Six months of labour of love in the name of Bhagawan found its
fulfillment on 30th Jan 2010 when the Hyderabad Youth were profusely
blessed by Bhagawan with a an exclusive Divine Discourse at the
Poornachandra Auditorium that lasted for more than 90 minutes.
Encouraging the folks for their selfless service activities changing
lives of many, Bhagawan advised them to continue the good work
following the dictates of their conscience.
Starting off in His inimitable style making a mention of the
illustrious life of Savitri, who with her unsullied devotion could
win back the life of her husband Sathyavan from the hands of the
Lord of death, Bhagawan narrated the illustrious sacrificial story
of Chandramathi and Harischandra bringing home the point that Truth
wins in the long run. Everything comes out of Truth and Truth alone
comes to our rescue in the long run and finally everything merges
back into Truth, exhorted Bhagawan.
None can escape the consequences of one’s own actions. Pain and
pleasure do not persist for long. Everything is the result of
reaction, reflection and resound. One should do good and remain to
be good added Bhagawan, pressing the point that God is beyond any
desire and is the eternal witness.
Touching upon the Upanishadic Truth that consciousness within is the
Self – the Aham Brahmasmi principle, Tat Tvam Asi and Ayam Atman
Brahma, Bhagawan said that none are born with any name; names are
given by parents after birth; all are essentially Atman. Atma has no
definite form. The So-hum, the process of inhalation and exhalation,
goes on throughout one’s life which indicates that one is supreme
consciousness itself.
Dwelling upon the relationships on the physical terrain, Bhagawan
said, relationships are born out of illusion. In fact, there is only
One exists and He is the One, the Supreme Consciousness. Referring
to an incident during the visit of Kanchana Mala, film actor from
early Tollywood, over forty years ago, Bhagawan drew home the point
that the whole world is nothing, but an illusory puppet show.
Kanchana Mala who observed long silence wanted to merge back into
the Divine. She openly declared that she was one with the Divine and
thus could not afford to be associated with anyone anymore. She
merged back into the Divine ten days after her departure from
Puttaparthi. Life is a puppet show organized and witnessed in the
physical terrain, said Bhagawan declaring that Bhagawan is not
separate from others.
Bhagawan further spoke about the mind, its monkey nature,
meditation, God figures came out of painter’s imagination etc.
before calling upon the two youth speakers for the session to
interact with them on the dais.
Taking cue from what He spoke just before, upon calling the second
speaker from the Hyderabad Youth, Ravi Kiran, Bhagawan asked about
his name. Chiding the speaker lovingly for his ‘routine worldly’
answer Bhagawan said that the name Ravi Kiran was given by his
parents for the body and his true name is Atma. Interacting closely
with the speaker Bhagawan materialized a chain for Ravi Kiran
blessing him profusely. “Time waste is life waste, do not waste
time”. “Do not have any more illusion; do not have too many thoughts
of activities, know by yourself the reality and concentrate on the
principles of reaction, reflection and resound. Your own words will
come back to you; action is bound to have reaction” said Bhagawan
interacting with the speaker, apparently advising the assembled
youth brigade.
The other speaker for the evening, Sai Gollapudi, was also called on
stage and Bhagawan repeated the same question about his name. This
time, having learnt from the ‘previous’ experience the speaker chose
to give a wise answer. He replied: “Sai Prasad”, literally meaning
the same. Upon hearing his full name “Sai Prasad Gollapudi” Bhagawan
repeated the same advice given to the previous speaker telling that
these are names given by parents to the temporal body and the real
eternal name is “Atma” alone. He further assured the youth, “Call me
by any name, I will respond…there is no difference between
names….forms are based on the paintings done by Ravi Varma. To the
speaker’s prayer for benediction to continue his activities with
much more vigour, Bhagawan advised the youngster to go by His
conscience as Swami is always there.
Earlier the session started at 4 pm with Prof. Anil Kumar starting
the proceedings with his eloquent speech in Telugu that lasted for
over 90 minutes until Bhagawan arrived at 5:30 pm.
Anil Kumar who had a distinguished career in the educational field,
served as faculty in Andhra Christian College for 25 years. Later
from 1989 to 1995, he served in the Brindavan Campus of Sri Sathya
Sai University (then Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning) as
Principal and afterwards is serving as faculty of Biosciences in
Prasanthi Nilayam Campus.
He was introduced as the dynamic speaker
and above all as the translator of Bhagawan’s Discourses. He has
written dozens of books on Swami and travelled across the globe and
interacted with over lakhs of devotees.
He began speaking about the predicament of different people coming
to Prasanthi Nilayam. Our visit to Prasanthi Nilayam is not like the
planned visits we make to other places. People who made elaborate
arrangements to visit Prasanthi Nilayam could not do so due to some
other preoccupations at the last moment. At the same time, people
who did not have any travel plans to visit this place were drawn to
this place. Our visit to this place is neither our effort nor
election nor nomination, but Swami’s selection, said the learned
speaker. Sri Anil Kumar said that it is the 46th year of his
teaching profession. Please don’t think otherwise, “A teacher has no
retirement. A teacher is an evergreen hero. A teacher needs to
update himself constantly. When he does so, he becomes dear to
students.”
Speaking on what is true education, Sri Anil Kumar said, “If one
follows the teachings of Baba, that will suffice, one need not
browse through various books nor listen to speeches by scholars.
Once a hamlet, which did not have even a school or a primary health
centre, has now a university, a super speciality hospital, an
airport, and all these has been achieved by a single individual. Now
this place, Puttaparthi is internationally acclaimed.
Only one
person is responsible for all this – Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Baba led an ideal life right from His childhood. He is a role model
for all students. One should lead a simple life, and not a luxurious
life in the student days. This will surely help him in later life.
