SSSGC USA - REGION 2

ONSITE 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 2023 Schedule

Friday, May 26th 2023

  • Arrival, Camp Set-up
    09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Registration
    03:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Devotional Singing
    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
  • Dinner
    07:15 PM - 09:00 PM
  • YA Cultural Program, Unison Singing Practices
    08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Volunteer Orientation
    08:30 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Lights Out
    10:00 PM

Saturday, May 27th 2023

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam, Nagarsankeertan
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • Speaker Session - Bro. Tribhuvan
    09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
  • Break
    10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Multiple Workshops (in Parallel)

    (Details are available with “Workshops” tab)

    11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
  • Lunch
    12.15 PM - 01:15 PM
  • Community Service
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
  • Poster Exhibition

    by SSSE Children

    01:00 PM - 02:30PM
  • Multiple Workshops (in Parallel)

    (Details are available with “Workshops” tab)

    01:15 PM - 02:30 PM
  • Speaker Session - Bro. Tribhuvan
    02:45 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Devotional Singing
    03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Tea Break
    04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Cultural Program

    (by SSSE Children)

    05:15 PM - 06:30 PM
  • Cultural Program

    (by YAs)

    06:45 PM - 07:45 PM
  • Dinner
    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 28th 2023

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam, Nagarsankeertan
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
  • Devotional Singing
    08:15 AM - 09:00 AM
  • Address by Shri. Chakravarthi
    09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
  • Speaker Session - Bro. Arun
    09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
  • Break
    10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Multiple Workshops (in Parallel)

    (Details are available with “Workshops” tab)

    11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
  • Lunch
    12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
  • Multiple Workshops (in Parallel)

    (Details are available with “Workshops” tab)

    01:15 PM - 02:30 PM
  • Speaker Session - Bro. Arun
    02:45 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Devotional Singing
    03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Tea Break
    04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Cultural Program

    (by Adults & YAs)

    05:15 PM - 06:30 PM
  • Dinner
    06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
  • Camp Fire

    (if Weather Permits)

    07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
  • Lights Out
    10:00 PM

Monday, May 29th 2023

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam, Nagarsankeertan
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • Speaker Session
    09:45 AM - 11:15 AM
SSSE Schedule

SSSGC USA REGION 2 - SSSE Schedule Download PDF

SSSGC - USA
Region 2 Retreat 2023 Schedule

SSSE Schedule

Saturday, May 27th 2023

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam, Nagarasangeertan
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • SSSE Activities

    Group 1 – 3
    Puppet Show : 09:30 AM – 10:30 AM
    Arts & Crafts : 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
    Music Therapy : 11:15 AM – 12:15 AM
    Escape Room : 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
    Play Practice : (for play participants)
    SSSE 4 may stay for guest speaker

    09:30 AM - 12:15 PM
  • Lunch
    12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
  • Interactive Poster Session (Dining Hall)

    (for all groups)
    Play Practice (for play participants)

    01:15 PM - 02:30 PM
  • Guess the Bhajan/Antakshari

    Play Practice (for play participants)

    02:30 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Devotional Singing
    03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Tea Break
    04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
  • SSSE Cultural Program
    05:15 PM - 06:30 PM
  • YA Cultural Program
    06:45 PM - 07:45 PM
  • Dinner
    07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
  • Campfire (backup)

    Depends on Sunday evening’s weather forecast

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

Sunday, May 28th 2023

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam, Nagarasangeertan
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
  • Devotional Singing
    08:15 AM - 09:00 AM
  • SSSE Activities

    Escape Room : 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
    Arts & Crafts : 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
    SSSE 4 may stay for guest speaker

    09:30 AM - 12:15 PM
  • YA workshop with SSSE 4

    (Facilitators : Nikhil Ramavenkat & Jayvardhan Ghandikota )

    11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
  • Lunch
    12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
  • Outdoor Activities

    Sports (all groups)
    Decoding the Mahabharata (interactive game) – 2.15 PM

    01:15 PM - 03:45 PM
  • SSSE Gurus Meet
    03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Devotional Singing
    03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Tea Break
    04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Cultural Program

    (by Adults and YAs)

    05:15 PM - 06:30 PM
  • Dinner
    06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
  • Camp Fire

    (if weather permits)

    07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
  • Lights Off
    10:00 PM
YA Schedule

SSSGC USA REGION 2 - YA Schedule Download PDF

SSSGC - USA
Region 2 Retreat 2023 Schedule

YA SCHEDULE

Friday, May 26th 2023

  • Devotional Singing
    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
  • Dinner
    07:15 PM - 09:00 PM
  • YA Program Practice
    08:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Lights Off
    10:00 PM

Saturday, May 27th 2023

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam, Nagarasangeertan
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing
    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • Speaker Session
    09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
  • Tea Break
    10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Workshop 1
    11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
  • Lunch
    12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
  • Interactive Poster Session

    by SSSE Children

    01:15 PM - 02:30 PM
  • Practice for YA Program
    01:15 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Speaker Session
    02:45 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Devotional Singing
    03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Tea Break
    04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
  • SSSE Cultural Program
    05:15 PM - 06:30 PM
  • YA Cultural Program
    06:45 PM - 07:45 PM
  • Dinner
    07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
  • Campfire (backup)

    Depends on Sunday evening’s weather forecast

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

Sunday, May 28th 2023

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam, Nagarasangeertan
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
  • Devotional Singing
    08:15 AM - 09:00 AM
  • Speaker Session
    09:00 AM - 10:45 PM
  • Tea Break
    10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Workshop 2
    11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
  • Lunch
    12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
  • Sports Day
    01:15 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Speaker Session
    02:45 PM - 03:45 PM
  • Devotional Singing
    03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
  • Tea Break
    04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Cultural Program

    (by Adults and YAs)

    05:15 PM - 06:30 PM
  • Dinner
    06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
  • Camp Fire

    (if weather permits)

    07:45 PM - 08:45 PM
  • Lights Off
    10:00 PM

Monday, May 29th 2023

  • Wakeup Bell
    05:30 AM
  • Omkar, Suprabhatam, Nagarasangeertan
    06:00 AM - 06:50 AM
  • Breakfast
    07:30 AM - 08:15 AM
  • Devotional Singing

    (by YA)

    08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
  • Speaker Session
    09:45 AM - 11:15 AM
  • Cleanup
    11:15 AM - 02:00 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 2023

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. 

Workshops (Arts & Crafts)

(click on the image)

Parking Lot B

Do not park unless instructed by Parking Lot Volunteers.

Swami's Room

Vedam Chanting | Nagarsankeertan Arathi | Meditation

Camp Fire

Sunday, May 28, 2023 - 7:30 PM

Medical On Call Doctors

 

Workshops (The Dome)

(Click on the image)

 

SSSE (Group 1, 2, 3 & 4)

Gallery
 

South Prasanthi (Even Number Cabins Loop)

Cabin # 26 to 36

Workshops (Devotion Hall)

(click on the image)

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

Workshops (Music Hall)

(Click on the image)

North Prasanthi (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 )

Pass through only (Speed limit 5 MPH)



Prasanthi Road (No Parking Road )

Pass through only (Speed limit 5 MPH)



Camp Exit

YA Hall

Gallery

Workshops (YA Hall)

Click on the image

Dining Hall / Kitchen

Gallery

South Prasanthi (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 27th

Service to man is service to god,
Seva – the highest sadhana

Saturday, May 27th @ 11 AM - 12.15 PM

Location: Workshop Arts and Craft
Dr Susheel Bathla | Raj Bhushan | Suresh Prajapati

What is meant to be His Instrument, effective and good instrument of Swami

Saturday, May 27th @ 11 AM - 12.15 PM

Location: Devotion Hall
Sanjay Uchil | Prasad Chaturvedula

How do you connect with Swami?
What does it mean to know Swami?

Saturday, May 27th @ 11 AM - 12.15 PM

Location: Workshop Dome Back Side
Malini Ramnath | Amita Sood

YA Workshop 1:
Forgive and Forget

Saturday, May 27th @ 11:00AM – 12:15PM

Location: YA Hall
Rekha Ramnath | Samyukta Rao

Challenges in Bringing up Sai Kids &
Adults: parenting workshop

Saturday, May 27th @ 11 AM - 12.15 PM

Location: Workshop Dome Front Side
Chandrakala Puligilla | Sailaja Kalambi | Subbu Peddibhotla

Man Management

Saturday, May 27th @ 1.15 PM - 2.30 PM

Location: Devotion Hall
Amit Ahuja | Sangeeta Maharjan

Swami –The Divine Leader
(Leadership lessons from Swami’s life)


Saturday, May 27th @ 1.15 PM - 2.30 PM

Location: Workshop Dome Back Side
Usha Chidamber | Lipika Ahuja

Daiva Preeti , Paapa Bheeti , Sangha Neeti

Saturday, May 27th @ 1.15 PM - 2.30 PM

Location: Workshop Dome Front Side
Mohan Ram | Govind Rao

Kanjira Lessons

Saturday, May 27th @ 1:00PM – 2:30PM

Location: Music Hall
Sai Bhajans Singing Dos and Dont’s, Practices

Saturday, May 27th @ 1.15 PM - 2.30 PM

Location: Workshop Arts and Craft
Rushi Thanawala | Arvind Kumar

Sunday, May 28th

Discussion on Social Media - Uses and Concerns

Sunday, May 28th @ 11 AM- 12.15 PM

Location: Workshop Dome Back Side
Sumana Madhav | Suresh Viswanathan

Overcoming laziness in the matters of Spirituality

Sunday, May 28th @ 11:00AM – 12:15PM

Location: Workshop Arts and Craft
Aryamma Ghandikota | Sai Barade

Dharmic Challenges in 21st Century

Sunday, May 28th @ 11:00AM – 12:15PM

Location: Devotion Hall
Veda Viswanathan | Surajita Mishra (Zinni)

YA Workshop 2:
Limitless: A Compassionate Approach to Leading a Life of Abundance

