Text & photo source - copyrights: Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust -
sssbpt.org - Radiosai.org Prasanthi Diary -
theprasanthireporter.org | Web layout - Photo
graphic design : saibabaofindia.com "SBOI"
| -
We gratefully acknowledge the publishers
Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust & Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation
Guru Poornima
Celebrations - 2014 in prasanthi nilayam
Watch the Recorded Video Webcast of Guru Poornima
Celebrations Evening Programme at 4.30 p.m. (IST)
from Prasanthi Nilayam - 12th July 2014
Kadri Gopal’s
Saxophone Offering… Prasanthi Nilayam - 12th July 2014
Blowing himself
through his saxophone pressing the keys in tandem Kadri Gopinath
blew himself to greater glory and rare blessings in the Divine
Presence of the Ultimate Teacher Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai.
On the evening of auspicious Guru Purnima today famed Saxophonist
and Carnatic Musician Kalaimamani Padmashree Dr Kadri Gopalnath
presented a scintillating concert playing it out for The Divine!
…and it turned out to be a rare gratitude offering to The One Who
had blessed him to become world-famous over five decades ago….
Earlier, the evening session commenced at 1650 hrs. with two
speeches, one each by representatives from International and Indian
Wings of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations.
George
Bebedelis, an alumnus of Athens University, and an office bearer of
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – Greece was the first one to
address. Presenting a total quality speech, with rare sparks of a
practising devotee, George’s speech was on the theme of “Tools For
Spreading His Message”. Explaining his theme with the term S-A-I
B-A-B-A, the answer according to him, he said, the term SAI is
expanded to Service, Adoration and Illumination and Baba is Being.
Awarness, Bliss, Atma. By adopting the three modes of activities of
Service, Adoration and Illumination one reaches finally to Supreme
Bliss, the Goal of human sojourn. Quoting Bhagawan’s advice to surf
the Innernet against Internet, the speaker reminded that the term
‘www’ originally stands for ‘world wide net’ has a different
connotation from the Sai parlance, that is Work…
Worship… Wisdom, that represent
Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga… the three defined path for
salvation. George then spoke in detail about the three Ws.
Elaborating on
the first W, Work, George enumerated in brief of the International
Organisation’s effort in the area of Global Healthcare, Disaster
Relief, a new project entitled: Serve The Planet etc.
Touching upon the second W, Worship, twisting his tongue to Indian,
singing the bhajan Hari Bhajana Binaa… George reminded the
audience that group devotional singing is the royal path towards
Godhood!
Enumerating
interesting anecdotes from Bhagawan’s interview room involving the
three great Greek philosophers, Aristotle, Plato and Socrates,
George went in detail about Jnana Yoga, reminding one and all of
Bhagawan’s message to question oneself repeatedly “who am i”? to
find the truth of Being… Brahmam. The term S-A-I has the answer
that, with Service, Adoration, Illumination one can reach Being,
Awareness, Bliss, Atma, the final goal… George concluded his
illuminating speech with the famous verse from Holy Guru Gita, “Brahmanandam
Parama SukhadamKevalam Jnanamurtim…“. We have our
Beloved Bhagawan and what better gift can one aspire from Him than
seeking Brahmandam… reminded George concluding his speech. George
was well received by the appreciative audience who burst into
rapturous applause for his unique rhetoric excellence full of
understanding and wisdom.
George’s
speech was followed by his Indian counterpart, Narayan Sar, Vice
President, SSSSO – Odisha, who divulged in detail about the various
initiatives by the Indian Wing of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations.
Interlacing his speech with rare touch of His Love, narrating
Sevadal’s experience during service in the villages, Sri Narayan
also enlisted various service initiatives planned for the ensuing
mammoth occasion of Bhagawan’s 90th Birthday celebrations.
Kadri
Gopalnath’s concert followed next. Gopalnath’s journey into the
world of music had the rare Touch Of The Divine. In the sixties as a
young lad he had come to Prasanthi Nilayam seeking blessings from
Bhagawan. Bhagawan blessed the young Gopal then, who sought special
‘favours from The Divine’ for a successful musical career, assuring
him of sending right gurus in time. He then also blessed the young
lad to become ‘world-famous’.
Offering rich
gratitude, dedicating the programme at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet, Sri
Gopalnath chose to play a mix of Sai Bhajans interlaced with some of
the famous devotional numbers. The numbers were: Hari Bhajana Binaa
Sukha Shaanthi Nahi… , Govinda Krishna Jai Gopala Krishna Jai…,
Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam…, Bho Shambho Shiva Shambho Swayambho…Bhajare
Ramacharanam…, Sri Lakshmi Ramana Narayana…, Ranga Vittala Pandu
Ranga Vittala…, Krishna Nee Beganee Baroo…, Jagaddorana, famed St
Purandaradasa composition, Brahmam Okkade of Annamacharya
composition, Kurai Ondrum Illai, famous Ms Subbalakshmi number, Om
Namo Narayanaya…, Ganga Jatadhara Gowri Shankara Girija Mana Ramana….
Kadri Gopanath did the ‘samarpan’ with a twin offering of St
Purandaradasa compositions, Tamburi Meetidava followed by Bhagyada
Lakshmi Baramma….
Musical
prowess of the genius was on display in the beautiful twilight with
The Supreme Teacher, watching and listening in His omnipresent form…
.. a virtuosic offering entertaining The Lord and delighting The
Lord’s assembly in His ‘Kingdom’…
Kadri
Gopalnath was accompanied by Ms A Kanyakumari on Violin, Sri B Hari
Kumar on Mrudangam, Pt Raghunath Nakod on Tabla and Sri B Rajsekhar
on Mukha Sankh.
