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 grateful to Bhagawan for many blessings, the foremost being her family-parents and grandparents who came to Bhagawan in the early 60’s. After completing high school and Balvikas in Chennai, she joined the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, graduating with Honors in Bachelors of Science. Aparna continued her postgraduate studies; she has a Masters in Psychology and a second Masters in Genetic Counseling. Professionally, Aparna works in UCLA- Department of OB-GYN, provide counseling services for women with high-risk pregnancies or family history of genetic conditions.
Aparna has been an active member of the Organization and is grateful to have served in different capacities- Center, Regional, National, Zonal officer, and SSSILP (Sri Sathya Sai International Leadership Programme) member. She currently serves as the Zonal Education Coordinator. Aparna loves to "nature gaze," and tries to capture eternal beauty through a Cannon or Android lens.
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).
Details Coming Soon.....
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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