Session - Dr. Ramesh Wadhwani ( Devotion Hall)
    09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Speaker Session - Bro. Fize Mohammed ( Devotion Hall)
    10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
  • Camp Site Clean UP
    11:30 AM to 03:30 PM
SSSE Schedule

SSSGC USA REGION 2 - SSSE Schedule Download PDF

SSSGC - USA
Region 2 Retreat 2024 Schedule

SSSE Schedule

As you make choices, always remember that the Sai Retreat is a spiritual retreat. Swami expects punctuality and discipline.

Please follow retreat and campsite safety rules as outlined on the home page.

Dress Code: Swami expects all students to be well groomed and appropriate for the occasion. Traditional / modest clothing that does not draw one’s attention to the body is mandatory.

For girls: Modest/traditional clothing (no bare skin, no sleeveless tops, no leggings), appropriate long pants or long skirt, with appropriate top.

For boys: Long pants and a shirt/T-shirt.
Children will be asked to change if not appropriately dressed.

Parents with young children: Please do not leave children unattended. When dropping off your child to the SSSE building, please do so with a responsible adult.

Code of conduct:
No shouting, running inside buildings.
Maintain silence when requested/announced.
No talking during bhajans.

Saturday, May 25th 2024

  • Follow Main Schedule

    (Wake Up Bell, Omkar, Suprabatham, Nagar Sangeerthan, Yoga & Meditation, Breakfast)

    05:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotional Hall)
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • SSSE Speaker (Devotion Hall)
    09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
  • SSSE Activities (SSSE Building)

    – Guest Speaker: Seema Dewan (Devotion Hall) – Group 4 may stay for guest speaker
    – Arts/Crafts – younger children
    – Interactive Quiz
    – Escape Room
    – Play Practice (Devotion Hall) – 11:30 AM

    09:45 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Lunch
    12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
  • SSSE Activities (SSSE Building/Outdoor)

    – Snakes/Ladders
    – Word games
    – Unscramble
    – Crossword puzzles
    – Makeup/costume for play participants

    01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotional Hall)
    03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Tea Break
    04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
  • SSSE Cultural Program
    05:00 PM - 06:15 PM
  • Dinner
    06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
  • Cultural Program

    ( by Adults)

    07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
  • Campfire (backup)

    (Depends on Sunday evening’s weather forecast )

    08:45 PM - 09:45 PM
  • Lights Off
    10:00 PM

Sunday, May 26th 2024

  • Follow Main Schedule

    (Wake Up Bell, Omkar, Suprabatham, Nagar Sangeerthan, Yoga & Meditation, Breakfast)

    05:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • SSSE Speaker (Devotion Hall)
    09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
  • SSSE Activities (SSSE Building)

    – YA workshop with Group 4 (09:45 AM – 10:45 AM)
    (location will be announced later)
    – Jeopardy
    – Bhajan Workshop

    09:45 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Lunch
    12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
  • SSSE Gurus Meet
    01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
  • SSSE Activities (SSSE Building/Outdoor)

    – YA – Sports – all groups
    – Decoding the Mahabharata (02:00 PM – 03:45 PM)

    01:30 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Tea Break
    05:00 PM - 05:45 PM
  • Cultural Program (Devotion Hall)

    ( by YAs)

    05:45 PM - 07:15 PM
  • Dinner
    07:15 PM - 08:15 PM
  • Camp Fire

    (if weather permits)

    08:30 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Lights Off
    10:00 PM
YA Schedule

SSSGC USA REGION 2 - YA Schedule Download PDF

SSSGC - USA
Region 2 Retreat 2024 Schedule

YA Schedule

Saturday, May 25th 2024

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam (Devotion Hall), Nagarsankeertan (Assemble outside Devotion Hall)
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Yoga and Meditation (Devotion Hall)
    07:00 AM - 07:30 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • SSSE Speakers (Devotion Hall)
    09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
  • Speaker Session - Sister Seema Dewan (Devotion Hall)
    09:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Break
    11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
  • YA Workshop 1 (YA Hall)
    11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Lunch
    12.30 PM - 01:30 PM
  • Community Service ( Dining Hall)
    01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
  • Session with Sis. Seema Dewan ( YA Hall)

    (Details are available with “Workshops” tab)