The artist and
accompanists were felicitated. Bhajans continued and ended with
Bhagawan singing “Hari Bhajana Bina Sukha Santhi Nahin…” Mangala
Arathi at 1945 hrs. marked the end of the proceedings.
Morning
08.00 am – 8.15 am
08.15 am – 8.45 am
08.45 am – 9.25 am
09.25 am – 9.45 am
09:45 am - 10.00 am
Veda Recital
Guru Vandanam by Students
Speeches by 4 Samithi Convenors from the 4 regions
Introduction by Sri N. Ramani, National Vice President (Southern
Region), Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations-India.
Instrumental Musical Delight
from the UK… Thursday, August 1st, 2013
Marking the end of the fortnight long Guru Purnima
celebrations, a group of musicians from the UK offered an Instrumental Medley
this evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam....Read
more
30 July 2013, Prasanthi Nilayam: Holy Quranic verses resonated
throughout the Holy Prasanthi precincts with hundreds of men and women from
Region 94 of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – Worldwide, comprising of the
Middle East and Gulf countries assembled here greeting The Lord with ‘Ramadan
Mubarak’ here in Prasanthi Nilayam today....Read
more
Sai Sangeet Saurabh
Sunday, July 28th, 2013
Sensing the
‘musical taste’ of the Master, Who is verily Naada Brahma, faculties of Sri
Sathya Sai Mirpuri College Of Music presented a rollicking musical evening
entitled ‘Sai Sangeet Saurabh’ today here in Prasanthi Nilayam.
It is to be reminded that it was on the very same venue
Bhagawan had graciously received many a musical offering by His students,
nurturing the greater talent in them...Read
more
Sarvadharma – European
Choir by Region 73 Saturday, July 27th, 2013
Led by Conductor Maria Quoos, devotees from Zone 7 – Region 73 of Sathya Sai
Organisations – Worldwide offered an International Choir entitled “Sarvadharma”
as part of their Guru Purnima offering this evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam.....Read
more
Balinese Dance and Mexican
Choir… & Glendale-Arcadia Sadhana Group…
Wednesday, July 24th, 2013 - Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013
With the festive fervour continues in Prasanthi
post Guru Purnima celebrations, this evening there were two programmes, a
Balinese dance followed by a Mexican choir here in Prasanthi Nilayam.....Read
more
Holy Guru Purnima…
Monday, July 22nd, 2013
Greater joy of adoration of the Supreme Lord, The
Guru or all gurus, engulfed Prasanthi on the auspicious Guru Purnima morning
here in Prasanthi Nilayam today.
Guru Purnima has been a doted festival in the Prasanthi for many years with The
Supreme Compassionate Lord allowed devotees to pay homage to Him, worshipping
HIM as the Supreme Teacher.....Read
more
Gurupurnima Eve… Sunday, July 21st, 2013
21 July 2013, Guru Purnima
eve, featured two speeches and a musical offering by the students of College
Of Nursing, SSSIHMS, Whitefield, Bangalore this evening here in Prasanthi
Nilayam......Read
more
Quantum Signature Of GOD…
Saturday, July 20th, 2013
Marking the grand finale of three day Ashadi Ekadashi celebrations Sri Girish
Atre and Co. presented a unique musical offering entitled Quantum Signature Of
God this evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam. Quantum Signature Of God refers to
God’s Pure Love.....Read
more
Ashadi in Prasanthi Nilayam…
Friday, July 19th, 2013
Celebrating Ashadi Ekadashi, the Marata festival of great
spiritual significance, Balvikas children along with devotees from the State of
Maharashtra presented a variety of cultural programmes yesterday at the Sanctum
Sanctorum in Prasanthi Nilayam....Read
more
Divine Heritage…
Thursday, July 18th, 2013
Our real heritage is our Divine Heritage, declared the Balvikas
children from the twin states of Maharashtra and Goa presenting a unique Musical
Offering entitled ‘Divine Heritage’ on the holy Ashadi Eve, yesterday, 18 July
evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam...Read
more
The Guru Purnima Celebrations came to a grand conclusion with a concert by
Malladi brothers who have become a mainstay in Prasanthi Nilayam during the Guru
Purnima festivity till 2007. Commencing with
Rama Nannu Brovara, they differed from their practice over the last year of
repeating old favourites and performed many more new songs this time including
Brahma Jnana Pradayaka, Sathya Sai Deva and Bangara
Cherunuvu. However the highlight of the programme was the absolute fault
less rendition of the Tyagaraja krithi, Brocheva .
Video - GURU POORNIMA 2012 - Evening Programme
The rendition of the Malladi Brothers, Malladi Sreeramprasad and Malladi
Ravikumar was much enhanced by the able accompaniment of ‘Kalaimamani’
Embar.S. Kannan on the violin and ‘Kalaimamani’ Mannargudi
Easwaran on the Mrudangam.
In their characteristic style they concluded the concert with the ‘Mangalam’
song, Ramachandraya… All the artistes were honoured with gifts and
Prasadam was distributed to the gathering. Arathi was offered at 1900 hrs.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
The Sai Kulwant Hall decked most beautifully with a Golden Throne shining on the
stage with the purity of the matchless Love of the Guru, witnessed a grand Guru
Purnima Festival this morning. The programme commenced with Vedam and Pancha
Vadyam at 0800 hrs. followed by “Guru Vandana”,
singing the glory of the Guru, by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of
Higher Learning.
