The Satsang Foundation has contributed its mite to the all-round and holistic improvement of society. The Pioneer interacts with the founder, Sri Madhukarnath, gaining more insights about their vision and mission.
Aarti Sreenath
The Satsang Foundation, founded nearly 25 years ago, embodies a mission rooted in ancient wisdom and selfless service. The Foundation plans, arranges and carries out actions and projects that lead to actual transformation and improvement in human thinking for a more inclusive and genuinely united global community.
With their goals and tasks based on the joint aims of caring for humanity and seeking the truth, they aim to assist individuals in discovering ways to broaden their spiritual perspectives and live a multidimensional life.
Sri Madhukarnath, also popularly known as Sri M, the Foundation’s current leader, recounts its origins: “The Satsang Foundation began with a mission given to me by my guru, Maheshwarnath Baba Ji. He was a humble figure, not known for fame or material wealth, and he tasked me with spreading ancient wisdom. With the help of a few devoted friends, we established the Satsang Foundation in the late 1990s. We chose the name ‘Satsang’ to reflect our mission—‘Sat’ means truth, and ‘Sang’ signifies a community of seekers. Our aim has always been to teach and serve without seeking personal recognition.”
At the heart of the Foundation’s work is the principle of universal happiness, derived from the ancient Upanishadic teaching, “Loka samasta sukheeno bhavantu,” which translates to “May all beings be happy.” He further elaborates, “This idea guides our efforts both spiritually and practically. We are committed to this principle, which transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. We follow the Kriya Yoga tradition and offer its teachings free of charge to those genuinely interested. While Sri Guru Balaji and Maheshwarnath Baba Ji are the founders, I currently lead the Foundation, which is registered in Bengaluru but operates mainly in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh.”
The Satsang Foundation’s engagement with the local community is multifaceted. “Our free schools serve underprivileged children by providing them with education, yoga, physical activities and nutritious meals,” Sri M explains, adding, “These schools are funded entirely by donations, which allows us to maintain independence from government interference. The children often view the schools as their second home, and they appreciate the holistic education and care we provide.”
In addition to educational initiatives, the Foundation operates a 100-bed hospital in Madanapalle that offers free medical care. “Our hospital is fully equipped to provide comprehensive care at no cost to patients. The only fees are for medicines, which are charged at minimal rates. This setup ensures that we can offer high-quality medical services to those in need without financial burden.”
Reflecting on the initial challenges faced by the Foundation, Sri M acknowledges the skepticism and financial difficulties: “In the beginning, we encountered skepticism and financial constraints. People questioned our intentions and legitimacy. Despite these challenges, we remained focused on our mission of selfless service. Over time, we gained the support of volunteers and donors, which helped us overcome these initial hurdles.”
The Foundation is deeply involved in environmental and social projects. One such initiative is “Myrthri,” which encourages individuals to adopt and care for saplings to address deforestation. “Through Myrthri, we provide plants to individuals who are responsible for their care. This project helps combat deforestation and promotes environmental stewardship. We’ve advocated for tree planting wherever trees are cut down, working with highway ministers to implement this practice.”
Furthering their environmental efforts, the Foundation is engaged in water conservation projects, including creating kunds to retain water and cleaning rivers like the Godavari. “We have been working on various environmental projects, such as creating kunds to help conserve water and cleaning rivers to improve water quality. Our work on the Godavari River, for example, has helped restore its natural beauty and ecological health.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation provided essential services and psychological support. They offered oxygen supplies, arranged hospital transfers, and provided other essential services. Sri M recalls, “Additionally, we broadcasted meditation teachings worldwide, including to the WHO Headquarters in Geneva, to help people cope with the psychological impacts of the pandemic. Many individuals reached out to us, expressing their gratitude for the support during such a difficult time.”
Sri M’s motivation to continue the Foundation’s work stems from a deep conviction in the potential for positive change. “No matter how much we suffer or face challenges, we must prove to the world that we need community and mutual support,” he says. “Humanity still holds a spark of goodness, even if it is sometimes obscured. By nurturing this spark, we can create a harmonious and flourishing existence for all. My message is to view the world as our shared responsibility and to take care of it for future generations. We must focus on nurturing the goodness within us to build a better world.”
Looking to the future, the Foundation is preparing for the 2028 Kumbh Mela, with the goal of making it a plastic-free event. “Our vision for the 2028 Kumbh Mela is to eliminate plastic waste,” Sri M states.
