Sai Kingdom
(UK) Grama Seva Group
2005 – 5th
October
Morning Darshan:
Today Swami blessed all devotees at 8:30am. Swami gave darshan in the car
to all the sisters and brothers assembled in Sai Kulwant Hall. He spoke to
Sri Ajit Popat on the Veranda for almost 10 minutes from his car. Swami
also blessed a number of items Sri Poppat had offered to Swami.
Soon after, Swami spoke to Sri Narasimha Murthy, Warden of Brindavan
Campus, and gave permission for the Students to start Grama Seva for the
second day. The UK Group accompanied some Students to a village called
Enumulapalli, which was to receive Baba’s Love in the form of sarees,
dhotis and food. This village is situated alongside the Chitravati River,
only 2-3km from Puttarparthi. Enumulapalli is much smaller than
yesterday’s village (Pedaballi), consisting of approximately 5,000 people.
The villagers were once again very happy and extremely grateful to receive
Swami’s Love. As we gave the prasadam to the householders, they expressed
their gratitude to Baba by doing pranams and saying “Sai Ram”.
The village was full of young children running happily after the trucks
and Sumos, constantly saying “Sai Ram, Sai Ram…” with the hope of
receiving a ladoo or two!
The Grama Seva distribution finished around 12:30pm.
Afternoon Darshan:
The lovely Mother that Swami is arrived at 2:45pm this afternoon to spend
some time with the sisters from Anantapur Campus who have been preparing
the Grama Seva food till the early hours of the morning every night. Their
interview was held inside the Mandir, from which we could hear the lovely
group songs performed by the sisters.
However, Swami also sat for a few minutes on the Portico so that the rest
of the devotees could enjoy a few moments of bliss. Swami spent most of
the afternoon inside the interview room, coming out every now and then,
much to the delight of the devotees still waiting for bhajans. Bhajans
started at 5:10pm today and continued till 5:45pm, after which Bhagawan
Baba left for the Divine abode.
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2005 – 6th October
Morning Darshan:
Thursday is a very special day for Baba devotees as it is Guru’s Day.
However today the Sai Kulwant Hall was colourfully decorated. There was
Nadaswaram music playing and Sai Geeta also graced the hall with her
majestic walk. There were many priests and scholars chanting the Vedic
mantras and all the Vedam boys were dressed in traditional clothes.
As Swami arrived, there was an air of excitement, as today the Veda
Purusha Saptah Jnana Yagna was to commence in the Poornachandra hall.
Everyone moved to the Poornachandra hall to witness the Yagna. The UK
Group was extremely privileged to sit close to the front when the Yagna
started.
The priests were chanting mantras as Swami arrived in his chair on the
stage. The holy fire was started by one of the priests using the
traditional method of using wood and friction. They immediately took the
flame to Swami to be blessed. Swami fanned the flame Himself and blessed
them to commence the Yagna.
At 10:00am, instructions were giving to the Students to start the trucks
rolling. The Grama Seva was to be carried out in Puttarparthy village
itself. There were several small teams who took charge of distributing the
prasadam in the local streets. The locals were very grateful and happy to
receive Baba’s prasadam.
Afternoon Darshan:
The Navratri festivities continued into the afternoon as Swami arrived for
Darshan at 3.30pm. Swami’s car drove past both the sisters’ and brothers’
sides. Swami sat on the Portico for sometime reading letters He had
collected from the devotees. Swami signalled to go into the interview room
at 4.15pm to the disappointment of the devotees present. However, to
everyone’s surprise and joy, Swami signalled to go back to the Portico to
bless us with His presence once again.
After some time, Swami initiated the commencement of the Prasanthi Vidhwan
Maha Sabha whereby speakers over several days would talk about Indian
Spirituality and Culture. The fortunate three speakers for today were
introduced by Sri Sanjay Sahni, Principal of Brindavan Campus. First was
the present vice-chancellor Professor Anil Gokak who spoke about the
Navratri festival. Second was an inspiring speech by Sri Deepak Anand who
spoke about his experiences with Swami. Lastly was a very moving speech by
Dr Ravi Kumar. Dr Ravi inspired us all with his recollection of how Swami
came into his life the day his mother passed away and also how Swami saved
his fathers’ life by curing his cancer. He spoke very emotionally about
how Swami gave him back his sight not once, but twice, after acid had
splashed into his eyes.
Swami was very happy with all three speeches. Swami then gave instructions
to announce that He would give the Divine Discourse the following day as
it was getting late (5.45pm). However, our most compassionate mother felt
our yearning to hear His voice and surprisingly the podium was placed in
front of Swami. There was a rapturous applause as Swami stood up and Swami
Himself was beaming with a big smile. He informed all present that Swami
was very happy as he knew that we all felt happy that He was standing. Our
Divine Mother reassured us that He would make us even happier the next
morning. He then instructed the students to distribute prasadam and asked
everyone to take some before they left the Sai Kulwant Hall.
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2005 – 7th
October
Morning Darshan:
Swami arrived just before 8.30am . He followed the usual route around the
brothers’ side and onto the Veranda where he emerged from his car. Almost
immediately he gave instructions for the Students to depart for Grama
Seva. The UK Group went to the village of Ramasagaram, situated around 35
km from Puttaparthi and has a population of approximately 850.It was a
wonderful drive to the Village, as we saw green fields and mountains along
the way The residents of this village were joyful and full of gratitude at
receiving Swami’s prasadam. As the village was small, the UK Grama Seva
group was the only team serving the entire village. After food was
distributed, everyone gathered under a tree over looking a small lake. All
the local people where pleased to join in taking photos together while
talking about some of the problems they have in the village. The Grama
Seva group, as usual had lunch which was consisted of Rice, Laddo, and
buttermilk.
Afternoon Darshan:
Swami arrived onto the portico at around 3.30pm. Proceedings of the
Prasanthi Vidhwan Maha Sabha continued today with two accomplished
speakers who maintained the high standards set by the previous days’
speakers. First was Sri Rangarajan who gave an illuminating talk based on
unity in diversity. Secondly, Brother Shashank Shah spoke about a variety
of experiences. Swami then touched the hearts of one and all by giving a
Divine Discourse during which he gave an incredibly emotional account of
the plight of the Pandavas after Lord Krishna had departed his body. Swami
concluded the discourse by emphasising the power of chanting “Jai”
(victory) and getting the congregation to chant this sacred and powerful
word. This was a wonderful opportunity for all present in Sai Kulwant
hall, as Swami was out on the Portico for almost 3 hours. The day’s
proceedings finished with the Students singing bhajans and the offering of
Aarti. Also read:
Sai Kingdom
(UK) Grama Seva Group 2005 – 8th -9th
October
