Saturday, January 12, 2008  - Last evening, Bhagawan had an announcement made in the stadium that the drama by the Prasanthi Nilayam campus students would be this evening at 5 pm. The students were earlier given a date of 15th January, so this announcement was a surprise. The set-making and costumes students pulled yet another all-nighter and continued preparations till the drama got underway in the evening. Bhagawan arrived at 5 pm in His chair and directly went and sat near the bronze lion next to the Lotus gate of Sai Kulwant Hall. The drama stage faced North as per Swami's instructions. The cast had not yet arrived from the Hostel with their makeup! The teachers and authorities prayed to Bhagawan to excuse the delay, and finally the drama got underway at 5.20 pm.

The drama "Ramayana Ratnahara Veeranjaneya" depicted various scenes in the Ramayana where Hanuman shines as an example for all mankind. The hour long presentation included stanzas of poems in Telugu, songs and dances, and soul-stirring dialogues. Bhagawan was very pleased with the presentation and Blessed the script-writer, a II year MSc. student, with a chain. He then Blessed all the participants with group photographs scene by scene, including the hard-working set and costume group, before accepting Arati at 6.50 pm and returning to His residence.
. click here for Photos 12^th Jan.
 

Friday, January 11, 2008  -Today was the colourful Sports Meet function for which Swami's students were practising for the last few weeks. You can read an illustrated account of last year's function in last year's Prasanthi Diary. This year, Bhagawan arrived at the Vidyagiri stadium in His white Saab convertible resplendent in a yellow robe at 7.45 am. Motorcycle escorts and marching bands of the students welcomed their Chancellor to the dais and the marchpast began at 8 o'clock. When all the students had marched into the ground, the flag-hoisting, oath and torch-lighting ceremonies were a prelude to the display events by the different campuses. The Anantapur Womens' Campus of the University and the Brindavan undergraduates presented in the morning, the Primary School and the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus performed in the evening. Click Here for Sports day11^th Jan. Photos  

The Anantapur display began at 8.45 with graceful group dancing followed by a Far-Eastern group item with parasols and hand-fans. A sports medley followed, presenting hockey, tennis and volleyball movements in formation. Motorbike stunts was the next item, including criss-crosses, various poses on bikes, a breath-taking ramp-jump over 20 girls and a human pyramid of 38 girls on 9 bikes. The Anantapur students concluded their half-hour presentation forming the words "We Love U" in a group formation as their concluding song was played.

The Brindavan students then began with an equestrian show-jumping demonstration. A marching band presentation brought up a display of rolling in steel hoops and an aerobics exhibition. Timber-drill was the next item, with planks of wood being used in imaginative ways to aid acrobatic feats. The Celestial Rhythms then spelt out "We Love You" in a grid of students suspended by a crane nearly 80 feet above the ground. As the Brindavan presentation concluded, Bhagawan accepted Arati onstage and returned to the Mandir at 10 o'clock while an announcement was made about the afternoon presentations. Swami graciously granted group photographs for the Band groups of Anantapur and Prasanthi Nilayam and also the motorcycle escorts before He went into Yajur Mandir. Click Here for Sports day Photos  
 

Bhagawan arrived at 3.25 pm in the afternoon in a maroon robe riding in His Mercedes sports convertible. As He reached the stage, tiny tots from the Primary School brought up bouquets to Him and began the afternoon's presentation. The hour-long Primary School presentation was a joyful riot of colour as usual, beginning with a "Ganesa" group dance by small boys. A classical mass-dance, hand-fans and flowers formations, gymnastics, mass flower-dance, dance by small girls with white wings and Mexican poncho dance followed in quick succession. Children dressed as deer, tigers, bunnies and monkeys performed various gymnastic feats on mats, ropes and poles. Their elder brothers and sisters may do motobike stunts, but the bicycle stunts by the Primary School boys were just as eye-catching. Unicycle stunts, even a basketball match played on unicycles, and then a rainbow dance led to their final dance balancing items on their heads, paying tribute to Bhagawan, the Light of Lights. Click Here for Sports day Photos  

The students of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and the Prasanthi Nilayam campus of Sri Sathya Sai University began their hour-long performance at 4.30 pm with a striking mass item with classical dancers in the foreground and patterns made from colourful foldable discs forming a context for Krishna's beautiful Leelas - "Adharam Madhuram...". Gymnasts on moving trucks then presented balancing feats with giant flags fifty feet high. Gymnastic feats including jumps over vehicles and acrobatics on moving trucks led to a breathtaking display on ropes including a spectacular spin on a rope suspended more than 20 feet above the ground. The rope structure was also used as a trapeze stage, as roller-bladers scintillated on the ground below, ending their dramatic show with a series of jumps over a van. A precision gun drill was followed by a karate display which featured breaking tiles and pots and also mass nan-chak and stick displays. As the Prasanthi Nilayam campus came together for their final song, Bhagawan expressed how pleased He was at His students' performance and profusely Blessed them before leaving for His residence.

Thursday, January 10, 2008 - This morning, Bhagawan arrived at the Sai Kulwant Hall as the Bhajans went on, and made rounds of the verandah and the Hall in His chair before leaving for the Vidyagiri Stadium. There, He watched the practice sessions of the students till nearly 10.45 while Arati was offered at the Mandir after 10.15. In the evening, once again Bhagawan moved about in His chair during Bhajans before driving out, this time to the College Auditorium to watch the drama rehearsal by the Prasanthi Nilayam students. Arati was offered at the Mandir at 6 pm and announcement was made about the Sports Meet programme tomorrow in the Vidyagiri stadium. Bhagawan returned to His residence after the drama rehearsal at half-past six. read more details of New Year from Sai students...

 Click Here for Sports day Photos  






Wednesday, January 9,  -Yesterday and the day before, Swami went in the mornings to the Vidyagiri stadium to watch the practice sessions by the students for the Annual Sports and Cultural meet on January 11th. Today He went in the evening at around 4.30 pm making an anti-clockwise round of Sai Kulwant Hall in the car before exiting through the Gopuram Gate. Returning at 5.45 pm to the Mandir, He accepted Arati from the car itself and returned to His residence after another anti-clockwise round of Sai Kulwant Hall. New

Sunday, January 6, 2008  - Sai Youth from Maharashtra presented a drama on Chhatrapati Shivaji this evening in the Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami finished His darshan round in the car and arrived onstage after speaking for a few minutes to the Warden of the Brindavan campus of the Sri Sathya Sai University. The forty-five minute drama began at 5.30 pm and presented Shivaji as an ideal youth leader, depictin his love of Mother, Motherland and cultural values. Swami came down from the stage to grant group photos for the participants while prasadam was distributed before moving to the interview room. A few minutes later, He came out of the interview room, accepted Arati onstage and Blessed one of the participants with a chain before returning to His residence. click here for photos

 Saturday, January 5, 2008  -This evening had three programmes, presented by the North Eastern region of the United States, the Mahila youth wing of Maharashtra and Goa, and singers from Mumbai respectively. Swami came onstage just before five o'clock and started by Blessing some of the US devotees. Their musical presentation on Unity of Faiths got underway in five minutes. After listening to them for twenty minutes, Bhagawan asked for the next programme to commence. Meerabai's story was narrated in songs by the Maharashtra youth for half an hour. Bhagawan went into the interview room and returned, asking them to sing one more song. Sri Raviraj Nasery and party then presented a couple of songs before Bhagawan accepted Arati ten minutes past six.

Friday, January 4, 2008 -This evening, the Sai Youth from Maharashtra and Goa presented a programme of songs and dances. Bhagawan came onstage at 4.45 pm after His darshan round in the car, and the group songs got underway. Next was a dance by tribal folk from Gadchiroli District. Various types of Aratis from Goa wound up the day's programmes, with the Bhajan "Ham Sab Milakar Mangal Gayein" leading to ten minutes of Bhajans and then Arati to Bhagawan at six o'clock.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008 -This morning, the Sai Students were seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan came after the Bhajans began and asked for chocolates and oranges to be distributed to the alumni while He sat onstage. In the evening also, Bhagawan arrived after the Bhajans had begun. He went around the Bhajan Hall and the Sai Kulwant Hall, accepting letters from many alumni and interacting with a few of them. He retired to His residence after accepting Arati at six o'clock.  
 

Tuesday, January 1, 2008 - The Sai Students, alumni of the colleges at Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan, ushered in the New Year at Prasanthi Nilayam as they have been doing for the last few years. The Sai Kulwant Hall was full of devotees, and was tastefully decorated with flowers. Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair at 8.45 am in a procession led by the Sai Students chanting Vedam, with tradiami came onstage, the Vedam continued for a few minutes, the University Brass Band played a few pieces, then Prof. G. Venkataraman was asked to speak. He welcomed the alumni and described them as the hope for a troubled world. Sri A. V. Gokak, the current Vice-Chancellor was the next to speak. His talk also centred around the transformational work done by the Sai Students.

As the speeches concluded at 10.10, Bhagawan asked the students to commence their music programme. After a few songs, the alumni presented a song taught to them by Swami for Ugadi in 1985. It was already nearing eleven o'clock, so Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

In the afternoon, Bhagawan arrived in His car at 4.45 pm. Coming onstage after a round of the Hall, He first called up the Bhangra dance group of the Sai Students and had their ten minute performance. The Orchestra prepared by the alumni was the next item, performing from the centre of the Hall with loudspeakers facing Bhagawan who was seated onstage. Short speeches followed, recollecting the golden years they had spent with their Lord. Swami then asked for the microphone and prepared to get up to speak, but listening to the pleas of the Sai Students, He remained seated and spoke for an hour. updated New year 2008 Discourse  &  photos  -  read more details of New Year from Sai students...

Bhagawan's message was on the principle of Reaction, Reflection and Resound. He reminded us that the world will appear bad if our vision is bad, not otherwise. He noted that the coming year, 2008, is to have an ample share of conflicts, splinter groups and parties. He exhorted the Sai Students to be ideal role-models wherever they went and concluded with "Hari Bhajan Bina...", accepting Arati soon after. 


Christmas videos updated: Christmas discourse- Swami materializing a necklace - Choir  and more  click here

Monday, December 31,2007 - This evening, Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall as the Bhajans went on, and made a round of the verandah after His darshan round in the car. He moved through the Bhajan Hall entering from the rear door, and made a round of the ladies' side in His chair. Then He sat onstage as the Bhajans continued, accepting Arati there itself at six o'clock. Yesterday, Bhagawan came as the bhajans went on at 5.30 pm, and instead of going into the Bhajan Hall, sat onstage for twenty minutes before accepting Arati there itself. He returned to His residence at around 6 pm. On Saturday, the Union Civil Aviation Minister had come for Darshan.  SBOI webmaster wishes all our visitor a Happy New Year.
 
Friday, December 28, 2007 - Yesterday was the 100th birthday of Mr. Gopal Rao, former chairman of Andhra Bank and a resident of the Ashram for many decades. Bhagawan Blessed him yesterday, and today arranged for a felicitation ceremony. Swami came in the evening at around 5.20 pm, moving onstage after a brief interaction with some devotees on the verandah. Mr. Gopal Rao was also brought onstage by his son. Prof G. Venkataraman spoke for twenty-five minutes, then Mr. Gopal Rao spoke, seated on his wheelchair, for half an hour, about how he came to Bhagawan and how Swami instructed him to do seva in the canteen. Mr. Chakravarthy, Secretary of the Central Trust, garlanded Mr. Gopal Rao. Swami Blessed him and interacted with him while prasadam was distributed. Swami returned to His residence after accepting Arati at 6.35 pm.  Photos: 27^th & 28^thDec 2007
read more details of 26th - 28th Dec. from Sai students...

Thursday, December 27, 2007 - This evening, devotees from Southern California and Hawaii presented a short play and a programme of songs. Bhagawan came onstage at 5.15 pm after His darshan round the the programme commenced shortly thereafter. SSE children presented the first fifteen minute play, "Boy Jesus", with traditional carols sung by the group forming most of the sound-track. Bhagawan Blessed one of the participants with a chain. The song programme then began, with songs like Ronan Keating's "Hello Again" and Josh Groban's "You raise me up" rendered very well and with great feeling by the devotees. Bhagawan went into the interview room during the last song of their performance and came out with clothes for the singers and chocolates shaped like gold coins for the children. After distributing the coins and the clothes, He accepted Arati and retired for the day. inside the Sai Kulwant Hall. 

Wednesday, Dec. 26th: In the morning, while the Bhajans went on, Swami went to the Vidyagiri stadium where the students were practising the Marchpast for the Sports and Cultural Meet in January. He returned to the Mandir moving through the Primary School and later accepted Arati.

This evening, Bhagawan came onstage and interacted with Mr. John Behner, then asked Prof. Veerabhadraiah the college Telugu professor to speak on Jesus Christ. The professor spoke in Telugu for fifteen minutes till 5.20 pm. Then Bhagawan stood up to speak.

Bhagawan declared that there is peace everywhere, and only the restlessness inside is reflected outside on our vision. He reminded us that our real name is "Aham Brahmasmi" and not the names "kept" by parents. To illustrate how everything happens by Divine Will, He materialised a chain and hung it on the mic, and later, at the end of His Discourse, called up a student and put it around his neck. Swami narrated the story of Jesus and commented on the need for Faith with Love. Bhagawan made all the devotees joyful by saying "All of you are in Me; I am yours, you are Mine".

After Bhagawan's 75 minute Discourse, there was a bhajan as prasadam was distributed, then He accepted Arati and left for His residence.






Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - Christmas morning celebrations commenced in Sai Kulwant Hall with Bhagawan arriving at 8.20 am. After He came onstage, the Primary School violins performed for a few minutes, followed by a ten minute performance by the University brass band. Carols and other Christmas songs by the students was the concluding item of the morning. Santa Clauses appeared on the scene during the "Jingle Bells" renderings by both the Primary School violins and the students' carols. Swami accepted Arati at 9.45 am after prasadam was distributed. Click here for updated: Photos & detailed Report of Christmas from 23^rd - 26th^th Dec. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived at 5.10 pm and the programme of talks began at 5.20 after He came onstage. Mr. John Behner of Latin America introduced the four speakers of the day - Ms. Inez from Argentina, Mr. Sumeet Tappoo from Fiji, Ms. Poppy Hillcoate from Australia and Dr. Michael Congleton from the USA. The first two Youth speakers spoke of the transformation Sai has brought in their lives. Ms. Hillcoate spoke of the joy she experienced in past Christmases at Prasanthi Nilayam, and Mr. Congleton spoke of the joy derived from selfless service. After the four speakers, Bhajans commenced. Bhagawan accepted Arati after a Bhajan and returned to His residence at 6.30 pm.

Monday, December 24, 2007  - This morning, Swami came to Sai Kulwant hall as the Bhajans went on at 9.45, accepted Arati after a couple of Bhajans, then went on a drive before returning to His residence. Christmas eve was celebrated in the afternoon session with the traditional singing of Christmas songs by children and devotees from overseas. The Sai Kulwant Hall was beautifully decorated with seasonal decorations. Bhagawan arrived at Sai Kulwant Hall at 4.40, and came onstage after His darshan round in the car. The children's choir performed first for half an hour, the overseas choir with 600 ladies and 300 gents began at 5.20 pm. Bhagawan blessed the conductors of both choirs before each performance. Bhajans by the overseas devotees went on as prasadam was distributed to the choir singers. One of the ladies who played the cello was Blessed by Swami with a chain. After twenty minutes of Bhajans, Swami accepted Arati offered by the overseas devotees and returned to His abode. Photos : Click here for pictures & more details of  Christmas Eve 24^th Dec.





Sunday, December 23, 2007  -  Bhagawan had asked for a drama presentation by the students incorporating the story of Shravan Kumar from the Ramayana. This evening, the students got ready with the drama and were seated inside the Bhajan Hall with costumes. Swami arrived just after five o'clock and came to the Bhajan Hall after His darshan round in the car. He interacted with the students in costumes, asking about many of the main characters like Rama, Sita, Shravan Kumar, Lava, Kusa and so on. After ten minutes of interaction, Bhagawan moved to the stage area. But He asked for a change in the presentation. Instead of the students facing the Mandir with Swami seated onstage, He asked them to face the devotees in Sai Kulwant Hall so that all of them could see the drama. Swami moved down from the stage and sat among the students in the middle of the Hall. The forty-five minute presentation had dances, songs and touching dialogues. The stories of Shavan Kumar, Sabari and Guha the boatman were highlighted. Sai Rama appreciated the narration of Sri Ramachandra's devotees and stood up to grant the participants group photographs. Then He again interacted for fifteen minutes with the participants while wafers were distributed to them, and then accepted Arati at 6.30 pm. Click here for23^rd Dec. Photos

Saturday, December 22, 2007   - This evening, Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall at 4.45, and came into the Bhajan hall after His darshan round in the car. There, He interacted for a few minutes with the students and teachers seated in the front, moved down the aisle and back, then went outside and sat onstage as the Vedam went on. Prof. Veerabhadraiah, the Telugu professor at Prasanthi Nilayam campus, was asked to speak. He spoke in Telugu for half an hour, narrating many thrilling experiences. Prasadam was distributed as Bhajans were sung for fifteen minutes. Swami accepted Arati at six o'clock before returning to His residence.  Christmas decoration & lights are up in Prasanthi Mandir. The Sai Kulwant hall is shining bright & reflecting the mood of holiday season. Devotees from all parts of the world and from many Indian states are here to celebrate auspicious day with beloved Sai Baba.

Thursday, December 20, 2007  - This evening, the youth from Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh had the chance to present their programme in front of Bhagawan. Their programme got underway at 5.45 pm, after Bhagawan came onstage and Blessed the various cards and bouquets offered by the youth. A drama "Manava Seva is Madhava Seva" was the first item. The story of a golden plate appearing at Kasi with the injunction that it belongs to the dearest devotee of the Lord was presented, with the dearest devotee turning out to be a Sai Youth engaged in selfless social service. The drama concluded with a group song on Seva. Sri Gautam Kale, a Sai Youth from Indore and a disciple of Pandit Jasraj, presented some songs after the drama. Bhagawan asked for Bhajans to be sung after around 20 minutes of songs. Prasadam was distributed and Swami Blessed the singer and the drama participants who came up to Him one by one, before accepting Arati at 6.55 pm.
 Photos: program by Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Devotees

Wednesday, December 19, 2007  - Yesterday, Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at around 5.30 pm as the bhajans went on, and after an anti-clockwise round of the Hall, went out for a drive. He returned after 6.15, came to the Bhajan Hall, accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

This morning, Bhagawan went for a drive at around 10.40 and returned to His residence after eleven o'clock. In the evening, He came to Sai Kulwant hall just before the five o'clock Bhajans commenced. After nearly forty-five minutes of Bhajans, Swami came into the Bhajan Hall and saw the three students dressed for their Burrakatha programme. He asked for the Arati after a few minutes, then moved to the stage and asked for the Burrakatha to commence, telling the three performers to stand facing the audience instead of facing Him. The hour-long Burrakatha on Mother Eswaramma concluded with Swami accepting Arati once again at seven o'clock.

Monday, December 17, 2007 - This evening too, Bhagawan had a surprise in store for all. Students were ready with a Burrakatha programme yesterday and today, but their programme was not being held since Swami was coming after the five o'clock bhajans began. This evening, Swami came to Sai Kulwant Hall after the Bhajans began, but did not come to the Bhajan Hall - instead, He moved around in His chair, sat onstage, and at 5.55 pm, the Bhajans were asked to stop, and Prof G. Venkataraman was asked to speak. After the Professor's half-hour extempore speech on how we should live up to Bhagawan's appellations "Embodiments of Love" and "Embodiments of Divine Atma", Swami asked for the Vedam chanting to commence. Ten minutes of Vedam concluded with Arati and Swami returned to His residence at half-past six.  17th Dec. - More Details & excerpt from Swami's discourse from 15th Dec.  from saistudents...

Saturday, December 15, 2007 - This evening, Bhagawan Blessed the group from California to present their Bhajan programme in His presence. The group was seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall and began their performance at a quarter past five when Swami was seated onstage. They sang bhajans in a medley style for around 45 minutes, and concluded with Arati. But Bhagawan did not move away from the stage, and instead asked Mr. Bozzani to speak! After his five minute talk, Swami asked for the mics - He was going to address the gathering! Bhagawan spoke for nearly 45 minutes, stressing on Divine Love and the need to realise our own Divinity. He asked us all to continually remember the Divine Name of the Lord, and concluded with "Bhajan Bina...", accepting Arati once again at seven o'clock before returning to His residence. Today  Prasadam was shared out to all the devotees sitting inside the Sai Kulwant hall.    photos click here -  More Details  - 15th Dec.  from saistudents..
 

Thursday, December 13, 2007 -  Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall both in the morning and the evening today after 45 minutes of Bhajans had elapsed. Yesterday, Swami went on a second darshan round in His chair as the evening Bhajans went on, moving through the gents' side and around the students. Among the devotees who came for Swami's darshan over the last few days at Prasanthi Nilayam were the Vice-Chief of the Indian Army, the Governor and a minister of the state of Sikkim, and cricketer Rahul Dravid.

Rahul Dravid the Indian cricketer offered a bouquet of flowers to beloved Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007 -  The musicians from Srikakulam presented a concert this evening. Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall a few minutes after five o'clock, and the programme got underway when Swami came onstage after 5.15 pm. Forty-five minutes of light-music and semi-classical vocals followed, and then the musicians prayed that Swami allow them to present an instrumental ensemble playing Thyagaraja kritis. Bhagawan Blessed one of the singers and allowed them to begin the instrumental piece with more than five violins and mridangams, and then went into the interview room.

  From there, He sent clothes for the artistes, Swami also blessed the lead singer with a Gold ring (above photo). Around ten minutes later, He came onstage, accepted Arati and left for His residence after 6.45 pm.
Sunday, December 9, 2007 - Groups of devotees from Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, Hungary, Singapore and Malaysia are here along with a group from the USA. On Friday evening, Bhagawan gave an audience to the Russian Ambassador to India. Last evening, after the Bhajans ended at 6.15 pm, the Srikakulam devotees had a procession outside the Ashram. This evening, the Srikakulam Balvikas children presented a drama featuring many dances. [Click here to see today's photos] The 40 minute Telugu drama began shortly after Swami came onstage at 4.30 pm, an hour after He came to Sai Kulwant Hall. The story of an idealistic Sai Youth was presented, highlighting the upholding of values in modern life. Bhagawan Blessed the protagonist even as the last dance was going on, and later Blessed the group by coming down from the stage and sitting on the Jhoola (swing) they had prepared for Him. After group photos with the children, Bhagawan asked the co-ordinator of the group to speak a few words. As he concluded his five minute speech of gratitude, Swami started giving sarees and safari cloth pieces to the children who took part in the drama. After 10 minutes of Bhajans by the group, Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6 pm.  Download above photo: Sai Baba lotus feet - wallpaper size 1024x768 & 800x600  - More Details  - 9th Dec.  from saistudents..

Thursday, December 6, 2007 - This evening, Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall just before five o'clock. When the five o'clock Bhajans began, Swami moved in His chair around the verandah, and near the interview room, entered His car and proceeded to the Indoor Stadium complex. There, He inaugurated the second phase of the complex - gyms and a tennis court. From the Stadium, He returned directly to His residence at around 5.45 pm and the Bhajans concluded with Arati.

Wednesday, December 5, 200 - The youth from Haryana and Punjab who are here on their Parthi Yatra presented two dramas in Sai Kulwant Hall this evening. Bhagawan arrived onstage shortly before five o'clock and the Haryana drama "God is the only Creator" began with a Vedic invocation. The "Sai Punjab" drama which followed presented the cultural heritage and history of Punjab. Bhagawan Blessed both the groups with photographs and clothes, interacting with almost all of the participants. After a couple of Bhajans by the youth, Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.20 pm.
 Sai Kulwant Hall centre stage. Bhagawan arrived onstage after His darshan round and watched the program. Bhagawan showered His Love on the group after their programme by going down among them in His chair and  blessing the performers from Punjab with group photographs, then with clothes, too. Also: More Details  - 5th Dec.  from saistudents..

Monday, December 3, 2007 - This morning Swami came out around 9 40 am and took a short round (no gents' side) and went in for Bhajan Mandir. Bhagawan came on the chair itself so it was a nice darshan. After couple of bhajans Swami took Aarthi and came out. Some guests were waiting for Him near the door. He started talking to them there itself, for more than five minutes. We were just waiting to catch another glimpse of Him. He choose to go back to Yajur Mandir on the chair itself. Bhagawan  took a round of the ladies' side, stopping at a couple of places to speak to devotees and collect letters. Then He turned towards the Yajur Mandir. There again He called a lady from overseas, spoke to her and took her letter. The crowd was on their feet -- ladies and gents. Something happened and gents side devotees started clapping. There was no apparent reason for the clap. But it might have been the prayer which translated into the clap and drew the attention of the Lord. And we saw His chair doing a 180 degree turn. There was loud applause as the Lord came gliding towards the gents' side. He stopped at a few places to take letters and also to speak to the groups. It was a full round of darshan.
As we were very few in number at that time, we went and sat towards the students side at the corner in front of the pillar, carrying the tentative program schedule with us. As Bhagawan approached our side we showed Him the programme sheet. He gave a very nice smile of acknowledgment. Click here to read complete narrative by Brother Abhimanyu Kaul about Bhagawan Blessing the programme for the January Alumni Meet

Sunday, December 2, 2007 - This evening, the students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Niketan, Bagepalli, got the chance to present a drama in Sai Kulwant Hall, entitled "Shirdi Nivasa Sai". Bhagawan arrived onstage after His darshan round at 4 o'clock, then went back to the interview room and again returned to the stage at 4.30, after which the programme commenced. Various episodes in the life of Shirdi Sai were depicted with dances in the half-hour presentation. Swami Blessed the children with group photographs and clothes after the drama as the Karnataka devotees sang Bhajans. click here to see photos from today 2nd Dec. 2007

F riday, November 30, 2007 - Devotees from Karnataka are here in strength for three days on a Parthi Yatra. Bhagawan went on a drive this morning at around ten o'clock, beyond the Gokulam and back. In the evening, the Balvikas children of Karnataka presented a series of folk dances. The forty minute programme commenced when Swami came onstage after His darshan round at 5.30 pm. At the end of the dances, Bhagawan Blessed the dozen groups of children with group photographs, then with prasadam and clothes, too. The Karnataka devotees sang Bhajans as the prasadam was distributed. Swami accepted Arati at 7 pm and went into the interview room, emerging after ten minutes to retire for the day.   30th Nov 2007 Photos: Parthi Yatra  & Balvikas - Dist Karnataka program 


Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - This evening, two speakers were asked to be ready before Bhagawan arrived for evening darshan, so the Bhajans did not begin at five o'clock. After Bhagawan arrived in His car and completed His darshan round, He asked for the Croatian devotees to come to the verandah. There, He sent watches for all of them and sat there watching as the watches were distributed, moving around in His chair and interacting with some of them. After 5.30 pm, Bhagawan went into the interview room, and the Bhajans commenced in the Bhajan Hall. 25 & 28th Nov. Photos: Croatian Music Program, Clothes and Watch Distribution   

Monday, November 26, 2007 - Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall as the evening Bhajans went on, at around 5.20 pm. After a round of the Sai Kulwant Hall, Swami also moved around the verandah and the stage area before moving to the Bhajan Hall. Then, He came out and called some of the Croatian devotees for interviews. Bhajans continued till Bhagawan accepted Arati at a quarter past six and returned to His residence.

Sunday, November 25, 2007 - The four hundred strong Croatian group got a chance to sing in front of Bhagawan this evening. Just before the five o'clock bhajans were to commence, word was sent for the group to be ready with their songs, so they took their places in the centre of the Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan emerged from His residence a few minutes after five o'clock, and when He reached the dais after His darshan round, the song programme got underway with some Vedic chants. Bhagawan showered His Love on the group after their 45 minute programme by going down among them in His chair and interacting with some of them, asking for sarees to the distributed to the ladies and safari suit material for the gents. After getting wafers also distributed among the group, Swami went inside the interview room calling in some devotees. He emerged at 7 pm to accept Arati and return to His residence.

Download 82nd Birthday darshan photo 2007 wallpaper- click to enlarge size 1024x768

82nd birthday video : D download (155mb)   Streaming:  350kbs     100kbs    20kbs                             23rd Nov. Birthday Morning Darshan              Photos & report - Divine Birthday Week: 18th - 23rd Nov. 2007

Friday, November 23, 2007  -  Bhagawan's 82nd Birthday celebrations began just after 9 am with the procession starting from Bhagawan's residence to Sai Kulwant Hall. The Bands of Primary School girls, Anantapur girls, Primary School boys and Prasanthi Nilayam boys led the Vedam chanting students who preceded Bhagawan who arrived in His chair. After a full round of the packed Sai Kulwant Hall, Swami came onto the verandah where He Blessed the various Birthday cakes till He came onstage at 9.35 am. The Malladi brothers sang for Bhagawan accompanied by their father. After a couple of songs, Prof Anil Kumar was asked to make an announcement. The anointing ceremony which Bhagawan had discontinued long back was being reinstated. Six distinguished couples (Mrs & Mr.R.J.Ratnakar [son of Late Janaki Ramayya garu, the chosen brother of Swami] , Mrs & Mr.Justice Bhagwathi, Mrs & Mr.Indulal Shah, Mrs.& Mr. Showrie, (here Swami called Prof.Anil Kumar and said something and Prof.Anil Kumar announced that Mr.Showrie is only 99 years old), 85 years old Mrs & Mr.Marga bandu ) were called up to the dais one by one and anointed Bhagawan's hair with flowers dipped in scented oil with the accompaniment of Vedic chants. The vocal concert of the Malladi brothers continued after the anointing. Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence along with the four bands at 11 am.
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82^nd Birthday Evening: The evening programme commenced with Bhagawan arriving in His chair into Sai Kulwant Hall to the accompaniment of Vedam chanting and Panchavadyam. After His darshan round, Swami came onstage and asked the Malladi brothers to sing again. Their hour-long Carnatic concert commenced at 5.45 pm. At the end of their concert, Bhagawan Blessed their father with a chain. Next was the turn of Sri Hariharan to sing. He sang some ghazals and some Carnatic songs too. Bhagawan Blessed him with a ring after an hour of singing, then asked him to sing a last song. Concluding with the Bhajan "Janani Maa", Sri Hariharan's concert was followed by Arati. Bhagawan took group photos with both the groups of singers as Arati went on and returned to His residence after 8 o'clock.

Click here to read detailed eye witness account of  Swami's birthday darshan & photos -

" suddenly the music started and there He comes.. It took almost 10 minutes for Swami to enter the hall as all the students lead the darshan.. Surprising every one, and just as He said, love my uncertainty, some thing very certain on this day (birthday) was not seen today.."  Also: More Details  - 23rd Nov Morning. from saistudents..

Thursday, November 22, 2007  - This morning, Bhagawan came to the Sai Kulwant Hall as the Bhajans went on, after 9.30 am. After sitting in the Bhajan Hall for nearly half an hour, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence. At 1.45 pm, Bhagawan once again came to the Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair to check out the preparations made for the Sri arrangements, Swami returned to His residence and emerged later for the convocation.
The Convocation procession was led by the University Brass band into the Sai Kulwant Hall at 3.30 pm. Bhagawan was resplendent in a white robe for the occasion. Sharing the stage with Bhagawan and the University governing body members and deans was Justice Bhagawati, former Chief Justice of India. The Vice-Chancellor delivered his welcome address, Bhagawan stood to say "I declare the Convocation open", and the graduands of the year were administered the Convocation Oath. The gold medal winners and PhD recipients came up to Bhagawan to receive His benediction and their medals. Bhagawan stood up to deliver His Convocation Address at 4.15 pm.    Swami exhorted the youth to never hate anyone, to greet even those who are considered as enemies, to win over enmity with Love. Bhagawan concluded by saying that the way the students can make Him happy is by making their parents happy. The National Anthem concluded the Convocation. Before leaving the dais, Swami spoke a few words about Sri Bhagawati's faith and love for Bhagawan, and also made him speak a few words into His own microphone. The Convocation procession then moved out of the Hall and Bhagawan returned to His residence at 5.30 pm.     The drama presented by the students of the Sai University was the concluding item of the day. Bhagawan arrived onstage at the Poornachandra auditorium by 5.45, and in ten minutes' time the drama was underway there. Bhagawan was very pleased with the hour-long drama which had several songs and a dance sequence, which depicted the transformation of hearts through grama seva, Bhagawan's Hospitals and Radio Sai Global Harmony. Coming onstage in His chair after the performance, Swami Blessed the participants with a group photograph before accepting Arati and retiring for the day. Photos: Sri Sathya Sai University's 26th Convocation

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - This morning, Bhagawan showered abundant grace on the ladies. Arriving at Sai Kulwant Hall a few minutes after the Bhajans began at 9 o'clock, Swami started distributing sarees, moving around the ladies' side in His chair. And the distribution went on for nearly an hour! At the end, Bhagawan moved to the Bhajan Hall, sat there for a couple of Bhajans, accepted Arati and returned to His residence. Later, at 11 o'clock, Swami arrived at the Poornachandra auditorium to watch the final dress rehearsal of the convocation drama to be staged tomorrow. It was 12.45 when Bhagawan returned to His residence.
A vocal concert by Sri T M Krishna was the programme of the evening. Swami came onstage after His darshan round in the chair, sat there for ten minutes listening to the Vedam chanting, and moved to the interview room via the Eastern side of the stage. He emerged a few minutes later and came onstage once again, and the programme commenced at five minutes to five. As the concert went on, Swami moved to the interview room. The singer noticed Bhagawan's absence and started singing Carnatic songs with lyrics like "When will we have the darshan of the Lord of Chidambaram", "Mother, will you not listen to my call and talk to me?" and so on. Swami returned onstage, called up the singer and his accompanists and showered a lot of Love them. He gave rings to three of them, gave them shawls, gave them prasadam, took photographs with them, talking to them for more than ten minutes before accepting Arati. He then called up some of the student singers and introduced them, then asked them to sing! The students sang three songs and a bhajan as instructed by Swami, then again came onstage for more interaction, after which Swami returned to His residence at 7.15 pm. Prof. Anil Kumar made an announcement about the 26th convocation ceremony of the Sai University to be held tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007 -This morning, Sai Kulwant Hall witnessed the inauguration of the two day Workshop on Parenting organised by the Education wing of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation. Swami came onstage and lit the ceremonial lamp at 9.30 am. A vedic invocation and three short speeches followed, by ladies who spearhead the Balvikas and Parenting initiatives of the Sai Organisation. At 10 o'clock, the speeches concluded, Bhagawan asked for Bhajans to begin in the Sai Kulwant Hall itself, and He accepted Arati after twenty minutes. During the Arati, Bhagawan Blessed the speakers of the day with sarees. The evening programme was a music concert by renowned vocalist Sri Pankaj Udhas and party. Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.30 pm, and after a round of the Hall in the chair, came onstage and the concert commenced. The ninety minute concert concluded with a spirited instrumental piece after Bhagawan Blessed the artistes with shawls. Swami accepted Arati at 7.10, but instead of directly going to His residence, made a second slow round of the students accepting many letters and then moved through the ladies to reach His residence at 7.30 pm. Photos:  Nov. 20, 2007 Music concert by renowned vocalist Sri Pankaj Udhas -
 

Monday, November 19, 2007  -  This day is celebrated as Ladies' day at Prasanthi Nilayam every year, with all the programmes and daily activities being carried out by ladies. The Suprabhatam was chanted by Smt. P. Susheela, the early morning Veda Parayanam was by the Anantapur women students. Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair a few minutes after 9 o'clock, preceded by the Primary School and Anantapur bands. When Swami reached the centre of the Hall, He stopped there and asked for the "Go daan" ceremony to begin. 150 cows were being gifted to deserving families from nearby villages. The cows came up to where Swami was seated, the recipients also came up to Him, received His Blessings and moved out of the gate. Twenty minutes later, the function concluded, Swami arrived onstage and asked for the Bhajans by the lady singers of Sundaram to begin. After 40 minutes of Bhajans, Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence. On His way, at the Mandir verandah, He Blessed the giant cake made for the occasion topped with Goddess Saraswati.