Sri Kota Sivakumar, an alumnus of Bhagawan’s University speaking from
personal experience and with help of many anecdotes explained how Bhagawan
awakens, warns, encourages progress and immerses with His grace.
The second speaker was Dr. Narendranath Reddy, the chairman of Prasanthi
Council and Director of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation recounted various
activities undertaken by the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Worldwide with a
special focus on Medical Care.
He made a special mention of the continuing
efforts put up by the volunteer in earthquake affected regions of Haiti and
Japan.
Sri Nimish Pandya, the National Vice President of Sri Sathya Sai
Organisations, India, in-charge of the education wing concluded his talk saying
that the Sai Organisation believes in the power of the youth and is confident
that a new generation of office bearers will take the Organisation even more
forward by the Loving grace of Bhagawan.
The talks were followed by an Introductory speech by Sri Sai Giridhar,
Research Scholar at SSSIHL and an audio clipping of Bhagawan’s Guru Purnima
Discourse, where He explains who a Guru is, exhorting the audience to not salute
Him as He is not different from them and if we must salute, salute ourselves for
the same Divinity is manifested in everyone.
At the stroke of 8.00 in the morning, the Mahasamadhi of Bhagawan
Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba was unveiled with the offer of
Mahamangalarati. The sepulchre, if one can call it presented a
beautiful sight, the whole structure including the pillars on both
sides was draped in white colour.
VIDEO GURU POORNIMA -
15 JULY 2011 -
Unveiling of mahasamadhi
The first programme for the
morning was Guru Vandana (salutations to the Guru) by the students
of Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions. This presentation was a
collection of melodious songs and Stotras (verses) interspersed with
beautiful incidents, experiences, interactions that the students had
with Bhagawan.
With the chanting of Sai Gayatri, the students
offered their salutations at the Lotus Feet of Sadguru, Bhagawan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. Twameva
Mathacha Pitha Twameva, Twameva Bandhuscha Sakha Twameva, Twameva
Vidya Dravinam Twameva, Twameva Sarvam Mama Devadeva. (Oh Lord! You
alone are my father and mother, friend and relation, wisdom and
wealth.
You are my everything). We have found our mother,
father, Guru and God in Bhagawan was the announcement by the
students. Describing a wonderful incident that happened during
Prasadam distribution when a child at the end of the hall could not
receive the Prasadam, the student said the merciful Lord Himself
went all the way to the child and gave the Prasadam. This world may
forget us, but the Lord will never forget us was the underlying
theme in this incident. Narrating another incident in the olden days
when the host was expecting Bhagawan for a function, but Bhagawan
had not come even after a long wait. When he went in search of
Bhagawan, he found Bhagawan arranging the footwear of people who had
come for the function. This incident is very much reminiscent of the
days of Dwapara Yuga. The song that followed was a composition of
Bhagawan, Sathya Dharmamu Santhi Premalato, Nee Nitya Jivamu Yatra
Saginchu (perform the journey of your life with truth,
righteousness, peace and love as your companions).
There was a cascade of experiences one after the other. This
incident of the mother and child during Narayana Seva is equally
touching. Once during Narayana Seva, Bhagawan found a woman sitting
with her baby. As the student was serving sweet rice and tamarind
rice, Bhagawan told the student that the child would not be able to
partake of the rice items. At this instance, the student ran inside
to get milk. The milk he brought was fresh and hot. Bhagawan asked
the student as to how the kid could drink hot milk. Bhagawan Himself
took the glass of milk in His hand, allowed it to cool and gave to
the child. After this experience, another Guru Stotram followed. A
student was suffering from Asthma, and was gasping for breath. His
every breath was a struggle. He cried out in front of Bhagawan’s
photograph and expressed his anguish. Once Bhagawan called him for
an interview where he could see Bhagawan gasping for breath, and His
face had turned blue. Bhagawan told him that He had removed his
suffering of ten births. The experience that followed was elevating.
Bhagawan had gone to Santhi Vedika to see the students doing their
morning exercises.
Then Bhagawan was explaining to them showing His
forearm that students have to be strong and sturdy. A student felt
how is that Bhagawan who is looking frail could explain about sinews
and strength! It is then that Bhagawan turned towards the boy,
smiling mischievously asked him to try arm wrestling with Him. The
boy too felt happy to wrestle with Bhagawan. At first the boy took
it lightly and was not using his full strength, but later he used
his full force, and even three more boys tried arm wrestling with
Bhagawan. But all in vain. The boy told Bhagawan since He was God,
he had so much strength. Bhagawan laughed at the boy and told him,
“Do you think that I will use my divine power to arm wrestle with
you?” You too can have such strength if you have purity in thought,
word and deed. The song Maa oh Maa, Maa Sai Maa followed. The next
experience shows Bhagawan care and concern for the devotees. A
student saw that Bhagawan had clipped his nails to the maximum that
blood was oozing out. When the student asked Him, Swami told that
since devotees touch His feet during Darshan, there is a possibility
that they may injure themselves while doing Padanamaskar. That is
why I am cutting My nails so small. The song that followed was a
Telugu song. Bhagawan’s care and affection for the little ones of
the Primary School has to be seen to be experienced.
Once Bhagawan
was giving ice creams to students of Primary School. Suddenly Swami
asked the students, “Do you know the qualities of God”? A boy
quickly answered, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.
