The 50th State Conference of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Odisha, held in conjunction with the State-level Centenary Celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the grand culmination of the Sri Sathya Sai Divya Paduka Yatra, emerged as a historic and spiritually momentous occasion on January 18, 2026, at the iconic Bali Yatra Grounds, Cuttack.
More than a mere congregation, the event unfolded as a collective offering of gratitude and love, marking the culmination of a three-and-a-half-year-long Divine journey that touched the heart of Odisha. Since their sacred departure on Aradhana Day 2022, and the formal commencement of the Yatra on Gurupornima 2022, Swami’s Divya Padukas traversed over 45,000 kilometres, blessing 10,000+ villages, homes, and hearts—making His omnipresence a living experience for devotees across the State.
The historic Bali Yatra Grounds, spread across 25 acres along the banks of the Mahanadi, resonated with devotion as over 40,000 Sai devotees gathered from every corner of Odisha. Their arrival—by hundreds of buses, thousands of vehicles, trains, and public transport—stood as a silent yet powerful testimony to the magnetic pull of Swami’s Name.
The atmosphere reached a spiritual crescendo as the Divya Padukas entered the grand pandal in a majestic procession. Accompanied by Vedic chanting, soul-stirring bhajans, Odia folk traditions, and rural dance forms, the procession beautifully mirrored Odisha’s rich cultural ethos woven with devotion.
The program was graced by Mr RJ Rathnakar (Managing Trustee – SSSCT), Mr Nimish Pandya (All India President), along with National Coordinators and other dignitaries.
In his inspiring address, Mr Rathnakar elucidated Swami’s philosophy and His eternal message to humanity, underscoring the pivotal role of SSSO in fostering brotherhood and universal love. The inspiring messages from other dignitaries reaffirmed Swami’s eternal teachings of love, unity, and selfless service. The occasion was further enriched by meaningful service initiatives, including the virtual inauguration of the 50th Drinking Water Project, distribution of 100 sewing machines under the Sai Swabalambi Seva, and artificial limbs to 50 beneficiaries under Divyangjan Seva, all reflecting Swami’s compassion translated into action.
The formation of nine new Samitis, marked by the presentation of Prasanthi Flags and the offering of Divya Padukas to over 230 Samithis that successfully conducted the Yatra, stood as enduring symbols of collective devotion and discipline.
Cultural offerings by Sai school students and Bal Vikas children, spanning over two hours, enthralled the gathering with performances infused with devotion, values, and artistic excellence. A deeply touching highlight was the remembrance of Swami’s divine assurance, given six decades ago, that He would come to Odisha and grant His darshan —an assurance devotees felt had been divinely fulfilled through this sacred event.
The scale of arrangements reflected a year-long planning effort. Free breakfast and lunch prasadam were served to the vast gathering. Overnight accommodation for nearly 7,000 devotees was arranged across multiple locations in Cuttack on the night of 17 January. Sevadal members drawn from all districts worked tirelessly, embodying selfless service and ensuring the smooth conduct of every aspect of the program.
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