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January 11th: 11:30 pm - Sports Day in Puttaparthi



click here to see Latest Photo Collage - Sports day



Latest Photo Collage - evening program

Photographs: Over 80 new pictures from Sports day event
 

 MORE PHOTOGRAPHS

 ANNUAL SPORTS AND CULTURAL MEET 2006 WITH MORE PHOTOGRAPHS
 

  Recent Detail Sports day news from Prashanthi Nilayam. ..."
 

Evening programs of Sports Day

RUN UP TO THE ANNUAL SPORTS MEET - 1             

RUN UP TO THE ANNUAL SPORTS MEET - 2


 Swami arrived for the event at 8:00 am in the morning after which the march past began by the students of swami school and colleges. Students from three campuses participated in march past. Prasanthi Nilayam campus, Brindavan campus and the Anantapur campus. After the march past Swami lit the flame to start the event. This years mascot was peacock which carried the flame up to hanuman where a light was lit to begin the proceedings. Swami came in a yellow dress so was easy visible to the devotees who filled the entire hill view stadium. Then the events began the prasanthi nilayam campus started the proceeding with acrobats and other dance etc. We will be putting the picture of them online soon. Then the girls form anantapur campus started their performance they did yoga on moving jeeps etc. Then

Swami left for mandir ending the programs. It was 10:35
 am when Swami left. More programs are announced for the evening. Boys were doing balloon bursting games while girls were doing yoga.


January 11th: - Evening programs of Sports Day

Swami arrived at the evening program at around 4:00 pm. Then the performances by the children of Swami school started. They performed with a lot of energy and there performance was very colorful. When they finished there was a performace by the children of Swami new oprhanage home. They performed a program about playing chess. There was an annoncement by Anil kumar before this performance started. Mr.Anil Kumar said that Swami has taken a lot of orphan children and given them shelter and food and all of the children have 1 lakh each in their bank account, so that they can continue their studies in future. After their performance one of the boy thanked Swami for all the help. The boy also talked about some of the miralce that were happening at the orphan home. He said that two boys were cured of cancer and one boy got his speech back after coming to the orphan home. The boy ended with heartfully thanking Swami for all the things that were given to them. After that the performance by the students from Brindavan campus started they performed lion dance which got huge claps, they also did martial arts etc. When their performance was finished, Swami left the stadium at 6:00 pm. Ending the sports day in Puttaparthi.

The long awaited Sports day dawns, bringing to fruition the tireless efforts of all students of Bhagawan. The students have just one objective in mind – to please their Lord. Bhagawan too reciprocates with the same intensity. Even last evening, with just a night to go for the Sports Meet, Swami had come out for a round. He first went to the College Auditorium, sat there for a few minutes. The participants, who were taken by surprise, started donning their costumes immediately.

However, after a few minutes, Swami said that He would come back again and proceeded towards the Shanti Vedika stadium. There, He took a full round watching the rehearsals going on and returned to Mandir in time for Bhajans. After Aarti an announcement was made that the Sports Meet would begin the next day morning in Shanti Vedika grounds at 8.00 a.m.

This morning, even as the students assembled for the March Past in the grounds at 7.00 a.m., the galleries and stands were full to their capacity. The weather was very pleasant – neither too cold nor hot. Flags of various Nations adorned the gallery tops – just as it had been done for the Birthday Celebrations.

At 7.45 a.m. Music was played on the Public Address system starting with the Vedic chanting of Ganaanaam Tva. Bhagawan made His entry at sharp 8.00 a.m. At 8.05 a.m., the Brass Band of the Anantapur Campus was heard playing at the rear end of the Shanti Vedika grounds welcoming Bhagawan at the entry point near the Primary School. A few seconds later, the Escorts students were seen leading the procession. Behind them, were all the captains of various squads offering their salute to their Divine Chancellor.

Swami was sitting in the special car – which He used for the Birthday – the Mercedes sports convertible. As the car moved ahead on the road along the Ladies side, the Institute Brass Band took over with the Slow March welcoming Bhagawan. Behind the Slow Marching boys and in front of Swami’s car were the Lions of Prasanthi marching majestically. (The Lion dance had been performed earlier by the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus a few years back. The same coaches from Singapore were back again to train the students in this Chinese art form of dance). Leading the pack of lions were the three huge flags exhibiting the Institute logo and the Silver Jubilee insignia.

At 8.15 a.m. the Vice Chancellor welcomed Bhagawan as the car entered into the D-circle in front of the stage. After a while, Bhagawan emerged in His yellow robe looking radiant and got onto the lift. Brother Satyajit was next to Swami, helping Him to move onto the lift. As the lift rose up, more and more of Swami’s physical Form could be seen by the audience and then there He was standing on the stage.