Then Bhagawan said, “God is cool, sweet and soft like ice cream.”
Once in Poornachandra Hall, Bhagawan was distributing items of
everyday use like toothpaste and deodorants. Some of them got
toothpaste, while some got deodorants. They were discussing what
they got and what they did not get in Bhagawan’s presence. Then
Bhagawan went to the stage and asked, “Who wants Me?” The students
could not answer this question succinctly. The message was when God
gives, do not compare. Ask for Swami and everything will be given to
you. It was at this point a student announced that usually we wait
for Bhagawan’s Darshan when He glides in the hall. Let us be aware
that now He is always waiting for us in the hall. A student summed
up that on this Guru Purnima day, let us be aware that God is always
with us. He has not gone anywhere. The presentation of the students
ended with a Telugu song. Prof. Anil Kumar paid encomiums to
students for their performance.
After the music programme of students Sri Leonardo Gutter from
Argentina, a psychologist, a successful businessman and a member of
the Prasanthi Council addressed the audience. He has the distinction
of being the first president of Latin American Sathya Sai Council.
Offering his salutations at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet, Sri Gutter
narrated an experience of his first visit to Prasanthi Nilayam. When
he came here, Bhagawan was on a visit to Chennai. 50,000 people were
waiting for him. He felt an inner urge and Bhagawan returned. So,
the heart know prior, it is aware. Sri Gutter remarked that Swami
says to be born as human is rare, and to be born when the Avatar
comes down is still rare. Not only to know God, but to be selected
by Him is a great fortune. Sri Gutter told the audience that some of
us have travelled thousands to kilometres to be here. But let me
tell you even residents of Prasanthi Nilayam should have taken so
many births to be permanently in this place. We have to intensify
our Sadhana not by the increasing the hours of Bhajans but by
wearing the glasses of Sai. When we wear those glasses, we will not
criticise anyone. To be a devotee, we have to deserve His love. Sri
Gutter said that he has travelled far and wide in Latin America.
There are so many people who know Swami. Many years ago when the Sai
Organisation was at its infant stage in Brazil, he met a person
there. The person was narrating his experience when he came to
Prasanthi Nilayam. He could see angels everywhere in Prasanthi
Nilayam. When he saw Swami, he could only visualise love, nothing
else. With our physical eyes, we cannot gauge the energy that is
there in the Ashram. He made an appeal to devotees, “Don’t ever stop
coming here.” Nothing has changed here. We have to travel from the
form to formless. He is alive, eternal; He does not go anywhere.
Swami says, “If you look to Me, I look to you.” Sri Gutter made an
emphatic statement that he was fully convinced in his first visit
that Bhagawan is a Poornavatar.
Narrating the experience when Bhagawan formed the Prasanthi Council,
He called the members to His residence. Bhagawan said, “You have the
good fortune of knowing His message. You have to share it with all.”
We should do everything to spread His message. The time is now for
us. We have to take advantage of every moment of our life, we have
to become beacons of His love. Sri Leonardo Gutter concluded his
talk by expressing his gratitude to Bhagawan for all that He has
given. He is our father, mother and closest friend and everything.
The last speaker for the morning session was Sri Nimish Pandya,
District President of Mumbai, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. Sri Pandya said that Bhagawan wanted us to realise that not only He is
God, but we are also God. Man searches for God in different places
like Gurudwara, temples, churches and mosques. But He resides in our
hearts. Sri Pandya remarked that it is not that we have unveiled the
Mahasamadhi, but Bhagawan has unveiled the ignorance in us. This is
a unique Mahasamadhi; it breathes every moment. In the Shirdi
Avatar, Shirdi Baba lit the Dhuni, but in this Avatar there is no
Dhuni. He is going to live for ages through man’s devotion. Bhagawan
has said that His words have the power of His presence. Many people
had questions in their minds as to whether Bhagawan has left. Sri
Pandya asserted, “How can He leave us, He is always with us.
Bhagawan had a definite plan.
He had decided to leave. It was a
grand departure. He has taken the back seat. Now it is we who have
to take the lead. Sri Pandya informed the audience that many
questions were asked regarding the legacy of Sathya Sai. His legacy
is the hospitals, university and the Ashram. Only God can make such
hospitals for mankind. It is an emissary of Bhagawan’s love. It is
God who has set up these hospitals and it is He who will run them.
Sometimes I envy the students because I am not young enough to join
the university. It is the alumni who will spread the light of
effulgence of Bhagawan’s teachings in the world, opined Sri Pandya.
If you want to experience love, this is the place. During dramatic
performances Bhagawan bestows his benevolent look on the children
and inspires them. Bhagawan has inspired so many millions to do
service in Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. It is only God who can do
such a stupendous task. No one could achieve what Sathya Sai Avatar
could achieve. Bhagawan gave the feeling to everyone that He has
come only for him. This is the personal experience each one had with
Bhagawan. No individual can shake the foundation of Sri Sathya Sai
Organisation, the legacy of love. Surrender everything to His love.
This divine legacy of love will unflinchingly be present in every
humankind. Manifestation of love through Sathya Sai Educare will
live forever. Sri Pandya declared, “He will speak from within us, He
will never leave us”. Bhagawan brought us to Him. Now is the time to
reflect on His Divinity. Keep coming to Prasanthi Nilayam. At the
end of all, we have to merge in Him. Every time you look in the
mirror, think emphatically, you are God, told Sri Pandya. Bhagawan
gave this Guru Dakshina (offering) on the 24th of July 1965: “Give
Me your unselfish and unwavering mind. I will appear and give
Darshan to you”.
