From Skills to Self-Reliance: 2 day National Sri Sathya Sai Skill Development Meet Opens at Prasanthi Nilayam-“Skill development must empower lives, build character and become an instrument of Seva” – Sri R. J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust*

Puttaparthi:Indian News Times: Prasanthi Nilayam witnessed a meaningful confluence of purpose, service and commitment as members of Sri Sathya Sai Skill Development Centres (SDCs) from across India gathered for a two-day All India Meet on October 9 and 10, 2026, organised by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – India.

The meet seeks to strengthen, streamline and systematise the ongoing skill development initiatives, enabling them to reach more deserving individuals and create sustainable opportunities for livelihood and self-reliance.

Across the country, more than 300 Skill Development Centres are nurturing livelihoods through an extraordinary range of over 3,700 products. What began with traditional vocational training in areas such as sewing, carpentry, agriculture and mechanical repairs has steadily expanded into a diverse spectrum of skills and products.

From laptop bags, carry bags and handbags to intricate embroidery, handicrafts, jewellery and traditional foods and snacks, the centres showcase the immense potential that can emerge when the right skills meet the right opportunities.

Yet, the true measure of this initiative lies not merely in the products created, but in the lives transformed.Through structured training and the formation of self-help groups, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations are extending a helping hand to individuals from less privileged backgrounds, equipping them with practical skills to earn a livelihood with dignity. The initiative enables beneficiaries to become economically self-reliant, contribute meaningfully to their families and build a more secure future for their children.

Many beneficiaries, in turn, become active members of the Organisation, carrying the spirit of Seva into their families and neighbourhoods and inspiring others to embark on a similar journey of empowerment.

A vibrant exhibition of products prepared by Skill Development groups offered a glimpse into this inspiring transformation. The variety, quality, remarkable finish and attention to detail reflected not only the technical proficiency of the beneficiaries, but also their perseverance, dedication and pride in their work.

*Sri R. J. Rathnakar inspires delegates*

Addressing the gathering, Sri R. J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, lauded the dedicated efforts of members of the Organisations and inspired them to further strengthen the Skill Development Centres.

He encouraged the participants to identify new avenues for upskilling beneficiaries, improving the quality of products, evolving systematic mechanisms for the effective functioning of the centres and expanding their reach to more deserving individuals.

Recalling Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s pioneering efforts in initiating vocational training programmes during the 1970s to equip and encourage youth, Sri R. J. Rathnakar highlighted the enduring relevance of these initiatives in addressing contemporary social and economic needs.

He also referred to the encouraging response to the recently concluded 40-day Tally and GST training programme for women in Puttaparthi, which has generated growing interest among prospective learners.

*Sri R. J. Rathnakar Visits Skill Development Exhibition*

Sri R. J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, visited the various stalls showcasing products prepared by beneficiaries who underwent skill development training through Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations across India. Appreciating the quality, creativity and dedication reflected in the products, he congratulated all the participants for their commendable efforts and wished them continued success and self-reliance.

The two-day meet provides a valuable platform for members to share experiences, exchange ideas and deliberate on practical strategies to improve the reach, effectiveness and sustainability of Skill Development Centres.

Inspired by Bhagawan’s boundless Love and guided by His teachings, these centres continue to transform:

Skills into Livelihoods → Livelihoods into Confidence → Confidence into Self-Reliance → Self-Reliance into Seva.

The initiative stands as a living expression of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision of empowering individuals with skills, dignity and the spirit of selfless service.

The programme was attended by Sri S. Koteswara Rao, National Seva Coordinator; Capt(Retired) VK KADAM, National skill development programs incharge, Sri A. Saravana Kumar, Deputy National Activity In-Charge, Skill Development; Sri R. Lakshmana Rao, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Andhra Pradesh; Sri R. Chandrasekharan, Joint National Seva Coordinator, and several other national, state and regional functionaries and delegates from across the country.