The spiritual atmosphere, positive environment, music, yoga and various other activities apart from formal school education help in moulding them and making them culturally and morally rich human beings. Each of them can stay here and study as much as they want. Many of our children here have completed their degree in Engineering, Hotel management, Fine arts, Music etc. and many of them have settled with good jobs outside & some of them are employed in Sai Gramam itself.

Every child who comes here has a story… a story that brought him here. Sometimes it is difficult to undo the past, but the future is always in the front, and sometimes we can be a catalyst to change the lives in front of us

Thamasoma Jyothirgamaya

Amavasi becomes Poornachandran

His name was Amavasi, the Tamil word meaning ‘Dark Moon’. Later his name was changed to Poornachandran, meaning ‘Full Moon’. It was not a simple change of name. There was a trail of shocking agony, society’s care and his innate talent that ultimately ended in a new name. Or else, it was also a story of displeasing rags giving way for pleasing ragas

To begin with, Amavasi was a small boy belonging to a Tamil mother, Kaliyamma of Salem, who was deserted by her husband Sreenivas. Kaliyamma was a ragpicker and naturally, Amavasi was a child ragpicker. One day in 1998, while picking rags in Kannur, Kerala, he spotted a steel box, a look alike of tiffin box. When he could not open its lid, Amavasi took it to a nearby workshop. There, the container exploded, tearing away his left hand and blinding his right eye. “I had never seen a bomb. After stumbling upon the heavy container, I stopped work as I thought its sale was sure to fetch the money for a day’s meal”, recalls today’s Poornachandran. The tragic incident shook the conscience of entire State. The Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust came to the fore and adopted Amavasi. He was accommodated at the Trust’s Kollam shelter. Amavasi’s song was an integral part of every celebration there. His songs got much praise from a number of dignitaries. Noted music composer, Sri. Perumbavoor G. Ravindranath offered him lessons in Carnatic music. Eventually he had made notable performances in the popular reality show, Idea Star Singer Season 6 of Asianet channel. Alongside, he passed higher secondary education procuring 65 percent marks. By then he was a well-known young singer who could sing with veteran playback singer P. Susheela and impress gifted singers including K.J. Yesudas and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam. “Earlier, my mother was the lone listener to my performances. Lucky that the lethal explosion didn’t leave my voice muffled”, said Poornachandran. He joined for BPA Music (Vocal) at the renowned Swati Thirunal Music College, Thiruvananthapuram. The government of Kerala has now appointed him as Lower Division Clerk at the same college. Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust – Kerala has produced a documentary on the exceptional transformation of a petite ragpicker Amavasi into Poornachandran, an exponent of ragas. The film christened, ‘Saphalamee Jeevitham’ was premiered at Nila Theatre, Thiruvananthapuram on 1st of March 2013, which was inaugurated by then Chief Minister, Sri. Oommen Chandy

Old age home for men

This abode is exclusively meant for senior citizens who are abandoned by their families. It is a bane of Kerala to have more number of elderly family members being left uncared. Instead, Saketham ameliorates the pain of such elders who were desperately thrown into agonizing solitude and neglect.

Home for the mentally challenged

This is a home at Sai Gramam set apart for accommodating differently abled boys. Currently, there are 12 such boys residing at Santhwanam and getting unique training suitable for their faculties. On successful completion of the training, candidates are not left into uncertainty, but are inducted as aides to various projects going on at Sai Gramam. There two profi cient wardens assigned to look after this and other activities. Such exemplary progress in productively rehabilitating the differently abled boys has invited huge appreciation from all corners. To the latest, even the State Government has placed a request before Sai Gramam to accommodate more of such boys.

Old Age Home for women

At this home of comfort, many aged women pass their days happily. This mother’s home remains within Sai Gramam’s tranquil premises. Some of these mothers now relaxing at Sayoojyam had in the past the bitter of being alienated on the streets. Currently, at the twilight of life, they enjoy the retrieval of delight at Sayoojyam. Mothers with exceptional creativity even find pleasure in proving their vocational skills, fitting to their physical abilities. Sayoojyam was formally inaugurated by acclaimed playback singer, Sri. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam. Units of Sayoojyam are also functioning in Kottayam district of Kerala

The elderly Appopans and Amoomas you see here are one of us, ones who had children and grandchildren, ones who had loved and cared for their families and ones who gave their all to them. After getting everything possible- money, gold and property, their own children and grandchildren abandoned them in Railway stations, Bus stands, Medical college etc. On coming here, they find a new life. A life where they are surrounded by so many, who loves them unconditionally. Sai Gramam is all theirs. They walk around the place, making flower garlands, visiting temples or taking care of the cows, as they wish. It is their home and we are their family.

