Zone 4
India
On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami (celebration of Sri Krishna's Birthday), from September 3-7, 2023, SSSIO young adults served food to more than 700 needy people at Lam Dal, located at an elevation of 3,960 meters in Himachal Pradesh. The Sri Sathya Sai Educare Vidya Pratishthan in Himachal Pradesh served sweets and fruits to 500 people on Radha Ashtami day in September 2023. For more than a decade, during April, volunteers from the educational institution have served food to 300–400 pilgrims at the Maa Bagdu Devi temple.
Sri Sathya Sai Annapurna Seva began in 2022 at the Hospital in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Young adults cooked and served food to over 1,500 patients and attendants each month.
On the occasion of Guru Purnima, under the guidance of SSSIO, more than 1,500 blackberry trees were planted by schoolchildren.
Indonesia
To commemorate the 98th year of the advent of Lord Sai, devotees and others from North Sumatra planted 1,000 mangrove trees in a forested area to stop land erosion. On December 19, 2023, the first anniversary of the Eco Enzyme for Lake Batur project, SSSIO volunteers celebrated the progress of their conservation efforts by showcasing the remarkable achievement of lowering pollutant levels in the lake by more than half.
Malaysia
More than 1,200 people benefitted from various health screenings and medical camps conducted around the country in 2023. SSSIO volunteers in Malaysia hosted a one-day National Sadhana Camp on April 8, 2023, featuring Mr. Satyajit Salian (an ardent devotee of Swami) as the guest speaker. Nearly 400 participants were inspired and motivated to strengthen their spiritual practices through discipline, steadfast effort, obeisance, and focus, with love as the source of inspiration.
Philippines
An art exhibition, Hope in Colors, was organized by the SSSIO Philippines from February 18 to 24, 2023, at SM Muntinlupa in collaboration with two Manila foundations. The event showcased 55 paintings by children with disabilities and attracted many visitors and volunteers who appreciated the artwork and supported the program by purchasing the paintings.
Singapore
In collaboration with the staff of Sunlove Home, SSSIO volunteers lovingly served delicious vegetarian food and entertained the elderly residents of the Home. The monthly service program brings much love and joy to the senior residents. SSE Students and teachers packed snacks and stationery items for children from low-income families. The volunteers not only packed them in decorative bags but also personally delivered the goodie bags to the children's homes. The children were thrilled to receive these gifts, and the SSE students learned the value of serving those in need.
Sri Lanka
An International Conference themed My Life - His Message was organized in Sri Lanka by the countries of Zones 4 and 5 from September 28 to October 1, 2023. Around 1,000 participants from 16 countries, including senior SSSIO leaders, brought the divine mission of the Sathya Sai Avatar to Sri Lanka. Further details can be found in the chapter, International Conferences, in this report.
SSSIO Sri Lanka organized Serve the Planet activities in October 2023, including feeding deer at the Trincomalee Deer Park on October 18, 2023, distributing nourishment to street dogs and domestic animals, creating posters promoting responsible waste management, and planting 950 tree saplings in various villages to raise environmental consciousness and promote responsible waste management.
On September 10, 2023, Thavady Sai Center members constructed a house for a family in need, providing them with safety and comfort. The project's success demonstrates the transformative power of collective efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Thailand
SSSIO members in Bangkok organized a service camp on April 24, 2023, for a community of 50 people who were impacted by drugs. Four new houses were built, and survival kits were distributed to needy families. Swami's teachings on the adverse effects of smoking, drinking, and drugs were shared with community members. After two days, one family was taken to a rehabilitation center for a gradual recovery under the doctor's supervision. After seven days, the family was released to take care of their children at home.
On May 13, 2023, a public outreach program was organized in Bangkok to celebrate Easwaramma Day, attracting 100 SSSIO members and 250 from the public. The event featured Veda chanting, dances, musical programs, and a children's drama. The Chairman of Zone 4 discussed SSSIO's worldwide activities, while the National Service Coordinator presented past and upcoming service activities of the SSSIO. The Chief Guest from the Indian Embassy was in attendance for the event.
SSSIO Thailand celebrated Avatar Declaration Day on October 21, 2023, by singing bhajans at the Wat Kheak Muaklek temple, planting 108 trees, and hosting a delicious dinner for 50 people.
On November 11, SSSIO volunteers and children from the Sri Sathya Sai School planted 100 fruit trees on the school's property. They chanted the Gayatri Mantra before and during the planting, making it a joyous occasion for all.
On November 16, 2023, the Maesai Center in North Thailand planted 30 fruit trees at Baan Nana School, including lychee, longan, mango, rambutan, and jackfruit, with the participation of students and school teachers.