Sunday, May 28th @ 11:00AM – 12:15PM

Location: YA Hall
Vidya Ganesh | Monika Dharanipragada
Swami in our work,
Swami in our play,
Swami in our home,
(How to Live In His Constant Presence)


Sunday, May 28th @ 11:00AM – 12:15PM

Location : Workshop Dome Front Side
Karthik | Gayatri Karthik

Power of “Good” Thoughts

Sunday, May 28th @ 1:15PM – 2:30PM

Location: Workshop Arts and Craft
Kutumba Lanka

Me, my anger and the journey with Sai

Sunday, May 28th @ 1:15PM – 2:30PM

Location: Workshop Dome Back Side
Sumana Murali

What should we pray for? Right goal to Pray for

Sunday, May 28th @ 1:15PM – 2:30PM

Location:Workshop Dome Front Side
Ramya Rao | Vikram Elluri

Dental Hygiene and Health

Sunday, May 28th @ 1:15PM – 2:30PM

Location: YA Hall

Dr Ravi Dabir
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.
 
 
Eye Glass Collection Seva.
If you would like to donate your used eye glasses, you can bring them to the retreat location. We have arrangements to take them to the eye glass recycling center as well as to the Eye Camps in India after restoration.
 
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 all ages
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 27th

Programs

  • 8:30 AM - Bhajans
  • 09:30 AM - Br. Tribhuvan Sachdeva (Guest Talk)
  • 02:45 PM - Br. Tribhuvan Sachdeva (Guest Talk)
  • 3:45 PM - Bhajans
  • 5:15 PM - SSSE (Balvikas) / YA Cultural Program
WATCH LIVE
W A T C H   L I V E

Sunday, May 28th

Programs

  • 8:15 AM - Bhajans
  • 09:30 AM - Br. Arun Uthayan (Guest Talk)
  • 02:45 PM - Br. Arun Uthayan (Guest Talk)
  • 3:45 PM - Bhajans
  • 5:15 PM - Adults / YA Cultural Program
WATCH LIVE
W A T C H   L I V E

Monday, May 29th

Programs

  • 8:30 AM - Bhajans
  • 9:45 AM - Dr. Ravi Dabir (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 26, 2023 - Monday, May 29, 2023

Helpline

+1 908 445 5258
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
Dr. Susheel Bathla
Introduction

Dr. Susheel Bathla has been practicing Podiatric Medicine for the past 24 years, since graduating from New York College of Podiatric Medicine. She got trained under many facets of Medicine during her Residency at Long beach Medical center, NY and Northwell Hospitals, but ultimately specialized in foot surgery,  sports medicine and diabetic wound care.

In addition to serving as a member of Board of Trustees at NYCPM, Dr. Bathla also serves as a senior podiatric consultant for special need individuals at New Jersey State Developmental centers, a diabetic foot care specialist at the Trenton community clinic, and a member of the Diabetes Collaborative steering committee with Trenton health team.

In her tenure with New York College of Podiatric Medicine, busy private practices and  professional life, Dr. Bathla has earned multiple distinctions and honors, including an Honorary Doctorate for leading women in Podiatry. In addition to her professional contributions in the field of Podiatry, Dr. Bathla has been very active in serving her community by organizing and participating in Podiatry awareness events such as health fairs and volunteering in soup kitchens and shelters in New Jersey. As a long-time devotee of Swami, Dr. Bathla have been serving Swami’s General Hospital and International Medical camps for last several years. Currently she is serving as President of East Brunswick Sai Center, NJ.

Dr. Susheel Bathla
Raj Bhushan
Introduction

Raj Bhushan came to Swami’s fold during a Sai Retreat in St. Louis at the age of 27, in May 1979. Ever since 1979, Swami has reshaped his personal, professional & spiritual life. He has transitioned from Accountant to Lawyer; Husband of 40 years ; parent of 3 sons & Grandparent of 6 Grandchildren; and Spiritually evolved into “BrotherOneness”.

His path to service is through his family, legal profession (as an Immigration Attorney representing clients before Immigration Court) & Interfaith activities with a United Nations NGO.

He was blessed to serve 4 years (2011 to 2015) as President of Manhattan Sai Center. He is part of Interfaith Prayer groups and member of several Sai Centers. He is focused on promoting “Oneness of ALL” (we are not this Body, But Soul) message of our Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Raj Bhushan
Suresh Prajapathi
Introduction

Suresh was born, grew up, and studied in Gujarat, India, and later came to the United States through his uncle’s sponsorship under an immigration visa. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Computer Science from Gujarat University and he is currently working as an IT project manager for Ernst & Young, one of the Big Four accounting firms. In Sathya Sai Organization, there are three main paths of devotion, service, and education. Personally, he has developed a strong connection with Swami through loving service, which allows him to feel a deep sense of oneness with him.

Community service is his passion, and he actively engaged in weekly seva in Jersey City Sai Center at a Soup Kitchen where he and his group prepare and serve meals to those in need. Moreover, he is actively involved in almost daily collections of leftover bread and pastries from local bakeries to distribute them to various homeless shelters in the Jersey City area. Alongside his commitment to service, he also find great joy and fulfillment in singing Swami’s glory, which further strengthens his connection with Swami.