Township for the Endosulphan victims

For endosulfan victims at Kasaragod - Kerala. Throwing several warnings to the wind, a chemical insecticide named endosulfan was sprayed extensively for 24 years all over 11 villages in Kasaragod, the northern most district of Kerala. Each year, the poisonous chemical was sprayed at least three times. The excessive application of the hazardous organochlorine later proved detrimental as it heavily contaminated the air, water and soil of the highly populated locality. In due course, a number of chronic health issues like mental, physical and behavioural disorders, sensory loss, neurological ailments, cardiovascular diseases, congenital anomalies, dermatological and musculoskeletal disorders began to surface prolifically among the people in these areas. Though the Government of Kerala banned the use of endosulfan in 2001, the long winding health implications caused by the chemical still prevails in the area. The efforts launched by the government and other agencies in ameliorating the miseries were proved to be insufficient. Driven by the social service motto it upholds, Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust – Kerala has initiated a project of building 108 houses for the victims of endosulfan at Kasaragod district. An estimated Rs. 6 lakh is required for finishing each of the 500 sq. ft. house. The government of Kerala has identified the land where the Trust has to construct free homes under its Sai Prasadam – free housing scheme, which is a Rs. 10 Crore project. Envisioned is creation of a Sathya Sai Gramam, comprising of 36 houses in 3 panchayats, a children’s park, a mini theatre and a health clinic. The Trust could accomplish 23 houses in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts under Sai Prasadam scheme.

This is an exotic abode of large varieties of indigenous Herbal Plants. One feels even the scent of the wind is rejuvenating enough at this lavish garden.

A sprawling 5000 sq. ft. area is set apart to grow vegetables, according to high-tech farming ways. The harvest of this vegetable cultivation is enough for meeting the Sai Gramam’s daily vegetable demands.

The Free Mobile Dialysis Unit, a blessing for the neediest, mostly immobile renal patients of the rural stretches of Thiruvananthapuram was flagged by Mr. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, then Minister of Home & Vigilance. The mobile unit is the 13th Free Dialysis Unit of the Trust. It is a joint venture of District Panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram and Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust – Kerala.

For those who wish to worship and obtain divine tranquility and bliss for mind, Sai Gramam, has an ambience and facility suitable for everyone’s needs. Among the places of worship constructed at Sai Gramam are temples of Lord Ganapathy, Shiva Parvathy, Lord Subrahmanya, Swami Ayyappa, Sree Budha, Shirdi Sai Baba and Satya Sai Baba. Quite notably, none of these temples have got any ‘hundi’ box for collecting contributions and offerings.

In Sai Gramam, people from all religions and beliefs are able to find the space to practice their beliefs. The main theme of Sai Gramam itself is an all religion encompassing one. The Temples that you find in the campus are not therefore, having a religious purpose, but more of a spiritual one. Especially for children and the aged who come from diverse experiences and backgrounds, who have suffered a lot and have lost faith in their own families, a spiritual support has proved to be a great mental strength. Without hundis and Archana counters, these temples that are open to anyone, focuses on the idea of connecting with oneself and the God that one believes in. The regular prayer and meditation attended by all in Sai Gramam helps in maintaining the positive energy in the atmosphere. The message of unity, love, peace, humanity and service is what is being spread through these temples. Ramzan, Christmas or Onam, all the festivals are celebrated here with oneness.

Temple Complex

Duly acknowledging the sentiments of devotees, Sai Gramam has established temples of Lord Ganapathy and Lord Subrahmanya. Daily worships and rituals are offered and perfect holy ambience is sustained.

Temple of Shirdi Sai Baba

This tallest Shirdi Sai Baba temple of Kerala stands next to the one in Hyderabad. Being the first of its kind in the world, this temple offers all rituals and poojas according to schedules practiced at Shirdi.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Temple

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Temple at Sai Gramam is world’s first Sathya Sai Temple.

Sri Buddha Temple

Nestled sublimely at a scenic spot of Sai Gramam is Sri Buddha temple, the first of its kind in Kerala. The shrine was blessed by the reverent Tibetan Pontiff, Karmapa Lama.