Bhagawan lit the ceremonial lamp and went walking to take His Chair at the center of the stage. After Swami sat down on the Chair, three young boys and three girls from the Primary School – tiny tots – were seen walking past the ground towards Swami with Bouquets and cards in their hands. As they approached Swami on the stage, Bhagawan very lovingly received all their offerings.

At 8.25 a.m. the March Past began. The waterfall from the Hanuman statue was shining in the morning sunlight in the rear. Dear Sai Gita who actually led the entire procession during the welcome, stood next to the Shamiyana set up for the students at the Hostel end. She stood there decked gorgeously with all her ornaments and was grazing away to glory, thanks to the lush green grass on the cricket stadium!

The March Past went on as usual – starting with most colourful squads from the Primary School, followed by the Anantapur Campus of the Institute and the Anantapur Junior College. Then came the Higher Secondary School boys with their bright coloured T-shirts culminating with the Brindavan and Parthi men students. The final squad to sign off was the Athletic squad consisting of all medal winners, wearing white pants with tucked in red coloured shirts.

After all the squads had assembled on the grounds, the Institute Flag was brought in ceremoniously with a special marching team. After the Physical Directors of the Brindavan and Parthi campuses respectively, tied the flag to the pole, one of them went over to the stage and handed over the remote button to Bhagawan. Swami pressed the remote switch and hoisted the flag on its mast. Then we had the oath taking ceremony. The Institute captain administered the oath to all the students.

The next item was the torch lighting ceremony. Swami lit the torch which was carried by pairs of students in a relay to the mountain top. Meanwhile, Swami stood up from the chair to release the white pigeons and the balloons. In the background, one could see the peacock – the mascot for the Sports Meet this year, carrying the torch to the top of the hill. Once the peacock reached the hill top, the main torch of the Sports Meet was lit. It was 8.45 a.m. when the squads dispersed, giving way to the Prasanthi Nilayam campus to begin its presentation.

At 9.00 a.m. the Parthi Campus made its entry in a grand manner with a huge structure – a rotating pillar with Duty, Devotion, Discipline, Purity, Patience, Perseverance, written on its various sides. Right at the top was a swan around whose neck was a disc with the numbers 25 shining on it, marking the Silver Jubilee of the Institute. On either sides of this structure, were the cutouts with Swami’s photographs on them. Between all these were giant models – 15 feet high and around 15 kgs in weight - of ‘Sai Students’ dressed up as Vedam chanting students, some in whites and some in the Convocation dress. These models were specially designed and built for this occasion by professionals from Mangalore and they were designed on the lines of the Rama Leela festival held in the North. The uniqueness of these statues was that they were very light in weight and a single student could easily lift a model on his head and move around.

After they all took their position, the Opening Ceremony song began. Groups of students danced to the tune depicting a mix of the East and the West, symbolizing a blend of spiritual and secular knowledge that is the hallmark of the Institute. The second item was one of the main items of the Campus. The Lion dance. 30 lions barged into the ground dancing vigorously and exhibited a number of stunts on tables, poles and even did bamboo walking. The next item was a display of Rhythm on poles done by the School students, followed by another eycatching item – the Giant Wheels. Two Giant Wheels, 35 feet in height were mounted just in front of the ladies gallery to the left of the stage. Students performed wonderful feats on these revolving wheels.

Subsequently came the Gymnasts displaying their mettle, performing all types of jumps – over fire, through rings and finally even over a Maruti Van! Following this were the drummers playing their rhythmic beats on 25 Chinese drums that were specially flown in from Singapore for this event. The impact was very good and the Giant Flags displaying their show in the background added to the beauty.

The Delta Force came in next. Tough guys working unitedly to show what can be done with huge logs of wood, displayed synchronized movements ending with the real tough guys climbing upon the logs held vertically. Then came in another round of the Giant Wheels with the students exhibiting their skills further, performing head stands right at the top. Acrobatics by the School children was the next item. A brief dance by Lord Shiva who actually passed on the science of Yoga to humanity, was followed by wonderful Asanas performed in a very coordinated and harmonious manner.

The final item of the Prasanthi Nilayam campus was a Fun on the Run game involving a number of competitive games between two teams. Shooting balloons with catapults, basketing balls after running through an obstacle course, pyramid formation and so on. The presentation came to a close with all staff and students coming into a closing ceremony formation with a special closing song being played in the background.

At 10.00 a.m., the Anantapur students began their presentation. The theme of their presentation was Unity-Purity-Divinity. They began with a dance followed by wonderful, breathtaking Asanas performed atop moving Jeeps. Following this was a butterfly dance - a mass item with a hundred plus girls with butterfly wings that turned shining silver and bright gold as they changed sides. It looked very good. After this, there was another mass dance item using rings covered with shining pink material. By 10.25 a.m. they concluded their very crisp and gripping presentation and moved on for the Closing Ceremony.

Around 10.30 a.m. Swami took Aarti and retired for the morning.

In the evening, Swami arrived in the ground at 4.05 p.m. The Escorts on the bikes led Bhagawan’s Porte car. Swami was in His orange robe. The leading bike held the flag bearing the Silver Jubilee logo with the two wings of Sathya and Dharma. The second in line held the flag with the Institute logo having a blue background specially designed for the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

As Bhagawan’s car approached the dais, the Primary School gymnasts in orange suits welcomed Swami with a crawl on their hands. By 4.15 p.m. Swami ascended the dais using the lift. Two young Primary School girls decked in green and two boys in yellow marched across the grounds to offer their bouquets and card to Bhagawan. After Swami received their offerings, the presentation began with a dance to the song – Prasanthi Vaasa Swagatam, Puttaparthi Purisha Swagatam, Susswagatam….

Following this was a dance by young boys dressed as Vanaras. There were a hundred plus boys, all Vanaras dancing to a fast beat song. In the course of the song, Lord Rama and Lakshmana come in and the monkeys help them building the bridge across the ocean. It was very well depicted.

Then it was the turn of the gymnasts to display their solid talent. No doubt they stole the show. Then there were mass dances, one of them by girls dressed in blue looking like waves interspersed with other girls holding silver and gold coloured rings. It looked very attractive. As this item got over, the Roller Skates boys rolled in and performed a number of feats in front of the dais. Then came the malkhamb drill on tall vertical poles erected on the ground. This too was very well planned and executed by the young boys.

A few more dances by large numbers of girls and then we had drills on the ropes again by the boys. They performed extremely well, displaying their skills on the ropes. At 5.10 p.m. all the children entered together like a wave offering their Pranaams to Swami.

At 5.20 p.m. the children of the Deenajanodarana Pathakam made a 15 minute brief presentation showing a war between good and bad symbolized by white and black dresses symbolically presented on a giant chessboard.

At 5.35 p.m., the Brindavan students commenced their presentation. The opening spectacular item was the Dragon dance followed by Martial Arts. Almost all the students participated in the Martial Arts item displaying various forms of this art. They presented the mace fight, war with sword and shield, Karate, Nan Chaku, Spears and even stick fights. All this went on synchronized with music in the background. They concluded with the breathtaking items like braking pots, blazing tiles, etc.

At 5.55 p.m. all the Brindavan students came forward towards the dais to offer their gratitude to Bhagawan. Swami took Aarti and retired by 6.00 p.m. Thus the curtain closed on this year’s Annual Sports and Cultural Meet.



 
PARTHI UPDATE
 
 
 
 
RUN UP TO THE ANNUAL SPORTS MEET - 1             

RUN UP TO THE ANNUAL SPORTS MEET - 2

 
Sairam.
 
As the New Year has begun and is running on its way, the first major festival that marks the year is the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet of the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions. This is an occasion where all the three campus students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, the Higher Secondary School students and the Primary School students assemble together in Prasanthi Nilayam to display a variety of sports and cultural programmes in the Divine Presence on January 11th.

 To add to this, this year also happens to be the Silver Jubilee Year of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Established as a Deemed University in 1981, the Institute turns 25 this year. A quarter century of Character Building at the Lotus Feet. It is most appropriate to recall what Bhagawan had said at the time of inauguration of this Institute. He had said that for the transformation of humanity and to bring in peace and harmony in the world; there is no need for a new education system or a new political order or government; what is truly required is ‘men and women of noble character’. It was with this noble intention that this University was started by Bhagawan Baba.

As we know, Bhagawan gets fully involved in the Sports celebrations right from the practice sessions to the final day presentation. On the 4th of January, Swami made His first appearance in the Shanti Vedika grounds. Prior to that, for a few days, the devotees in Kulwant Hall were Blessed to have wonderful Darshan of Swami. On two evenings, Bhagawan came out on the chair and went round the Kulwant Hall along the pathway, talking to devotees and students, taking their letters, listening to their pleas. It was just like the earlier days except that He was seated on His chair.

