Sai Anandam
Located in Daruthenga village, 12 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, Orissa, Sai Anandam began as a small orphanage for seven boys and has since grown into a co-ed school. The project started with a house donated by a devotee from Barang, providing a sanctuary for orphans. In 2007, the initiative reached a significant milestone when the Orissa alumni sought blessings from Bhagwan to expand their work. Throughout its journey, Sai Anandam’s growth was marked by an almost miraculous flow of resources and support. The founders never sought funds, yet financial assistance and human resources seemed to arrive whenever needed. Originally, alumni from Orissa and other regions provided funding, but today, contributions come from alumni and devotees from across India. The local Sai Organization supports the project through service activities such as cleaning and maintenance.
In 2015, due to changes in government regulations, the orphanage transitioned into an English-medium school. The school, modeled after Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (SSSHSS) in Puttaparthi, follows the CBSE syllabus and offers co- education until the 5th standard, with boys continuing in higher classes.
Education is free, with students paying only for hostel facilities. The school now serves 186 children, with several teachers, including founding members, offering their services voluntarily.
A memorable event took place on August 14, 2010, when Swami appeared during an alumni meet and delivered a simple yet profound directive: “Make these boys into good boys.” This reinforced their commitment to instill discipline and values in the students, aligning with the ethos of SSSHSS. The project’s impact extends beyond the school’s walls, transforming Daruthenga itself. Once known as a troubled area, the village is now affectionately called “Swami’s village,” where regular bhajans, Narayan Seva, and Nagar Sankeertan are regular. The spiritual activities have brought a significant positive shift to the community.
Over the years, several students from Sai Anandam have pursued higher studies at SSSIHL, and many have found employment there after. The project’s influence continues to grow, inspiring hope and fostering positive change.
Sai Anandam is led by Brother Sushant and a dedicated team, including Devdutt Swain, Vivekanand Sahoo, Suryaprakash Pati, and Dr. Satish Pattnaik, who also serves as the state president for the Sathya Sai Seva Organizations in Orissa. As Swami’s centenary birth year approaches, plans are underway to establish a separate wing for girls, furthering the reach of the school. Guided by Swami’s words, “When you start any good work, I will help you,” Sai Anandam remains a beacon of love and service, transforming lives and uplifting the community with every step.
Further details on Website: https://srisathyasaianandamschool.in/
Alumni looking to be involved in this Seva initiative can contact Brother Lala Susanta at +91 9437632059.
Palliative Care Centre
Sri Sathya Sai Palliative Care Centre (SSSPCC) in Andhra Pradesh offers patient-centered, free palliative care, focusing on holistic support rather than merely treating diseases. Established in July 2022 by United Care Development Services and the Palliative Care Society, Hyderabad, the center began as a 10-bed facility near the ashram, supported by the Sri Sathya Sai District Administration.
It serves patients with chronic, terminal illnesses across a 50km radius, including 160 villages and towns like Dharmavaram, Kadiri, and Penukonda. Around 70% of its 560 registered patients are cancer patients, while the rest include stroke survivors and individuals with other conditions, such as congenital disorders. Addressing an unmet need in India, where palliative care is scarce, the center provides a range of services: pain management, symptom relief, rehabilitation, helping mitigate neurological deficits through physiotherapy to maintain mobility and prevent arthritis . Specialized care for cancer pain involves managing long-term symptoms like nausea, bed sores, and breathing difficulties. Cancer screenings are held monthly, and patients receive advice on treatment options. For those unable to manage post-surgery or chemotherapy complications at home, the center stabilizes symptoms before patients continue curative treatments elsewhere.
The center’s outreach program brings services to patients’ doorsteps via homecare vans equipped with medications, mobility aids, and supplies for procedures like catheterization. Patient conditions dictate the frequency of visits, and a 24/7 helpline offers guidance. When symptoms worsen, patients can stay at the center for about a week or longer if needed. Additionally, the center provides daycare services, where patients visit during the day for treatment and return home in the evening.
SSSPCC’s unique approach includes fostering a homely atmosphere with regular celebrations, Bhajans and cultural activities, supporting patients’ emotional and spiritual well-being. Counseling and spiritual engagement are integral to alleviating the psychological stress that accompanies chronic illnesses. The center’s compassionate care model aims to preserve dignity and offer a peaceful environment for both patients and their families.
In 2023, land near the ashram’s West Gate was donated for a new facility named ‘Sai Sharan,’ to be operated by Swaasthyam Palliative Care and Cancer Foundation, an alumni-led organization. Scheduled to open in 2025, the expanded center will feature cancer surgery, chemotherapy, and dialysis facilities, further enhancing the scope of care.
SSSPCC’s daily operations are managed by a dedicated team, including 11 full-time staff, two medical officers, and seven nurses trained in palliative care. Volunteering alumni, local residents, and specialized professionals such as retired physiotherapists actively contribute to patient care. Additionally, remote teams and volunteers assist with counseling, patient monitoring, and logistical support.
As part of service activity this year during Avatar Declaration Day celebrations, a physiotherapy bed and walkers were donated by the Alumne of SSSIHL to Sri Sathya Sai Palliative Care Center Puttaparthi
SSSIHMS Helpdesk
The virtual helpline service for the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) hospitals in Whitefield (WFD) and Prasanthigram (PSN) was initiated in December 2020 as part of the Premabandam seva initiative. This service was established in response to a sharp increase in patient inquiries during the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional in-person communication was severely limited.
Initially, the hospital staff managed the helpline, but from December 2020 onwards, a dedicated team of approximately 70 alumni and devotees stepped in to take over the operations.
Utilizing cloud telephony technology, the helpline can manage an unlimited number of simultaneous calls, which is a significant improvement over the limitations of fixed landlines. Operating Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM, the helpline now handles over 1,200 calls daily, connecting patients to vital healthcare services and resources. To ensure smooth operations, volunteers are organized into shifts, with around 10 members assigned per two-hour slot. This allows for comprehensive coverage throughout the week while accommodating the participation of volunteers from diverse geographical locations.
An essential feature of this service is its multilingual capacity, supporting close to 15 major Indian languages. Volunteers are trained to communicate in the patient’s preferred language upon request, which greatly enhances patient comfort and understanding. This inclusive approach is particularly beneficial for patients who may not be fluent in English or regional dialects.
For patients traveling from distant states, the helpline encourages the submission of medical details via an online portal prior to their appointment. This submission allows hospital staff to review the reports beforehand, helping patients understand the kind of assistance they can expect. Additionally, this proactive approach allows for better scheduling of appointment dates, optimizing the overall consultation experience.
The helpline records all calls, which are documented in the Health4All system for quality monitoring and training purposes. A missed call service ensures that if a patient’s call is not answered during operational hours, a volunteer will follow up promptly to provide the necessary information and support. This feature reinforces the commitment to patient care, ensuring that no inquiry goes unaddressed.
The quality control team, primarily composed of overseas volunteers, meticulously reviews the recorded calls daily. Each call is analyzed for service quality, and feedback is provided to volunteers to foster continuous improvement.
The effectiveness of this initiative is a testament to the principles of the Sathya Sai educational system. Over the past four years, the helpline has significantly improved patient access to medical care, offering vital support to individuals and families seeking treatment at Bhagawan’s hospitals. Its seamless operation reflects the dedication and compassion of the volunteers, who work tirelessly to provide the highest level of care and support to those in need.
Alumni looking to be involved in this Seva initiative can contact Brother Gunaranjan can be reached out at +91-9000183123 and [email protected]
The center uses the Health4All application to systematically plan home visits and track patient progress digitally. This system ensures efficient care delivery, with one van assigned for planned routes and another reserved for emergencies. Monthly screenings involve visiting oncologists, and an oncology team will join once the new cancer facility becomes operational, marking a significant step toward comprehensive, accessible palliative care in the region.
Interested alumni can reach out to Brother Venkatadesikan (Ph: 0091 – 9632422311)
SSS Gramin Jagriti
Sri Sathya Sai Gramin Jagriti has been a beacon of service in rural India for 35 years, beginning with Amar’s vision to bring education, healthcare, and vocational training to underserved communities. In 1990, Amar sought Swami’s blessings for the project, outlining a need for 27 acres of land. Swami responded with, “You do not need land. You need My hand,” setting off a series of miraculous events. Soon after, Amar was invited to Darwa village near Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, where the local panchayat unanimously donated the required land on July 17, 1991—Guru Poornima, a day Swami said marked the fulfillment of the disciple’s resolution. Thus, Gramin Jagriti took shape, driven by divine will.
The institution serves the economically disadvantaged by addressing education, healthcare, and skill development. It operates a school up to the 10th grade, while the hospital offers outpatient services, a diagnostic lab, a minor operation theatre, and a day-care center. A team of 15 medical workers reaches out to rural homes, providing direct healthcare, including prenatal support. Though the hospital does not have in-patient facilities, arrangements with private hospitals in Yamuna Nagar allow patient referrals. All services are provided free of charge, funded entirely through donations.
Amid India’s growing emphasis on formal education, many graduates still struggle to find employment due to a lack of practical skills. In response, the “SURE” trust was founded in 2020 to empower rural engineering graduates with essential skills. The initiative, supported by alumni and industry partners, offers a free four-month training program blending practical experience with theoretical learning. Conducted by 150 trainers across 28 courses, the program has already trained nearly 3,500 students, with 350 currently enrolled. Graduates receive internship placements and job opportunities upon completion.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gramin Jagriti stepped up to provide relief, setting up a 50-bed COVID care centre at a Chandigarh sports complex equipped with oxygen facilities. To boost patients’ morale, activities such as games and yoga were regularly conducted. The team also carried out Narayan Seva and distributed essential supplies to vulnerable communities in the surrounding areas.
The latest addition to Amar’s list of welfare initiatives is the “Sri Sathya Sai Manav Seva” project, which aims to establish a 52-bed hospital near Chandigarh. Launched on July 1, 2024, the project currently serves 110 outpatients daily and provides free medicine, a diagnostic lab, and dental care services. The hospital is an offering for Swami’s centenary, and all services are provided at no cost to the community
Swami once explained the significance of the project’s name: “Sri Sathya Sai” is the companion, “Gram” is the place, and “Jagriti” is the work. The essence of service lies in fulfilling one’s duty with sincerity, guided by Swami’s unseen hand.
Information on SURE trust can be obtained on : www.suretrustforruralyouth.com. Interested alumni can reach out to Brother Amar Vivek on +91-9814027754