In past, he has served as service coordinator and YA Advisor. At present, he is serving as vice president of Jersey City Sai center.

Suresh Prajapathi
Sanjay Uchil
Introduction

Sanjay Uchil from the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Baltimore.

Sanjay Uchil
Prasad Chaturvedula
Introduction

Prasad was born and brought up in Hyderabad India.  As a child he attended Sri Aurobindo School near Shivam in Hyderabad and was introduced to Swami through the weekly bhajans in school.  By virtue of his father working in and around Puttaparthi area, he had the opportunity to have Swami’s Darshan several times.  Prasad works in IT in the NYC area.  He is an SSSE Teacher and loves the process of dwelling on Swami’s teachings as he prepares to teach a class.  For this, he is incredibly grateful to Swami and the kids.

Prasad Chaturvedula
Malini Ramnath
Introduction

Malini Ramnath is a 3rd generation devotee of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.  She first attended bhajans in the US in 1981 at the South Bethesda Center with her grandmother and parents.  Malini grew up in the Washington DC area and went to school and earned her degree from the University of Maryland.

Malini is married to Murali and they have 2 children that completed their SSSE at the South Bethesda Center.  Both their kids are active YA’s at the Center and Region.  Malini has served as a Service coordinator, has taught SSSE group 2 and 3 for several years and is currently serving as the President of the Sri Sathya Sai South Bethesda Center.  She and her family currently live in Ellicott City, MD and are active in all Center activities.

Malini Ramnath
Amita Sood
Introduction

Amita Sood was blessed to come into Swami’s fold in 2000, with HIS immense grace, she embarked her SAI journey in Sathya Sai Baba Center of Norwalk, CT.  She grew up in India, came to US after marrying Amit in 1997.  With Baba’s blessings, they have two children, one in high school (SSE 4) and the other attending college in Boston (YA). She has her Masters and MPhil in Sociology from JNU, India. In US, she earned Masters in Human Resources from Cornell University and pursues a career in HR.  Amita has served as Center President and Devotional Coordinator for two terms at Doylestown Sathya Sai Baba Center and is presently serving as Service Coordinator and as SSE teacher for Group 2.

Her passion lies in learning, teaching, developing talent, facilitating Satsang discussions among family/friends and exploring alternate medicines.

Amita Sood
Rekha Ramnath
Introduction

Rekha Ramnath was born into the Sai fold and attended SSE and currently is a young adult at the South Bethesda Sai Center in Maryland. She currently serves as a bhajan coordinator at the center and actively participates in all center activities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and is currently a Pediatric ICU nurse in Washington, DC. In her free time, she loves singing music, experimenting in the kitchen and spending time with friends and family.

Rekha Ramnath
Samyukta Rao
Introduction

Samyukta Rao had the privilege of being born directly into the Sai fold. She grew up at the South Bethesda center, and attended SSE there until her graduation in 2018. She is now a Group 2 Guru at South Bethesda, and has thoroughly enjoyed interacting with and learning from the children. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Philosophy, and will be starting her Master’s in Public Health at Columbia University this fall.

Samyukta Rao
Chandrakala Puligilla
Introduction

Chandrakala is from Sri Sathya Sai Center of Baltimore in Maryland. She has a Ph.D. in Neurobiology from England and moved to United States after her Ph.D. Since then, she has been part of Sri Sathya Sai Center of South Bethesda, Maryland for 7 years, then moved to Carolinas and became part of Sri Sathya Sai Center of Charlotte, North Carolina for 5 years before moving to our current Sai Center in Baltimore, Maryland. 

She is a neuroscientist by profession and been serving Swami as Veda tutor and SSSE Group 4 Guru. Swami came into their lives one fine day when she was in her 6thGrade and ever since He became the Center of my family. She been blessed with two boys, ManavSai(age 13) and Saideep (age 10) in SSSE Groups 3 and 2 respectively. Her kids have been part of Sai centers since they were 1- week old and part of SSSE from their 5 years of age. 

Chandrakala Puligilla
Sailaja Kilambi
Introduction

“We all start our spiritual journey through introduction by our parents while growing up. Sister Sailaja Kilambi’s mother was a Balavikas guru and introduced her to Balavikas that became an integral part of life.
Reading & listening to Bhagawan SaiBaba aligned her to connect with him and Baba ensured that life values & bhajans are daily part of her life.
SaiBaba guided and connected her to Sri Satya Sai center of Baltimore for more than a decade serving roles and given her a chance to make her two kids experience Sai’s love & divinity through SSSE Program.
Through swami, She along with her family members adopted ‘Love All Serve All’ in their lifestyle.”

Sailaja Kilambi
Subbu Peddibhotla
Introduction

Subbu Peddibhotla has been a Swami devotee for around 30 years. His parents came into Swami fold in 1990. He was a member of Baltimore Sai Center for more than 20 years and served as President during 2005-2007 . By Swami’s grace he has a wonderful family. His wife is Leena. He has two children, Venu Madhav, and SaiSumana who are SSSE graduates and become Sathya Sai Young Adults. He and his family has been attending Sai retreats since 1997.

Subbu Peddibhotla
Amit Ahuja
Introduction

Amit Ahuja was very fortunate to be born in s Sai family and attended Bal Vikas even as a small pre-schooler, until he completed 12th grade. He was an active youth in the Delhi-NCR region while pursuing Engineering and later working in Delhi.

The Divine call from Swami pulled Amit and his siblings to His Lotus feet as His students in various courses at SSSIHL. Amit graduated from MBA from the Prasanthi Nilayam campus in 2002. The time spent in Swami’s immediate presence marked the most meaningful time in his life, changing the course of life for him and his entire family. He was blessed to speak and chant Vedam in Bhagwan’s immediate presence on various occasions, as well as participate in the Convocation drama in the year 2000.

Amit now lives in Maryland with his family and is actively engaged SSE and other Seva activities at the center. Professionally, Amit has spent 25+ years in various roles in technology products and services ans is currently working as an Associate Vice President in a global technology services firm.

Amit Ahuja
Sangeeta Maharajan
Introduction

Sangeeta Maharjan is  originally from Nepal. Currently, She is working as an IT specialist at Headquarters, United States Department of the Army (HQDA). She was privileged to serve in the US Army as a Unit supply specialist from 2013 thru 2018.  She was part of one deployment to Afghanistan and a few other operations in support of national objectives.  Her unique experiences as a female paratrooper has taught her many unique life lessons.

She is very interested in Swami’s teachings and has been a member of Falls Church Sai Center for the last few years.

Sangeeta Maharjan
Usha Chidamber
Introduction

Usha Chidamber first came into Swami’s fold at a young age through her parents. Being spiritually oriented, her family was drawn deeper into Swami fold over the years. The Viswanathan family – Usha’s parents and brother – were one of earliest members of the fledgling South Bethesda Center in the 1970’s. Her parents ran the Center in its formative years for several decades. It provided opportunities to participate in bhajans, study circle and start the Center’s first seva project. Her faith was strengthened in her adult years through experiences and interactions with Swami.

Professionally – following an M.B.A., Usha worked at AT&T, McKinsey & Co and other firms going financial and strategic planning for several years. Subsequently her interest in the public sector drew her to a Master’s in Government at Harvard University; and teaching at public schools and higher education. She is currently a faculty member at The University of Maryland School of Business and also consults on Education Policy & Management. She has attempted to integrate lessons learned at Swami’s feet into her career and professional growth.

Usha Chidamber
Lipika Ahuja
Introduction

Lipika Ahuja first came into Swami’s fold as a young adult (she continues to have mental tiffs with Swami on why he waited so long to pull her in His circle). As someone interested in volunteering around her community, she met a group of highly energetic, highly motivated, and supremely devoted group of young adults who were part of Delhi Sai Center’s youth wing. What started as weekly seva projects, unfolded into a way of life where Swami’s teachings and love have become the central force.

In her Professional journey, Lipika continues her passion for volunteering. After graduating with a Bachelors in Engineering in India, she founded a nonprofit with a focus on early childhood education and school dropout prevention among low income families. After moving to the US, she worked with nonprofits and later completed her Masters in Public Policy from The University of Texas at Austin. She has worked in Federal Consulting for the last 13 years and specializes in health policy and health IT transformation projects.

While Swami remains her constant friend, guide, and supreme leader, Lipika considers her two mothers, her birth mother and her mother-in-law,  her greatest teachers.

Lipika Ahuja
Mohan Ram
Introduction

Mohan Ram received his Bachelors and Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. Before coming to the US, Mohan was a Scientist at National Aeronautical Laboratory, Bangalore in the Flight Mechanics and Controls Division. Mohan worked as a Control Systems Specialist on numerous NASA/NOAA weather and remote sensing satellite missions in areas such as launch and mission operations, design, flight software development and test, modeling, simulation and performance analysis. He retired from Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc. in 2017.

Mohan’s mother, a Carnatic classical musician, was instrumental in establishing his Atmic connection with Swami in the early 1970s. She started a Sai Center in their home in New Delhi which was attended by many devotees. Mohan Ram was influenced by the seva activities and bhajans at the Center as a youth. The first time he saw Swami was when he went for Dasara celebrations to Puttaparthi in October 1978. Two months later, Swami performed his marriage to Geetha (daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Padmanabhan) in Whitefield, Bangalore. Since his marriage, Mohan and his family have had the wonderful fortune of several loving interactions with Swami and receiving Divine Guidance from Him. Mohan has been blessed to serve in Swami’s organization in a few capacities.  Swami chose him to be the President of a Sai Center in Bangalore South in 1987, which He Himself had inaugurated two years earlier. He also served as Devotional Coordinator (1996), President (2004-05) and Treasurer (2021-22) of the Sri Sathya Sai South Bethesda Center of Maryland.

Mohan and his wife Geetha have twin boys Varun and Arun who are married and settled in Maryland and California respectively.

Mohan Ram
Govind Rao
Introduction

Govind Rao is Professor of Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He obtained his Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in 1984. His Ph.D. degree was obtained from Drexel University in Chemical Engineering in 1987. He has been a faculty member at UMBC since 1987 and has served as Department Chair from 2000-2006. In 2006, he founded the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology (CAST) and has been serving as its Director since its inception.

Govind has been blessed to serve in Swami’s organization in a few capacities. He served first as Vice President and then President of the Sri Sathya Sai South Bethesda Center of Maryland. He has an appointment as Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Puttaparthi, where he continues to interact with the research activities of the institution.

Govind lives in Ellicott City with his wife Ramya and children Aniruddha and Samyukta, with Swami as a central focus in their lives.

Govind Rao
Kalyan Somayajula
Introduction

Kalyan Somayajula is born into a Sai family. He considers himself extremely lucky to have known about Swami right from his childhood thru his paternal grandmother and parents. Kalyan was always interested in music but never got a chance to pursue it elaborately but it was only due to Swami’s Bhajans that he joined via a Nagar Sankirtan program in their house. And the first thing that caught his attention was the Kanjira. He used to play on any random device like plates, boxes like most kids for some song with an unplanned beat. So, he took up the instrument of Kanjira and it only became his passion as he started enjoying playing it. Kalyan considers only Swami as His Guru for being able to play Kanjira as he never officially learnt from anyone else. It’s just the vibration that a Bhajan gives that Kalyan tries to improvise like any other percussionist and he considers himself fortunate that as part of his consulting career in the US, he got to travel to multiple Sai Centers and play everywhere where he was always welcomed even though it could be an unorthodox style

Kalyan currently lives in Monroe, NJ, works for a Health care company in NJ and also serves as the DC for Edison Sai Center. Kalyan has a loving wife, Bharani and 2 wonderful girls, Saranya and Ananyaa.

Kalyan Somayajula
Rushi Thanawala
Introduction

Mr. Rushi Thanawala is fortunate to have been born into a family that has been devoted to Bhagawan for more than 55 years. He has undergraduate degrees in Biology and Music, and is currently pursuing an MBA. Currently, he works as a Supervisor of Bioanalytical Research in a leading pharmaceutical company. Mr. Thanawala has served various roles in the Sai Organization including YA coordinator in Philadelphia, devotional coordinator in Jersey City. He is currently serves as the President of the SSSGC Center of Jersey City. His greatest passion is Bhajans; he has been singing Bhajans, playing Tabla, and composing Bhajans since his childhood.

Rushi Thanawala
Arvind Kumar
Introduction

Arvind Kumar is a young adult from East Brunswick where he was raised and attended Balvikas. He has a deep love for Bhajans and enjoys working with children in his current role as a Group 3 SSSE teacher. Outside of his involvement with center activities, Arvind works as a data scientist at Lazard Investment Bank.

Arvind Kumar
Sumana Madhav
Introduction

Sumana Madhav was born into a family that was in Swami’s loving embrace and firmly grounded in Swami’s teachings for two generations before her.  It was her grandfather Dr G.P Rajarathnam, a well known author in the Indian state of Karnataka who was called into Swami’s fold and was responsible for bringing the entire family into Swami’s fold.  ‘Mana Rathnam’ ( My Jewel ) as Swami used to address Him, was a Professor who had the unique opportunity to address the students in Swami’s Summer courses on various topics of Spirituality in Brindavan on many occasions with Swami’s blessings and direction.  Sumana feels a deep sense of gratitude for the blessing of belonging to his family.

Professionally, She is an Accounting and Finance major from Bangalore University, India and has furthered her education in Business at  George Mason University’s School of Management in Northern Virginia USA.

Although she has worked in the corporate environment,  her heart is with Swami’s children and His Education program.  As a trained SSSE Guru and active member of the Sai Organization, Sumana has taught various SSSE groups within the Sai community and has served in various capacities at Sai centers in New Jersey and Delaware when called upon to do so. ( Devotion Coordinator, Vice President, Education coordinator).

Although Sumana is a trained Guru, she still considers herself very much a student of Swami.  She feels Swami’s wisdom is all around and that there are opportunities to learn and be inspired all the time including from elders in the Sai community, Young  Adults and also young Children.

With Swami’s Blessings, She is currently with reverence teaching Group 4 SSSE, Serving as the center Education Coordinator and also serving as the Regional YA advisor.

Sumana Madhav
Suresh Viswanathan
Introduction

Suresh Viswanathan has been fortunate to be involved in the Sathya Sai centers since 1996, thanks to his parents and his wife. He has been involved in teaching Balvikas classes since being trained in 1998. During those years, he learned from several fellow pilgrims in the Sai center who were role models and helped center his focus in learning Swami’s teachings. He takes a lot of pride and satisfaction in the success of all the Balvikas students with whom he has learned and grown together, spiritually. Suresh was born in India and after completing his Bachelor’s degree, moved to the USA in 1990 for studies in computer science. He currently works as a software professional in financial analytics. He is grateful to his wife and two children for keeping him honest in following Swami’s teachings!

Suresh Viswanathan
Aryama Ghandikota
Introduction

The Ghandikota family has been blessed to be followers of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for 4 generations, since the late 1950s. Aryama is the eldest of the five Ghandikota brothers. He was born in Iragavaram (distinguished for its Vedic pandits), Andhra Pradesh India in 1948. His father 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.

Aryama is a consulting electrical engineer, and has worked with Electronic Associates, Bellcore, Lucent Bell Labs and AT&T Labs on electrical, computer,  telecommunications and simulation systems for over 50 years, traveling worldwide. He was a consultant for the United Nations.

He lives in New Jersey, USA with his wife Bala and family. Swami cured him numerous times, and rescued him from complex and potentially dangerous situations many times. Without issue for many years, they were blessed by Swami with 3 children, named by Him – two sons Jayavardhan and Aryavardhan, and a daughter Vijayasri.

Aryama is a founding member of the team for SaiDarshan.org, one of the first Sai Baba web sites, started in 1995 with Swami's blessings. He has been an active service 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 wondrous Divine experiences.

Aryama Ghandikota
Sai Barade
Introduction

Sai Barade’s family has been Swami’s devotees since 1950s and have had various interactions and experiences with Swami. His extended family has been serving Swami in his physical presence for several decades in various roles. He is a Mechanical Engineer by education. He runs an Engineering firm in New York City designing Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and other building systems. He was an Adjunct Assistant Professor in New York University, teaching Engineering courses and also assisting young engineers pursuing their Professional Engineering licenses. He is the current President of Sarva Dharma Service Center located in Howell New Jersey, the only building Swami permitted in United States. He started his Engineering firm designing the building systems of Sarva Dharma as the first project which Swami reviewed page by page and blessed both the design and the project.

Sai Barade
Dr. Veda Viswanathan
Introduction

Dr. Veda Viswanathan came to know of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in 1971and had the good fortune of interacting with a lot of His devotees over the years. With Bhagawan’s guidance, he coordinated and participated in medical service in the USA and in international medical missions including Sri Lanka, Guyana and Haiti. He has volunteered at Sri Sathya Sai Hospitals in Puttaparthi and played a small role in building the GI department at the SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram.

With His Grace, he served as the Vice President at Sri Sathya Sai Center of South Bethesda, Maryland, USA. He is currently the Medical Director for Region 2 of the SSSGC-USA. —- Dr. Viswanathan had his medical education from JIPMER, India and had specialized in the field of gastroenterology in the UK and USA. He works for the University of Maryland Medical system as the Chief of Gastroenterology.

Dr. Veda Viswanathan
Zinni Mishra
Introduction

Zinni Mishra knows Swami since her childhood as her parents were already Swami devotees. Her mother experienced many great miracles before Zinni came into swami’s fold.

Zinni Mishra is a software engineer by profession.  She lives in Potomac MD and she is part of South Bethesda Sai Center .

 

Zinni Mishra
Vidya Ganesh
Introduction

Vidya is a 4th-generation Sai devotee. Her family first came to Swami in the early 60s. Vidya grew up in Virginia, where she attended SSE. She is an active Region 2 YA and has previously served as female YA rep at the center level.

Vidya received her undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of Virginia and received her MBA from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. She has previously worked in consulting and strategic finance roles. Currently, she works on a strategy team at JPMorgan in NYC, focused on the company’s Commercial Banking business.

Outside of her professional life, she is an avid reader and feels blessed to experience connection with Swami through writing poetry. She also loves singing & composing bhajans, as well as playing the harmonium. She is passionate about mentoring high school students, and currently helps teach SSE Group 3 & 4 at the Jersey City Sai Center.

Vidya Ganesh
Monika Dharanipragada
Introduction

Monika Dharanipragada has been in the Sai fold since birth, attending activities at the Sai Center of Bridgewater, NJ since the age of 4. Monika holds a B.S. in Finance and Supply Chain Management from Rutgers University and recently attained her M.S. in Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity from Baruch College. She is currently employed at Ross Stores Inc., holding a Business Analyst position in their Master Data Office in New York City.

Monika is passionate about health and wellness and is currently working towards certifications in the fitness & nutrition industries. She also enjoys singing and likes to participate in Bhajans and Devotional programs at her Center.

Monika Dharanipragada
Karthik M
Introduction

Karthik M holds a masters degree in engineering and is a software architect by profession. He came directly into Swami’s fold after being married to Gayatri in 1999. Born into a family of university professors who also believe strongly in serving, Swami’s life was a natural draw and inspiration for him.

He is a member of East Brunswick Sai center , loves singing the praises of the Lord at all times , a regular bhajan singer at the center and facilitates study circle discussions as well. His hobbies include singing in other genres of Indian music, photography, hiking and outdoor activities.

Karthik M
Gayatri Karthik
Introduction

Gayatri Karthik was born into a family that was grounded in spirituality, devotion and service. Her grandparents and parents are devout followers of Paramacharya Sri Sankaracharya of Kancheepuram. The entire family was lovingly pulled into Swami’s fold when Gayatri’s father had a vision of our beloved Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba  contemplating on his own Guru. With that experience, Gayatri’s father became firmly convinced that his Guru and Swami were one and the same, and that this divine entity was no different from God. Throughout Gayatri’s school years, the family experienced many loving miracles indicative of Swami’s loving presence with them always.

Gayatri graduated with a Computer Engineering degree in India and moved to settle in the USA after her marriage to Karthik Mathrubootham. She makes a daily effort to channel Swami’s messages of love and compassion into His education and service programs as well as within the corporate environment. A trained SSSE Guru who has remained active in the  New Jersey Sai centers, Gayatri has been teaching children in SSSE groups 1 to 3 for 15 years.

With Swami’s blessings, Gayatri currently teaches Group 3 SSSE and also serves as the Service coordinator of the East Brunswick Sai Centre in NJ. Gayatri and Karthik are parents to a nineteen-year-old daughter, Keerthana, and thirteen year old son, Aarush.

Gayatri Karthik
Kutumba Lanka
Introduction

Kutumba Lanka came into Swami’s fold in the 1960s. He is student of Balvihar (Before renaming to Balvikas in 1971) in 1969 in AP.

He regularly participates in  Center/Regional/Prasanthi Nilayam media related Seva Activities, and provides Counseling to anyone who calls and wants to train to practice Inner Voice of SWAMY.

He has taken the lead numerous times organizing audio/video/streaming activities in Sai functions. His life pursuit is to try to Follow Swami’s Teachings which will lead to “knowing of  SWAMY in ME”. He has given many speeches in India and USA Sai Centers. He has written articles on Swamy’s Viswaroopa Darshan in Srivani Telugu magazine in India. He has been invited numerous times to speak in Sai Organizations in India and US.

By Profession Kutumba is President of KubsTech, Inc. a company focusing on Pharmaceutical IT located in Princeton NJ. He has presented a few research papers in computer and Pharma conferences

Kutumba Lanka
Sumana Murali
Introduction

Sumana Murali is a proud alumna of the Balvikas program, alumna of Sathya Sai Primary School and of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. She is an SSSE Guru, and has been a school teacher for 14 years now. She is the 4th generation of her family that loves and worships Sri Sathya Sai. After 7 years as Swami’s student and 2 Master’s degrees she has discovered the purpose of her life as Education. Following her parents’ footsteps of always giving back to a cause greater than oneself, she is an active member of the Sai Organization. She has served as Center Education Coordinator and in Regional roles  as Education Coordinator and Regional Young Adult advisor. She has taught SSSE for over 27 years now. She is trained in SSEHV as well and has run a program in the community. She currently serves as SSSGC-USA’s National Education Coordinator. Sumana derives great joy while working with children in every capacity. She lives in New Jersey and shares this beautiful journey with her husband and son.

Sumana Murali
Ramya Rao
Introduction

Ramya Rao currently serves as the chair of the Zone 1 Ladies Wing. She was privileged to attend the Summer Course in Brindavan in 1995, which was a truly transformative experience. Ramya and her family attend the South Bethesda Sai Center, where she has been a Group 3 guru, SSE coordinator, Study Circle facilitator in the Bethesda Center. Previously she served as the Regional YA Advisor.

Ramya is a physician specializing in Infectious Diseases, and currently works at the FDA. She has participated in Sai medical camps in the U.S., Philippines and Prashanti Nilayam, and has been fortunate to work as visiting faculty in Swami’s general and Super-Specialty hospitals in Puttaparthi and Whitefield.

Favorite quote: “To love Swami is to strive to follow His message in all things.”

Ramya Rao
Vikram Eluri
Introduction

Vikram is an alumnus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, where he graduated in Masters of Financial Management in 2002. He first met Swami in his physical form in the year 1999 and since then had been trying to follow his teachings in his day-to-day life. He considers it a great fortune and blessing for spending a few years directly under the divine guidance, which set his course for the rest of his life.

With Swami’s blessings he started his career in banking in India before moving on to IT consulting. He relocated to the US in 2013 and had traveled extensively from coast to coast. He is currently working as the global head of Financial Services and Insurance vertical  for one of the fastest growing engineering firms. Vikram lives in Edison, NJ with his spouse Sonia and daughter Dishita Sai. He is an integral part of the Edison Sai Center and is also the Sai alumni coordinator for region 2.

Vikram Eluri
Dr.Ravi Dabir
Introduction

Dr.Ravi Dabir is an Ardent Devotee of Our Beloved lord Bhagawan Sree Sathya Sai Baba for 73 years, He is Dentist by Profession and practiced in a small town Syracuse , upstate New York. Now retired from active practice.  He moved to Parthi in 2015. He is currently serving as Chairman of Dental Dept.

He is responsible for rejuvenating, refurbishing of the Dental Dept in Puttaparthi. He had implemented the Voluntary Dental program so Dentists from all over the world could provide Seva at General Hospital Dental clinic since year 2000.

Dr.Ravi Dabir