Satsang Seva Journal

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 ...

During the auspicious period of Pitru Paksha , venerating ancestors, the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers offered seva at the Jagdamba Gauseva Trust in Pashan, Pune on 22 September 2024. About 50 abandoned and injured cows and bulls have found a safe haven at this gaushala which provides nutritious food and healthcare support to them. The SSM volunteers contributed to their nutritional well-being, feeding them with  fodder, jaggery, bananas, and green leafy vegetables with much compassion. The meaningful interactions and quiet moments spent with these ailing, gentle bovines helped renew the resolve of the volunteers to continue their seva in the days ahead. Join our SSM volunteers and lend a helping hand to support the Jagdamba Gauseva Trust. Please write to us at connect@satsang-foundation.org .

The Jan Vikas Society, Mermier Bal Ashram provides a safe haven for less privileged children aged between 5 and 15 years at Navi Mumbai. The children are provided with food, shelter, and education at municipal schools situated close by. Volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) at Navi Mumbai have launched a series of sessions to help develop co-curricular skills and support the holistic well-being of the children. Taking to sessions on Computers with great enthusiasm, the older children have learned how to use Microsoft Word and Excel for typing, formatting, data entry and calculations while the younger ones have explored their creative abilities with Paint. Spoken English sessions have been designed around the Play Way method, allowing the children to express themselves via role plays and group discussions.  With yoga and value education sessions on the anvil, the participants are poised to embark on an empowering learning journey. To support the youngsters at Mermier Bal Ashr...

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 .

Associated with the Vallabh Niketan Ashram since 2017, volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) at Bengaluru have supported the basic nutritional requirements of the inmates with more than 71, 500 meal equivalents through a monthly supply of staples such as rice, wheat, cooking oil, lentils, and semolina. Daily milk supply to the 45 young boys and 20 senior citizens residing at this shelter home has also contributed significantly to their health and well-being. The volunteers have also continued to offer a special Sunday breakfast, fostering a sense of community in the residents as they take the time to unwind and spend moments of camaraderie with each other after a busy weekly schedule. Academic support before crucial year-end exams and weekly sessions in Spoken English and yoga abhyasa for the youngsters complete the holistic paradigm, helping them blossom into confident, empowered citizens. Join our dedicated Satsang Seva Mission volunteers and help us empower our youngsters....

On 4 September 2024, volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) at Trivandrum launched two impactful initiatives at the Idinjar Tribal School, benefiting 150 students from Lower Kindergarten (LKG) to Grade 10.  Empowering young bodies and minds The Egg Distribution Program aims to address the critical nutritional needs of the children, furthering the mission to nurture young minds and bodies, and contributing to their physical and academic growth. Fostering holistic well-being Mental and spiritual health will be supported for children aged 12 years and above through Yoga Sessions, fostering discipline, self-awareness, and peace, and equipping the children with invaluable tools to take on the challenges of life. A collaborative effort The official online inauguration of these initiatives on 4 September witnessed the participation of the Headmistress of Idinjar Tribal School and SSM volunteers. The teachers, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and Mother PTA have enthusiastically wel...

On 1st September, the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers at Bhopal visited the National Association for the Blind, hoping to share joy, laughter, and emotional support with its 50 students. Through engaging interactive games, captivating storytelling, and the distribution of fresh fruits, they spent precious moments with the youngsters and left them feeling nostalgic about the entire evening. A million emotions flickered across the children's faces as they faced off against the volunteers in a battle of antakshari , their chuckles bouncing across the walls of the room, their voices giving new life to the songs they sang. One of the youngsters regaled everyone with his spectacular rendition of B Praak's song "Yuhi Rone Nahi Dunga." The stories lit up their imagination, transporting them to wondrous worlds while the serving of fresh fruits brought them much cheer. The school administration and the children requested the volunteers to return soon for yet another joyou...

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 .

