Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals CSR, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate, has successfully completed the sacred Sai Baba Vrat — a spiritual practice observed over nine consecutive Thursdays. Beginning on Guru Purnima (July 10, 2025) and culminating on September 4, 2025, the vrat is a profound observance rooted in devotion, self-discipline, and surrender, symbolizing both inner healing and service to society.
For centuries, the Sai Baba Vrat has been regarded as a spiritual discipline that not only deepens faith but also aligns the devotee with Baba’s timeless teachings of humility, patience, and selfless giving. For Upasana, this journey was more than ritual — it became a deeply personal experience that blended spirituality with social responsibility.
A Journey of Devotion and Introspection
Reflecting on her nine-week observance, Upasana shared her experience with gratitude and humility:
“Taking up the Sai Baba Vrat has been a journey of devotion, discipline, and healing. Baba has given me more than I could have ever expected and I am ever grateful.”
Each Thursday of the vrat, she immersed herself in prayer, meditation, and reflection, seeking not material gains but spiritual clarity. The practice, she said, allowed her to slow down, detach from the rush of daily life, and reconnect with the values of gratitude and compassion.
For someone who juggles multiple responsibilities as a corporate leader, philanthropist, and public figure, this discipline became a grounding force. By dedicating nine consecutive weeks to silence, prayer, and service, Upasana reinforced her long-held belief that true wellness goes beyond physical health and encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual balance.
The Seva Initiative: Athamma’s Kitchen Leads with Compassion
To mark the successful completion of her vrat, Upasana extended her gratitude in the form of seva (service). Staying true to Sai Baba’s philosophy of serving humanity, she launched a thoughtful initiative through Athamma’s Kitchen, a culinary project that celebrates traditional recipes and community service.
The initiative introduced Sai Baba Vrat Kits, specially curated for devotees who wished to participate in the vrat with ease and authenticity. Each kit was symbolic, offering the essentials needed for observance. More importantly, Upasana pledged that for every kit purchased, nine meals would be served to those in need.
This simple yet powerful model of “give and receive” beautifully embodied Sai Baba’s teaching that “Service to humanity is service to God.” It was not just about encouraging devotion among devotees but also about ensuring that their act of faith translated into nourishment and comfort for underprivileged communities.
Impact in Numbers: 945 Meals of Love
The seva initiative resonated strongly with devotees and well-wishers, garnering an enthusiastic response. A total of 105 Sai Baba Vrat Kits were purchased, which directly translated into the preparation and distribution of 945 wholesome meals on the final day of the vrat.
The meals, prepared with utmost care by Athamma’s Kitchen, included traditional Pongal and Kesari — dishes often associated with offerings and prasadam, symbolizing purity and devotion. What made the act more special was not just the food itself, but the spirit in which it was cooked and served: with love, gratitude, and reverence.
On that concluding day, the act of distributing meals went beyond charity; it became a celebration of community, togetherness, and shared faith. For many recipients, the simple meal carried with it not just nourishment but also the warmth of being remembered and cared for.
Blending Faith with Service
Upasana’s observance of the Sai Baba Vrat and her seva initiative underline a powerful message — that spirituality need not be confined to personal rituals alone. Instead, it can flow outward, touching lives and making a tangible difference in society.
Sai Baba’s two guiding principles, Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience), were echoed at every step of this initiative. The vrat symbolized faith and discipline, while the seva effort showcased patience and compassion in action.
In today’s fast-paced world, where spirituality often risks being reduced to personal gain or convenience, initiatives like these remind us of the true essence of devotion — the blending of prayer with purpose, and worship with work.
A Modern Example of Spiritual Leadership
What makes this observance particularly noteworthy is how Upasana has redefined the role of modern spiritual leadership. As a young business leader, a mother, and a wellness advocate, she demonstrated that spiritual practices are not separate from professional or personal life but can enrich them.
Her act of tying seva to the completion of the vrat reflects a progressive way of living faith — one that moves beyond ritualistic observance and actively contributes to social good. It is this balance between tradition and modernity, prayer and practice, faith and action, that positions her journey as an example for others to follow.
Conclusion: Gratitude in Action
Upasana Konidela’s completion of the Sai Baba Vrat with the seva initiative through Athamma’s Kitchen stands as a testament to the power of devotion expressed through service. By feeding 945 individuals, she not only honored her spiritual commitment but also amplified Sai Baba’s eternal message of compassion and unity.
As she expressed gratitude to Sai Baba for guiding her through this journey, her initiative also became a reminder that true devotion blossoms when it extends beyond the self and embraces the larger community.
In a time when acts of faith often remain private, Upasana has shown how spirituality can be both personal and universal — an inner journey that radiates outward in the form of love, service, and shared humanity.
Faith, discipline, and healing found their perfect culmination in seva. For Upasana, this journey was not just about completing a vrat but about living Baba’s teaching: to serve, to share, and to surrender with gratitude.