An Avatar incarnates to show by His own example, how an ideal life
should be led, said the reputed speaker.
The erudite speaker further elaborated on Bhagawan’s life and how
His life is a message for the entire humanity. Sri Anil Kumar said
that Bhagawan exhorts us to run away from bad company and have the
company of the good and noble to make our life ideal. Bhagawan’s
life is a saga of love, we too should lead a life of love, said the
speaker. Seriousness is sickness, so lead a happy life full of
bliss. Religion is love, religion is celebration. Become recipients
of His grace, said Sri Anil Kumar.
Though the speaker dilated at length for almost one and a half
hours, the students and the dignitaries alike were captivated by the
speaker’s unique style of narration of various events and they
listened in rapt attention all through his speech.
Bhagawan Arrives…
Bhagawan arrived at 5:30 pm to the accompaniment of Vedic chanting.
The first speaker for the session was Sai Gollapudi, who completed
his higher secondary education from Easwaramma School and Sri Sathya
Sai Vidya Vihar, Hyderabad. Holding a Masters in Electrical
Engineering from Purdue University, Sai was a member of Scientific
Staff at Nortel and had been heading the R & D Team, Nokia, until
2007. He is currently pursuing his doctoral programme in Cognitive
Science at IIIT, Hyderabad.
The speaker, divulging in detail about the initiatives taken to
organize and motivate the youth, was categorical in expressing his
grateful thanks to Bhagawan on behalf of the Hyderabad Youth. For
all that Swami has given the Youth wanted to share the joy and love
with the society. Motivated by the Hyderabad Youth, the youth who
were called in for the preliminary camp were co-operative and
willing to listen, said Gollapudi praying to Swami for further
blessings and guidance. The saga of greater effort that spanned for
over six months with canvassing the youth from various educational
institutions, pooling over seven to eight thousand youth, bringing
them under one fold imparting awareness about value based education
and service that finally culminated at the Lotus Feet with bringing
over 1300 Youth were explained in detail by the speaker.
The next speaker was Sri Ravi Kiran Sripada, an MBA from Illinois
University, US and the Youth co-ordinator of Sri Sathya Sai Seva
Organisations, Hyderabad. Sri Ravi Kiran spoke about the "Sri Sathya
Sai Reprogramming Lives Programme", an initiative by the Sri Sathya
Sai Youth of Hyderabad. Over eight hundred students have been
trained with right skills and thus have been benefitted by earning
secured jobs under the scheme. Sai Youth working with various MNCs
would assemble at Shivam Bhajan Hall at 6 pm to conduct the training
programme till 9 in the night. Divulging inspiring anecdote from the
lives of beneficiaries Ravi Kiran highlighted the moral
transformation in many lives that have come into affect once the
Reprogramming programme was initiated. Graduation Ceremony, a new
concept that would motivate these almost forlorn, neglected by the
society had greater impact, said the speaker narrating some
heart-touching incidents in the lives of some of the beneficiaries.
The Educationists’ Conclave, as it was christened, was attended by
eight Vice Chancellors from various universities from Andhra Pradesh
along with scores of senior administrators from various Andhra based
educational Institutions.
Bhagawan, upon coming into the Venue at 5:30 went amidst the Vice
Chancellors for a brief interaction blessing them all. All the Vice
Chancellors greeted Bhagawan with Roses as token of their love and
reverence.
The three day Youth programme had other lecture sessions with
various research scholars and faculties from Sri Sathya Sai
University addressing the congregation. The speakers for the 29th
evening were Sri Srinivas Srirangarajan, the Controller of
Examinations, Sri Sathya Sai University, Sri Amey Deshpande and Sri
Jagdish Chandra, both research scholars, and the speakers for 30th
January were Sri Sanjay Sahni, Principal, Sri Sathya Sai College,
Brindavan, Sri Shashank Shah and Sri Sai Giridhar, both research
scholars.
On the 31st January morning, the youth were taken to the Chaitanya
Jyothi Musuem giving them a visual experience of many things they
have heard over the months.
In the evening, the Youth completed their three day pilgrimage with
a bouquet of songs entitled “Sri Sathya Sai Sangeeta Vibhavari”,
that contained eight numbers including a patriotic mix. This was
followed by an array of bhajans, typical of Hyderabad Youth flavor.
Bhagawan blessed the youth brigade giving away safari pieces to all
the members. Bhagawan also blessed Y. Srinivas, Convener, Sri Sathya
Sai Grama Seva Trust with a materialized ring. At the end Bhagawan
blessed the entire contigent with a group photo session.
Earlier on 30th Jan, Bhagawan inaugurated the second phase of the
Sai Manonmani Nurses’ Residential Complex, built as an extension to
the existing residential complex adjacent to the Sri Sathya Sai
Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram.
The second
phase, a three story block, has 48 quarters meant for inhabiting
nurses and technicians.
Bhagawan arrived at the Venue at 4:10 pm on the 20th evening
officially inaugurating the block by unveiling the plaque with a
remote device.
Later Bhagawan went around the ground floor block
blessing the personnel involved in the Mission before retiring after
spending around forty-five minutes. The extension block is a loving
offering from Dr. VKPillay and Family.
Dr. VK Pillay is a renowned
Orthopedic Surgeon and a long time devotee of Bhagawan based in
Singapore.
January 30, 2010 –
Sri Sathya Sai Hyderabad Youth Conference – Day Two
The previous day (Jan 29)
many of the youth from Hyderabad had their first taste of Divinity
as they basked in the joy of His darshan. On 30th, they
were again immersed in His Love as eloquent speakers addressed them
in the Poornachandra Auditorium. Swami was expected to grace the
auditorium during the evening session.
