Satsang Seva Journal

In celebration of Sri M's birthday on 6 November and the spirit of Deepavali, Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers at Mumbai came together to spread joy and compassion across the city. Through a series of heartfelt sevas , they brought smiles to the faces of the needy.  Saint Gadge Maharaj Trust, Dadar On 2 November 2024, SSM volunteers visited the Saint Gadge Maharaj Trust, which provides affordable lodging for cancer patients and their families staying in Mumbai for treatment. They distributed 200 packets of Deepavali faral (traditional snacks), bringing a festive cheer to those going through difficult times.  Srirang Anand Ashram, Thane On 3 November, the volunteers offered bedsheets and snacks to the elderly residents of Srirang Anand Ashram Old Age Home in Thane. For those who often face loneliness and neglect, these gifts brought comfort and warmth, reminding them they are seen and valued in this season of joy. Dongripada, Thane The volunteers also offered bedsheets an...

Satsang Seva Mission volunteers organized a heartwarming celebration for less privileged children at Hiranandani Park, Thane West. The event, held in honor of Sri M's birthday on 6 November and the festival of Deepavali , brought joy, learning, and inspiration to over 325 children aged between 7-16 years. Recognition of Academic Excellence: Four bright students, who scored over 80% and qualified for competitive exams, were recognized and supported with partial scholarships for engineering studies. Spiritual Enrichment: A student, sponsored to study the Bhagavatam course in Vrindavan for 3 years, captivated the audience with a beautiful Shloka Paath . Cultural Revival: Sanskrit was introduced to the children, who enthusiastically performed short conversation skits. Devotional Experience: The children chanted Nirvana Shatakam , connecting with the divine. Inspiring Stories:   A session was dedicated to sharing the teachings of Sri M and the inspiring work of The Satsang Foundation. ...

On 28 September 2024, the value education sessions held at Subhedar Ramji Ambedkar Vidyalaya, Dahisar continued as the children of Grade 10 further delved into the concept of 'pause' as an important tool to help them 'let go' of their inhibitions and challenging circumstances. As the youngsters sat in a comforting circle, they shared their thoughts and concerns about their upcoming exams. Learning how to release their stress from body and mind, the children practised the Kashtha Takshanasana or the Woodchopper Pose Flow and participated in a brief meditation. The children of Grades 2 and 3 affirmed the positive impact of meditation on their ability to focus in class and achieve their goals during an engaging conversation on meditation. They learned of the significance of the Navaratri festival and expressed their excitement at participating in the Garba dance. Subsequently, on 5 October, the youngsters listened to stories about Goddess Saraswati and the importance of...

Since the reopening of the Mithanagar Municipal School at Goregaon in June 2024, Team Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) at Mumbai has conducted a series of well-planned activities, promoting the overall growth and holistic development of 50 children from Grades 4 to 7. Power of storytelling The first value education session on 25 June witnessed the narration of compelling stories by college-going volunteers who highlighted the themes of inner beauty, kindness, compassion, and respect for wise elders.   Back-to-school essentials In July, the children received notebooks, stationery, and sketching books as they continued to build on their academic and co-curricular activities, enabling their learning and growth in a phased manner. True inspirations During the subsequent sessions on 28 August and 28 September, the SSM volunteers facilitated insightful discussions on the theme of 'Dreams Come True' through biographical accounts of Neil Armstrong, the American astronaut, and Dr. APJ Abdul ...

A gamut of activities defined the value education sessions conducted by the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers for the children of Subhedar Ramji Ambedkar Vidyalaya at Dahisar, Mumbai on 21 September 2024. The children of Grade 10 were introduced to the concept of pause in the hustle-bustle of their daily schedule through an activity that helped them to observe their breath. The technique of box breathing was also introduced to help them manage their emotions mindfully while a paper folding activity enhanced their ability to reinforce and recall important concepts.  A music session enlivened the session conducted for the children of Grades 3 and 4. Brimming with energy, the young participants learned to sing two short songs harmoniously as they uncovered the lyrical quality of the Sanskrit language. The themes encompassed an abiding love for cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, dwelling on the importance of plastic waste management.  To support the learning jour...

The value education sessions held on 14 September 2024 at the Subhedar Ramji Ambedkar Vidyalaya, Dahisar unfolded a series of reflections encompassing authenticity in personal interactions and the promise of hope. Children of Grade 10 continued their self-introspection and explored their multifaceted roles of being children, siblings, friends, students, and young citizens in a dynamic environment while learning to communicate respectfully with their peers and elders alike. A short video clip of the Walk of Hope set to the song Chal Chalen was screened for the children of Grades 1-4, igniting the promise of hope and unity. Sharing their aspirations for the future, the young children expressed their emotions through sketches and heartfelt testimonies. Join our Satsang Seva Mission volunteers as they continue to support the learning journey of our young children. Please write to us at connect@satsang-foundation.org .

Building on the success of the value education sessions at the Subhedar Ramji Ambedkar Vidyalaya, Dahisar the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers at Mumbai launched the same learning paradigm on 31 August 2024 at the Mira Road branch. Starting with an invocation prayer, the volunteers broke the ice with games and creative activities for 30 children from Grades 1 to 4, setting the tone for mindful learning and fostering mutual respect.  Join our volunteers to help empower young minds with love and kindness. Please write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .

Hungry and faced with a hard day's work, 275 daily wagers queued up in the heavy rain to partake of nutritious, filling meals offered by Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers at the Sai Baba Temple in Matunga East Station Road, Mumbai. Despite a power outage and incessant showers, the volunteers ensured that the food was prepared on time and offered with reverence to the recipients as they set about to face a gruelling day ahead. Join us in serving the divine in human form. Be a part of our weekly annadaanam seva and experience the joy of giving and sharing. Please write to us at connect@satsang-foundation.org for volunteering opportunities.

During the value education session organized by the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers on 24 August at Subhedar Ramji Ambedkar Vidyalaya, Dahisar, an engaging conversation ensued with 22 bright youngsters of Grade 10.  Faced with the prospect of taking their final exams in a few months, the youngsters expressed their angst at having to deal with a roller-coaster of emotions while trying to balance their academic pursuits with leisure time.  Resuming from the previous session on emotional well-being, a candid sharing of personal anecdotes and emotional reactions helped them learn to assimilate, address, and express a gamut of emotions.  Food for thought for the next weekly session was elicited by way of piercing questions on the role of a teacher and respect accorded to the teacher. Help us support the learning journey of our youngsters. Volunteer with the Satsang Seva Mission. Please write to us at connect@satsang-foundation.org .

The learning journey of the children at Subhedar Ramji Ambedkar Vidyalaya, Dahisar continues to ride the wave of compelling storytelling and insightful interactions during the Learning Sessions facilitated by Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers. Grade 10 children took the first steps towards being mindful of self-deprecatory thoughts and transforming them into positive affirmations through simple activities. The young ones of Grades 3 and 4 listened in rapt attention to the enchanting tale of the squirrel which earned its three, white stripes thanks to the graceful, compassionate caress of Lord Sri Rama during the construction of the Rama Setu to Lanka. Paying tribute to this divine act of kindness, the children made sketches of temples dedicated to Lord Sri Rama. Join our volunteers to help empower young minds with love and kindness. Please write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .

As the volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) arrived at the Sai Baba Temple at Matunga East Station Road on the morning of Saturday 27 July, they offered bhog to the great Sri Sai Nath and broke bread with 400 daily wagers with a filling breakfast. Supporting the basic requirement of over 8750 less privileged for over 34 weeks, this weekly annadaanam seva offers solace to our city builders as they set about their daily grind in the sprawling metropolis of Mumbai. Join us in our efforts to reach out to marginalized communities and experience the joy of giving and sharing. Please write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .

Volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission gathered together on Saturday 20 July 2024, the eve of Guru Purnima , offering annadaanam seva at the Sai Baba Temple in Matunga East Station Road even as the monsoon rain poured down incessantly. About 350 hungry, weary passers-by received a comforting, hot meal as they braved the cold rain, seeking refuge under umbrellas and plastic sheets, and expressing their gratitude to the revered Saint of Shirdi.  Join us in our efforts to support our less privileged brethren and experience the joy of giving and sharing. Please write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .

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...

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 Sai Baba Temple near the Matunga Railway Station, in the heart of Mumbai City, transforms into an anna kshetra, a sacred space where the hunger of over 250 daily wagers, pavement dwellers, and weary travellers is assuaged every Saturday under the benevolent gaze of the revered saint. Volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) have offered simple yet nutritious meals comprising chapatis, mixed vegetable curry, and sheera - a semolina dessert to 6,250 recipients since the past 25 weeks, providing much-needed support and nourishment. To volunteer for this weekly annadaanam seva and experience the joy of giving and sharing, please write to us at connect@satsang-foundation.org .

The spirit of hope and unity filled the air at Goregaon Municipal School on Monday, 10 March 2024, as Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers at Mumbai organised the first school screening of the award-winning documentary "Walking with M". A powerful message tailored for young minds Team SSM Mumbai Kendra extends its gratitude to the director of the documentary, Shri Akash Chopra, Sagar Pictures for providing a specially-edited version of the full-length documentary, captivating the minds of these young children. Setting the stage for inspiration The session began with a heartfelt introduction, giving students and teachers a glimpse into the "Walk of Hope" and its powerful message. This laid a strong foundation for the 30-minute session that would take the audience on a spectacular journey of over 7,500 kms from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. A spark ignited Post-screening, the room buzzed with energy as students eagerly shared their thoughts about the documentary. Their hea...

The prize distribution ceremony at Goregaon Mithanagar Municipal School celebrated the achievements of students in various extracurricular activities. Prizes were awarded for outstanding performances in essay writing, bookkeeping, and reviews on the "Walk of Hope" film. The students exhibited remarkable enthusiasm and active participation across all programs. The top three performers in the essay and review writing competitions were acknowledged for their exceptional work. Additionally, all students received recognition for their diligent bookkeeping efforts. Goregaon Mithanagar Municipal School remains committed to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment, focused on nurturing the growth and development of every student. To participate in the Satsang Seva Mission and support the learning journey of these bright youngsters, please write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .