One Million Steps to Swami’s 100th Birthday, Australia

In 2023, on Aradhana Mahotsavam Day, SSSIO Australia launched the One Million Steps sadhana as an offering to Swami, leading up to His 100th Birthday. Inspired by His words that if we take a step toward Swami, He takes a hundred steps toward us, the volunteers resolved to take a million steps toward Him. The participants committed to taking 1,000 steps daily, dedicating each step consciously to Swami, with individual totals contributing to a cumulative virtual journey across the country. The initiative combined personal sadhana with meaningful service. Along the virtual route, participants partnered with local organizations to support the homeless, families in financial hardship, Indigenous communities, and victims of natural disasters. Environmental initiatives were also included, with tree and shrub planting, workshops, and other projects aimed at improving local surroundings.

By 2024, the program had expanded globally, reaching Sai devotees in 18 countries. To date, 342 participants have completed 164 million steps, covering 109,682 km, with contributions from senior adults, adults, young adults, and SSE (Sai Spiritual Education) students.

Through 18 major projects in Australia, the project has had a tangible impact: 1,000 families received groceries, 10,000 blankets and 3,000 beanies were distributed, 2,500 birthing kits were assembled, 10 hours of Gayatri chanting were performed, and 4,000 trees and shrubs were planted. Each step and service project reflects Swami’s teaching, transforming personal devotion into acts of love, care, and service for communities. Encouraged by its success, the One Million Steps program will continue, expanding both the cumulative step count and the number of service initiatives.