The 3-day youth programme had other lecture sessions with various
research scholars and faculty members from Sri Sathya Sai University
addressing the congregation. The speakers for the 29th evening were
Mr. Srinivas Srirangarajan, the Controller of Examinations, Sri
Sathya Sai University, Mr. Amey Deshpande and Mr. Jagdish Chandra,
both research scholars.
The speakers for 30th
evening were Mr. Sanjay Sahani, Principal, Brindavan campus of Sri
Sathya Sai University, Mr. Shashank Shah and Mr. Sai Giridhar, both
research scholars. There were many guests of honour for the session
which included vice chancellors of many universities in Andhra
Pradesh like the Kakatiya University and the Osmania University.
Also planned for that day’s evening was the opening of a second
phase of buildings at Sai Manonmani, the nurses quarters at the Sri
Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram.
At about 4:10 p.m., Swami
arrived out of Yajur Mandir and sitting in the car, headed straight
towards the hospital. By 4:30 p.m., Swami alighted at the entrance
of the new building. He was greeted by the Director of the SSSIHMS
and Dr. Pillai from Singapore who had been instrumental in the
construction of the new buildings. Accepting roses from the family
members of the doctor too, Swami moved up the red-carpeted ramp.
He was given a remote and
He pressed the button to draw away the curtains that covered the
commemorative stone. A small round of claps went around the selected
audience gathered there. Those sitting on either sides of the carpet
handed Him letters and took namaskar.
Reaching the end of
the corridor, Swami lit a lamp and then cut a cake. After this, He
untied the knot in the ribbon that stretched across the doorway of
the building. A gentle smile erupted on His face as He did this and
one could not help make an allusion to life and its problems; how He
frees so easily with a touch of His hand!
Swami then moved into the
building corridors. It had a rectangular atrium which was well lit.
Swami gazed at it and then moved into one of the flats. He asked for
the senior Pillai and soon he came forward. Swami asked him about
the rooms and He seemed very pleased with the construction.
After the Divine
inspection, the Lord went along the corridors of the atrium and then
came out of the building. There again, He spoke to all the family
members who had gathered there. Then aarthi was offered and
prasadam was blessed for distribution. After this, Swami
got into the car and drove back towards the Mandir.
The drive which Swami takes is a sight in itself to behold. Like in
the times when all the gopikas would rush out of their
homes on just listening to the flute of Krishna, people rush out
from everywhere onto the main road. Soon it is a riot of colours as
people reverentially offer flowers to the car. Coconuts are broken
by the dozen and everywhere people are waving camphor.
The road below is covered
with rangoli patterns and so many have conjured this up in the short
time He spent inaugurating the building! It was almost 5:10 p.m.
when Swami entered the Sai Kulwant Hall. He took a round in the car
and since the window was open, all the gents delighted in seeing
Him. Swami arrived on the stage and sat for the bhajans. A
few bhajans later, He began to enquire about the programme in the
auditorium. Soon He asked for the aarthi to be done and by
5:30 p.m., began to move towards the Poornachandra auditorium.
Prof. Anil Kumar was
addressing the youth from Hyderabad at this venue. He was enthusing
them and coming to know that Swami was arriving, he quickly
concluded his speech with “Jai Bolo…” to Bhagavan. The enthusiastic
youth screamed out Jaikars even as Swami entered the auditorium from
the stage. A small Veda contingent led Swami from the stage to the
temporary stage that had been set. On the way, Swami interacted with
all the assembled vice chancellors.
It was interesting that
almost every vice chancellor who had come had a story. Take the VC
of Osmania University for instance. Prof. V. Tirupati Rao had agreed
to come for the meet but then when things got hot due to the
Telangana issue, he canceled his plan. Meanwhile, Swami indicated at
Puttaparthi that the gentleman would indeed be coming. The
organisers seemed flummoxed.
The unrest at Osmania grew to such proportions and a student
committed suicide too! In search of solace and answers, the vice
chancellor had indeed arrived! The VC of Jawaharlal Nehru Technology
University decided to forego the AICTE meeting to come to Swami. It
is true indeed that unless He calls, none can come to Him!
Swami moved up the stage
and blessed the proceedings to begin. The first speaker for the
session was Mr. Sai Gollapudi, who completed his higher secondary
education from Easwaramma School and Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar,
Hyderabad. The speaker, divulging in detail about the initiatives
taken to organize and motivate the youth, was categorical in
expressing his grateful thanks to Bhagavan on behalf of the
Hyderabad Youth.
The next speaker was Mr.
Ravi Kiran Sripada, an MBA from Illinois University, US and the
Youth co-ordinator of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Hyderabad.
He spoke about the "Sri Sathya Sai Reprogramming Lives Programme",
an initiative by the Sri Sathya Sai Youth of Hyderabad. Sai Youth
working with various MNCs would assemble at Shivam Bhajan Hall at 6
p.m. to conduct the training programme till 9 in the night. He
narrated many an inspiring anecdote to highlight the transforming
power of love.
After this, Swami
consented to give His message. Here is the gist of what He said:
Starting off with a mention
of the life of Savitri, who with her unsullied devotion won back her
husband Sathyavan's life from the Lord of death, Bhagavan narrated
the sacrificial story of Chandramathi and Harischandra bringing home
the point that Truth ultimately triumphs. Everything comes out of
Truth and Truth alone comes to our rescue in the long run and
finally everything merges back into the Truth, exhorted Bhagavan.
None can escape the consequences of one’s own actions. Pain and
pleasure do not persist for long. Everything is the result of
reaction, reflection and resound. One should do good and remain to
be good for you are responsible for all your joys and sorrows. God
is merely a witness. So cultivate values. Five human values are the
ones which give live value to human life. A human can be called
human only when he exhibits these values.
All the worldly learning is
of no use. Look at these lawyers, they carry heavy and fat books.
After all, these books have the same A,B,C,D... (laughter). No use
of memorising huge books if you have no values.