After Sri Nimish Pandya’s speech, there were a few Bhajans by
students. An announcement was made that Radio Sai has started a new
service in Telugu on this day of Guru Purnima. It can be heard over
Radio Sai Telugu Stream. Radio Sai Telugu has become a 24 hour
channel from this day. Radio Sai can also be heard over mobile
phones. Radio Sai will also start broadcasting the proceedings in
the Mandir. Arati was offered at 10.25 am.
The Darshan of Mahasamadhi started immediately after the programme
and will continue throughout the day. As people were having Darshan
of the Mahasamadhi, a few songs and commentaries by students were in
progress. This was followed by continuous chants of Sai Gayatri.
As a curtain raiser to the Guru Purnima festival, on the morning of 14th July,
the programme commenced with Veda chanting at 8.00 a.m. Sai Kulwant Hall was
filled to capacity. The Hall was tastefully decorated with Chinese lanterns and
buntings which added aesthetic value to the ambience. The altar with Bhagawan’s
photographs was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers. Malladi brothers,
Sriram Prasad and Sri Ravi Kumar, the famous Carnatic music duo enthralled the
audience with their performance for the sixth time. They were...read
more
The Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Conference began with prayers at 0830hrs in the
Poornachandra Auditorium. Sri Shitu Chudasama, International Youth Coordinator,
welcomed the delegates and introduced the purpose and purport of the conference.
He also mentioned to the gathering the personal instructions Bhagawan...read
more
The third block (the section of Sai Kulwant Hall directly in front of the stage)
was empty. Backdrops were in place. A few official looking people running around
with tension on their faces. Thousands of others sitting packed in the Sai
Kulwant Hall with anticipation writ on their faces. Familiar sites in Prasanthi.
But the first time since the Maha Samadhi...read
more.
The Varkaris continued their grand
tradition of Palkhi Seva. Every year they carry a Paduka for Bhagawan in a pada
yatra ( through walk) from Dharamavaram to Puttaparthi. Sri Nimish Pandya
(District President of Mumbai), who played the master of ceremony today,
recollected how Bhagawan used to always enquire about the welfare of these
simple devotees from him again and again over the years....read
more
Sunday, Jul 10, 2011
The festival season is here.
Ashadi Ekadasi which often marked the first programme in the festival calendar
of Prasanthi Nilayam will be celebrated tomorrow and four days thence, we shall
have the unveiling of the Mahasamadhi of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba fittingly
on the holy occasion of Guru Purnima. The complete schedule is available here:
A two day International
Youth Conference is also scheduled to be held in the Poornachandra auditorium on
the 13th and 14th of July. This will be an event attended by delegates from
various countries across the globe.
Guru Poornima - Sunday,
July 25, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : When year 85 of His Divine Advent
projects itself to be the 'one off' occasion so far witnessed, Guru
Purnima of this 85th year cannot be anything different. Yes, on
this auspicious Guru Purnima Day, in the evening, The Mighty Lord was
ushered into receive a stupendous welcome, as Divinity richly deserves!
Emerging at 1625 hrs. donning dazzling
crimson robe, Bhagawan came into the hall to the melodious
tunes of Gurupaduka Strotram sung by students accompanied by the
rhythmic sounds of Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam.
LARGE SIZE PHOTOS - click to
enlarge
Gliding through the surge of
devotees, conferring auspicious benedictions, Bhagawan went for a
complete round, in between blessing many a student who were having
special cards and mementos for the occasion, before moving further into
the ladies' side for a full length.
Gurupoornima Picture slide
2010
Taking a 'u-turn', Bhagawan came
onto the portico where the Guru Purnima Special Cake done by
Italian devotees was awaiting the Lord along with couple of other ones.
Blessing these cakes, Bhagawan moved further to come onstage at 1650
hrs. to melodious tunes of qawwali sung by students.
In another five minutes, famous Carnatic duo,
Malladi Brothers took over, singing onstage, facing the Lord upfront.
The next ninety minutes saw Indian classical music's finer variety,
Carnatic, that is so dear to the Lord, dominating the proceedings,
exhibiting her distinct variety. As they went on singing, Bhagawan sat
through, keenly attentive, gazing at them, often reflecting emotive
expressions,
enjoying the melody often lifting His tender
fingers beating to the tune, a sign of His 'involvement' in the musical
melody. The duo went on singing some special compositions on Bhagawan,
His Love and His Mission.
The duo was accompanied by their
composer father and a group of men on various instruments, namely,
violin, Veena, tabla, mridangam etc. The violinist deserves a special
mention for he often reproduced, solely, repeating the vocal aalaap with
equal dexterity. Towards the end the musicians engaged in a mini
jugalbandhi giving needed fillip to the prevailing devotional
ecstasy. The concert that began at 1700 hrs. continued for the next
ninety minutes till the duo sought His blessings after their round of
performance.
It was time as Bhagawan
indicated for Mangala Arathi. The next almost ten minutes Bhagawan spent
onstage as family members of the duo came unto Him seeking Divine
blessings. Accompanists were also blessed by Bhagawan. In the meantime,
Italian chocolates and Laddu Prasadam were blessed by Bhagawan that were
subsequently distributed to the assembly.
Prasanthi experienced
unprecedented rush of devotees and every available space in the spacious
Sai Kulwant was filled by the rush of devotees. Huge screens were
erected on both ladies' and gents' side to felicitate better view of
Bhagawan from every possible angle. An extra set of devotees were
accommodated in the Poornachandra Auditorium.
Retiring at 1845 hrs. Bhagawan
moved through the ladies' side, blessing the concourse, heading towards
the Poornachandra Auditorium. Bhagawan spent two to three minutes
onstage conferring blessings upon the assembly, blessing prasadam,
before retiring after granting abhayahastha to the delight of
thousands assembled in the hall.
Acknowledgement -
Source: photos, text etc. Our most humble
thanks to all our Sai friends and fellow devotees for Sai Baba photos & textual matter,
particularly to www. sssbpt.org - www. radiosai (Prasanthi Diary) for darshans & photo
material and all the other official
& public domain sources - Also, Various Sai
Baba groups ,Forums & individuals etc. In addition, submitted articles,
Darshan account, photos & Sai news by respective Sai devotees from all
over the globe & SBOI group members to Group Saibabaofindia &
www.Saibabaofindia.com website. Submit Sai news &
Photos: mail to:
saibabaofindia@yahoo.com -
source: - radiosai.org - sssbpt.org
Divine Darshan & Felicitation of Senior Functionaries
7th July 2009, Prasanthi Nilayam: The global spiritual mission that was set in
motion by Bhagawan aimed at spiritual renaissance has its diversified tools bringing
in the much required individual and societal transformation. Every festivity that
dots the Prasanthi Calendar is one such tool that helps building Mission Sri Sathya
Sai.
The surprise Discourse bonanza on the previous evening followed by a colourful
musical drama with an ensemble of past masters rallying with their teachings served
to set a perfect backdrop for the big day, Guru Purnima. And the auspicious morning
had its share of glare and flair as Sai Kulwant that was brimming to capacity was
bustling with greater enthusiasm anticipating the day’s brightest prospect, the
Darshan of the Lord of all Lords!
It was a long wait and the prolonged waiting came to an end at dot 10:00. Cacophony
of discordant notes of whispers gave way to Tayampaka and Nadaswaram and in tandem
raised the decibels of loud Vedic chanting, in the backdrop of light devotional
instrumentals. All eyes at Yajur Mandiram and there emerged the Lord in resplendent
yellow, granting the first Darshan of the Guru Purnima morning! As if the Lord was
pulling the string of a puppet show, surge of capacity crowd craned their necks,
some rose to their feet, in tandem, as He ‘glided’ past the pathway bestowing the
highest boon of His Guru Purnima Darshan!
Guru Purnima in Prasanthi Nilayam often assumes a difference as many of the
organizational and institutional activities related to Sri Sathya Sai Seva
Organisation, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and allied institutions are organized
during the big occasion. This year too was not different.
The Guru is Brahma
(The God of Creation)
The Guru is Vishnu (The God of Sustenance)
The Guru is Shiva (The God of Annihilation)
My Salutation to such a Guru, who is verily the Supreme God
The programme for the session was a felicitation ceremony organised to honour some
of the senior functionaries who, till recently, had been rendering selfless service
in Bhagawan’s institutions.
At the outset, Dr. Anil Kumar, a faculty member in the Department of Bio-Sciences
offered his salutations to Bhagawan and paid glowing tributes to the functionaries
to be felicitated, who had done yeoman service in their institutions. Commencing his
speech acknowledging that we are fortunate to be in the presence of Purushotthama
(God) as Guru, Dr. Anil Kumar continued: when the Lord of the universe comes down on
earth, He chooses His own instruments in His Divine Mission. The greatness and
uniqueness of this Avatar is that He takes care of them who take refuge in the
Avatar following the spiritual path. Quoting and few of Bhagawan’s Telugu poems, Dr.
Anil Kumar reiterated Bhagawan’s assurance to the mankind in His own words… The
compassionate Lord of Puttaparthi will catch your hand and protect you. All your
strength and capabilities have to be offered to the Lord. You should breathe your
last serving the Lord.
Dr. Anil Kumar continued that we have devotees who have served the Lord for over 40
years. We have not selected our Guru; Bhagawan, the Jagadguru (preceptor of the
world) has selected us. Inviting the senior functionaries to the dais, Dr. Anil
Kumar began with Sri A.V. Appa Rao, Financial Controller, Sri Sathya Sai Institute
of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram. He was formerly Deputy Accountant General
in the States of Kerala, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Though he held positions of
eminence, he was happy to be called a Seva Dal. He was an active Seva Dal member
from the year 1978 to 1992. Narrating an experience of Sri Appa Rao, Sri Anil Kumar
said that one day Bhagawan enquired Sri Appa Rao about the health condition of his
wife. He replied to Bhagawan that she was quite alright. Bhagawan said, “No. Take
her to hospital.” Doctors found nothing wrong in X-ray. But Bhagawan pointed the
defect to the doctor that she had acute rheumatoid arthritis. He served for 17 long
years in the Hospital. This is his 18th Guru Purnima. Then Smt. and Sri Appa Rao
prayerfully occupied their seats on the dais.
Dr. Anil Kumar then introduced another senior functionary, Prof. Nanjundaiah,
Controller of Examinations, Sri Sathya Sai University, who had the privilege to be
with Bhagawan from the year 1973. Formerly, he was the head of the Department of
Commerce, NES College affiliated to Bangalore University. He stood first in his
university in 1962. Having decided to dedicate his life to Bhagawan, he thought that
teaching M.Com to students would be an obstacle in his spiritual life. Then Bhagawan
cleared his misconception by saying that M.Com was not interfering, but your mind
was interfering in your spiritual life. He had the rare good fortune of accompanying
Swami to Sivam in Hyderabad. Once he asked Swami, “How am I to understand You?”
