Satsang Seva Journal

Marginalized communities and vulnerable groups across the teeming metropolis of Bengaluru have found nutritional sustenance in the weekly annadaanam seva offered by the Satsang Seva Mission volunteers.  For the 25 youngsters sheltered at Vallabh Niketan Ashram in Central Bengaluru, a special breakfast on Sunday mornings is the opportune moment to unwind after a hectic academic schedule. Hailing from single-parent families with modest means, they have found a safe refuge in this shelter home that provides food, medical care, and educational support. The SSM volunteers also have supported their holistic development through academic support sessions, Spoken English classes, and yoga sessions for over a year. Daily wagers, pavement dwellers, and residents of the less privileged neighborhood of Lakshmipura in Gavipuram, South Bengaluru look forward to the filling Sunday lunch served at the premises of Adamya Chetana, an NGO. Graceful smiles, gentle gestures, and prayers of gratitude ma...

Satsang Seva Mission volunteers at Pune partnered with Sumati Balwan, a local non-profit that empowers underprivileged children through holistic education, combining traditional academics with valuable vocational skills. Here's our recent collaboration at a glance: Improved sanitation : Recognizing the importance of proper hygiene, especially during the monsoon season, the SSM team played a key role in constructing a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Sumati Balwan. Nourishing meals : Understanding the importance of good nutrition for learning and development, the team assisted Sumati Balwan in acquiring a month's supply of essential groceries like oil, sugar, and lentils, providing nutritious meals for the 25 young girls residing in the hostel and the dedicated staff. Supporting animal care : The donation of cows at the home ensured a regular supply of fresh milk to the residents. Nourished with fodder and gentle care, these bovines have found a loving home in Sumati Balwan.   Nu...

ANIKET Sevabhavi Sanstha came alive to the excited cheers of its differently-abled residents. Having received constant support with their nutritional needs, wellness, and shelter for the past 6 years, they warmly welcomed the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers at Pune. The youngsters gathered around them as they offered a month's supply of essential food items and toiletries. Sparkling eyes and winsome smiles greeted the sight of a consignment of rakhis in readiness for the festival of Raksha Bandhan . Donated with the intent of providing financial sustenance through their sale, these sacred, colorful bands caught the collective imagination of the happy troopers. Clean, old fabric was handed over to the ANIKET management team for the creation of cloth bags at their skilling centre. Stitched cloth bags were purchased to encourage the enterprising youngsters and be offered as sustainable gifts at special events. To support the less privileged and experience the joy of giving and s...

Over 100 members from marginalized groups of society joined The Satsang Foundation's unique International Day of Yoga celebration on 21 June 2024 at Nagpur. Eager children sheltered at Shraddhanand Anathalaya (Abhyankar Nagar) and senior citizens residing in Soham Old Age Home (Sita Burdi) enjoyed personalized yoga sessions led by an adept facilitator. The Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers provided ample support, under the guidance of Bharat Yogavidya Kendra (BYK). The sessions provided a chance for relaxation, rejuvenation, and learning the benefits of yoga for their well-being in the long term. Participants appreciated the yoga mats provided during the practice, the ladoos and refreshments offered post-session, all courtesy of a thoughtful volunteer. The personalized approach made the day for some, with children feeling looked after and seniors feeling valued. Equally, the volunteers revelled in the warmth, renewed vitality, and sense of community induced by the event. To hel...

An air of excitement and anticipation filled the Byculla Women's District Jail as 25 inmates awaited the celebration of the International Day of Yoga. Regular participants in the yoga program facilitated by volunteers trained at the Bharat Yogavidya Kendra (BYK) of The Satsang Foundation (TSF) since mid-May 2024, the enthusiastic inmates expressed much gratitude as they received new TSF T-shirts to mark this special day.   An opening prayer and Sukshma Vyayama set the session rolling. Inmates and police officers alike practised guided asanas such as the Tadasana, Ushtrasana , and Vrikshasana followed by pranayama and a brief discussion of Ashtanga Yoga theory. An interactive feedback session with the participants unveiled the positive impact of the regular yoga sessions vis-à-vis anger management and motor control.  At the Arthur Road Jail, the TSF volunteers had trained 35 inmates over the course of four days for a smooth assimilation of the Surya Namaskara in the r...