All that you see is the
reflection of your inner space... this whole world is nothing but
reflection, reaction and resound. First you are one, then you marry…
you become two... then you have children... you become three and
four... but in fact you are only one... All this is illusion! A
mother sent her child to tend to cows. He was singing loudly when he
heard someone repeating his song. When he called, "Krishna", he
heard the same. He thought that someone was mocking him. His mother
told him that it was his own echo! When one is unaware, one makes
such mistakes thinking that someone else is responsible.
All are puppets in the hands
of God. (Swami narrated the story of Kanchanamala, an actress who
came to Him saying that she had enough of the artificial "screen
life") I blessed her with peace and ten days later, she breathed her
last.
None are born with any name;
names are given by parents after birth; all are essentially Atman.
Atma has no definite form. The So-hum, the process of inhalation and
exhalation, goes on throughout one’s life which indicates that one
is supreme consciousness itself. You are God. All the names and
forms of God too are born out of imagination. Rama, Krishna, Shiva
are all from Ravi Verma's paintings.
Did he see them in person? No no! When someone asks you what is your
name, tell them 'aham brahmasmi' 'tat twam asi' 'ayamatama brahma'.
You say ' This is my body' that means you and the body are
different. You say 'this is my mind' that means you and your mind
are different. Then who are you? Inquire in this way. The
greatest service you can do is to find out who you are.
There is no difference
between Swami and you. Swami may be sitting on this chair and you on
the ground... but in fact all this is illusion, the fact is that I
am you and you are Me.
Swami then called the second speaker,
Ravikiran and asked him what his name was.
"Swami, Ravikiran"
"That is what your parents named you. Your true name is Atma, okay?"
He nodded.
Swami continued,
"What is your name?"
The boy did not answer.
Swami then asked, "You like Swami?"
He nodded whole heartedly and Swami materialized a beautiful
golden chain with His pendant. Swami then said,
"Time waste is life waste, do not waste
time. Do not have any more illusion; do not have too many thoughts
of activities, know by yourself the reality and concentrate on the
principles of reaction, reflection and resound. Your own words will
come back to you; action is bound to have reaction.”
The other speaker for the
evening, Sai Gollapudi, was also called on stage and Bhagavan
repeated the same question about his name. This time, having learnt
from the ‘previous’ experience the speaker chose to give a wise
answer. He replied: “Sai Prasad”, literally meaning the same. Upon
hearing his full name “Sai Prasad Gollapudi” Bhagavan repeated the
same advice given to the previous speaker telling that these are
names given by parents to the temporal body and the real eternal
name is “Atma” alone.
He further assured the
youth, “Call me by any name, I will respond…there is no difference
between names….forms are based on the paintings done by Ravi Verma.”
To the speaker’s prayer for benediction to continue his activities
with much more vigour, Swami advised the youngster to go by His
conscience as Swami was always there.
Soon aarthi was
taken and Swami agreed to move around the hall, amidst the assembled
youth. But the highly energetic youth almost turned uncontrollable
in their fervour to touch the Lord and gain His proximity. After
moving a little, Swami was requested to return. As Swami turned, one
could see some of the youth members banging their hands on their
heads in agony at the missed chance.
But Swami's heart was
with them. He moved to the stage and asked for the chair to be
turned around. He raised both His hands in loving benediction and
gave a long blessing to all assembled. It was almost 8 p.m. when He
retired. One could see the oozing Love and Grace in the twinkle of
His eye.
This evening, Bhagavan visted the Super Speciality Hospital here and
inaugurated the new block of Nurses' quarters. Moving out of Sai
Kulwant hall just after four o'clock, He returned from the Hospital
an hour later. He had inaugurated the new buildings and moved
through them, blessing the staff gathered there. Swami accepted
Arati after twenty minutes of bhajans then moved to the
Poornachandra auditorium. The Youth conference session in the
Poornachandra auditorium had begun at 11 o'clock and had concluded
at ten minutes to two. In the afternoon, the youth had again
gathered there, with the session getting underway at ten past four.
Once Bhagavan arrived, there were two short speeches, and then Swami
delivered His benedictory message to the youth. Starting with the
story of King Harishchandra, Bhagavan moved on to reminding the
youth about their inherent divinity, speaking for nearly 90 minutes.
Blessing one of the members with a chain and blessing the gathering,
Swami returned to His residence at 7.45 pm.
More than a thousand young men from Hyderabad have come to Prasanthi
Nilayam as part of a Youth Conference arranged by the Hyderabad Sai
youth. Many eminent educationists from all over the state, including
many Vice-Chancellors of Universities were also part of the group.
They had a session in the Poornachandra auditorium this morning,
with Prof. G. Venkataraman and Sri V. Srinivasan addressing them. In
the evening, the Sai youth presented a Telugu drama in Sai Kulwant
hall. Bhagavan arrived for darshan ten minutes past five, led into
the hall by a group of Vedam chanting youth. He came onstage and
blessed the youth leaders who came up to Him and began their 45
minute Telugu drama before half-past five.
The presentation emphasised patriotism and love for the Motherland. Bhagavan went
down from the stage for group photographs with the participants
before asking for the bhajans to begin. After twenty minutes of
bhajans including two with alap, Swami accepted Arati and returned
to His residence at ten minutes to seven. The conference had another
session in the Poornachandra concluding at 9.30 pm.
Bhagavan came for darshan at 5.30 pm as the evening bhajans went on.
After sitting onstage for half an hour, He came to the verandah
where He blessed a devotee with a ring. He also blessed some
students' project-reports onstage. It was half-past six when He
accepted Arati. He then went to the interview room briefly before
returning to His residence.
When the nation celebrated 60 years of Republic of India with great
patriotic and national fervour, Prasanthi Nilayam echoed a greater
call for religious harmony that help redeeming the world from any
impending disaster.