Bhagawan told him, “Don’t understand Me, experience Me.” He was also blessed by
Bhagawan to be a translator of His Discourses. Starting his career as a lecturer in
the department of commerce, he rose to the position of Controller of Examinations.
Smt. and Prof. Nanjundaiah after offering their obeisance to Bhagawan took their
seats on the dais.
Sri A.V. Sathyanarayana Murthy, Senior Engineer in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of
Higher Medical Sciences was the next senior functionary to be introduced by Dr. Anil
Kumar. Speaking on the ardent devotion of Sri Sathyanarayana Murthy, Sri Anil Kumar
said that he used to say that one should be a servant of God and not to mortals. If
you have devotion Bhagawan will confer everything. It so happened that Sri
Sathyanarayana Murthy once had severe chest pain. Swami sent him to Dr. Jeevanandam,
a cardiac surgeon who operated upon him. After a major heart operation, in one
month’s time, he totally recovered and was back to duty. Before coming over to
Prasanthi Nilayam, Sri Sathyanarayana Murthy served as Engineer in Bilaspur, Kenya
and in New Delhi. Sri Sathyanarayana Murthy then sought Bhagawan’s blessings before
occupying his seat on the dais.
The last of the senior functionary who was honoured this morning was Prof. A.V.
Lakshminarasimhmam, who served as Registrar of Sri Sathya Sai University. Prof.
Lakshminarasimhmam used to say that if there is no character and integrity, you
cannot call yourself a teacher, said Dr. Anil Kumar. His devotion to Bhagawan could
be compared to that of the devotion Gopikas for Lord Krishna. His eyes radiated
kindness. Never this gentleman had eyes red with anger though he occupied high
position with lot of responsibilities. He always had a smile on his face and spoke
very softly. He was again from a Seva Dal background. He did his Ph.D. from Osmania
University. Prof. Lakshminarasimhmam joined Brindavan Campus as a lecturer. As time
passed by he was elevated to the echelons of Reader, Professor, Principal of
Prasanthi Nilayam Campus and finally as Registrar of the University. We are indeed
fortunate to work in his presence, said Dr. Anil Kumar.
After Dr. Anil Kumar’s introductory speech, the senior functionaries were garlanded
in Bhagawan’s presence. These senior functionaries, Sri A.V. Apparao, Mrs. Apparao,
Prof. Nanjundaiah and Mrs. Nanjudaiah, Sri A.V.Sathyanarana Murthy, Dr.
Lakshminarasimham were garlanded by Sri Srinivas Rao, Senior Manager, Accounts, Sri
Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram, Dr. (Mrs.) Dwaraka
Rani Rao, Principal, Anantapur Campus of the University, Sri G.S. Srinivas
Srirangarajan, the current occupant of the seat of Controller of Examinations, Dr.
Niranjana, Department of Commerce, Anantapur Campus, Sri Rajesh Desai, Executive
Engineer, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram and Dr.
Naren Ramji, the current occupant of the seat of Registrar of the University,
respectively.
Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.
Dr. A.N. Safaya, Director, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,
Prasanthigram was the next speaker for the session. He began his speech by saying
that he had lots of experiences and to narrate them would need another Bhagavatham.
Dr. Safaya then described an experience when Bhagawan asked him to be the Chairman
of Hospital Committee; he was taken aback. He was previously serving India’s
premiere institute, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and to create a
hospital was totally surprising since he was from a materialistic background. Then,
he was not aware of Bhagawan’s Divinity. It was Sri Appa Rao who joined a year later
who helped him in every respect. Dr. Safaya said that he hailed from Kashmir and he
was unfamiliar with Rayalaseema region. “Had I not the company of Sri Appa Rao, I do
not know how I would have carried on the work,” said Dr. Safaya. Bhagawan spent more
than 2 crores on this hospital. To see whether things are stored according to rules,
given to patients according to rules was the responsibility of Sri Appa Rao. These
rules were based on Bhagawan’s Human Values, remarked Dr. Safaya. This book of rules
has become a document for all Bhagawan’s hospitals. Dr. Safaya opined that it is not
the number of operations and the treatment given which counts, but that which is
done with love is most important. That environment is credited to Sri Appa Rao. He
said that Sri Appa Rao was a man of great character, very straightforward and a role
model for the 500 staff of the hospital. He used to come on foot 7 kms from the
Ashram and go back on foot. I am saddened to lose such a person, said Dr. Safaya.
There was not a single blemish in the maintenance of accounts, and there was no
problem with the audits.
Commenting on another aspect of the hospital, Dr. Safaya said that there were four
intensive care units in the hospital, one cathlab and one acute cardiac patient
unit. The air conditioning equipment required for this purpose should be of a high
order. The infection rate is very low, less than most international hospitals, said
Dr. Safaya. 18 units of air conditioning equipment were maintained by Sri
Sathyanarayana Murthy. All this was the responsibility of Sri Sathyanarayana Murthy.
Great firms like Voltas have come to learn from Sri Sathyanarayana Murthy.
After Dr. Safaya’s speech, it was revealed to the audience that Sri Appa Rao and Sri
Sathyanarayana Murthy were brothers and Prof. A.V. Lakshminarasimhmam was the
youngest among them.
