The final event in the Society’s Centenary Celebrations’ programme was hosted by the Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre on Sunday, 12 October 2025 at the Centre’s campus in Rose Heights, Arena Park, Chatsworth. Approximately 550 devotees, donors, well-wishers and members of the public attended the day’s programme that commenced at 8am with Homa, followed by stall visits and a tour of the Centre from 9am. Ganga Arati and Satsang were from 10.50am until 12.10pm. 

The sacred Homa, performed to the chants of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra created a deeply spiritual ambience on this beautiful morning. 

The tours of the Centre and stalls were excellently arranged and managed. The stalls and gardens were meticulously set up, and had an attractive and aesthetic appeal. The spectacular, educational tour of the pristine gardens offered a rare opportunity for devotees to appreciate and learn from nature. The focus on nature itself was fresh and inspirational. Closely linked to the nature theme were the demonstrations on manufacture of soya products. The natural healing exhibits, namely Homeopathy, Acupressure, Reflexology and Ayurveda were informative, educational and inspiring. The tour of the Computer Training Centre was indicative of the Centre’s community-centredness. These stalls and tours drew much interest and appreciation from the public.

The Sunlit Path Centre Schools’ programme video was watched by a large gathering in the Sports’ Hall. The programme conceived and implemented by Pujya Swami Sahajananda in 2006 focuses on assistance to youth to cope with social ills, namely drug addiction, smoking, suicidal tendencies, alcoholism, bullying and other related social ills. The Sewing Centre exhibition was equally impressive, showing the skill and dedication of those who have been part of this uplifting project. The counselling desk provided an insight into the myriads of activities of the Centre, giving advice on social ills, learning and study problems and skills, domestic issues and coping with social ills. For the first time, there was a Likhit Japa stall at a major Divine Life Society of South Africa function. Launched in January 2017 as a Centenary Celebrations’ initiative, the Likhit Japa and Japa Yoga campaigns have gained tremendous pace with hundreds of devotees doing Likhit Japa and Mantra chanting daily as part of their Sadhana. The Centre’s Sivananda Wisdom Group stall provided information on the activities of the Sivananda Wisdom Group, which meets every Wednesday, to provide a platform for discussions and activities designed to help the senior members of our community to cope with life’s challenges and for their spiritual evolution. These activities include Yoga, drill training, brain gym, health talks and spiritual discourses. 

Explanations on on-site rainwater harvesting (used to irrigate various seasonal organic crops), the various forms of gardening techniques, the development of a green house, natural composting and other eco-friendly initiatives, were novel and informative.

Hundreds of devotees and members of the public had the Darshan of Ganga Mata during Ganga Arati, for many a novel experience. The Satsang programme comprised a message on the Sunlit Path Centre and its activities and a message from the Society, as well as Kirtans and Bhajans.  The message on the Centre traced its inception and growth. Relevant excerpts attest to this. “This is the last project that was initiated by Pujya Swami Sahajananda in 2006, whilst in his physical form. It was a response to the challenges faced by the youth. Two heart rending letters addressed to Swamiji from desperate mothers of children who had fallen prey to the scourge of addiction, were the catalyst that gave rise to the Sunlit Path Programme and subsequently the establishment of the Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre. 

“Pujya Swamiji wrote, ‘The highlight of the complex will be the Sivananda Sunlit Club for children to educate them on how to keep away from drugs, gambling, sex etc. The most important instructions for Spiritual Darlings – Swamiji’s affectionate reference to children - will be how they should turn to God for protection against bad habits and that God is their true Friend, Mother and Father’.

“The Sivananda Sunlit Path Programme has kept to these principles and developed into a well-structured workshop which has been conducted in many parts of the province. To date, over 3 000 children have taken the pledge to refrain from, and cope with the problems of drug and alcohol addiction, suicidal tendencies and depression. They have thus become members of the prestigious Sunlit Club and receive a free supply of the quarterly magazine, Sunlit Path, which contains articles and stories to help them keep their resolves, with the motto of this Club being “God is My Guide”.

With the Grace of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre has shown steady growth and expansion since its opening on 10 April 2011. There is no doubt that this Centenary Celebration hosted at this Centre will act as a catalyst for further growth and expansion of this unique facility in a society riddled with socio-economic and societal ills. 

The community is urged to use the services at the Centre. One may contact the Centre on weekdays during office hours for details in respect of its activities and services, namely: free counselling for problems related to substance abuse, depression, family conflicts, chronic health conditions, poor school performance, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Reflexology, soya products, sewing and computer classes, gardening and garden products, and advice on a variety of health tonics and nature cure, amongst others.

The Sunlit Path Centre Organising Committee and devotees have taken the Sunlit Path Centre to new heights. Deepest appreciation and warmest congratulations go to all for their exceptional service, commitment and devotion. Their unity, dedication, and spirit of selfless offering have truly reflected the divine teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda in action. Through their tireless effort and unwavering faith, they have not only achieved excellence but also inspired others to walk the spiritual path with renewed enthusiasm and sincerity. Every task performed radiated love, discipline, and devotion - true marks of spiritual maturity. Their noble efforts and contributions in serving the Divine Mission are overwhelming. This was indeed a pristine and prestigious function – a fitting conclusion to the two-year Centenary Celebrations.

May the blessings of our beloved Gurudev, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda continue to guide, uplift, and strengthen all on the path of selfless service and spiritual growth through the Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre.