Dr. Sanjay Mahalingam was blessed with the rare fortune of living in the immediate presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for over seven years as a student and research scholar at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam. During this time, he was blessed with many personal interviews with Swami and had the opportunity to accompany Him on several occasions, including the Kodaikanal trips. These sacred experiences deeply shaped his spiritual journey and provided profound insights into Bhagawan’s teachings.
Dr. Mahalingam served at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning for over 21 years in various academic roles. A beloved teacher and gifted communicator, he is known for sharing the simple yet profound wisdom he imbibed at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet. Today, through his talks and guidance, he continues to inspire seekers to discover inner joy, freedom, and the divinity within.
He holds an MBA and PhD from SSSIHL and is also a trained life coach and certified NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner devoted to helping individuals live with clarity, purpose, and spiritual awareness.
Aparna Murali is deeply grateful for the blessing of being born into a family devoted to Bhagawan since the early 1960s. While Balvikas laid a strong foundation for loving God, it was the three transformative years spent living as His student that profoundly shaped her spiritual journey. She feels blessed to have had the opportunity to serve at all levels of the SSSIO-Center, Regional, National, Zonal, and International. She currently serves as a member of the SSSIO Education Committee and as the Zone 1 Education Coordinator. Among all her roles, the one she cherishes the most is being part of SSE as a perpetual learner.
Professionally, Aparna works in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA as a Reproductive Genetic Counselor. In addition to her clinical practice, she is actively involved in teaching and mentorship, serving as faculty and clinical supervisor for UCLA’s Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling, where she shares her knowledge and passion with the next generation of counselors.
Offering by SSE children and Young Adults are also scheduled in the devotion hall. We will serenade at night with a campfire and group devotional sing-along.
“Bal Vikas (Sai Spiritual Education) is the primary basis of the great movement to restore righteousness (dharma) in the world. The ideal of the program is to raise a generation of boys and girls who have a clean and a clear conscience.” - Sri Sathya Sai Baba
All SSE teachers and volunteering parents are highly encouraged to be part of the SSE Program. Please refer to the SSE schedule for more information on group-specific activities.
A program allowing children of all ages to practice Sai values in real-life settings will be the focus of the SSE program. Our workshop faculty (facilitators), parent volunteers, and SSE teachers will collaborate on engaging workshops for each group. Additionally, we will work as a team on the Cultural Program offering. For 2026, our SSE workshops will be based on student input and focus on the practical application of Human Values. This is sure to be an engaging and energizing experience for everyone attending the retreat—after all, we are all students for life!
The children will have an engaging session with our guest speaker(s). There will also be an outdoor "Sai Sports and Games" event for all SSE children (parent volunteers are needed for games).
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, something extraordinary is about to unfold at the Region 2 Annual Retreat 2026.
This is not just another SSE play.
It is a mystery waiting to be revealed — one that Swami has placed in the heart of every child… and in every one of us.
Step into a world where children laugh, stumble, argue, forgive, and rise again — reflecting the journey of life itself. But when challenges shake their courage and their inner light begins to flicker, one question remains:
Will they rise in faith… or fall in fear?
Will the Fist of Faith unfold… or fold?
FIST OF FAITH is more than a title.
It is a journey of discovery, where every scene uncovers a hidden teaching of Swami — truths you already know, truths you have lived, and truths you will recognize when they appear before you.
You may think it is children’s play
But close attention if you do pay
Lessons for any age
Will be seen on that stage
You will finally say: it made my day
Location: Devotion Hall, Camp Westmont
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 10:45 AM
Come with reverence.
Come with courage.
Come with joy.
And witness the mystery of FIST OF FAITH unfold.
The Young Adult (YA) program will go hand in hand with the adult and SSE program, which will include unison singing, workshops, games/activities, a cultural program, and private sessions with our captivating guest speakers, who will share their experiences. In addition, We will have time to get to know one another on Saturday.
A YA can find a home across any activities occurring at the retreat. YAs will be involved in working with the young leaders in SSE, leading workshops for the retreat participants, serving our devotees in the parking lot through the infirmary, and providing a snack on Saturday.
With the guiding presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings, the Young Adults will also present a soulful and inspiring coming-of-age play that explores what it means to pursue success while staying rooted in faith, family, and purpose.
Please note: YA programs are meant for ages 18-40 only.
Multiple Service opportunities are available during the Retreat and devotees are encouraged to volunteer for any Service opportunity that appeals to them (Please see the "Service Opportunities" page for more details).
The retreat will offer several interactive workshops based on the retreat theme and covering areas of devotion, education, service, and practical spirituality.
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