The last speaker for the morning session was Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, Vice
Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai University. After offering Pranams at the Lotus Feet of
Bhagawan, Dr. Pandit said that all of us – students and devotees are fortunate to be
in the presence of the Jagadguru. He further added that for him the day was
emotional as it was on this day 33 years ago that he came into the fold of Bhagawan.
Prof. Pandit was teaching then in a university in Manchester, England. The two –
Prof. Nanjundaiah and Prof. Lakshminarasimhmam are frontrunners in Bhagawan’s
education system, said Dr. Pandit. Prof. Lakshminarasimhmam was a doctorate in
Microbiology from Osmania University. He did his doctorate in the year 1967 and
served for six years in the Osmania University. Fulfilling his inner urge to serve
Bhagawan, he joined Brindavan Campus as a lecturer, became Reader and Professor, and
in 1989 took over as Principal of Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. In 1999, Bhagawan
anointed him as the Registrar of the University. “Prof. Lakshminarasimhmam was a
scientist and professor, I feel honoured to work with him”, opined Dr. Pandit. His
job entails a lot a responsibility. He was firm, but at the same time he was
courteous.
Other universities are trying to evolve the semester and grading system of this
university. All the credit for this goes to Prof. Nanjundaiah. This is the only
university where examinations are held on the stipulated date and results are
declared as announced. Though Prof. Nanjundaiah headed the Department of Commerce in
his earlier stint, he readily took over as lecturer since he wanted to be with
Bhagawan. Such was the dedication and devotion of Prof. Nanjundaiah for Bhagawan.
Prof. Pandit expressed his gratitude to Bhagawan for giving two of his bright
students to fill the gap, Dr. Naren Ramji as Registrar and Sri G. S. Srirangarajan
as Controller of Examinations.
At the end of Prof. Vishwanath Pandit’s speech, Bhagawan honoured Sri A.V. Appa Rao,
Smt. Appa Rao, Sri Sathyanarayana Murthy, Prof. Nanjundaiah and Smt. Nanjundaiah and
Prof. Lakshminarasimhmam with silverware – silver plate and tumbler. Arati was
offered to Bhagawan at 11.45 a.m. With this, the glorious session came to a close.
Starting off on a lighter note that in the morning He was not allowed speak about
those who were honoured, Bhagawan had all the good words about the seniors who were
felicitated in the morning. Appa Rao who has been serving as auditor right from the
inception of the hospital has taken care of everything in minute details putting an
all-round show. He has been rendering service without any expectation and without
remuneration. Referring to the service rendered by the other two brothers of Mr.
Appa Rao, Mr. Sathya Narayana Murthy, Sr. Engineer in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute
of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram and Dr. Lakshmi Narasimham, outgoing
Registrar of Sri Sathya Sai University, Bhagawan said that all the three brothers
were serving Bhagawan with utmost dedication. Hailing Mr. Appa Rao’s yeomen service
to the hospital, he said it would be difficult to leave and lose such a person. He
has taken care of everything most meticulously, taking everything as his own
responsibility and put in all his hard work for the development of the hospital.
Mentioning that the special session was convened in honour of Mr. Appa Rao, Bhagawan
said, He was immensely pleased, touched and moved by his dedicated hard work.
Dr. Lakshmi Narasimham has done a lot to the best of his satisfaction without any
complaints. It is absolutely necessary to thank him profusely for his hard work.
Being a bachelor he has dedicated his life for the welfare of the university. He had
no other responsibilities and his lone concern was the welfare of the university.
Starting his career as a Sevadal, with an intention to serve the university, he
completed his Ph.D. to join the Brindavan Campus as a lecturer.
Hailing Prof. Nanjundaiah, the outgoing Controller of Examinations, for his
systematic approach towards the examination system, Bhagawan made a mention of the
exalted status of the Institute which has become a reputed institution of national
and international reckoning.
In an apparent reference to the prevailing corrupt practice in the educational and
medical system, Bhagawan said that in Sathya Sai Institutions no such collections
and no corruptions could be found. Neither students nor patients need to worry, said
Bhagawan assuring that he would take care of them.
Making a mention of the girls going to work, Bhagawan asked: if you go to school to
teach other children who will take care of your children? A woman who goes to work
will never be happy; it is their responsibility to take care of their children and
parents. Parents should be well taken care of. They should not be kept at ‘home for
the aged’; keep them with you; feed them and take care of them. It is an absolute
must to take care of your home and responsibilities. Students should take note of
it. This is right education, said Bhagawan.
Discoursing on the greater importance of emulating the ideal lives of elders,
Bhagawan exhorted the students to follow the path shown by the elders to come up in
life.
Bhajans continued for sometime after the Divine Discourse before Arathi was offered
to Bhagawan.
source:sssbpt.org
Acknowledgement -
Source: photos, text etc. Our most humble
thanks to all our Sai friends and fellow devotees for Sai Baba photos & textual matter,
particularly to www. sssbpt.org - www. radiosai (Prasanthi Diary) for darshans & photo
material and all the other official
& public domain sources - Also, Various Sai
Baba groups ,Forums & individuals etc. In addition, submitted articles,
Darshan account, photos & Sai news by respective Sai devotees from all
over the globe & SBOI group members to Group Saibabaofindia &
www.Saibabaofindia.com website.
Submit Sai news &
Photos: mail to:
saibabaofindia@yahoo.com - source:sssbpt.org
- radiosai.org
Gurupoornima
Resource: links to other SBOI web page
(Guru Poornima -2005 archive)
Facebook Page:
LARGE SIZE PHOTOS - click to
enlarge
