“Peace and joy are to be found only among these little children… These children are fresh charming saplings, who can be made, by care and love, to blossom into ideal citizens of this land, able to understand and practise the great disciplines laid down by the sages for their liberation, through self-realisation.” - Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 9 (1969)

Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi: 15 schools across 5 districts.. 1200 lives touched.. Forever transformed...

Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi

The world of ‘vidya’ or knowledge is a lifelong journey and opportunity for self-transformation. A child enters school filled with courage, aspirations, and ambitions. Often, they come from diverse cultural backgrounds where social divides and constructs restrict their potential and limit their ability to explore the world within and beyond themselves. In this context, the school becomes a sacred space where children can learn to break free from the chains of social inequalities, biases and norms, and lack of access to high-end privileged resources—these are unspoken fault lines that weigh them down from an early age.

Let us ponder: Is the purpose of education solely to secure a job? Or are there other milestones, other essential human needs, that are often overlooked amidst ambitions that parents seek and teachers aim to fulfil?

All answers are divine when we reflect and understand what Bhagawan teaches; that the goal of human life is to embody five core values: Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love), and Ahimsa (Non-violence).

Sri Sathya Sai: “End of Education is Character”

These values reflect the true character of an individual. Thus, the role of a school is to cultivate character by helping students internalise these values. As Swami says, “The end of education is character.”

From the tender age of a toddler, parents entrust their child to school—a sanctuary of learning and care. School becomes their world, where each day the child observes, engages, learns, thinks and grows. Here, they shape their identity, understanding both the world within and the world around them. In their lives, Vidya (knowledge) becomes the Jyothi (light) that illuminates their path.

Through the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi Program, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Delhi-NCR motivates and enhances the learning experience of students across the adopted schools. A journey of transformation begins as every step is taken to improve, strengthen and nurture the learning ecosystem in which the schools function.

Spanning four phases, the program functions are as follows-

Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi Program in Delhi-NCR:

Energising School Children

With lively stories, storytelling sessions, hands-on activities, and music, students are energised and their imagination is sparked. The school transforms into a sacred place, where learning flows naturally from moments of joy. This phase draws out the inner happiness of students and their sense of awe, filling them with eagerness to return the following day - ready to laugh, play, and bond with their friends. These activities cultivate a powerful sense of unity, forming connections that may otherwise be hard to create. In this learning environment, friendship and brotherhood take root, growing deeper with each shared experience.

Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi Program in Delhi-NCR:

Empowering Students Through Character Building and Bal Vikas

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, "Self-confidence is the foundation on which the mansion of self-realisation can be built."

To shape students into empowered individuals who learn to have confidence in their own abilities, this program focuses on nurturing their capacities, character, and capabilities. At the heart of this phase is the holistic well-being of each student.

In this context, Bal Vikas instils the values of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love), and Ahimsa (Non-violence) through a diverse spectrum of multifaceted educational activities— drama, sports, devotional singing, art, and craft. 

Medical camps place importance on the health of the child and involve teachers and parents in the overall growth and well-being of the child.

Teachers are the torchbearers of this great and noble endeavour of emerging and empowering students throughout their school years.

Parenting sessions bridge the gap between teachers, parents and society.

By empowering every stakeholder in this Educare process, the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi program in Delhi-NCR ensures that students grow into confident, resilient, and truly empowered young adults.

Bhagawan lovingly says, “A good character is the greatest wealth you can acquire.” (Divine Discourse, December 11, 1985)

Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyoti Program in Delhi-NCR: Equipping students through holistic learning

As a trusted sanctuary for learning, exploration, and self-discovery, a school marks a young student’s first step into society. Every school serves as a child’s second home and a temple of knowledge, a place that is a sanctuary - caring, comfortable, and supportive - of every student’s growth. In this early phase of schooling, a child’s attention is also drawn to the physical environment of the school. From fresh coats of paint in classrooms to properly completed repairs and expanded facilities, improvements create a vibrant, welcoming campus. This renewed, joyful, and inclusive atmosphere inspires not only students but also teachers, fueling a shared enthusiasm for learning. Further, it ignites in young minds a deep ‘sense of belonging’—a feeling that this school is truly their own space to thrive in and to blossom.

Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyoti Program in Delhi-NCR: Evolving

A conducive school environment coupled with values-centric nourishment is what gradually empowers the caterpillar to evolve and transform into a butterfly. Once it emerges from the cocoon, the butterfly soars joyfully, embracing the vibrant world around it.

This is the phase of engagement—of connecting and interacting with its community. As students dive into community activities through this program, each student experience shapes their perspective, widening their horizons. At this impressionable age, they learn what it means to be a part of a shared society—one built by lending a hand, breaking down socio-economic barriers, and feeling unity in the depths of their hearts.

The students also participate in activities like community service, cleanliness drives, and tree planting, thereby evolving and growing a true sense of belonging and integration with their school community.

Further, the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi program in Delhi-NCR aims to expand its reach to 25 schools by 2025 from the current number of 15 schools. Given that there are regulatory permissions from Municipal Corporation Delhi (MCD) in place to enable working with 100 primary schools across Delhi-NCR, the SSSVJ program in Delhi-NCR is gradually making a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of students.

The discipline of the Self is the basic foundation for successful living.

-         Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Prasanthi Vahini