NewsLetter

General Announcements

  • A) Service Activities:
    I. Jan 18 (In Person) Breakfast Seva – Our monthly in-person breakfast service to support Raleigh men’s shelter is scheduled for Jan 18 at 4:30am to prepare and serve breakfast. You can also sign up for ingredients and drop off by Friday Jan 17 7p at 302 Royal Tower Way, Cary. If you are coming for the service, you can bring ingredients along with you. Please use the signup sheet above to participate in this service.
    Sign up sheet: Jan 18 Breakfast Seva – Google Sheets
    II. Jan 18 (In Person) Dinner Service – Our monthly in-person dinner service to support Raleigh men’s shelter is scheduled for Jan 18 at 2:30pm to prepare and serve dinner. You can also sign up for ingredients and drop off by Friday, Jan 17 by 7pm at 204 Concordia Woods Drive, Morrisville. If you are coming for the service, you can bring ingredients along with you. Please use the signup sheet above to participate in this service.
    Sign up sheet: In Person Dinner Jan 18 – Google Sheets
    III. Jan 19 (Drop-off) Dinner Service– Our bi-monthly drop off dinner service to support Raleigh men’s shelter is scheduled for Jan 19. Please use the sign up sheet above to participate in this service.
    Sign up sheet: Sunday Food Service – Raleigh Shelter – Google Sheets
    IV. Jan 26 Fresh fruit brown bag service– Our monthly fresh fruit brown bag service to support Cumberland county council of older adults with fresh fruits. Drop off fruits by 12pm on Sunday Jan 26 at 3909 Valley Side Court, Cary. Please use the signup sheet below to participate in this service. 
    Sign up sheet: Fresh Fruit Brown Bag Service Jan 26 – Google Sheets
    V. Pediatric Clinic Food Distribution Project
    This bi-weekly project involves distributing grocery bags to Lincoln Community Health Center Pediatric Clinic’s families in need. Any identified family visiting the pediatric clinic who is facing food insecurity will be given a grocery bag filled with dry/canned goods as well as a list of local food resources in the Durham area
    Sign up sheet: Pediatric Clinic food distribution project

    B) Ladies Wing Meet on Jan-18th – Empower Educate Support :
    Please refer the below links for more information:
    Flyer
    Signup sheet

    C) Sai center activities on Sunday Jan 19th at HSNC Rooms 3,4,5,6 :
    • 3:30 PM-Setup
    • 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Study Circle “How are one’s internal impulses purified? Four types of offenses in speech (part 1)” by Sister Padma Commuri
    • 5:10 PM to 6:10 PM – Sai Premam Bhajans, Aarati and Closing Prayers  

    D) ARRYA 2025 | SSSGC National Young Adults Retreat to Kick-off Bhagawan’s Centennial Celebrations! – REGISTRATION IS OPEN
    Sairam Dear Sai Young Adults!
    We are excited to announce that Region 3’s Annual Regional Retreat for Young Adults has been expanded to the 2025 SSSGC USA National Young Adults Retreat! Let us unite together, as one unified nation-wide Young Adult family to ring in the Centennial of our Lord!
    The USA National YA Retreat will be held Fri Feb 14th – Sun Feb 16th 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina
    Theme: “Hands in the Society, Heads in the Forest”
    Registration link  is now open and closes on Fri Jan 17th 2025.

    E) Volunteer Registration is now open for the Guru Purnima Medical Camp in Parthi
    You are welcome to have the devotees from your country register with the registration links below. Last date for registration is May 10, 2025 for doctors and healthcare professionals
    1. *Medical Professional Registration form*: https://forms.gle/FLM3HQTJDwqvMDdL7
    2. *Allied Health Professional Registration form*: https://forms.gle/ug5My6DR1FAhznw89
    3. *Nurse Registration form*: https://forms.gle/35nrrTGaUomPtqdv8
    4. *Non-Medical Professional Registration form*: https://forms.gle/scxHBEnPpfTpyJNS7

    F) National Go-Green Team Updates – For Swami’s Centennial birthday celebrations, the National Go-Green has taken an initiative to take 100 steps to become a Go-Green champion at home, school, work. As part of that effort, the team releases video every week on specific topics. Please click here to view Week1 video.

    G) Regional Updates – Please visit regional section at https://raleighsaicenter.org/newsletter/#regional for important announcements :

    • Weekly update for the week of Jan-12, 2025 from Prasanthi Connection Zone 1 Committee
    • Ati Rudra Maha Yagnam in Parthi – February 2025 registrations link
    • Volunteer Registration is now open for the Guru Purnima Medical Camp in Parthi

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Devotion

  • Sai Center Activities Schedule

    Sai center activities on Sunday Jan 19th at HSNC Rooms 3,4,5,6 :

    • 3:30 PM – Setup
    • 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Study Circle “How are one’s internal impulses purified? Four types of offenses in speech (part 1)” by Sister Padma Commuri
    • 5:10 PM to 6:10 PM – Sai Premam Bhajans, Aarati and Closing Prayers  

  • Study circle Summary :

    Money & Wealth Part 2 Study Circle Summary
    Wealth: Goddess Lakshmi bestows various kinds of wealth to us so that we can lead a happy life in this world.
    However, Lakshmi is truly manifest in us as Will power. She is the power that activates the body that is inert and makes it vibrant is Ichcha Shakthi (Will Power).
    Lakshmi also emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk as described in the puranas. The human heart is a symbol of the Ocean of Milk.
    We must today churn our hearts with the rope of wisdom to search for truth about ourselves. Qualities like forbearance and compassion will emerge as well.
    Therefore Lakshmi, who is the embodiment of all prosperity, is represented by the heart.
    We invoke Goddess Lakshmi to give us Purity in heart, speech (saraswati) and action (durga).
    These qualities lead us to the most desirable form of wealth -the Grace of God.

    Thoughts from members:
    It’s important to operate from the heart rather than the mind. When doing actions, when we pause & think about the consequences of our actions, we are using our heart.
    Ceiling on desires has helped in getting rid of undesirable habits & strengthening willpower.
    Our resolve/willpower is correlated to how much importance we give to our goal or the desire to get rid of a habit.
    How do we educate our children on wealth? Practicing what we preach & by being open about finances.

 
  • Bhajan of the week

    Deity: Devi
    Raag: Tilang

    Taal: 8 Beat / Keherwa / Adi

    Lyrics:

    Devi Bhavani Jagat Janani
    Manda Haasini Ananda Dayini [ Devi Bhavani … ]
    Mangala Kaarini Karunya Roopini
    Narayani Devi Narayani
    Mahishasura Mardhini Ambe Bhavani
    Meaning:

    Glory to Goddess Bhavani, the Mother of Universe and the destroyer of cycle of birth and death. She has a bewitching smile and she confers bliss. She confers auspiciousness and is the embodiment of mercy. Worship Goddess Narayani. She is the annihilator of the demon Mahisha. She is worshipped as Goddess Amba.

    Bhajan Link:

    https://youtu.be/mMX0IyRdwS0?si=4qA9qioMNhCJp9jm

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Service

  • RSC Service Activities
    NEW  ANNOUNCEMENT(S)! :

    Pediatric Clinic Food Distribution Project 

    This bi-weekly project involves distributing grocery bags to Lincoln Community Health Center Pediatric Clinic’s families in need. Any identified family visiting the pediatric clinic who is facing food insecurity will be given a grocery bag filled with dry/canned goods as well as a list of local food resources in the Durham area

