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 

Live - Annual Sports and Cultural Meet

-11th Jan.2017
 

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Archive:
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Valedictory Function Of Annual Sports & Cultural Meet-

Monday, January 14th, 2013

 

The annual Sports & Cultural Festival of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning for 2013 got underway this morning in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium marked with a rich fare of cultural programmes and sporting feats.

In the morning, at the stroke of eight, even as the ‘Sai Vahan’, the car symbolically carrying the Divine Chancellor made its entry gently gliding on the pathway, to the escort of motorbike outriders and flag bearers, to a catchy soothing music piece, a capacity crowd comprising students, staff, parents and general devotees sat in silence gripped in nostalgia, recalling the golden days of Bhagawan’s physical participation.

The Divine Chancellor was ushered in with a royal escort comprising motorbike outriders from Prasanthi Nilayam and Anantaur Campus, Brass Bands from Anantapur and Prasanthi Nilayam campus along with Flag march squad.

Commencing the proceedings, the Directors, Principals and Wardens of Prasanthi Nilayam, Brindavan, Anantapur campuses and Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary Schools paid their obeisance to the Divine Chancellor.

Tiny tots from Sri Sathya Sai Primary School and Smt. Easwaramma English Medium School offered bouquets to Bhagawan as contingents of students from Bhagawan’s educational institutions marched sprightly to the tunes of brass band in colourful costumes in the stadium.

Sports Meet oath was administered next before the Torch Flame for the meet was carried around the stadium by the Athletic squad before lighting the cauldron atop the Hanuman Hill.

This year’s Mascot Cheetah symbolising strength, energy and speed.

Brindavan Campus

The first campus to perform in the morning was the Brindavan Campus from Whitefield, Bangalore. Beginning their presentation with a rhapsody of beats, titled, “Rhythm of Life” they continued with display of formations and daredevil bike items.

First item was a folk art from Karnataka signifying the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 75 hands joined in unison to create a rhythmic explosion through their drums. There was a short display of formations by students dressed in white and black trousers, symbolizing man’s resolute journey in his human sojourn.

The final item, the stock item of Brindavan campus was the Bike stunts. As TVS Branded Apache RTR bikes veered into the stadium heralding speed, balance, precision and agility, students made various formations, often performed by military men in prestigious events, presenting a thrilling display of sheer precision and control coupled with daredevilry. These stunts are executed after training for a short period of time, a difficult proposition even for professionals. Criss-crossing each other at blinding speeds, hand stand on bikes, flying formation, 29 students balancing on five bikes with precision, driving with flags, wheeling were some of the feats on display by these daredevil bikers.

Entire campus participants converged for the final formation, paying their obeisance to Bhagawan, to the backdrop of a song played on the public address system conveying their feelings of gratitude for the opportunity bestowed on them.

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

When the Divine picked you to add Peace to the world what would you do…the answer was clear with the students from the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus as beginning their display this morning, the Campus students drove a huge structure bearing a revolving world map with the inscription Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the beings of all the worlds be happy!) making their intentions quite clearly.

Atop the structure there was a dove symbolising ‘Peace Unto The World’.  As the huge structure was wheeled towards the Shanti Vedika, the Seat Of The Divine,  a mini firework lit the air, welcoming one and all to the second and final programme for the morning, by the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, comprising Higher Secondary students along with senior students.

Remotely controlled hand gliders soared in the sky swirling and making a nose dive repeatedly signalling the theme of the upcoming items – speed, strength, agility, adroitness, precision and balance along with Bhagawan unique eternal message Love All Serve All. The motto of their presentation was: “When the Divine picks you to add peace to the world.”

The first item was Siva Tandava (Lord Siva’s Cosmic Dance) with various percussion instruments in the background – the traditional Nadaswaram, the Chinese drums and the Jazz drums. As drums thundered, students dressed as folk artistes displayed Bhangra dance of Punjab, Dummy horse dance of Tamil Nadu to rhythmic beats. Siva dancing with trident to lively beats concluded their performance.

The next feat was acrobats balancing on ropes, hanging upside down, balancing on one leg, Dhanurasana (bow formation) and Padmasana (lotus posture), to name a few. The balancing acts which requires a lot of coordination and practice was performed with precision. An announcement was made that such feats which require 4 months of practice was accomplished in less than 3 weeks.  Floor exercises coupled with aerobics was the next item. Students performed exercises to some popular tunes, made Mexican wave formation, somersaulted, dived and jumped over students to the delight of all. The typical ‘Gun-Drill”, march with guns with various exercises performed by army men was displayed next.

The game of basketball which requires a lot of skill was displayed next by these students. But here the students dunked the ball in the net after getting elevation from a ramp. It was interesting to see some of them dunking the ball deftly and some missing. Ring masters from the Higher Secondary wing occupied the centre-stage with immaculate handling of large rings. They swirled, spun and swung, and even criss-crossed each other in the rings with accuracy and balance.

The penultimate item was again performed on the 30 feet high structure. This time the students displayed various balancing acts on ropes which require sheer will power coupled with muscle power. Hanging upside down precariously, tying and unwinding from the top of the structure made hearts beat to their courage. A 2nd year MBA student then spun like a spinning wheel on the rope to the amazement of all. The last item was rhythmic formations with colourful flags.

After this, the students converged to pay obeisance to their Lord without Whose grace all these feats could not be thought of. The final formation with fireworks in the background added glitter and colour as hand gliders again soared in the sky to a song expressing gratitude to The Lord.