    02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Tea Break
    04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Cultural Program

    (by SSSE Children)

    05:00 PM - 06:15 PM
  • Dinner
    06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
  • Cultural Program

    (by Adults)

    07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
  • YA Play Practice ( YA Hall)
    08:45 PM - 11:00 PM

Sunday, May 26th 2024

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam (Devotion Hall), Nagarsankeertan (Assemble outside Devotion Hall)
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Yoga and Meditation (Devotion Hall)
    07:00 AM - 07:30 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • SSSE Speakers (Devotion Hall)
    09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
  • Speaker Session - Prof. Bhagia ( Devotion Hall)
    09:45 AM - 11::00 AM
  • Break
    11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
  • YA Workshop 2 ( YA Hall )
    11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Lunch
    12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
  • Sports with SSSE Children
    01:30 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Devotional Singing (Devotion Hall)
    04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Tea Break
    05:00 PM - 05:45 PM
  • Cultural Program by YAs (Devotion Hall)
    05:45 PM - 07:15 PM
  • Dinner
    07:15 PM - 08:15 PM
  • Camp Fire

    (if Weather Permits)

    08:30 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Lights Out
    10:00 PM

Monday, May 27th 2024

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam (Devotion Hall), Nagarsankeertan (Assemble outside Devotion Hall)
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Yoga and Meditation (Devotion Hall)
    07:00 AM - 07:30 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing by YAs ( Devotion Hall)
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • Speaker Session - Dr. Ramesh Wadhwani ( Devotion Hall)
    09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Speaker Session - Bro. Fize Mohammed ( Devotion Hall)
    10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
  • Camp Site Clean UP
    11:30 AM to 03:30 PM
MAP LAYOUT

SSSGC USA REGION 2 - Map Layout

SSSGC USA - REGION 2 REGIONAL MEMORIAL DAY RETREAT

Map Layout

layout
Devotion Hall / Dining Hall / SSSE / Registration / Help Desk / Parking Lot / Workshops

RETREAT 2024

Sairam! Off Limits. Do Not Enter

Sairam! Off Limits. Do Not Enter

Sairam! Off Limits. Do Not Enter

Sairam! Off Limits. Do Not Enter

Sairam! Off Limits. Do Not Enter

Parking Lot D

Do not park unless instructed by Parking Lot Volunteers. 

Parking Lot B

Do not park unless instructed by Parking Lot Volunteers.

Swami's Room

Vedam Chanting | Nagarsankeertan Arathi | Meditation

Camp Fire

Sunday, May 26, 2024 - 8:30 PM (if weather permits)

Note: Raincheck date

Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 8:45 PM (if sunday weather forecast is going to rain)

SSSE (Group 1, 2, 3 & 4)

Gallery
 

Prema Loop (Even Number Cabins Loop)

Cabin # 26 to 36

Sairam ! Note: All Workshops at GYM or DOME only.

Devotion Hall:

Suprabhatam | Nagarsankeertan | Bhajans | Guest Speakers | Cultural Programs | Workshops

Gallery

Parking Lot A

Do not park unless instructed by Parking Lot Volunteers.

Gallery

North Prasanthi (Odd Number Cabins Loop)

Cabin # 1 to 21

YA HALL

This will be YA meeting place.

Dharma Loop (Odd Number Cabins Loop)

Cabin # 23 to 33 (FQ 1-4)

Parking Lot C

 

Unless instructed by Parking Lot Volunteers do not park.

Prasanthi Road (No Parking Road and NO Walking Road )

Pass through only (Speed limit 5 MPH)



Prasanthi Road (No Parking Road )

Pass through only (Speed limit 5 MPH)



Camp Exit

GYM (Workshops)

 

Gallery

Workshops (Dome)

Click on the image

Dining Hall / Kitchen

Gallery

Shanthi Loop (Even Number Cabins Loop)

Cabin # 2 to 20

Registration / Help Desk (Seva Desk)

layout
RETREAT

PARKING LOT

please follow instructions as requested by volunteers

layout
RETREAT

NAGARSANKEERTAN ROUTE

please follow instructions as requested by volunteers

SSSGC – USA – REGION 2  | MEMORIAL DAY RETREAT

CAMP GREEN LANE
249 Camp Green Lane Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054

Workshop Details

SSSGC USA REGION 2 - Workshop Schedule Download PDF

Retreat Workshops

Sairam! Please see below listed various workshops scheduled during the retreat.