    Signup for pediatric clinic food distribution project

    Jan 18 breakfast Seva:
    Sign up sheet: Jan 18 Breakfast Seva – Google Sheets

    Our monthly in-person breakfast service to support Raleigh men’s shelter is scheduled for Jan 18 at 4:30am to prepare and serve breakfast. You can also sign up for ingredients and drop off by Friday Jan 17 7p at 302 Royal Tower Way, Cary. If you are coming for the service, you can bring ingredients along with you. Please use the signup sheet above to participate in this service.
    Jan 18 In Person Dinner Service: 
    Sign up sheet: In Person Dinner Jan 18 – Google Sheets

    Our monthly in-person dinner service to support Raleigh men’s shelter is scheduled for Jan 18 at 2:30pm to prepare and serve dinner. You can also sign up for ingredients and drop off by Friday, Jan 17 by 7pm at 204 Concordia Woods Drive, Morrisville. If you are coming for the service, you can bring ingredients along with you. Please use the signup sheet above to participate in this service.

    Jan 19 drop off Dinner Service:
    Sign up sheet:     Sunday Food Service – Raleigh Shelter – Google Sheets

    Our bi-monthly drop off dinner service to support Raleigh men’s shelter is scheduled for Jan 19. Please use the sign up sheet above to participate in this service.

    Jan 26 Fresh fruit brown bag service 
    Sign up sheet: Fresh Fruit Brown Bag Service Jan 26 – Google Sheets
    Our monthly fresh fruit brown bag service to support Cumberland county council of older adults with fresh fruits. Drop off fruits by 12pm on Sunday Jan 26 at 3309 Valley Side Court, Cary Please use the signup sheet below to participate in this service. 
    To participate in active service projects, please see list below.
    Service name and Date/time Service Activity Details Locations & Sign up
    Sunday Food Service: Men’s shelter – Raleigh (Every alternate Sunday)   Preparing food at Volunteer homes and drop at common place. Volunteer will deliver at Raleigh Men’s shelter by 2pm 1420 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601. Please click here to sign up for Sunday service.
    SAI Tutoring Program Volunteers provide weekly one to one tutoring via Zoom to an underserved elementary school student from the Durham Public School district. The focus is on ELA and math enrichment and also providing mentorship. NOTE: Please contact service@raleighsaicenter.org if you are interested in getting involved.
    Growing Sai’s Love – Garden project RSC’s pilot program Growing Sai’s Love to help our Sai Community members get more self-reliant by learning to grow their own fresh, healthy vegetables, fruits, flowers, in their backyard. Members can also use these for service and center activities. NOTE: Please contact service coordinator service@raleighsaicenter.org if you would like to participate in this service.
    Raleigh Men’s shelter Breakfast service Monthly Breakfast service on 3rd Saturday to support Raleigh Men’s Shelter. Please drop off items at 719 McRae Rd, Cary on 3rd Friday of the month by 7pm so volunteers can take supplies to the shelter on Saturday morning to cook and serve breakfast.
    Recycling project Recycling project that involves used batteries, medication(s), small electronics and bulbs.  NOTE: Please contact service coordinator service@raleighsaicenter.org if you would like to participate in this service.
    Pediatric Clinic Food Distribution Project This bi-weekly project involves distributing grocery bags to Lincoln Community Health Center Pediatric Clinic’s families in need. Any identified family visiting the pediatric clinic who is facing food insecurity will be given a grocery bag filled with dry/canned goods as well as a list of local food resources in the Durham area. Signup sheet has instructions and Grocery list
     Food drive for Inter-faith Food Shuttle, Durham by Group 3 SSSE Students every month  Group 3 SSSE students form leads in their communities and conduct food drive. Please contact Group 3 teachers for more information. Collected food will be delivered during first week of every month atInter-faith Food Shuttle

    2436 S. Miami Blvd, Suite 200-9

    Durham, NC
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SSSE

  • Pre-SSSE

    CLASS DATE: 01/05/2025 TEACHERS:    Bhuvana , Radhika and Devi
    SUMMARY:  Listening ATTENDANCE: 
    Last Sunday theme of
    the week was “Listening”.
    Radhika aunty asked us which part of the body helped us to listen, most of the children answered Ears.
    We empathized to become better listeners, we should:
    * Be respectful of the person talking. When someone is talking, do not interrupt in the middle. If you want to ask a question, wait until the person is done talking.
    * Look at the person who is talking (maintain eye contact)
    * Be still while listening and not wiggle our bodies
    While having snack we practiced food prayers.