On the Republic Day evening, the Students from Sri Sathya Sai Higher
Secondary School put up a drama presentation entitled, SAI – THE
SAVIOUR declaring in no uncertain terms that He alone is the savior
for a world that is caught in the mire of confusion.
Set in the backdrop of a religious conference aiming at redeeming
the world, the drama had pointers from various religious heads
hailing their respective religion to be the lone solution for the
world facing impending disaster.
While Archbishop Williams representing Christianity had the glorious
tales of love and compassion of Jesus Christ reminding about the
promise of the son of God that the Father who had sent him would
come in flesh and blood, the representative of Buddhism had the
inspiring tale of transformation of Angulimala, the dacoit turned
seeker of Truth. The dacoit’s heinous explorations in the forest,
his meeting up with the Buddha and the story of transformation
followed by King Prasanjith’s visit to the Buddha seeking protection
from the dacoit were depicted driving home the point that Love alone
is the most potent weapon that can bring in effective
transformation. As the adjudicator went on inviting various
religious leaders for their opinion, Maulana Meer Khasim Sahib,
quoting scriptural inscriptions from his religion, had revealing
statements about the advent of the Holy Saviour.
Pt. Rama Sastry from Banares, representing Hinduism spoke about the
plight of the world that is limping with prevailing unrighteousness.
Quoting Markandeya’s prophecy to Dharmaraja about the coming of the
Avatar in Kali Yuga, the Pandit, dispelling doubts of the
adjudicator with the help of an anecdote from Emperor Akbar’s story
involving his minister Birbal, drove home the point that God alone
would come in flesh and blood at times of impending global
catastrophe.
At the climax scene, four more invitees of the conference, all well
educated, holding esteemed positions in the society took the stage
talking about a living master supposedly the Saviour of the world.
Prof. Chaturvedi, an esteemed scientist from Kanchi, hinting at the
advent of the Master was a delightful face while sharing his joy of
being with the Master. Richard James, Director of World Bank,
talking next quoting Christianity, spoke about the features of the
would be Saviour whom he spelt out as the most compassionate being
on earth, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a secret that he had never
shared with his Christian community.
Substantiating the statements by Prof. Chaturvedi and Mr. Richard
James, Dr. Abdul Rahman, an eminent cardiac surgeon, quoting the
Islamic Religious Book in Arabic, “Ocean of Light”, spelt out the
features of the would be Saviour that matches with Bhagawan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba. His Excellency, Justice Anand Vardhan from
International Court of Law, had his claims based on Buddhistic
scriptures leading to the coming of the supremely enlightened one,
the would be Saviour as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Buddha’s
declaration that he is not the single Buddha and many more Buddha’s
will come in future was yet another pointer towards the coming of
the Saviour.
The final scene was the story of Kalpagiri, the notorious criminal
turned spiritual persona, depicting Bhagawan’s way of
transformation. The notorious criminal in the guise of a saint tried
to escape the law of the land. He was advised by Bhagawan to accept
punishment for his crimes as none could escape the law of Karma.
Kalpagiri, taking refuge in His words, obeying Him implicitly, went
back to the prison wherein his death sentence was commuted to life
imprisonment and finally got released on the grounds of exemplary
behavior in the jail.
Towards the end the four invitees declared that they are the alumni
of Sri Sathya Sai University, who were lucky to have education based
on human values at the portals of the Sri Sathya Sai University,
directly under Bhagawan.
Emphatic declarations by various religious leaders on the Advent of
Bhagawan as the Supreme Commander of Universe reverberated the Sai
Kulwant Hall marking the grand finale of the drama.
This was followed by an extensive session of interaction between
Bhagawan and the cast. Coming down the dais, Bhagawan posed for
photographs, interacted with many, gave away Vibhuti Prasadam to all
and even materialized rings for two of the participating boys.
The boys from the Higher Secondary School, the blooming buds of
Sathya Sai Educational System, get a single chance in the whole of
the year to perform as an independent group. Capitalising the
opportunity, the boys, raising to the occasion, spelt out the Truth
through a thematic presentation that had nothing less than His own
story, the story of His Advent!
The Drama had interposes with songs and dance sequences blending the
story till the end. Earlier Bhagawan came out at 3:50 pm driving
outside for a round. Upon returning, Bhagawan blessed the crew
inside the bhajan hall after which He came onstage commencing the
proceedings.
Arathi was offered at 6 pm before Bhagawan retired to Yajur
Mandiram.
Yesterday and today, Bhagavan came relatively early for evening
darshan and sat for a while onstage, blessing the Birthday boys.
Yesterday, He arrived at ten minutes to four and later went on a
drive outside the Ashram. Among those with whom He interacted
onstage were the 12th class students who showed Him their Computer
Science project reports. Today, He moved into the interview room
after some time onstage, and later came to the bhajan hall to
interact with some of the teachers there before returning to the
stage to accept Arati at ten to six.
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield,
Bangalore is completing nine glorious years of service to humanity
on the 19th January 2010. Commemorating the anniversary, staffers
from the holistic institution came down to Prasanthi Nilayam to
celebrate the occasion in the immediate Divine Presence. Read on a
report on the same by Sri Y. Arvind, Sr. Manager, Public Relations
at SSSIHMS. Mr. Arvind is an alumnus of Sri Sathya Sai University
passed out in the year 1999 with an MBA degree.
Nine years ago on the 19th of January 2001, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai
Baba, Inaugurated the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical
Sciences, Whitefield, Bangalore. It is but natural that the
institution should celebrate the day, rededicating itself to the
serving the poorest of the poor; delivering free tertiary medical
care to the needy.
On one earlier occasion the staff travelled to Prasanthi Nilayam to
pray for Bhagawan’s continued blessings but were in for a surprise.
Swami sternly enquired what we were doing in Prasanthi Nilayam on a
working day. On hearing our reply that it was the hospital
anniversary, Swami reminded us that the best way to celebrate the
anniversary was to continue to serve the Patient – celebrations were
secondary. Swami in His infinite wisdom taught us to use fundamental
discrimination as against our individual discrimination. God first,
others next, myself last. We had allowed our desire to ask for His
blessings to take precedence over serving the patient thereby
placing ourselves first in the equation. Swami did not lose the
opportunity to drive home the lesson.
Ever since, the celebration has been a public holiday closest to
19th of January. This year 2010 it was on 17th, a Sunday. This year
being the 85th year of the Avatar and also the fact that SSSIHMS -
whitefield was celebrating its 9th anniversary in the first month of
the year, it was felt that with Swami’s permission, we could present
a small ensemble of group songs and have the heads of the
institution express our collective gratitude to Swami for having
given us the opportunity to serve in His Hospital.
After completing the day’s work on Saturday, the vehicles including
two buses carrying 100 staff members and a cavalcade of cars,
started early on Sunday around 4.30 a.m. in the morning and reached
Prasanthi Nilayam by 8.30 a.m. After the morning session, the staff
assembled in Double Decker Shed No 1 to practice, yet another time
the group songs to be sung in front of Swami.
A short word on the preparations would lend clarity. We had planned
brief talks by three senior doctors: Dr.A.S.Hegde, Director,
Chairman Department of Neurosciences; Dr.Voleti Choudary, Chairman
Department of Cardiac Sciences and Dr.Kolli Chalam, HOD Department
of Anaesthesiology. This was to be followed by four group songs, a
few back up songs just in case the Lord’s munificence granted us a
longer moment and once we had exhausted our repertoire, we hoped to
hand over the baton to the Bhajan group.
As was custom, we had brought a cake specially designed for the
occasion. It had the five petal lotus designed decades ago by Swami
Himself and first given to Prof.Kasturi as the emblem for Sanatana
Sarathi magazine. But we modified it to suit the occasion. Instead
of the five religions we had five images symbolizing various aspects
of the hospital. Clockwise from top, we had the three domes of the
main superstructure, Lord Dhanvantari, Praying hands, Comforting
hands and a Doctors stethoscope. The central circle was replaced
with a picture of the hospital Chandelier taken from the centre of
the hall making it look like a chariot wheel. On this background was
the numeral ‘9’ – symbolizing the 9th anniversary.
In the afternoon as the staff were being seated, on the white marble
opposite lord Ganesha, the cake was readied inside the bhajan hall.
Commonly called third block, the area in front of the Ganesha Statue
inside Sai Kulwanth hall, is generally reserved for current students
studying in Swami’s educational institutions and is granted to
groups performing in the Divine Presence. Today we were granted the
entire block, gents and ladies seated in separate groups.
The vedam chanting started at the dot of 4.00 p.m. and to our
pleasant surprise and joy, Swami entered Sai Kulwanth hall a few
minutes later. Quickly we arranged the cake and set it up against
the pillar on the left hand side of the main portico. The primary
school children not having arrived, a vast expanse was empty on the
ladies side. Swami who blessed us by coming in His chair, cut across
the hall and made a beeline to where we knelt with the Cake. Swami
was accompanied by, Dr.Hegde and Dr.Dash while Dr. Voleti Choudary
and Dr.Kolli Chalam along with a couple of managers were with the
cake. Swami raised His eyebrows enquiringly and we immediately
mouthed the words, “hospital anniversary, Swami”. He first went past
the cake and blessed an elder on the portico then turned back to us.
Even as He approached He reached out for the sliver knife and cut
the cake. He then accepted a slim candle and lit the large scented
Candle that stood on the cake.
Smoothly He turned to the waiting devotees and had His chair placed
in the centre of the stage. With a nod He summoned the Managers
leading the Choir. They offered their prayer to sing for Him and
placed in His hands large cards, that had the lyrics of two newly
composed telugu songs. Even as He read the lyrics Swami’s eyes
glistened with love and He indicated that the programme should begin
with the songs.
The first song entitled “Sharanamayya Karunamaya” was a heartfelt
offering of gratitude to Swami for having blessed us to be in His
proximity. This was followed by ‘Avo Sab milkar Gaye…’ A song
inviting one and all to be united. The third song was ‘Dorkuna
ituvanti seva’ once again an expression of Gratitude to Swami for
granting us the opportunity to serve in His Mission. ‘I keep feeling
your love in me’ hit the right note with all those in the hall
joining in chorus. The last song, or so we thought was a new one,
written and composed just a day earlier – ‘Ravoyi maa sai ma chenta
ki’ (Come to us oh! Beloved Lord Sai) This song encapsulated the
yearning felt by all of us at SSSIHMS, Whitefield, that has been
waiting for His Divine Touch for the past two years – the last visit
being on June 8th 2008.
Swami responded to the prayers in the hearts of those singing the
songs and others behind the scenes with total involvement. At the
end of the fifth song He beckoned to one of us and asked if we had
more… and then followed the most soulful rendition of the well known
song ‘Humko tumse Pyar Kitna…’ When the last words, “We love you
Dearest Lord we loved you…” faded, the atmosphere was electric. The
Lord wanted more and this time it was bhajans; then followed a
wonderful rendition of bhajans perfectly suiting the occasion. Swami
blessed the ladies group also to sing lead and they alternated with
the gents group.
After a few minutes He signalled for a stop and blessed the three
speakers for the day to address the audience. Dr.Hegde spoke first
and in few well constructed sentences articulated the spirit of
service of Swami’s hospitals. He spoke briefly including a short
note on the statistics of work done at SSSIHMS, Whitefield. He
concluded with a prayer to Swami to bless us that we may continue to
do His Work.
Dr.Voleti Choudary spoke of the local and global reach of the Sai
health care mission. He made a special reference to Swami’s
hospitals being recognised both architecturally and Technologically
as among the best in the world. Dr.Choudary peppered his talk with
instances and anecdotes from his personal experiences as a doctor
with Swami. He concluded narrating the story of a world famous
singer who happened to be operated at Swamis hospital by Dr.
Choudary himself. When Dr. Choudary later met the singer at a
concert in United States, the singer publicly offered his gratitude
to Swami’s hospitals and gratefully submitted that he owed his life
to Swami’s Grace.
The last speaker for the evening, Dr.Kolli Chalam spoke in telugu
and in ideal vein, alluded to Swami’s letter to his body’s Elder
Brother, “Akila manavulaku anandamunu goorchi…” in which Swami
Announced to the world the purpose of His incarnation. Dr.Chalam in
his brief talk lucidly explained how Swami had fulfilled each of the
promises made. He referred to various instances where one witnessed
Swami’s Will running the hospitals citing rapid patient recovery,
minimal stress conditions and many other clinical metrics that were
way above the best hospitals in the world.
Swami blessed all the speakers with Padnamskar and signalled for the
Bhajans to resume. Prasadam was distributed after which Swami
received aarthi. He saved the best for the last, Blessing the entire
concourse with both hands; a rare privilege indeed to be blessed
with not one but two abhayahastas. Swami once again proved today
that He responds to the strokes of our heart that say Sai we love
you. The collective prayers proved too strong for Him to resist. As
it is said, Love is His Greatest Asset and His Greatest Liability.
He extended what was scheduled to be a 40 minute offering to two
hours showering His Love, Grace and Benediction on all present. 17th
of January 2010 will remain in our memory for a long, long time for
it comes as a third opportunity that Swami has granted for the Staff
of SSSIHMS Whitefield to come to Him as a group, growing from
Vyashti to Samashti, from I to We.
It would not be fair to conclude without a mention of the effort
that went in to make this possible. And add to it the fact that when
Swami says “Love my uncertainty” – there is no ambiguity. Different
teams worked in tandem to make the event possible. The work was
distributed among all systematically with the ones responsible
giving updates to the rest periodically. A special mention must be
made of the music group that held practice sessions for the staff
outside duty hours, for one hour everyday. The songs were also
played on the PA system. The designing of the cake has been
described before. Transport and logistics was handled masterfully so
as to facilitate maximum staff to enjoy this opportunity. Despite
all our planning, He has a master plan that He unfolds when He
chooses. Rest assured, whatever He does is for our Good.
Friday, Jan 15, 2010
This evening, the students of the Anantapur campus of the University
were ready with a music programme. Bhagavan was led into Sai Kulwant
Hall by the brass band of the Anantapur campus at 5.20 pm. But when
He reached the stage, He sat for a while as the Vedam went on, and
then asked the boys to begin bhajans. 45 minutes later, He accepted
Arati and returned to His residence.
Thursday, Jan 14, 2010
The stage was set for the valedictory ceremony of the Annual Sports
and Cultural Meet this evening, coinciding with the Sankranti
festival. The Sai Kulwant hall stage had the various prizes and
trophies on display. Bhagavan arrived at 4.40 pm, ushered into the
hall by the Prasanthi Nilayam brass band. Taking a round of the
hall, He moved to the Bhajan hall to take a look at the arrangements
made for the distribution of His gifts of love to His students.
Moving to the stage, He began the proceedings at five o'clock. Mr.
Sanjay Sahni, principal of the Brindavan campus, introduced the
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, who welcomed the gathering
with a brief talk. Bhagavan then blessed the medals and certificates
of the prize-winners of each campus before beginning the
distribution of His gifts. The Primary School had a special mention,
with Swami presenting the teachers there with a large beautifully
mounted portrait of Bhagavan. He then blessed the items to be
distributed to each of the students. Notebooks and pen-sets for the
University students, bags full of colouring kits for the small
children. Young boys from the Primary School came up to the stage to
receive their gifts, while the others received them where they sat.
Gifts for the women teachers were also specially blessed and sent to
them by Swami.
When the distribution came to a close at 6.10 pm, there were three
talks by senior faculty members of the University, Dr. Pallav Baruah,
Dr. Shiva Shankara Sai and Dr. T. Ravi Kumar. Swami then gave
permission for the drama by the Prasanthi Nilayam students to be
staged, and the area in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall was cleared.
The hour-long drama Mrithyunjaya began at seven o'clock when Swami
emerged from the interview room. The stories of Ravana's
unsuccessful quest for immortality and the granting of immortality
to Markandeya were presented with music and dance. Bhagavan was
pleased with their performance and went down among them for a short
interaction before accepting Arati and returning to His residence at
8.15 pm.
Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010
This evening, the Brindavan students were to present a drama in Sai
Kulwant Hall, Bhakta Tukaram. Bhagavan arrived for darshan at 5.20
pm, preceded by the Brindavan brass band, and moved to the Bhajan
hall where the students were ready with costumes. After a short
interaction with them, He moved to the stage and began the drama at
ten minutes to six. The 70-minute drama was notable for the
elaborate sets and the message of devotion of Tukaram conveyed
through songs. Swami interacted with the students for a few minutes
after the drama and then moved to the interview room. Just before
7.30 pm, He emerged, and Prof. Anil Kumar was asked to announce that
Swami was very pleased with the drama, and that tomorrow the prize
distribution ceremony would be held in the evening, followed by a
drama by the Prasanthi Nilayam students.
Tuesday,12, January 2010
A day after the Grand Annual Sports and
Cultural Meet which has been astonishing and astounding the
audiences who flock in from far and wide to witness it, there was a
pleasing private sports display by His students to Bhagawan, on 12,
January 2010 in the Indoor Stadium in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Bhagawan was welcomed at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for
Sports by a troupe of Bhangra Dancers followed by a flag salute by
another set of students. Even as Bhagawan descended from His car and
entered into the indoor stadium, the Brindavan Brass Band was there
welcoming Him with a sweet Bhajan.
The caretaker of the centre Sri ShiBhagawan visits Indoor Stadium 12
Jan 2010dev Singh gave a short talk about the successful running of
the sports centre and the miracle of its construction at record
time. This was followed by a display of exquisite gymnastics on
Roman Rings performed by students and their coach Dimosthenis
Tampakos of Olympic Fame from Greece. Dimosthenis was the gold
medalist in the men's rings at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens
with a score of 9.862 and also tied for first place with Jordan
Jovtchev at the World Championships in 2003.
The Basketball game which followed was filled with thrills and
spills. The exhibition match ended after 10 minutes with everyone
begging for more.
At the conclusion of the match a special dance squad of boys gave a
short yet thrilling dance display before the focus was shifted to
the Volleyball court.
The 10 minute match had its fair share of smashes and subtle
touches, incredible lifts and strategic passes. Bhagawan's students
proved it again that they could not only coordinate and put up an
event like the Annual Sports meet, but also compete with each other
in the right spirit of the game standing up to every challenge.
Bhagawan retired after watching a short video clip on the evolution
of sports in Prasanthi Nilayam done by Prasanthi Digital Studio.
The Annual Sports and Cultural Meet of the Sri Sathya Sai
Educational Institutions got underway at the Vidyagiri Stadium this
morning. Bhagavan arrived at the Stadium by 9.30 am, and was
escorted to the stage by the marching bands of Anantapur and
Prasanthi Nilayam campuses of the University. The spectators could
watch the proceedings on two giant LED screens as the students
marched past their Divine Chancellor.
As the ceremonial part of the
inauguration concluded by 10.15 am, the Brindavan campus of the
University presented their demonstration events - several dances,
show-jumping on horses and motorbike stunts. The Prasanthi Nilayam
campus and the boys' section of the Higher Secondary School began
their presentation at 11 o'clock. They had a giant backdrop of a
golden icon of Kartikeya.
Gymnastic events like basketball with
trampolines and roman rings were interspersed with mass events like Chairobatics. Giant Chinese flags and kites led to the final event
of Jeep stunts. It was past noon when Bhagavan accepted Arati and
left for His residence, blessing the students on the way.
The afternoon proceedings began at the Stadium when Bhagavan arrived
just after half-past four. The children from the Primary school
welcomed Him, and presented their hour-long colourful presentation
with panache. Gymnastics by the boys and dances by the girls were
complemented by sprightly mass drills by tiny tots. The Anantapur
campus of the Sai University then presented the concluding
programme. Their action-packed half-hour included flag drills, mono-
and bi-cycle stunts, balancing acts with weight-lifting bars, huge
hula hoops and colourful mass formations. The conclusion was very
attractive, with students waving mult-coloured LED lamps in the
gathering dusk, singing their final song. Bhagavan accepted Arati at
a quarter-past six and blessed the entire congregation in the
stadium with both hands before returning to Mandir.
This evening as well as last evening, Bhagavan went to the Vidyagiri
stadium to view the practice sessions of the students. Yesterday, it
was the turn of the Primary School children to show their rehearsal
to Swami. When He arrived in the stadium, the children were ready in
their costumes in the Primary School grounds. So, taking a round of
the stadium, Swami went to their school and watched their rehearsal.
This evening, the march-past session was rehearsed during Bhagavan's
visit to the Stadium.
The Chinese kites presented by
Prasanthi Nilayam campus were also demonstrated after the marching
was completed. Bhagavan arrived back at Mandir and sat for a few
bhajans before accepting Arati at a quarter-past six. Prof. Anil
Kumar then announced the programme in the stadium tomorrow, asking
the audience to be seated there by 8 am.
Last evening, Bhagavan blessed one of the alumni with a chain during
His darshan round at half-past four. This evening, He went to the
Vidyagiri stadium for watching the students' rehearsals for their
upcoming Annual Sports and Cultural meet. The Higher Secondary
School and the
three campuses of the University presented
ten-minute excerpts of their respective programmes as Bhagavan
watched from the dee of the Shanti Vedika stage. It was 6.15 pm when
He returned to the Mandir. Sitting onstage for a couple of bhajans
while prasadam was distributed, Swami accepted Arati and returned to
His residence in the car.
This day was the official “final”
day for the alumni who had gathered at Prashanti Nilayam. Emotions
had run very high the previous day evening to the extent that
discipline gave front seat to pining devotion. On Jan 3rd, that
seemed to have calmed a bit and though many alumni had already left
Puttaparthi, quite a few were still staying on for a final
darshan.
It was at
about 4:50 p.m. that Swami arrived for
darshan. He moved through the ladies’ side and when He came in
between the students, He asked for a path to be made...."
Read more with photos
"The Mother of all mothers with His unconditional love willed to
bless His wards, this time He willed to bless them all with their
escorts. As the “Love Story” between Swami and His students, “Alumni
Home Coming”, extended to the third day on 2 Dec 2009, the spacious
Poornachandra Auditorium witnessed unending excitement and greater
merriment.
The Lord chose to spend two precious hours with His former students
inducing greater awareness about the Mission in hand, as designated
senior spokespersons addressed the Alumni...Read
more with photos & Report
Alumni of Sri Sathya Sai University, continued
their Saga of Love on the auspicious New Year Day in Prasanthi
Nilayam in the immediate Divine Presence.
Singing for the Lord is altogether a different game and none else could excel in
this art than His chosen students who are adept in reading the pulse of Divinity in
physical frame....Read
more with photos & Report
