Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba started Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) in 1960 and called it Bal Vikas, its main being blossoming of Human Excellence. Bal Vikas, a Sanskrit word translates to “Blossoming of the Child”. It also aims to ensure development of oneself and allow spiritual transformation. Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa are the five human values. Bal-Vikas introduces these concepts with the aim of allowing the children to manifest these values by putting them into practice in their daily lives. The Bal Vikas programme emphasises all three aspects of (S) Service (A) Adoration and (I) Illumination and aims to provide students an all-round education including the devotional and spiritual aspect.
This is a nine year programme designed for children between the ages of 4 years old to 16 years old.
Bal Vikas Term Dates 2026/2027
“Unless Knowledge is transformed into wisdom, And wisdom is expressed in character, Education is a wasteful process. If education confers this gift of transformation, Then life will become peaceful, happy and Full of mutual help and co-operation. “
Educational activities include the teaching and practice of the five universal Human Values: Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Non-Violence.
Objectives of Bal Vikas (SSE)
Bal Vikas is the primary basis of the great movement to restore righteousness in the world.
The aim is to guide and mould children from an early age, so they acquire and practice the right values in life, and learn to live with discipline and simplicity.
Bal Vikas Classes start for a child under the age of 4 years in our Playgroup class where in the children sit in with their parents, grand parent or guardian. The children then move onto a classroom set up which is our Nursery (Age 4-6 years). They then move on to Group 1 (Age 6-9 years), followed by Group 2 (Age 9-12) and finally complete the course at the age of 15 in Group 3 (Age 12-15).
Then they can progress to Group 4 which was previously known as LOTUSS [Life’s opportunity to Understand Self and Spirituality] program which is for young teenagers aged 15 to 18 years old.
Apart from having normal lessons, the children also take part in extra activities. They are: Workshops, Study Circles, Library, Assembly, Bal Vikas Bhajans, Rehearsals for Celebrations, Fun Days, Sports Day, Service Activities
Sathya Sai’s Early Life on Radio Sai. The Radio Sai Team have done an amazing job in researching and narrating the events in Swami’s life in such great detail with rare photos. Watch the series of episodes on Radio Sai, where each episode is around 25 minutes in duration and will be a joy to watch and listen to the Sai Katha.
Bal Vikas Newsletters. Find out the latest information at Centre, Regional and National level.
Try our Spiritual Word Searches…………
Try our special Jigsaw Puzzles……………..
Try the Educational Quizzes…………………..
Five Teaching Techniques are used in Bal Vikas to effectively impart the spiritual knowledge. They are:
SILENT SITTING / MEDITATION
Helps build up concentration, efficiency and devotion.
Awakens the awareness of truth about the Divine Consciousness.
Emphasises Truth, Peace, Love
PRAYERS/ DEVOTIONAL SONGS
Inspires faith and devotion.
Acquaints and builds a relationship with God and gives peace and joy. Emphasises all 5 values.
STORY TELLING
The inner significance lies in the Moral Values in each story.
The children are inspired by great men and women.
Emphasises all the 5 Values.
GROUP ACTIVITIES
Teaches co-operation, tolerance, unity and sharing.
Brings out the creative flair.
Emphasises Right Action, Love, Truth, Non-Violence.
ROLE PLAY
Gives confidence, teaches unity co-operation and team work.
Emphasises Non-Violence, Right Action and Love.