Managing Trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust Receives a Vibrant and Warm Welcome at Mid-Atlantic Region Retreat of SSSGC USA | May 25, 2026
The Mid-Atlantic Region (Region 2) of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council (SSSGC), USA, accorded a joyous and heartfelt welcome to Mr RJ Rathnakar, Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, during its Regional Retreat. The event was held under the inspiring theme ‘Transform the Self, Transform the World’, dedicated to the grand global celebration of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 100th Birth Year. In a beautiful coincidence, this sacred milestone was held at a historic campground surrounded by serene green nature, which was also celebrating its own centennial anniversary, having been founded exactly a century ago in 1926. Despite the damp weather outside, the participants’ spirits remained divine, full of warmth throughout the weekend.
The retreat brought together around 1000 devotees from across the region in an atmosphere vibrant with devotion, unity, and selfless service. The energy was electric from the start, featuring a grand welcome ceremony where hundreds of devotees enthusiastically carried small hand flags of both the United States and India, beautifully symbolising the deep spiritual bond connecting the two nations. Mr Rathnakar was greeted with the joyful, rhythmic beats of dhol and a lively Bhangra performance by the Young Adults, alongside a colourful balloon parade organised by enthusiastic Sri Sathya Sai Education (SSSE) children.
The absolute highlight of the entire retreat was Mr Rathnakar’s deeply moving address and the invaluable quality time he spent engaging with the regional family. Following a warm welcome address by Dr Susheel Bathla (Region 2 President) and an introductory address by Dr Balu Karanam (National President, USA), Mr Rathnakar addressed the congregation from a beautiful altar in the devotional hall that dedicated volunteers had lovingly worked for four days to build from scratch—transforming the space into a sanctuary that profoundly reminded everyone of the sacred Sai Kulwant Hall. On arrival, Mr Rathnakar also visited the beautiful and enchanting Swami’s room, where he paid his highest respects and love to Bhagawan in a serene, deeply spiritual atmosphere.
In his powerful, mind-blowing speech from the main altar, Mr Rathnakar focused heavily on the foundational pillars of unity, pure love, and steadfast faith. Rather than delivering a formal lecture, he spoke straight from the heart, beautifully echoing Swami’s profound thoughts and eternal message. He captivated the audience by sharing intimate, touching anecdotes and inspiring personal experiences from his life with Bhagawan. Through these vivid narratives, he masterfully illustrated how transforming the world must begin with an inner transformation of the self—urging devotees to let love lead every action and to view selfless service not just as a duty, but as a pathway to remain ever-anchored to the Divine. His words carried a weight of deep spiritual conviction, leaving the entire hall wrapped in a profound silence of introspection and inspiration.
Continuing this core highlight of personal connection, Mr Rathnakar explored the inspired exhibitions on display. He spent ample time interacting directly with the SSSE children and youth at the educational displays, visiting the “Character & Human Values” (CHV) exhibition booths and the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini presentation together, listening intently and encouraging their efforts. He also joyfully visited a stunning golden chariot that devotees had lovingly crafted entirely from scratch. In a profound blessing to the community, Swami manifested His divine presence by showering miraculous Vibhuti over both the chariot and one of the devotee cabins.
Mr Rathnakar met closely with SSSIHL alumni and Young Adults, enjoying a vibrant YA cultural program and appreciating dedicated service displays, such as the knitting of baby caps and NICU blankets. He also visited the bustling kitchen, where thousands of portions were lovingly prepared daily to provide three full meals and evening snacks for the 1000 attendees. To the pure delight of the volunteers, he even joined in the cooking preparation itself, deeply encouraging the kitchen team and expressing his profound appreciation for their tireless dedication.
In a touching and sincere gesture of gratitude, Mr Rathnakar felicitated the Zonal Advisors alongside the outgoing national and regional officers for their years of dedicated service. In the same loving spirit, he warmly welcomed and encouraged the current regional team, inspiring them for the journey ahead. Throughout his interactions, his approachable, pleasant personality touched everyone present as he spoke clearly and reassuringly about the harmonious relationship and seamless alignment between Prasanthi Nilayam and the overseas devotees of the SSSGC.
Following a grand, banquet-style lunch, the gathering moved to the open campgrounds under the sky. There, Mr Rathnakar joined devotees of all ages in nature to witness a spectacular “SAI-100” human formation created by the participants and captured beautifully from above by drones, perfectly anchoring the centennial joy. Sharing this immense happiness in the peaceful outdoors, Mr Rathnakar’s historic visit made the Mid-Atlantic Regional Retreat an unforgettable milestone, leaving the 1000-strong gathering profoundly unified, inspired, and re-energised to serve.
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