    During Art we were listening to Devi akka and drew the SnowMan.

    We practiced the English Bhajans with Bhuvana aunty.
    Activity of the week listen to their parents and practice the English bhajans for Sai Madhuram.
  • SSSE group1

     

     CLASS  DATE: 01/12/25

    		 TEACHER(S): Sunita, Aruna, Nitya
     Topic:  Honesty  Attendance:  21/31
    Spiritual Principle :01/12/25

    In this class, Children learnt what it is like to remain honest at all times, as honesty helps us build self-confidence. As part of the lesson, we narrated a Chinese folk tale titled “The Empty Pot.” In the story, a Chinese emperor who does not have children decides to hold a contest to find a successor to his throne. He invites every child in the country to the palace and gives each child a seed, declaring that whoever grows the best plant will win the throne. A little boy named Ping also gets his seed from the king and carefully carries it home, clasped in his fist. Having experience growing plants, he sows the seed in a pot, waters it and places it on the window sill for sunlight. However, days pass with no signs of sprouting. Ping tries making adjustments to the soil and puts the pot in the garden for brighter sunlight, but still, no growth occurs. As time went on, the boys in the country began talking about how well their seeds were growing but Ping did not find any signs of his seed growing. A few months later, the other boys’ seeds grew into big leafy plants while nothing grew in Ping’s pot, despite all his efforts. The time has come for everyone to show their pots to the emperor. Ping thought he wouldn’t attend the palace to present his empty pot in front of the emperor. But his grandfather encouraged him, saying that he had put in his best effort and should not fear failure. With his grandfather’s support, Ping agreed to go to the palace. There in the palace, all the boys arrived carrying huge plants with flowers and fruits while Ping stood with just his empty pot. The emperor looked at his empty pot and smiled. He said, “I have given you all roasted seeds that cannot grow. Ping is the only honest boy among you all.” He then declared Ping to be the next emperor.

    We then had an interesting discussion on honesty. We asked who the first person was to know if we were not honest and were lying. The children answered, we ourselves. We then said that the voice that tells us if we are being truthful or lying is the inner voice, and that is also the voice of God, always telling us what is right. It is us who sometimes don’t listen to it. We will continue discussing the same topic in our next class as well.

    Affirmation:

    Note to parents :
    Take time to talk to children about being sincere, honest, and truthful in our words and deeds in our day-to-day activities, with an understanding that Swami knows our every thought, word and action. Share your personal experiences of being honest even in difficult situations.

    Life application: Spiritual Diary—3 activities–Prayer, Silent sitting, and Keeping bags and shoes in place. Please create a January calendar to continue.

    Lingastakam:

    In preparation for Shivratri, we are learning Lingastakam.

    Bhajan list

    11/3, 12/8 – Saibaba Saibaba sathya sai avatar – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEW19xS0P_Y

    11/3 –  Vittala Hari Vittala : https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/981
    http://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/1467

    https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/945
  • SSSE-Group2

    CLASS  DATE: 01/12/25 TEACHER(S):  Sumithra (2B), Hima (2A), Jagruthi(EC)
    Theme: Giving is Happiness  Attendance:  41/45

    Summary of this week’s class:

    Class 2A:
    We began the class with prayers, followed by SOHAM meditation guided by Swami. Sister
    Jagruthi revisited the importance of offerings for Swami’s 100th birthday.
    The children practiced the five names from the previous class and learned five new names from
    Sri Satya Sai Ashtotra Shata Namavali.
    Next, we explored the theme “Giving is Happiness”* through stories. We discussed how
    giving can bring immense joy, both to the giver and the receiver. An experience of a Swami’s student illustrates how a student found profound joy in selflessly giving away a cherished, blessed handkerchief to another devotee. These stories highlight the theme: * “Love is giving and for giving.”*

    To deepen their understanding, we watched a short video illustrating the happiness that comes from giving.
    The children actively participated in the discussions and practice sessions throughout the class.