Saturday, May 25th

Practical ways to remain connected to Sai - Sri Sai Chakra

Saturday, May 25th @ 11:15 PM – 12:30 PM

Location: Dome
Deepak Deshpande, Aryama Ghandikota

Three things I can do today to transform myself

Saturday, May 25th @ 11:15 PM – 12:30 PM

Location: GYM
Mani Sabapati, Amar Gunda

YAs : Beyond Belief: Cultivating Faith in Swami

Saturday, May 25th @ 11:15 PM – 12:30 PM

Location: YA Hall
Varun Boopathi, Shiv Dewan
Man Management

Saturday, May 25th @ 02:00 PM – 03:15 PM

Location: Dome
Sanjay Gandikota, Ravi Ghandikota

Going Beyond Bhajans – A Way to feel HIS Presence

Saturday, May 25th @ 02:00 PM – 03:15 PM

Location: GYM
Sreenivasan Nagarajan, Varun Ram


Sunday, May 26th

If we wish to be leaders, where should we begin?

Sunday, May 26th @ 11:15 PM – 12:30 PM

Location: Dome
Siddharth Gopinath, Saravanan

Elements of an Ideal Sai Center

Sunday, May 26th @ 11:15 PM – 12:30 PM

Location: GYM
Fize Mohammad, Ram Dharanipagada

YAs: Spilling the tea with Swami

Sunday, May 26th @ 11:15 PM – 12:30 PM

Location: YA Hall
Snigdaa Sethuram, Vidya Ganesh
Resolving Conflicts - A Way to Practice His Teachings

Sunday, May 26th @ 01:30 PM – 02:45 PM

Location: Dome
Raj Srivatsan, Anjan Dave

Seeing the ONE in ALL - Practical tips & Practical living with Sai values

Sunday, May 26th @ 01:30 PM – 02:45 PM

Location: GYM
Mangala Kini, Madhulika Jinsi

Service Drive Onsite

SSSGC USA REGION 2 - Onsite Service Drive

Open Market Seva:
Open Market Seva is a Seva where perishable and non-perishable food, used and new clothing/books/toys are distributed to the needy in Plainfield NJ every 3rd Sunday of the month. 
Items in the list (scroll down to see below) can be brought to the retreat where we will have a dedicated space for collection and sorting.
 
Open Market Seva List:
ITEMDESCRIPTION
Shelf Stable Milk (Parmalat)32oz tetra pak
Macaroni and Cheese boxesRegular size
Macaroni and Cheese CupsRegular size
Canned BeansChick peas, black beans, red beans
Canned VegetablesGreen beans, Mixed Veg, Corn, Tomatoes
Cereal BoxesRegular size
Pancake MixRegular size
Pancake SyrupRegular size
Peanut Butter Jarplastic bottle preferred
Jelly/Jam jarplastic bottle preferred
Pasta boxesAny type
Pasta sauceplastic bottle preferred
Rice2 lb or 3 lb bag
Cooking Oil (Corn or vegetable)Approx 48oz Plastic bottle
SugarWhite or brown
Corn flour3 lb approx/1 bag
PuddingIndividual cups
ApplesauceIndividual cups
Cereal BarsAny type
Cupcakes/Childrens SnacksIndividually wrapped
Baby foodvegetables, fruits
Baby DiapersAll sizes
Baby WipesAny type
Toilet Paper rollsIndividually wrapped (ex. Scott)
3-in-1 Body Wash/shampooFor Men
3-in-1 Body Wash/shampooFor Women
ToothpasteRegular size
ToothbrushesSoft or medium
Clothes – Good ConditionFor children, women, men
Children’s Toys – new or usedIndividual small toys, all ages
Children’s Books – new or usedFor ages upto 7 only
Sports ballsAll sports
Reusable Grocery BagsSimilar to those found in supermarkets
 

Live Streaming!!!

Sairam! The following programs (guest speakers, bhajans, SSSE and adult cultural programs) will be live telecast.