Regular yoga abhyasa sessions recommenced for 35 sprightly young yoginis at Namme Mane with the celebration of International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2024. Retracing their steps of a set routine, the youngsters began with a prayer and warmed up with Sukshma vyayama . Testing their core strength with plank holds, they moved on with fluid ease into the Surya Namaskar , correcting their alignment with careful attention. Sitting asanas such as Malasana, Dandasana , and Ushtrasana paved the way for the challenging, supine series of Setubandhasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana , and Matsyasana . An extended Shavasana allowed the girls to slip effortlessly into pranayama , breathwork, meditation, and chanting with Sri M's Guru Mantra Chant.  A tranquil start to renewed vows of regular yoga abhyasa and infectious joy marked this special session. Help us empower our youth and support their wellbeing. Write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .

On the holy occasion of Ganga Dussehra , 16 June 2024, the Madhu Ki Rasoi team ensured devotees visiting Mathura and Vrindavan stayed cool and nourished. Understanding the large crowds this festival draws to these sacred twin cities, the volunteers offered water and Khichdi Seva . Over 2,200 devotees received chilled water and comforting Khichdi throughout the day.  The team distributed around 2,000 litres of water to combat the summer heat. Adding a touch of sweetness, Madhu Ki Rasoi volunteers served a special rose-flavored Rooh Afza Sharbat that flowed through parched throats like a cool river coursing through a sun-baked canyon. The 8-hour-long seva began at 9 a.m. and continued until 7 p.m. ensuring access to a nourishing meal and refreshing water. To support the endeavors of Madhu Ki Rasoi , please write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .

Joyous smiles and infectious enthusiasm radiated from the children hailing from the Labour Camp, Hiranandani Estate, as they were treated to a morning of wholesome activities by the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers on Sunday, 16 June 2024 near the Ganesh Temple, Thane. Aged between 7-16 years, these bright youngsters participated in yoga, dance, and karate sessions and enjoyed delicious samosas .  The SSM volunteers also visited Bal Sneh Niketan, a centre for juvenile boys in Thane. Books of different genres were offered to 31 students of Grades 5-10, helping to support their academic pursuits, stimulate their intellect, and stir a passion for reading. The visit concluded with the distribution of snacks, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for the students. Imagine a child discovering an inner calling in yoga, physics, or literature. Imagine them getting out of sticky situations with some handy karate skills.   Help make it a reality for children of less priv...

Working in tandem with a local NGO, volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) in Mumbai reconnected with 21 households from five different villages near Titwala, Mumbai. Having first supported them and other recipients in this region with dry ration kits during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, the volunteers acted upon an urgent request for help and provided essential food items to sustain them for the next two months. Without adequate opportunities to earn daily wages, middle-aged women, widowed women, and mothers with young children at Chaure, Kolam, Manoli, Navgaon, and Bapsai Villages now have access to staples such as wheat flour, rice, lentils, sugar, salt, cooking oil, and condiments to meet the nutritional requirements of their families. Join hands with our SSM volunteers and help us reach the unreachable in our rural communities. Please write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .

The Mathru Foundation in Safilguda, Hyderabad, provides a sanctuary for 25 visually challenged youngsters, supporting them with food, shelter, medical care, and financial assistance for their education. Gregarious and interesting interactions amongst the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers and these youngsters sheltered here marked a special annadaanam seva on 9 June 2024. Cheerful introductions and curious chatter preceded heart-warming prayers of gratitude as the youngsters partook of a steaming hot, nutritious dinner with their caretakers and the staff, relishing the vegetarian fare and dessert that warmed hearts and stomachs. For the youngest volunteers, this simple meal that they served with love and gratitude was the perfect opportunity to embark on the path of selfless service and experience the joy of giving and sharing. Join us in our mission to serve our less privileged communities. Experience the sheer joy of supporting them with gratitude and reverence. Please write to u...

With the start of the new scholastic year in June, volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) at Ernakulam, Kerala offered school essentials to 18 children sheltered at the Pragathi Balabhavan orphanage, Kothamangalam Thrikkariyoor, providing crucial educational support and promoting the value of education in the local, marginalized communities. The children were simply thrilled to receive their new school bags filled with notebooks, stationery, and essential toiletries. Expressing their gratitude to the SSM team, the children geared up for a year of wonderful learning opportunities. A quiet, shared lunch at the orphanage ended a day spent well in the company of these bright youngsters. To encourage our marginalized youngsters to attend school regularly and support their education needs, please write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .