There are days that celebrate achievements. And there are days that celebrate the people who make them possible.
Premaarpanam Day at Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam was one such heartfelt occasion — a gathering of the entire Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam family to honour the staff members whose dedication, perseverance, and spirit of service quietly sustain the Sai Premaarpitham Foundation’s mission each day. Rooted in the love and values inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the evening unfolded as a celebration of gratitude, unity, and shared purpose. From the opening Vedam chanting and lamp lighting, to recognitions of the various teams such as the Vaidyalayam team, security team, gardening team, Svedanika team, housekeeping team, administration team, accounts team, and media teams; from volunteer-organised games that wove together laughter and life’s deeper lessons, to heartfelt gratitude speeches offered in honour of the staff — the evening was a celebration filled with prayer, reflection, joy, and togetherness.
Beginning in Prayer
The programme opened with collective Vedam chanting as staff members assembled at Sadashivam Hall, followed by the lighting of the divine lamp. The evening was compered by sister Sai Latha and sister Anitha, whose warm presence anchored the programme from start to finish.
Celebrating Teams and Their Contributions
The Vaidyalayam team were recognised for their service at the hospital of Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam. Dr Darshan BS, Medical Officer, Sri Sathya Sai Vaidyalayam introduced the team and spoke with deep gratitude about the opportunity of offering free healthcare — emphasising that beyond treatment, Vaidyalayam gives each person the divine chance to contribute meaningfully to society. He ended his speech expressing gratitude to Bhagawan for entrusting the Vaidyalayam team with this sacred responsibility.
Sister Mani spoke more personally — of her own transformation since joining the Ashram, of the peace and harmony it had brought to her family life, and of the contrast between a healthcare world driven by profit and the free, compassionate service that Vaidyalayam embodies. Her words carried both gratitude to Bhagawan and a deep sense of purpose in being part of something larger than herself.
This was followed by the security and gardening teams, whose quiet, constant presence ensures safety, order, and serenity across the campus. Their recognition was a reminder that the visible beauty and calm of Vaatsalyam rests on their daily efforts — and that their contribution extends well beyond their primary roles, from managing water and diesel to generator support and wherever else they are needed.
The Svedanika team — the kitchen staff — received deep appreciation. Working largely behind the scenes, they prepare meals with care, discipline, and love, turning nourishment into an offering. Their commitment runs deep: even as cooking methods shifted to wood fire given the ongoing challenges with cooking gas supply, they continued to deliver with the same quality and dedication, without compromise. Their service extends beyond the campus too — through the free breakfast seva for school children and food distribution during medical camps and other programmes.
Sister Radhamma, a member of the Svedanika team for four years, offered a moving testimony. She spoke of how Vaatsalyam had transformed her family’s life — providing employment, housing, and a nurturing environment for her children. Her daughter flourished academically and in the arts; her son, a special child, grew into a more confident, socially engaged, and communicative young person. For every one of these changes, she expressed wholehearted gratitude to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The housekeeping, administrative, accounts, and media teams were recognised next — as the backbone of Vaatsalyam’s daily functioning. Their work of coordinating activities, managing responsibilities, maintaining spaces, and documenting the life of the campus ensures that everything runs with smoothness and care.
Sri Keshava Murthy, Head of Administration at Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam, offered a warm and detailed appreciation of each department’s contributions. He highlighted the Svedanika team’s resilience, the security team’s versatility, and the dedication of every team working quietly to keep the Ashram alive and functioning.
Games That Brought the Spirit of Service to Life
In a thoughtful gesture of appreciation, volunteers organised a series of games for the staff — a joyful way of honouring the people who give so much, by offering them an evening of laughter and play. The games the volunteers chose were anything but incidental. Each one carried a quiet depth, reflecting the very values that define life at Vaatsalyam.
The games — the Rama–Krishna Tug Challenge, Ball Passing Relay, Balance the Cup, Mask Art, and the Blind Cat and Mouse Game — were as thoughtful as they were fun. Each carried its own lesson: to stay grounded and respond with awareness rather than impulse; that no one reaches a goal alone, and every drop is simply an invitation to begin again; that true steadiness comes not from individual strength but from the trust and care of those alongside us; that there is real grace in accepting imperfection with laughter and humility; and that even in chaos, guidance and cooperation light the way. The hall was full of energy and laughter — but beneath it ran something quieter, a shared recognition of the values that make service not just effective, but meaningful.
Voices of Gratitude Towards the Staff
A particularly moving part of the evening came through the gratitude speeches offered by volunteers.
Sister Sai Kripa spoke about how every department, regardless of visibility, contributes significantly to our lives in the ashram. Through dedication, teamwork, and selfless service, they collectively create an atmosphere of love, care, and spiritual growth.
Sister Aruna offered a loving tribute, echoing the same spirit of gratitude towards all staff departments and the quiet dedication that sustains the Ashram.
Sri Jagadish, Coordinator of Initiatives, Sri Sathya Sai Premaarpitham Foundation, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for the path of service, for the opportunity to be part of this mission, and for the blessings of Bhagawan that guide our every step.
A Celebration of Togetherness
The programme concluded with Mangala Aarati offered to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, followed by Prasadam — bringing the evening to a serene and prayerful close.
Premaarpanam Day stood as a living expression of Bhagawan’s message of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. Every act of service, every meal prepared, every space kept clean, every patient cared for, every gate secured — all of it flows from His vision. For it is Bhagawan who is the invisible force behind every act of service at Vaatsalyam, making the Ashram and all its activities full of life and purpose.