W A T C H   L I V E

Saturday, May 25th

Programs

  • 8:30 AM - Bhajans
  • 09:30 AM - Sister Seema Dewan (Guest Talk)
  • 03:30 PM - Devotional Singing
  • 5:00 PM - Cultural Program ( by SSSE children)
  • 07:45 PM Cultural Program ( by Adults)
WATCH LIVE
W A T C H   L I V E

Sunday, May 26th

Programs

  • 8:30 AM - Devotional Singing
  • 09:30 AM - Prof. Bhagia (Guest Talk)
  • 03:00 PM - Prof. Bhagia (Guest Talk)
  • 04:00 PM - Devotional Singing
  • 5:45 PM - Cultural Program ( by YAs)
WATCH LIVE
W A T C H   L I V E

Monday, May 27th

Programs

  • 8:30 AM - Devotional Singing
  • 9:45 AM - Dr. Ramesh Wadhwani (Guest Talk)
  • 10:30 AM - Bro. Fize Mohammed (Guest Talk)
Watch LIve

Retreat Venue (Camp Green Lane)

249 Camp Green Lane Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054

SSSGC Region 2 USA Retreat

Friday, May 24, 2024 - Monday, May 27, 2024

Helpline

+1 (908) 443-1212
Call for help

Main Heading Goes Here
SSSGC Region 2 - Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane

SSSGC USA Region 2 - Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane
CGL - Devotion Hall
SSSGC Region 2 - Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane

SSSGC Region 2 - Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane
CGL - Parking Lot A
SSSGC Region 2 - Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane
SSSGC USA Region 2 Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane
CGL - YA Hall
SSSGC Region 2 - Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane

SSSGC Region 2 - Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane
CGL - Dining Hall
SSSGC Region 2 - Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane

SSSGC Region 2 - Regional Retreat 2023 - Camp Green Lane
Deepak Deshpande
Introduction

Deepak has been blessed by Swami to serve as the President of Greensboro, Baltimore and Lansdale Sai Centers and is currently serving as a co-coordinator for the Lansdale Sai Group. Bhagawan’s teachings and center activities have been part of his life for the past two decades. Sai Inspires from Prashanti Nilayam is a daily inspiration for Deepak. He stays connected with Swami through Vedic chants, bhajans and spiritual writings/talks.

Deepak Deshpande
Aryama Ghandikota
Introduction

The Ghandikota family has been blessed to be followers of Bhagavan Baba for 4 generations, since the late 1950s. Their grandfather is B Sri Ghandikota Subrahmanya Sastry, the Rushi of the Sai Gayathree, their father is B. Sri Ghandikota Subba Rao, the Rushi of the Sai Surya Gayathree, the Sai Hiranyagarbha Gayathree and the Sai Chakra. Their Mother is GBS Ghandikota Lakshmi Devi, who Swami called Sumangali Aryama is the eldest of the five Ghandikota brothers. He was born in Iragavaram (distinguished for its Vedicpandits), Andhra Pradesh in 1948. Mr Subba Rao went to New York for studies in 1949 and joined the United Nations in 1951. Aryama and his mother Mrs. Lakshmi Devi Subba Rao joined his father in 1952. In 1956 the family moved to Bangkok, Thailand as Mr Subba Rao was seconded for two years to UN affiliate ECAFE. In 1961 Mr Subba Rao was seconded to UNICEF in New Delhi, returning to NY in 1967. The Ghandikota family first met Swami and His parents in 1960. Later, Aryama’s upanayanam was conducted by Swami in Prasanthi Nilayam in 1963. The Ghandikota family held the first Sai Bhajans in New York in 1968.

The Sai Bhajan Circle Group later evolved into the Sai Center of Flushing, NY. Their father Mr G V Subba Rao was one of the founding members of the Sai Center United Nations and the Ganesh Temple in Flushing, NY.Aryama is a consulting electrical engineer, and has worked on electrical, computer, telecommunications and simulation systems for over 45 years, traveling worldwide. He lives in New Jersey, USA with his wife Bala and family. Swami cured Aryama numerous times, and rescued him from complex and potentially dangerous situations many times. Without issue for 17 years, they were blessed by Swami with 3 children, named by Him.- two sons Jayavardhan and Aryavardhan, and a daughter Vijayasri. Swami performed the upanayanams of Jayavardhan and Aryavardhan in 2002. Aryama is a founding member of the team for SaiDarshan.org, one of the first Sai web sites, started in 1995with Swami’s blessings. He has been an active member and study circle coordinator for many years with Sai Centers in NY/NJ, Holmdel, East Brunswick, and has been giving talks at Sai Organization and Multi-Faith events. Aryama has been an Adviser for the Sarva Dharma Service Center in Howell, NJ. By Swami’s Grace the entire Ghandikota Family has been blessed with many miraculous Divine cures and Wonderful dvine experiences.