In celebration of International Day of Yoga (21 June 2024), volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) in Pune enlisted the expertise of Bharatiya Yogavidya Kendra (BVK) to host a yoga session at the serene Sri Krishna Dhyan Mandir on 29 June. The objective was to promote holistic well-being for the community, welcoming a diverse group of 8-10 participants ranging from Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha, all uniting on the mat. The skilled trainer, cognizant of age diversity, tailored the program to accommodate all ages and abilities. Starting off with gentle warm-up exercises, the participants flowed through a selection of asanas like Trikonasana and Surya Namaskar to release stiffness. A calming pranayama sequence followed, and led the participants to discover impregnable peace and relaxation within themselves. Many expressed a desire for more such sessions, recounting the depth of ease and rejuvenation they were able to access. Wish to see yoga permeate our culture? Volunteer with us. Wr...

In 'Bhakti Yoga', Shri Krishna tells Arjuna, "One of the most important qualities of a devotee of mine is ' sarva bhoota hitey rataha' – which means that he who has the welfare of all living beings in his heart. Such a person I consider to be very close to me."           - Sri M Janmashtami festivities have commenced at the Madhu Ki Rasoi , the community kitchen of The Satsang Foundation, in the twin cities of Mathura-Vrindavan serving fruits, beverages, desserts, and a nourishing meal through the day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to devotees and the less privileged alike. Support Madhu Ki Rasoi , feed the less privileged, and celebrate the joy of giving.  To know more about Madhu Ki Rasoi , please write to us at 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.

Volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) conducted an eye check-up camp for 60 students at Pragati Vidyalaya, Vashi Gaon in Navi Mumbai on 24 August 2024. Given the intensely competitive academic environment, these students of Grades 9 and 10 spend much time engrossed in their studies, poring over textbooks, and completing assignments.  With the eye check-up, the volunteers were able to help 15 students to redress vision-related problems with prescription glasses. Continued support for this set of students is on the anvil through a series of sessions on Soft Skills, Spoken English, and Yoga.  Join us as we continue to empower our less privileged student communities across Aamchi Mumbai !  Please write to us at connect@satsang-foundation.org .

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 .

Continuing to support the young children at the Surepally Access Foundation for Education and Environment (SAFEE) Foundation, the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers provided notebooks to all the 290 children receiving academic support classes across 6 learning clusters at Singareni Colony, Hyderabad on 23 August 2024. The children gather every evening and follow-up on their school work under the able guidance of a tutor in a safe and secure learning environment. Creative activities often supplement these sessions, empowering the children to blossom despite their challenging circumstances. The excitement of the young children at the main learning centre was palpable as they received their crisp, new notebooks with joy and gratitude. Join us in our mission to empower our young children from marginalized communities. For volunteering opportunities with the Satsang Seva Mission, please write to us at connect@satsang-foundation.org .

The Lonkhairi village of Nagpur was in for a pleasant surprise on August 10, 2024. The Satsang Foundation at Nagpur organized a free health check-up camp for the less privileged village folk, an auspicious initiative that garnered an extraordinary response.  The health camp saw a turnout of 220 adults and 90 children less than 10 years of age were treated to essential medical services. Distinguished medical practitioners of the Shalinitai Meghe Hospital (Nagpur) were on their feet conducting various tests like blood pressure, complete blood count, and sugar levels. The tests, consultations, and medicines administered were on-the-house for all the village attendees.  Almost 62 patients, in need of specific tests and specialized treatment like cataract surgeries, heart ailments were further referred to the Shalinitai Meghe Hospital for free treatment. About 13 residents received specialized treatment at the Pediatric, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology departments depending on thei...

The Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) in Bengaluru intensifies its impactful annadaanam seva (food service) by offering nutritious meals and supporting the holistic well-being of those in need.  Vallabh Niketan Ashram   • Monthly Dry Rations: To ensure the continued well-being of residents at Vallabh Niketan Ashram, a home for 30 senior citizens and 45 youngsters, SSM volunteers provide essential dry rations like rice, lentils, wheat, and oil.  • The joy of feeding without expectation: On 11 August, volunteers served a nourishing breakfast to the ashram residents. The smiling faces and lively conversations are an integral part of these Sunday special breakfasts. • Investing in the future: Volunteers conduct academic support sessions, Spoken English classes, and yoga sessions for the Ashram's youth.  Annadaanam seva at Adamya Chetana   A hearty lunch assuaged the hunger of nearly 90 recipients - auto-drivers, street vendors, frail and hunched elderly cit...

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 .