On March 1st to March 3rd, the SSSIOTT launched Onwards to Sai 100 through an event entitled ‘Office Bearers Retreat’ with various presentations by all wings and committees within the organization. Devotees of the SSSIOTT were also extended an open invitation to participate in and observe this occasion, pose inquiries to officials, offer input on previous endeavors, and contribute to the planning of forthcoming projects. Attendees were also treated to yoga sessions, health and wellness sessions and musical interludes.

On the 10th of March the National Mahila Wing held a clothing drive at the Sai Nilayam compound which is the headquarters for the SSIOTT, the Longdenville Sathya Sai Primary School and the Sathya Sai Gardens of Blooms ECCE. This program was intended as a means of enriching the lives of members of the bordering communities. Donating pre-loved clothing is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to social welfare, environmental sustainability, and fostering community support. It allows individuals to make a positive difference in the lives of others while minimizing waste and promoting responsible consumption habits.

The event had approximately 20 volunteers of the SSSIOTT welcoming approximately 100 persons of the general public. They received pre-loved clothing items, lunch and in turn shared their gratitude and appreciation.

“Love All, Serve All”

– BSSSB

On the 10th of March the National Young Adult and Seva wings of the SSSIOTT hosted a tour of the Winston Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary. This is a 12,000 acre swamp located on the west coast of the island of Trinidad and protected under the Ramsar Convention which holds international importance. This wildlife sanctuary is the major roosting place to one of Trinidad and Tobago’s national birds, the Scarlet Ibis and is the largest mangrove forest on the island. Widening our love to encompass nature will help us realize that nature is a gift from God. Therefore, this tour was not only a social bonding experience but also a learning and spiritual endeavor as a means to become closer to Mother Nature.  

This event hosted members of the both regions (Region 1 & Region 2) of the local chapter of the international organization. It encompassed a swamp tour traveling by boat through the water at a slow pace.This gave the attendees a chance to learn about and observe the variety of flora and fauna present. Through the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable tour guides, they were made aware of the  importance of wetland conservation. Exploring this relationship with Nature is the starting point to dutifully managing the impact we have on the environment. 

”The universe is the ‘university’ for man. Man should treat Nature with reverence” 

– BSSSB

On the 16th of March the National Devotional Wing held an open air event at the Sai Nilayam compound which is the headquarters for the SSSIOTT. This program was held in commemoration of the one year anniversary of the consecration of a Shiva Lingam on the compound. Entitled ‘Shiva Lingam Abhishekam’, this event welcomed approximately 45 attendees from the SSSIOTT as well as over 100 viewers via YouTube live stream. 

Attendees performed the sacred Lingam bath using cow milk, dahee (yogurt), ghee (clarified butter), honey and sugarcane juice, invoking purification and blessings for all. Divine energies radiated throughout the atmosphere as devotees chanted ancient Sanskrit mantras and sang moving and melodic bhajans in reverence to Lord Shiva.

“The Lingam is the simplest sign or symbol of Emergence and Mergence”

-BSSSB

On the 24th of March the National Mahila Wing held a food and hamper drive at the Sai Nilayam compound (SSSIOTT Headquarters) , the Longdenville Sathya Sai Primary School and the Sathya Sai Garden of Blooms ECCE. This program was intended as a means of providing essential sustenance through meals and food hamper distribution to those in the bordering communities struggling to access an adequate food supply. The collection and distribution of food to needy individuals and families directly contributes to alleviating hunger in communities.  The event hosted approximately 10 volunteers of the SSSIOTT welcoming approximately 35 persons of the general public. This was a compassionate and impactful way to support the well-being of these individuals experiencing food insecurity.

“Love All, Serve All”

-BSSSB

On the 20th of April, the National Young Adult Wing participated in – Support Autism T&T 5K Run and Fun Walk. The outdoor, open air event was held by a local Non Governmental Organization known as ‘Support Autism T&T’, This group is committed to creating equal opportunities for those with Autism in Trinidad and Tobago. The primary goal of the event was to provide support for individuals diagnosed with Autism, with all proceeds directed towards a local autism support center to facilitate access to therapy and educational opportunities.  The event welcomed approximately 25 attendees from the SSSIOTT as well as over 400 participants from all parts of Trinidad and Tobago. 

SSSIOTT hosted a booth at the event, offering delicious fruit cups and snow cones to all participants. Additionally, attendees received a bookmark featuring a quote by Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Non-violence: “Love as thought is truth, love as action is right conduct, love as understanding is peace, and love as feeling is non-violence.”

On the 21st April the National Devotional Wing held a satsang in observance of Aradhana Mahotsavam at the Sai Nilayam compound – headquarters for the SSSIOTT. This is a commemorative celebration dedicated to lovingly honoring and remembering the life of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The program began outdoors with Vedam (Vedic) chanting and the recitation of all 108 names of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba under the sacred Banyan Tree. The indoor session proceeded with universal prayers, devotional songs, featured messages relevant to the occasion, presentations by children of our local Sathya Sai Primary School and students from various Education in Human Values (EHV) classes. This program which hosted approximately 131 attendees culminated with a soulful musical offering by members of the Oceans of Music subcommittee under the SSSIO, as well as a  Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Cultural Cooperation representative of New Delhi origin. Devotees from across the country came together in heartfelt homage and fellowship as they honored the eternal love, wisdom, and compassion of our lord Sai. 

“Light the Lamp of Love in your Hearts, and see that it shines day by day with added Luster”

-BSSSB