Kerala, though small by its land size, has got an expansive, alluring tapestry of indigenous art forms. Many of the land’s own precious art possessions are but fast receding behind the curtains of time. Pulluvanpattu, Pavakoothu, KakkarissiNatakam, Kalaripayattu, Pulikali, Krishnattam, Theyyam, Thayambaka, Panchavadyam, Thottampattu, Kummattikkali, Velakali, Chakyarkoothu, Koodiyattam are only a few from the vast treasure of Kerala’s traditional folk art forms, which are not that familiar to the modern generation. Many of these art forms are theatrical marvels resplendent of the glorious time traversed by the State, well garnished with captivating petals from indigenous mythologies and folktales.

Sai Gramam is only proud to provide an exclusive abode to foster these ageless art forms by dedicating a building cum theatre complex where seasoned artists can stay comfortably and display their talents. Social Tourism is hence a project to preserve the precious asset of art forms to posterity.

Sai Gramam is an abode of heavenly peace, serenity and sanctity. Its undulating topography has got a sprawling space blessed by natural bounties, greenery and rustic enchantment. The Social Tourism is in fact designed So as to provide each visitor an occasion for learning about the intricacies of life - the life that silently flows along the village streams of Sai Gramam and its surrounding places. We have conceived a Tourism wherein country life, farmers, artisans, and their diligence have got a centre stage.

Experiencing the Onam of 1960s Reviving Culture, age old traditions and art forms

Social Tourism at Sai Gramam envisages a unique way to bring back the lost vivacity for Onam. After a long hectic research and retrospective on Onam of the bygone era, Sai Gramam found certain imageries, customs and performances that ought to be there for making the occasion lively, absorbing, and unforgettable for all. This is going to be a mission spearheaded by a number of enthusiastic folk artistes, traditional performers and artisans to whom Onam of the olden days are still a rousing notion.

Sai Ganesh Hall

Considered as one of the largest convention centres in Kerala, the 18,000 square feet Sai Ganesh Hall is a matter of pride for Sai Gramam. The hall was built by M/s. Larsen & Toubro with a notable peculiarity of avoiding the wonted pillars. Sai Ganesh Hall offers a majestic venue for holding various programmes of Sai Gramam. Members of the deprived sections of the society are provided the hall free of cost for holding various functions including marriages.

Art Village

Sai Gramam, where the terms, ‘service’ and ‘sai’ are synonyms, people of all trades get an encouraging gesture to nourish their skills and abilities. There is an Art Village that welcomes artistes with pungency for sharpening their skills. Artistes can stay there for any long and practice their gifted talents, without paying any money. Entire set of drawing and painting materials ranging from canvass to brushes and oil to water colours are provided to them absolutely free of cost. The 4500 sq ft Art Village thus provides a fertile soil and fecund ambience for nurturing creativity of artistes.

Bamboo Training

Inmates, especially women find a joyful respite by acquiring know how about Bamboo Crafting. They also get skilled in the production of similar handicrafts and fancy artifacts.

Bamboo Craft Training Centre

Now, children of Sai Niketan are provided training in engrossing bamboo crafts. Students, inmates and candidates from outside are led by an experienced resident trainer to the fascinating world of craft making using bamboo, the king of grasses.

Seed Ball Project

Seed Paper India, a Bangalore based organization provided training, for making seed balls to the children in our School and College. Thousands of such seed balls were made and used as a tool for reforestation and making our cities green again.

Making of a Beggar Free Capital City

This is not a day dream, but a daylight truth. Not a fantasy, but a fact – a true culmination of honest efforts. When the sense of equity and equality are endangered, there grows a feel of insecurity. The volcano of problems starts fuming in a society, when a segment of the society starves while others float on affluence. Seven years ago, the city of Thiruvananthapuram had a similar context when it was usual to find beggars coming in as refugees evoking a concomitant rise in criminal activities like kidnaping children, theft and abuses. Bringing a sweeping reformation was Sakshathkaram the benign initiative jointly launched by the Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram and Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust – Kerala. The scheme seeks to permanently plug the menace of begging through humanitarian initiatives that can eradicate starvation and miseries that prompt the downtrodden to resort to begging. The project has scored a whopping 90% success by appropriately rehabilitating about 90% of the city’s beggars. Shoulder to shoulder with the Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram, the Trust is untiringly carrying forward the mission with refurbished spirit and enthusiasm.

“Look at the world with the vision of peace, love, and compassion. Then the whole world will appear loving and peaceful.” Sai Baba

Nirbhaya

For empowering the mind, body and soul, art plays a big role and we try to reach out to different groups who would benefit greatly out of art, music and dance. Currently we are conducting music and dance classes in the “Nirbhaya home for protecting the victims of sex crimes”, run by the Social Justice Department.