    Class 2B:
    We began the session with prayers and Soham meditation, followed by learning the first 10
    names of Swami from the Sri Sathya Sai Ashtotra Shata Namavali. Next, we revisited the
    concept of happiness and discussed ways to sustain it through simple acts, such as:
    ● Giving excess clothing or items to those in need,
    ● Donating food,
    ● Sharing with one’s siblings,
    ● Praying for the well-being of others,
    ● Finding joy in others’ successes,
    ● Spending time with those who need help,
    ● Helping others in any way we can.
    These ideas were illustrated through inspiring stories. In the Ramayana, Rama finds happiness
    in losing a game to Bharata, while Bharata feels sadness, thinking he caused Rama’s loss. This
    story demonstrates the selfless joy Rama experiences in Bharata’s success. In the
    Mahabharata, Draupadi is rewarded with piles of cloth for offering a small piece to cover
    Krishna’s wound. An experience of a Swami’s student illustrates how a student found profound

    joy in selflessly giving away a cherished, blessed handkerchief to another devotee. These
    stories highlight the theme: * “Love is giving and for giving.”*
    The children were encouraged to share, help, and give selflessly as acts of love, bringing
    happiness to God within themselves and others. The session concluded closing prayers with
    the message:* “Be happy, make others happy, all will be happy, and God will be happy.” *
    Parents, please encourage your children to:
    ● Practice daily prayers and chanting,
    ● Continue their sadhana, as part of their offerings for Swami’s 100th birthday.
    ====================================================================

    01/05/2025
    Class 2A & 2B
    Here is the summary of this week’s class:
    We began the session with prayers and a minute of silent sitting, followed by learning the first
    five names of Swami from the Sri Sathya Sai Ashtotra Shata Namavali.
    We had a meaningful discussion on the concept of happiness, exploring its nature, Swami's
    teachings on permanent happiness, and the obstacles that prevent us from achieving it.
    Swami’s chinna katha highlighted the importance of living in the present and surrendering to
    God. A devotee’s inspiring story illustrated this further, as he visualized Swami’s presence in
    every moment—whether happy, sad, or engaged in daily activities. Swami later appeared in his
    dream, reassuring him of His constant presence and attentiveness to every thought.
    The session concluded by emphasizing surrender and feeling God’s presence as the path to
    lasting happiness. We also discussed undertaking a 100-day sadhana as an offering for
    Swami’s 100th birthday to deepen our connection with Him.
    Parents, please encourage your children to practice daily prayers and chanting as part of this
    month’s life applications.
    Thank you! ��

  • SSSE-Group3

    CLASS  DATE:    10/20/2024

    		 TEACHER(S): Nalini, Gangadher, Sravanti, Shiva
    Topic: Swami’s Avathar Declaration Day  Attendance: 21
    SaiRam dear parents, Please find the class notes below:

    We began our class with vedam chanting, Ganapathi Prarthana, Medhasuktham 2nd stanza, and concluded with Kshama Prarthana. We also practiced bhajans for Sai Madhuram.

    The boys sang “Sarvatra govinda nama sankeerthana,” and the girls sang “Love… “

    On Sunday, October 20th, we celebrated Swami’s Avatar Declaration Day.

    We discussed Swami’s childhood memories and watched a video presentation. The students actively participated and shared their knowledge of Swami’s childhood. On Avatar Declaration Day, Swami revealed that he is God. He also said, “You too are God.” He entered our lives, and we are all chosen by him. As a gesture of gratitude, we should show a positive change in our daily conduct. Our thoughts, words, and actions should be pure. Swami is the center of our lives. He is in control, and we should be happy, fearless, and obedient. We need God’s guidance to make the right choices in life, Just as we respond when called by our name, calling out to God’s name brings God’s presence and protection close to us.