The stage was decorated with pillars of mirrors with candles providing illumination. Banners with flower motifs and cloth buntings lent colour to the Sai Kulwant Hall. The evening programme of ladies' day got underway with Bhagawan arriving in His car at 4.20 pm with the two bands preceding Him. Swami asked for the car to stop near the stage and came onstage in His chair. The proceedings consisted of two talks followed by a vocal concert and a dance by Primary School students. The first speaker was Dr. (Mrs.) Hyma Reddy from the USA, and the second was renowned thespian Sowcar Janaki. Smt. Nithyasree Mahadevan sang for Bhagawan for 40 minutes before the young Primary School girls enthralled the audience with their dance depicting the story of young Sai. At the end of their dance, Swami had group photos with the group, flanked by two "Sai"s who depicted Him in the dance. Blessing everyone with His Abhayahasta, Bhagawan left for His residence after Arati at 6.35 pm.  Photos of ladies day click here -  
More updates  - 19th  Nov. from saistudents...

Sunday, November 18, 2007  - At around 9.25 a.m Swami arrived at the Gopuram gate of Prasanthi Nilayam, Bhagawan blessed the procession of ratham and the devotees participating in the Rathotsavam (Chariot Festival). After blessing the procession of ratham and the devotees waiting outside, Swami returned back to Sai Kulwant Hall for morning Bhajans after the morning aarthi Swami returned to His abode at 10.00 a.m. thus concluding the morning darshan. It was also Sathya Gita's ( Swami's new pet elephant) first Rathotsavam.  Rathotsavam procession starts from Sai Kulwant Hall to the Old Mandir (Kalyana Mantapam) devotees & students carrying the idol of Lord Krishna on a rath (chariot) and the idols of Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Mother Sita on a palanquin - in the village of Puttaparthi. After worship is offered to the deities, the idols of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita return to the Mandir. Photos: Rathoutsavam  (Chariot Festival 18th Nov. 2007)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007  - The convocation drama students had been praying that Swami come and see the rehearsal of the drama. This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan at 4 pm, and after a round of Sai Kulwant Hall, proceeded to the college auditorium for the drama rehearsal. Swami was happy with the drama presentation and noted certain points which needed attention. The Bhajans had begun in the Mandir when Bhagawan returned at 5.15 pm. After a few moments in the Bhajan Hall, Swami took a round of the verandah and the stage area, returned to the Bhajan Hall, accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - This evening, Bhagawan arrived just after the Bhajans began, and went into the Bhajan Hall after His darshan round in the car. At 5.15, He asked for the Bhajans to stop and for Dr. G. Venkataraman to speak on the significance of Bhajans, standing next to Him. After the Professor's extempore fifteen minute talk on the importance of Nama smarana, Bhagawan Himself asked for the mic and started to speak.  Swami stressed that we should not just limit Bhajans to set times, but should remember the Name of the Lord at all times and at all places. Just as Krishna exhorted Arjuna, "Remember Me and fight", we should remember the Lord even as we do our day-to-day chores. Let it be any Name, but remember it at all times. Bhagawan illustrated the elevating nature of Namasmarana by a story of how a bird goes through higher and higher births on chanting Rama's name. After His 40 minute Discourse, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.  Bhagawan’s Discourse in Bhajan Mandir, Prasanthi Nilayam.
 

Sunday, November 11, 2007 - The Akhanda Bhajan continued, with many groups singing together throughout the night, with the mics coming on at 8 am. Bhagawan arrived a few minutes before 10 o'clock and sat in the Bhajan Hall for nearly an hour. He moved through the Bhajan Hall aisle and also moved through Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair. It was nearly 11.30 when He returned to His residence. In the evening, Swami again went around the Bhajan Hall and the Sai Kulwant Hall several times.

He sat inside the Bhajan Hall from 5.45 onwards, listening to the spirited singing, and did not ask for the Arati at 6 o'clock. So the Bhajan "Subramaniam..." was started by the lady singers, and towards the end of that Bhajan, Swami waved His hand to produce a chain. He called up the lady singer, a former student, and Blessed her with the chain. Swami asked for the Arati shortly thereafter, but continued to sit in the Bhajan Hall as the prasadam of tamarind rice and sweet rice was served. The Divine Mother watched Her children eat after 'Brahmarpanam' was chanted, and moved out only after everyone in the Bhajan Hall had been served. Moving to the Sai Kulwant Hall, Swami watched the prasadam distribution going on there for a while and then moved to His residence in the chair. Also read: more updates  - 10th & 11th Nov. from saistudents...


 

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