 On the 4th morning, Swami was in the grounds, ready to witness the practice session. He chose to see the events than the March Past. The event first displayed was the Chinese Lion dance. 60 students decked up as 30 lions began their enchanting dance interspersed with dare devil stunts on tables and vertical structures. Swami appreciated the dance very much. As the Lion dance concluded the Chinese drums started making their presence felt. 25 drummers beating on huge Chinese drums created a real impact. They played all types of beats, at times dancing in a rhythmic fashion. The acrobatics from the Higher Secondary School followed next. The Pole Drill boys from the Higher Secondary School also made their presentation. Bhagawan sat in the car itself and watched all the events.

Surprisingly and to our delight, Swami was again present in the grounds in the afternoon too. Now the students were more organized and prepared to display the events. We had the Giant Wheel display which Swami was watching even as His car was moving along. Subsequently, the Lions came in displaying more stunts on poles and even did bamboo walking.

 On the 5th morning, once again, Swami was on the grounds. He arrived at 10.00 a,m, and stayed on until 11.00 a.m. This time Bhagawan decided to sit outside. The chair rolled out and Swami sat on a carpet spread at the end of the Gents gallery towards the Shanti Vedika stage. First He saw the Lion dace. They presented several new stunts that had not been shown earlier. Swami interacted with the coaches and the teachers in charge, giving some suggestions. Then the Delta Force students of the Institute presented their event – a display of physical stamina by teams of students using long logs of wood.

Jan 6th evening was a real bonanza for all devotees in the Mandir. Swami came out for Darshan and took a full round after which He came onto the dais to sit down in His usual place. The Brindavan students too had just arrived from Bangalore to Parthi for participating in the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet. After a few minutes, Swami asked His chair to be moved towards the Portico on the gents side. He came onto the middle Portico and then moved out onto the Gents devotees side.

 However, He took an abrupt turn and moved along the students and in front of the Birthday and the Vedam group. From there, He kept moving forward all the way to the Ladies side. Over there, He took a full round along the usual Darshan path and came all the way towards the Gents side. He continued along the path and completing a full circle He returned to the interview room. All devotees and students were overjoyed to have such a close and long Darshan. Especially the Brindavan students were ecstatic for they were seeing Swami after such a long time. The Divine Mother knew how Her children were pining for Her Darshan!

On the other hand the Parthi drama boys were eagerly waiting in the Institute Auditorium for Bhagawan’s arrival. They were well prepared for presenting their drama in the Divine Presence for His feedback and approval. Swami had sent the VC and Registrar to the auditorium saying that He would follow them soon. They promptly arrived at the Auditorium while Swami filled the hearts of the devotees in the Mandir with thrill and joy!

 So now the drama boys eagerly await Swami’s arrival the next morning on the 7th. The combined March Past practice of all campuses also begins from the 7th morning. So Swami is expected in the grounds too. Let us see what is in store for all of us.
 
08-01-2006
 
RUN UP TO THE ANNUAL SPORTS MEET - 2
 
Sairam.
 
This morning the drama boys were present in the College Auditorium right from morning 7.00 a.m. expecting Bhagawan. The wait was indeed fruitful for Swami made His entry at around 9.45 a.m. All devotees were crowded outside the entrance to the College opposite to the Primary School gate. Surprisingly, Swami’s car passed by without turning! The drama boys were possibly in for another disappointment. But the compassionate Lord had other plans. He came straight towards the entry to the Shanti Vedika grounds and when all of us felt that He would proceed to the grounds, the car turned into the College through this end gate.

 He came straight towards the Computer Centre and took a left turn towards the Auditorium, Blessing all those standing on the way. Swami spent more than an hour inside the Auditorium watching the full drama. There were three modules, one on Saint Thyagaraja, another on the Pandavas and the third one on Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Swami was very involved in the entire play and made few suggestions for improvement here and there. At 10.55 a.m. He drove out of the College Campus.

His Leelas are known only to Him. The Bhajans were going on all the while in the Mandir Bhajan Hall right from 9.00 a.m. We expected the car to hurry back to the Mandir for Aarti. Instead our dear Lord chose to Bless the Primary School children. The car turned into the Primary School Campus. Swami spent around half an hour there and finally returned to the Mandir at 11.30 a.m. when Aarti was performed and Bhagawan retired for the morning.

 In the evening, Swami came out for Darshan at 5.25 p.m. He went straight into the Bhajan Hall, sat for a Bhajan or two and then took Aarti. He instructed the VC and Sri S.V. Giri to get into the car and off He went to the College Auditorium to watch the rehearsal of the drama by the Parthi students. Right now it is 6.20 p.m. Swami is seated inside the Auditorium watching the play.


Sairam.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pictures from archive