    We practiced writing Om Sri Sai Ram with a one-minute timer and chanting His name silently, reminding the students of the peace and focus that comes from Namasmarana.

    We concluded the class by singing the first bhajan taught by Swami, “Manasa Bhajare Guru charanam.”
  • SSSE-Group4

    Sairam All!  We started our class with 3 OMs.  15 students were able to attend the class.  As this was our first class of 2025 New Year, wished everyone a Happy New Year 2025 and what fun activities the students did with their families over the Christmas break.   I asked the Group 4 students for some positive affirmations from 1H of the SSSE year.  What they liked, areas to focus on for 2H of the SSSE year.  We then briefly discussed why 2025 year was so significant for the SAI organization and Swami’s 100th year.

    Some key service projects we reviewed that we plan to do this month. Key details for parents as well for the in-class service project on Jan. 19th for making stuffed animals toys for ill children at Ronald McDonald House in Durham.  Kids will need to come a bit early for the class that day (3:30pm-5pm for the service project).  Also, discussed the Service project of cooking/serving for the Women’s Shelter on Jan. 26th.  More specifics on ingredients needed for the dinner meal will be shared later this week.   Then, we started the class activity for this week’s class Jan 5th.  The focus and discussion for the class was for each student to provide 3 Personal Sadhana’s or New Year’s resolutions that they wanted to focus on for 2025.   I asked each student to write down 3, and then present to the class the ways they would try to address those committed Sadhana’s throughout the year.  Good resolutions and interactive discussions with the group 4 students.  They were able to learn from each other the ways to succeed with the personal sadhanas that each discussed in front of the class.  Then, reviewed some of Swami’s quotes on maintaining good habits as well as some example stories that Swami had discussed with devotees in Parthi.   We concluded with OM and 3 Shanthi’s.

    Mouli Uncle.

    Sairam Parents –

    1. Please sign and return the forms ( https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f3O6VRb9s8A0wW-_XfKY0xH0HQIHSP66UemD-B6mFHI/edit ) which include media consent and parent pledge.
    2. Please remember and remind the children that classes this year will be held every Sunday 3:45 – 4:45 pm in Room 9 at HSNC.  Exceptions for classes periodically with Service Projects, RSC Events (GAB, Swami’s Birthday, etc) and National SSSE guest speakers will occur.  These will be announced in advance.
    3. Slides of the class when applicable will be shared with the Students/Parents via the WhatsApp groups.
    4. There will be no class on December 29, We’ll meet again on January 5.

    Thank You!

    – Group 4 Teachers.

    Jai Sai Ram!
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Young Adults (YA) Updates

  • 1) ARRYA2025 | SSSGC National Young Adults Retreat to Kick-off Bhagawan’s Centennial Celebrations! – REGISTRATION IS OPEN
    Sairam Dear Sai Young Adults!
    We are excited to announce that Region 3’s Annual Regional Retreat for Young Adults has been expanded to the 2025 SSSGC USA National Young Adults Retreat! Let us unite together, as one unified nation-wide Young Adult family to ring in the Centennial of our Lord!
    The USA National YA Retreat will be held Fri Feb 14th – Sun Feb 16th 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina
    Theme: “Hands in the Society, Heads in the Forest”
    Registration link  is now open and closes on Fri Jan 17th 2025.