Aryama Ghandikota
Mani Sabapathi
Introduction

Mani Sabapathi have been teaching SSE (primarily Group 4) since the mid-2000s and now serve as center’s education coordinator. After spending over 25 years in finance, he is now focused on nonprofit work that uses technology to bring better education to remote/rural communities. He love outdoors, sports, music, and photography

Mani Sabapathi
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Amar Gunda
Introduction

Swami brought Amar into his fold about three years back during the COVID (July or August of 2020).  Initially, he was a member of Greensboro Sai Center (North Carolina) where Swami blessed him with the opportunity to facilitate the Study Circle for an extended period of time.   He is currently a member of South Bethesda Sai Center (Maryland) and Germantown Cluster Lead.  He also had the opportunity to be an SSSE Group 4 teacher.  Regarding his profession, he works in the IT industry and have held various roles including Engineering Manager, Consultant, Trainer, and Mentor.

Amar Gunda
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Varun Boopathi
Introduction

Varun grew up attending SSSE since he was 6 years old and graduated from the program after 13 years at the East Brunswick Sai Center. He then moved to Maine to attend Colby College for his undergraduate degrees in computer science and psychology. Varun currently lives and works in Northern Virginia as a data analyst at AWS. He has enjoyed participating in various service activities and connects to Swami through attending bhajans. He loves to try baking new recipes and you can often find him exploring vegetarian restaurants in New Jersey or the DC area!

Varun Boopathi
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Shiv Dewan
Introduction

Shiv was born in Bhagawan’s fold and grew up in the Greater Canton and Cleveland Sai Centers and had the opportunity to visit Prasanthi Nilayam with his family regularly. He is passionate about sharing Swami’s love and message through service and mentoring and feels that music is where he feels his strongest connection to the divine. Shiv is an incoming first-year medical student at Vanderbilt. He loves making music, trying new foods, playing tennis, and occasionally boring people with obscure aviation facts!

Shiv Dewan
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Ravishankar Ghandikota and Sanjay Ghandikota
Introduction

Ravishankar and Sanjay Ghandikota are grandsons of late Br. Sri Ghandikota Subrahmanya Sastry garu (renowned Vedic scholar, referred to as a Rishi by Swami) who first came to Swami in the early 1960s, was a founding member of the Prashanti Vidhvan Maha Sabha – Academy of Scholars founded by Bhagavan, was inspired by Swami to compose/reveal the Sai Gayathri in 1977 and was invited by Baba to supervise a number of Dussera Yagnas in the Divine Presence of Swami in Puttaparthi. They are also the fourth and fifth sons of late Smt Lakshmi Devi and late Sri Ghandikota V. SubbaRao garu (retired senior United Nations official and accomplished scholar in Hindu philosophy) who spoke numerous times in the Divine Presence of Swami, translated Swami’s discourses, served as one of the Trustees of the Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust and was inspired by Swami to compose/reveal the Sai Surya Gayathri, the Sai Hiranyagarbha Gayathri and the Sai Chakra.

Ravishankar was born and brought up in the US, and had the privilege of joining Swami’s college at Prashanthi Nilayam in 1981, completing his Bachelors & Masters degrees in Commerce (Business).  During his studies, he participated in sports in Swami’s presence. He received a gold medal for best all-round student from Swami’s Divine Hands in 1985. After his studies, at Swami’s command he had the privilege to serve as a lecturer in Commerce from 1986 to 1992 at the Brindavan campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. He also had the opportunity to take photos of Bhagavan during his years as a student and lecturer.

Sanjay also was born and brought up in New York and had the privilege of studying in Swami’s college. Swami performed his Upanayanam (thread ceremony) in Puttaparthi in 1981 and he joined Bhagawan’s Institute in 1985 to complete his B.Sc and MBA in Prashanti Nilayam. During his studies, he was an active member of the Institute Band, participated in various cultural and sports programs in Swami’s presence and received a Gold Medal for MBA from Swami’s Divine Hands in 1990. He also had the opportunity to take videos of Bhagavan during his years as a student. His MBA class had the good fortune of Swami directly teaching several courses to them.