Chaitanya Jyothi

Sri Sathya Sai Publications

This scheme envisages production of well-set publications about Sri Sathya Sai Baba and Sai Gramam. ‘Sai Mahima’ is a monthly published on 25th of every month propagating the divine discourses, messages and life mantras bequeathed by Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Each issue of the monthly carries placid compositions of Puttaparthy news, and creative contributions of students and inmates of Sai Gramam. Thus ‘Sai Mahima’ offers an enchanting sight of the activities of the Trust as well as the plush creativity sprouting under the roof of Sai Gramam. Sai Mahima’s English version is available online. The project could also bring forth a number of books written by renowned scholars. ‘Swamy Saranam’ by E.U. Madhavan; ‘Saiye Ariyan’ by Prof. Sasikumar; three parts of ‘Sai Gramam – Viswas - Santhi Dhamam’ by Mr. K.N. Anand Kumar are among the galaxy of literary works. ‘Sai Gramam – Viswasanthi Dhamam’ was released by the doyen of Malayalam literature, Dr. Sukumar Azhikode at a ceremony held at Sai Gramam. Production of an English translation of the book is currently underway.

Sai Darshan

If to distribute good thoughts among masses, there should be initiatives to tap the potentials of the mass media. Hence the Trust has telecast more than 900 episodes, a programme titled, ‘Sathyam, Sivam, Sundaram’ on Asianet News Channel through Fridays and Sundays for the past 13 years. The programme could instill upon the value of charity and other virtues in life. Sequel to this, a programme named, ‘Sai Darshan’ is telecast on Jai Hind TV at 8.30am on Sundays that remains to be the lone television programme in Malayalam speaking on Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Sai Darshan’s viewership is ever growing, testify the survey results.

Police Outpost

Functioning within Sai Gramam is an Outpost of Kerala Police, furthering the safety and security of all.

Vivekananda Museum

In its effort to establish the largest museum on Swami Vivekananda, the Sai Gramam could get due support from the Government of Kerala. The landmark project, which is a joint venture, was inaugurated by then Chief Minister, Mr. Oommen Chandy. Brainstorming and planning are progressing. Works for realizing the biggest museum may begin within a short span of time.

Lok Adalath

Sai Gramam extends a helping hand for the underprivileged, especially poor villagers in availing legal support on time. For those who can’t afford the cost of pursuing legal disputes with formal court suits, Sai Gramam’s Lok Adalath project provides necessary support.

Cloth Bank & Mobile Cloth Bank

Adjacent to the main entrance of Sai Gramam is a Cloth Collecting Centre. The Centre collects clothes from willing public and distributes cloths for the needy people including victims of natural calamities. At the same time, there is a Mobile Clothe Bank that travels through adjacent village localities, distributing clothes to the poor who are in dire need.

Sai Hastha

Free Training Centre for Women

For women belonging to the Mudakkal Panchayat, where Sai Gramam resides, a unique free training is offered for earning through crafting with yarns and fi bers. The free training is on vocational trades including banana fi ber craft, tailoring, and embroidery works. Mahila Samakhya is another project of the Trust that provides free training in the above trades and paper bag making exclusively for women in distress. This project is supported by Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society under the government of India scheme on Women Empowerment.

Free Computer Training Centre

At the free Computer Training Centre, the Trust offers free of cost computer knowledge for children and women. On an average, more than 500 people are trained at this centre.

Survey Programme

The Trust has taken up the onus of launching a survey at grassroots at Mudakkal Panchayat, where the Trust is situated. Various socioeconomic and demographic factors of the panchayat will be gathered, sorted and analysed to arrive at certain useful assumptions. Major objective of the survey is to convert the panchayat into liquor and litigation free one.

Yoga Class in Prison

Beyond certain limits, the long stances of solitude in places like prisons can cause severe damages to one’s mental and physical health. In order to solve such possible weighty consequences our prisoners suffer, Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust – Kerala has introduced a groundbreaking project of training Yoga for prisoners of Central Prison, Thiruvananthapuram. The scheme was inaugurated at the prison premises at a special function by Mr. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan then Minister of Home & Vigilence, Kerala. The Trust’s Yoga for Prisoners project is the fi rst of its sort in Kerala and fourth in the country. Jailbirds take Yoga lessons inside jail premises from acclaimed Yogacharya, Mr. Rajakrishna at 4pm on every Tuesday.