In this blogpost, you can find reflections on VIVA's team retreat, held in May 2025 at the Sarada Tapovan. Our team members share a witness account, a poem, a photo album and their key takeaways!
A Witness Account
- Anuradha MS (Bengaluru)
On 4th May 2025, in the cool morning air of Gurugram, one could hear joyous voices, witness deep hugs and delighted laughter, as colleagues/team members met and greeted each other, like long lost friends! Off we went on a day long journey, in comfortable buses, like a veritable platoon. The destination was compelling and sacred: Sarada Tapovan at Jaulangi, Uttarakhand.
The journey was arduous for those experiencing travel sickness; the rest made up in spirit and energy, as they discussed programs, progress, sang songs, or just narrated experiences. The view of the Himalayas and streams in the valleys, was stunning; heavy rain welcomed us as we arrived at our destination for the next three days.
Each day began on a spiritual note, with meditation at the serene Shrine, with just peace and bird song for company. The three days of intensive joint study that followed, truly behoves admiration and respect. The topics ranged from self-discovery, purpose, self-expression and Karma Yoga to merging professionalism in service.
Rev. Swami Shantatmanandaji Maharaj guided us through the tenets of self-discovery, based on the premise that almost all of us have no understanding of one’s true nature, or one’s purpose of life, so we are always looking outward, to mitigate the suffering/sorrow of one’s present birth. He urged us to look inward, with ‘vichara’, which would help in analyzing individual reactions to situations. Maharaj also stressed that as Karma Yogis, we have to connect with a higher ideal, to ensure that we serve without ego.
Neha Phull, helped us discover the purpose for our being at Jaulangi, at VIVA and in the world. The session on Journaling helped us all in anchoring our thoughts towards introspection, at individual and team levels.
Govind Singh Bisht’s session on merging professionalism in service focused on the fine finish that is so essential in the nature of service that VIVA offers.
While the above were extremely thought provoking and life changing moments, there was fun and frolic, over morning walks, exercise, meal times with creatively crafted games over evenings! The open sessions, where team members shared experiences, did bring tears of joy and sincerity, among many a brave heart.
As the buses rolled out on 8th May, towards Gurugram, there was a more intense sense of belonging, of purpose, of wanting to do one’s best and of course, that we are all Children of Maa – our loving Divine Mother.
Jai Maa Sarada!
जीवन मूल्यों पर चिंतन
- Sapna Sarkar (Indore)
A Tryst with Shraddha
- Rohit Biswa (Shillong)
Looking back on VIVA retreat 2025 at Sarada Tapovan, I feel I have received three valuable gifts which will last for long with me – some unforgettable memories, great experiences, and learning from impactful sessions.
- Firstly, I created many wonderful memories by meeting up team members whom I had only interacted or seen in virtual world. Meeting them face-to-face was full of fun and our time together was even more special.
- Secondly, the experience was incredible from taking my first-ever solo trip to sharing a room, attending sessions in a conference hall, going for a morning exercise, trekking and sharing a dining table with senior team members to the laughter, stories, and guidance I received during these moments taught me not only how to grow in life but also how to improve on the field.
- The sessions led by Maharaj Ji, Neha Ma’am, and Govind Sir were impactful. But the one by Karthik Sir will be memorable session because it was about experience-sharing by our senior team members. Their stories showed me how the program has transformed their lives.
At last, I just want to say that I learned the true meaning of faith and Shraddha—which to me means respect, care, love, and support for one another.
A team that serves, sustains!
- Sritama Roy (Kolkata)
The first thing that struck me most was Maharaj ji’s incredible willpower and selfless dedication to serve humanity. I was wondering how a monk could establish so much—not for himself, but for the greater good. I also observed the compassion and teamwork among few other team members as well—whether it was drying wet clothes or caring for the unwell, the spirit of service was everywhere.
I realized that when we focus on others or a larger cause, our own problems feel smaller, making us happier and more fulfilled.
Another key takeaway was the importance of open communication. This retreat gave us the opportunity to know each other and resolution of conflicts through an honest dialogue exchange, which is crucial for a diverse team like VIVA for strengthening our team bonding.
Overall, the retreat recharged me with positivity and motivation for the year ahead. I truly look forward to more such rejuvenating experiences annually.
Experiential Learning
- Bornali Pandit (Chandigarh)
Engraved forever in the heart
- Priya Ruidas (Mumbai)
I feel blessed that I was a part of the retreat which was held in Jaulangi, Uttrakhand. I got a chance to meet the VIVA family and bonded well with the whole team. It was a great experience. The retreat centre is on the lap of the mighty Himalayas which signifies how much dedication, conviction, perfection and care went into bringing Maharaj’s vision to life. I was completely in awe of what Maharaj has built for all our benefit. I experienced the vibration of the divine nature, the calmness of the mountains and peace in that place where it is easy to connect with oneself.
Apart from the beauty of that place that we enjoyed, there were interesting sessions for us which were conducted by Revered Maharaj ji and other teammates. They helped me gain much needed insight. I learnt how I can reflect on things in my mind. I was able to understand through Maharaj Ji's sessions, that though it is not easy to find peace in carrying out our work or actions, there are some practices that can be adopted that can bring the much-needed peace we work towards. As a normal person, even I can become a Karma yogi. I gained a new perspective on VIVA’s program and understood how it is related to our life. I also got a chance to talk with Maharaj ji one on one that I think was the highlight of the retreat for me. The clarity that I received after speaking to him is helping me play my new role effectively.
I would like to conclude by saying that it was an unforgettable experience with lots of lovely memories. I will always keep those memories in my heart with love and care.
शारदा तपोवन में तीन दिवसीय कार्यशाला से मेरी सीख
- Ravi Sharma (Ajmer)
पहले दिन मैने महाराज जी के सेशन से सीखा की हम विषय, प्रयोजन, अधिकारी, सम्बंध इन चारों में तालमेल बिठाते है तो हम सभी स्वयं की खोज कर सकते है।
नेहा मेडम के सेशन से सीखा इच्छा और उद्देश्य में क्या अंतर है और हमें हमारा उद्देश्य स्पष्ट होना बहुत जरूरी है ।
दूसरे दिन महाराज जी के सेशन में सीखा शिव ज्ञान से जीव सेवा करना हमे कर्मयोगी बनाता है।
गोविंद सर के सेशन से सीखा हम हमारे द्वारा किए जाने वाले कार्यों को सेवा भाव के साथ करे तो हम स्वयं का ओर हमारी संस्था कंपनी का विकास कर सकते है।
वहां के शांत वातावरण से सीखा की हम हमारे मन को शांत रख कर कार्य को बेहतरीन ढंग से कर सकते है।
A Pen Picture
- Shatarupa Dutta (Faridabad)
In the quietude of the Himalayas,