Swami performed Ravishankar’s wedding to Ahladini and Sanjay’s wedding to Sumana (both being daughters of Smt. Kasturi & Sri Erramilli Satyamurthi, a former Trust Convenor and State President for the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation of Andhra Pradesh) in 1990 in what was a double wedding of two brothers to two sisters. At Swami’s direction, they came back to the U.S. in 1991-92 and currently live in New Jersey with their families. Ravishankar and Sanjay work in the financial industry in New York.

Ravi Shankar Gandikota & Sanjay Gandikota
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Srinivasan Nagarajan
Introduction

Srinivasan Nagarajan came to know about Swami in early 70s through his brother in law. He had the first darshan of Swami in Brindavan and his first visit to Parthi was in 1983. He joined Sundaram Bhajan group in 1984. He lived in Chennai until July 1996 and in Tanzania until 2005. He moved to US in 2006.
He is CPA by profession and presently working for a CPA firm.

Srinivasan Nagarajan
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Varun Ram
Introduction

Varun is blessed to be born in a family that has served Swami for generations. His grandfather came to Swami in 1944 and Varun is the son of Geetha Mohan Ram and Mohan Ram, who has served at the center in various capacities.

Varun came to the South Bethesda center in 1988 and completed the SSSE program there. He has served as the SSSE teacher, YA Rep, Devotional Coordinator, and the YA Advisor at the center. Varun was named by Swami and Swami performed his marriage in Puttaparthi to Sailakshmi in 2008. He has also had the privilege to sing in front of Swami several times in Puttaparthi and Brindavan. Varun has two daughters Namratha and Karuna, who are also in the SSSE program. He currently works as an IT Program Manager.

Varun Ram
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Siddharth Gopinath
Introduction

Siddharth Gopinath grew up in a Sai family in Canada.  He has been a Visiting Faculty Member of the MBA program of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Puttaparthi for several years.  In the US, he has served as the YA Male Advisor for Region 2 and as the Education Coordinator for the Sai Center of Bridgewater.  There he has taught SSSE for many years and is currently a Guru for Group 4 Boys.  He is also a co-facilitator of the Harmonious Homes Human Values Parenting initiative at the Center.

Siddharth has a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.  He is the principal at Azuraa Insights, a market research consultancy.  Siddharth lives in New Jersey with his mother, wife and two daughters.

 

Siddharth Gopinath
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Saravanan
Introduction
Saravanan came to Swami’s fold in 1988 as a Balvikas student.  He is a structural engineer by profession.  He is one of the study circle  coordinators for the Bridge water Sai center, NJ. and a trained practitioner of  Sai Vibrionics , a method of natural healing from Prashanthi Nilayam to cure both acute and chronic health conditions.
Saravanan
Fize Mohammed
Introduction

Fize Mohammed is a Financial Consultant and Accountant in private practice. He holds the position of Assistant Branch Manager with a leading financial conglomerate in the Caribbean and is a past Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Toastmasters Caribbean.

He has been a Baal Vikas Guru / SSE Teacher for over three decades and previously held the following positions in the Organisation:
● 1999 – 2003 National Young Adult Coordinator
● 2008 – 2010 National Devotional Coordinator
● 2014– 2021 Deputy Central Coordinator of the West Indies

Currently is the advisor /liaison officer for Sri Sathya Sai Global Council West Indies.

He attended the first SSE Training Course for overseas devotees In Prashanthi in 1981; the first EHV Conference in 1986; the three World Youth Conferences held in 1997, 1999 and 2007 and had the privilege of speaking at Prashanthi Nilayam during the 1999 World Youth Conference and the 2015 World Conference.

Through Baba’s grace and Divine Will, Brother Fize was instructed to speak on Sai Experience and Morality. He has given talks on Sri Sathya Sai Baba and His teachings in the Caribbean, Venezuela,
USA, Canada, England and India.

In November 2009 a Radio Sai Interview was conducted with Brother Fize relating to his journey to Sai. In August 2011 this Interview was also again aired as a three part series on Radio Sai during the holy month of Ramadan.