    2) GAYATHRI BEADS BRACELET SERVICE

    SERVICE TO MAN IS SERVICE TO GOD
    Sairam,
    We will chant and energize beads using the power of Gayathri Mantra, make them into bracelets and offer it to people in need like hospital patients and people in senior care homes.
    Steps to follow:
    TAKE ONE BEAD IN YOUR HAND
    CHANT GAYATHRI MANTHRA 108 TIMES WHILE HOLDING THE BEAD
    AFTER CHANTING 108 TIMES, PRAY THIS BEAD HELP SOMEONE
    KEEP THIS ENERGIZED BEAD SAFELY IN A SEPARATE BAG FROM THE OTHER BEADS
    PRAY AND ENERGIZE AS MANY AS POSSIBLE
    ONCE READY, EMAIL  ya@raleighsaicenter.org  TO DELIVER AND RECEIVE MORE BEADS
    BEADS WILL BE CONVERTED TO BRACELETS AND GIVEN TO HOSPITAL PATIENTS OR SENIOR CARE HOMES
 
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Seniors Corner

  • Seniors group :

    1. PRAYER BRACELET PROJECT FOR THE PATIENTS AT WAKEMED HOSPITAL:   This project was initiated by senior members of the Raleigh Sai Center, in collaboration with the Senior Club of Hindu Society of North Carolina (HSNC) and the members of Raleigh Sai Center. Bracelets are made with 18 crystal glass beads and filler beads for men and women. Members recite Gayatri Mantra or similar prayer based on their religious background 108 times with each glass bead. Bracelets are put in small cloth bags (stitched by the members) along with a printed message from the WakeMed Hospital. These bracelets are given to the interested patients by the hospital volunteers. Each month hospital volunteers are requesting 30-40 bracelets. Patients are very much appreciative of having the prayer bracelets during their convalescence. Photo of a bracelet offering can be seen below:
      https://drive.google.com/file/d/177CLfNxjNoLJKkdD8RW9q0EuVvV1985t/view?usp=share_link

     2. RSC  Seniors Group is planning to make the Vibuthi Packets for distribution during  Aradhana Day, Easwaramma Day, Guru Poornima and Swami’s birthday celebrations. Our Senior Group is doing this as a spiritual sadhana of writing “Aum Sri Sairam” on one side of the paper and then cut the paper into four parts, include vibuthi in the unwritten side and fold the paper to make vibuthi packets for distribution. 

    3. Some members of the Senior Group are meeting virtually on Thursday afternoons at 3:00 pm to discuss the application of Swami’s messages in their everyday lives. If you are interested in participating in the virtual meetings or to participate in seva activities with senior’s, please email:   seniors@raleighsaicenter.org
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Interest Groups Updates

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Regional Update

  • Centenary Medical Programs and Seva Opportunities :

    With Swami’s Grace numerous opportunities are available for doctors, nurses, and medical professionals along with non-medical volunteers from around the globe to join together with our brothers and sisters from India to offer services to Bhagawan over this historic centenary celebratory year. Please inform and encourage all to participate.
    1. Guru Purnima Medical Camp July 7-11
    Location: N1 building
    2. Global Cardiovascular Symposium for Medical Professionals Sept 27-28
    Prasanthi Nilayam has been chosen as an official site for 2025 by the World Heart Federation (WHF) (https://world-heart-federation.org/)
    Screening Seva Activities will be offered on September 27
    Preventive Medical Conference hosted by the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS), University of Texas, Baylor Medical College, USA and University of Rochester, New York, USA.
    3. World Heart Day Celebrations Sept 29
    Public awareness campaign and activities
    https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/

    4. November Medical Seva
    Support during Centenary Celebrations
    Services to be made available Nov 8 -26 at multiple sites in and around ashram

    Registration is now open for the Guru Purnima Medical Camp.
    You are welcome to have the devotees from your country register with the registration links below. Last date for registration is May 10, 2025 for doctors and healthcare professionals
    1. Medical Professional Registration form: https://forms.gle/FLM3HQTJDwqvMDdL7

    2. Allied Health Professional Registration form: https://forms.gle/ug5My6DR1FAhznw89

    3. Nurse Registration form: https://forms.gle/35nrrTGaUomPtqdv8

    4. Non-Medical Professional Registration form: https://forms.gle/scxHBEnPpfTpyJNS7

    Registration for the other events will be made available at a later date.

    Prasanthi Connection Team:

    Sairam Dear All,

    Please see the weekly update for the week of January 6 – January 12, 2025 from Prasanthi Connection Zone 1 Committee. Following up with the zone chairs email, for your convenience Prasanthi Connection Zone 1 team is including the information and links below:

    – Email – Week updates of January 6 – January 12, 2025
    Email link: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/941190/emails/142548603376764669

    – Center Announcements – requesting all center presidents to kindly download one page powerpoint slide or image and add to your existing center powerpoint slides. Please spend few minutes to share these updates live with your center members.
    Download Slide link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DCCnacgkUZrFJutlE1QGlfMe57ffSbEx

    – “Your Prasanthi Connection’s” – Centennial Birthday Video Offering
    Sis. Sravani Pulumati Video Url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2tXNeHYWSA&ab_channel=Zone1PrasanthiConnection

    – Need Help with your visit to Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, India?
    Call us at: +1 (909) 736-0119 or Email us at: zone1@prasanthiconnection.org or Web: coming soon

    Sai Ram,
    Prasanthi Connection Team

    ***************************************************************************************************************

    Ati Rudra Maha Yagnam in Parthi – February 2025.

    Please refer below the message from Region President:

    Sai Ram Dear SSSGC Family,

    As a part of the Centenary Celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the historic Sri Sathya Sai Satamanam Visva Santhi Lok Kalyana Ati Rudra Maha Yagnam is being performed at the Sai Kulwant Hall at Prasanthi Nilayam from 14th to 25th February 2025.

    SSSGC members, who are well-versed in chanting and who are able to participate in the entire program, starting with morning of 13th of February for an orientation and leaving the day after 25th of February may register for selection for special seating closer to the shrine to chant together as a group. Registration must be complete prior to 31st December 2024 via the following link: https://forms.gle/5onaeKEoJ981WeFb6

    Loving Regards,
    ——-
    Dr. Axay Shanti Kalathia
    SSSGC, Zone 1 Chair

    *************************************************************************************************************

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Media Repository

  • The media repository for all past events is now available in our main page under this link. If you need the password, please email info@raleighsaicenter.org

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Sai Center Officers

  • Officer Role
    Name
    Email Address
    President
    Senthil Kumar
    president@raleighsaicenter.org
    Vice-President
    Gopal Somu
    vp@raleighsaicenter.org
    Education (SSSE) Co-ordinator
    Jagruti Mariwalla
    education@raleighsaicenter.org
    Devotional Co-ordinator
    Saideepa Subramanian
    devotion@raleighsaicenter.org
    Service Co-ordinator
    Param Dasana
    service@raleighsaicenter.org
    YA Co-ordinator(s)
    Sayee Shruti Manickam, Krishna Kumar Ramachandran
    ya@raleighsaicenter.org

    If you have any questions, please email the respective office bearer. Click here to access their phone numbers (password protected). 

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Thought for the Week

  • As we observe the festival of Sankranti, what should this period remind us of? Bhagawan enlightens us of the significance of this auspicious occasion today.

    From today, the Sun starts on its northward journey. What does North signify? It is considered the direction leading to moksha (liberation). The sun is said to move towards ‘Himachala’. Himachala is made up of two words: Hima + Achala. ‘Hima’ means white as snow. ‘Achala’ means firm and unshakable. Where is the place this description applies? It is the region of the heart. In a heart that is pure and steady, the sun of buddhi (intellect) enters. There is no need to undertake the journey in the external world. Uttarayana (Northward Journey) means turning the intellect inward towards the heart. The bliss experienced within alone is true bliss for man. All other external and sensory pleasures are ephemeral. Only the Atmic principle is pure, permanent and infinite. This is the abode of moksha (liberation). The journey to moksha is called the quest for liberation. Sankramana is the time when the inward journey towards the pure and unsullied heart is made. Just as the Sun embarks on his northward journey, Sankranti is the day on which the Intellect should be turned towards the Atma for Self-realisation.    – Divine Discourse, Jan 15, 1996    – BABA

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