Mr. Harish Naidu came into the fold of Swami in 1968 at the age of four. He was greatly influenced by his parents, who were transformed by Swami’s love and dedicated their lives to serving Him. Harish moved to the USA in 1986 and obtained his Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the State University of New York, Buffalo.
He has worked in the software industry since 1988 and in the recent past has been involved in developing and delivering products and services to help improve teachers and student experiences for K-12 education in the US. He has held senior executive positions in technology companies. Harish has served in the SSSIO USA in various roles including, Regional President, Deputy National Council President, and currently serves as the National Council President. He lives in the Seattle area with his wife and with two children.
Mr. Aravind Balasubramanya hails from a family that has been devoted to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for nearly half a century. Inspired by his parents to spend his life with his Swami, he pursued primary education at Sri Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth and later joined Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School in Prashanti Nilayam. Aravind then went on to secure a gold medal in Chemistry for his Bachelor's from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. With the desire to stay with Bhagawan, he continued in the Institute to pursue a Master's in Science (Chemistry) and an MBA.
Aravind got several opportunities to speak in the Divine Presence, participated in presentations and plays, and honed his photography skills inherited from his father. Blessed by Baba to join Radiosai, Aravind actively contributed to spreading Bhagawan's message worldwide. As Swami's official photographer for nearly 5 years, Aravind accompanied Him on several trips. Post-Bhagawan's Mahasamadhi, Aravind began writing blogs derived from personal diaries and student experiences. The blogs, garnering a million views, inspired him to write a book. Above all, Aravind's profound love for Swami, his greatest Hero, propels him to excel in every endeavor.
The morning devotional program will begin with Omkar gently wafting through the darkness of the pre-dawn hours. The Suprabatham, which is an ancient hymn symbolizing the awakening of the Lord within each of us, will follow next. Nagarsankirtan, melodious singing of Bhajans while walking around the campgrounds, followed up by Meditation will bring the early morning program to conclusion. After a warm and nourishing breakfast, the morning devotional program will continue with Bhajans in the devotion hall, followed by inspirational discourses and interactive sessions with our keynote speakers that enable us to delve deeper into Swami's teachings.
Continue with spiritual workshops on topics related to the retreat theme and Sai teachings, inspirational discourses and workshop sessions with our keynote speakers and conclude the evening with bhajans.
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
SSE program for children in grades 1 – 12 are divided as follows: Group 1 (Grades 1-3), Group 2 (Grades 4-6), Group 3 (Grades 7-9) and Group 4 (Grades 10-12). SSE Group 4 students in Grade 12 are also welcome to attend YA sessions. All children between the ages of 6 and 18 are required to attend the SSE programs at the retreat. We request all Parents to ensure that their children are attending SSE programs for their respective groups.
All SSE Teachers and Volunteering Parents are requested to be part of the SSE Program. Please refer to SSE schedule - for more information on group specific activities.
A program allowing children from all ages in practicing Sai values in actual day to day settings / real life (SaiVal) will be the focus for the SSE program. We will have our workshop faculty (facilitators) , Parent volunteers and SSE teachers working together on engaging workshops for each group. We will also work on the Cultural Program offering as a team. For 2024, our SSE workshops are based on student inputs and will focus on relevant and practical application of Human Values. This is sure to be a very engaging and energizing experience for all attending retreat - after all - we are all students for life!
The children, teachers and SSE parents will have an engaging session with our guest speakers. There will also be an outdoor "Sai Sports and Games" for all SSE children (need parent volunteers for games).
This year SSE Groups 1, 2 and 3 are staging a play titled "Swami Astra and His Super Heroes". More details to come soon.
SSE Group 4 children will offer a program “Reflections” which is about the children reflecting on their SSE journey - learning and applying the lessons - and sharing experiences that are life lessons.
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.
Please note: YA programs are meant for ages 18-40 only. SSE Group 4 students in Grade 12 are also welcome to attend YA sessions.
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). Apart from these Service activities, Service Workshops are also being planned for this year's retreat.
The retreat will offer several interactive workshops based on the retreat theme and covering areas of devotion, education, service, and practical spirituality.