He currently conducts a weekly Sai Radio Programme on the Birth, Life and Teachings of our beloved Lord, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and a bi-weekly webinar where devotees can share their
journey to Sai and experiences with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Fize Mohammed
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Ram Dharanipragada
Introduction

Ram is an SSSE teacher at the  Sri Sathya Sai Baba Global council center of Bridgewater.  Ram’s family came into  Swami’s fold in the early 60s. His grandparents and elders had several interactions with Swami. Ram is a medicinal chemist by training and he has recently retired from Sanofi pharmaceuticals after 32 years of service in Drug Discovery and development. He is currently teaching Organic chemistry at Rutgers university. He enjoys teaching and interacting with group 1 SSSE children the most!”

Ram Dharanipragada
Snigdaa Sethuram
Introduction

Snigdaa is currently studying for her PhD at Georgia Tech, and attends bhajans at ATL Sai center, but has been a member of Bridgewater Sai center since middle school and San Jose Sai center since kindergarten. When she’s not working, you can usually find her cuddling an animal, teaching dance, or reading. Fun fact: she’s a professional procrastinator!

Snigdaa Sethuram
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Vidya Ganesh
Introduction

Vidya was born into Swami’s fold and grew up in Virginia, where she attended SSSE. She currently attends the Jersey City Sai Center and expresses her passion for mentorship by serving as a SSSE Group 4 guru. She experiences connection with Swami through music and poetry. Professionally, Vidya received her MBA from Wharton and currently works at JP Morgan on their Commercial & Investment Banking Strategy team. She loves to read, and experiment with new ingredients and recipes. (If you run into her, feel free to ask about her latest obsession with her immersion blender!)

Vidya Ganesh
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Raj Srivatsan
Introduction

Swami brought Raj to Him in Jan. 1972. He has been a U.S. lawyer since 2003, an India lawyer since 1997, and worked in Asian industry since 1979 and is an former India Color. He qualified through Cambridge schooling, and is a product of India’s prestigious National Law School, Bangalore, Loyola (MBA) and Georgetown Law Center (USA) among others. Swami’s miracles have been a steady feature in Raj’s life. It is Swami’s writings and discourses that transformed and helped him transcend constant life conflicts and challenges. He has taught in all of Swami’s university campuses

 

Raj Srivatsan
Anjan Dave
Introduction

Anjan Dave came into Sathya Sai’s fold in 2006, prior to which he had no idea who He was. He was devoted to Shirdi Sai, however that was mainly because he was a student in Nasik. In fact when he first heard of Swami from his father, he did a google search and thought Swami is a magician. Well shortly after, the magician did the magic and he joined Lansdale Sai Center just a few miles from his place. Very soon after, served there as President, Devotional Coordinator, Educational Coordinator and SSE teacher. It’s been a long time teaching, and now serving again as our group lead.

He lives in Hatfield, PA with his wife Shital and 3 children. He is an IT professional with a BS in Computer Engg from Pune University, and an MS and MBA from Pennstate University. He learn Hindustani Classical music (vocal), harmonium, photography, astrology, cooking, Vedam chanting teaching and SSE.

Anjan Dave
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Mangala Kini
Introduction

Swami brought her family into HIS fold in the 60’s. She lived in Hubli at that time, and then moved to Mumbai before migrating to the US. Growing up, they visited Parthi numerous times, and was blessed with quite a few interviews, where Swami guided her and showered HIS LOVE. She was also blessed to attend the first summer course in 1972, along with her two older sisters.  In Mumbai She visited Dharmakshetra and in the US, she attended the South Bethesda Center, the Loudoun Center, and Falls Church Center.

Mangala Kini
Madhulika Jinsi
Introduction

Madhu had the blessing of being born in a family with a strong spiritual focus. Her grandfather and mother both had direct experiences of Baba’s all-knowing presence. When she lived in Hong Kong, Baba drew her to Himself. This continued when she moved to Singapore and  owned and ran a public relations company where she considered Baba the CEO. In the US, she has taught Bal Vikas for 14 years and continues to be active at the center in directing and participating in plays and other activities. She is also active in Vidya Vahini’s Inclusive Education Project, while pursuing a career using Reiki and coaching to assist others.

Madhulika Jinsi
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