The morning programme ended with Mangala Arathi with an announcement that the evening proceedings would commence at 16:30 hrs.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Colour & Pageantry As Tiny Tots Steal Hearts…

Saturday, January 12th, 2013

“Every Atom Contains My Energy” was the bold inscription adorned the huge backdrop this evening on the second and final session of the Annual Sports & Cultural Meet today in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium.

Following the morning pattern, in the evening Bhagawan, The Divine Chancellor was welcomed with motorbike escort and bursting fireworks.

Near the dais, students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, College of Nursing, Whitefield welcomed The Divine Chancellor with a beautiful display of lion and dragon dance. A noteworthy aspect of the presentation was even the heavy drums were played by the students of College of Nursing.

The performances for the evening was a riot of colours with lights coming into play, they were dazzling with unmatched beauty. If the tiny tots with their nimble steps and splash of colour won the hearts of all, Sri Sathya Sai Easwaramma English Medium School made an equally magnificent presentation, stealing the limelight for the session.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Muddenahalli Campus making their debut in the Sports Meet gave a good account of themselves  presenting a thematic Sambhavami Yuge Yuge, a dance based depiction. The presentation showed different Avatars beginning with Matsya (fish) Avatar to Kali Yuga Avatar, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus came with a dazzling  performance right from their rhythmic gymnastics, dance with hoops, making balancing acts nimbly on ropes and to top it all, a colourful display of streaks of light under the cover of darkness. To cap it all, there was a wonderful display of fireworks at the end.

The first performance for the evening was by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Easwaramma English Medium School. Their presentation was divided into three sections: Life is a Game, Play it; Life is a Challenge, Meet it; Life is Love, Enjoy it. Under the first section, there were two items, the first was a dance with dice.

Tiny tots wore dices on themselves and dances to lilting tunes. The second item was a drill by girls. The next section: Life is a Challenge, Meet it, it was a game of Rugby between giant jumbos and the meek. Students dressed as army men displayed various moves in combat positions. The last section: Life is Love, Enjoy it – was a display of deft steps by tiny tot girls.

Sri Sathya Sai Primary School, the everlasting attraction in the history of Sports Meet, came with an enlivening session with dazzling dance display.

Boys danced the traditional Bharatanatyam dance to the song, “Vande Sivam Sankaram Sathya Saiswaram Subhankaram.” The following dance by girl students impressed one and all with their colourful display. What followed was a dance by tiny tot boys dressed as jokers, sunflower dance by girls and a display of Asanas on a globular structure.

The final dance by senior girls with handkerchief was a fast-paced one. All the students assembled for the final formation. The students expressed their love for Bhagawan with scrolls such as, “Adorable Sai We Love Thee,” “Mother Sai We are Forever Yours.”

The Nursing College students gave another beautiful display of Lion and Dragon dance. The movement of lions and dragons in symphony to the drumbeats was a delight to all. They too performed a few balancing acts and Asanas. The formation of letters SAI through Dragon dance was eye catching and served as a fitting finale, before their final formation, holding placards of  Love.

The last but not the least was by the Anantapur Campus for women. At the outset an exquisitely made structure with peacock feather and other paraphernalia was wheeled into the stadium, the shone beautifully under lights.

Offering a thematic presentation entitled “Evolving Towards Excellence” the girl students came up with formations first, forming hoops with rhythmic movements. With this on, at the background these students made various Asanas, balancing acts delectably on a triangular-shaped structure. Another item which required balancing skills was performed by standing on a flat board with a cylindrical roller underneath. Deftly, they swung ribbons standing on the structure while the board kept moving all the while balancing themselves. Performance of Asanas on ropes on the 30 ft. structure was the next feat. Hanging head downwards, balancing on a circular structure, climbing with the help of cloth showed their determination, flexibility and courage.

With the twilight almost set giving in to darkness, it was time for the final item of this year’s Annual Sports & Cultural Meet. Various formations followed with luminescent streaks of lights,  sort of drill, performed with dexterity and unison. The formation of SAI with streaks of light would be etched in people’s mind as it they continued to display while the final formation was made. The formation done under different levels gave a three-dimensional effect.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Valedictory Function Of Annual Sports & Cultural Meet

Monday, January 14th, 2013

Thus the day has been a marked day over the years, as this was the day Bhagawan picked up for awarding the prizes for excellence in Sports and Cultural talents.

In a glittering function held in the Divine Omnipresence Of Beloved Bhagawan, the winners were given away the prizes by the Vice Chancellor, Prof J Sasidhara Prasad this morning in the Sai Kulwant Hall.

The programme commenced with a regal brass band procession of the University Brass Band from Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, from the Yajur Mandiram to the venue, following the set pattern during the time when Bhagawan would officiate the ceremony. Flag-bearing squad and Veda chanting group followed the procession.

Sri Sanjay Sahani, Principal, Brindavan Campus gave a brief introductory speech delving into the significance of the auspicious occasion. Sri Sahani also recollected how Bhagawan ‘hand-picked’ both the dates, 11th January and 14th January, for the Sports and Cultural Meet and Prize Distribution Ceremony. He ended his brief speech introducing the speakers for the morning function.

Dr Pallav Kumar Barua, Warden, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus was the first speaker. Speaking of the meet post Bhagawan’s physical disappearance, of 2012 and 2013, Dr Barua claimed that nothing has changed ever since and it bears a testimony that He is very much present with us.

Talking about the roles of Games and Sports in an institution that has value based eduction as its objective, Dr Barua took the audience down the memory lane to his first ever meet in 1986 wherein he learnt one of the biggest lessons. Reaching Prasanthi representing the Brindavan squad, and after being blanked out completely in all the events, sitting at the loser’s side, completely shattered, he could not pay any attention to Bagawan’s Divine Discourse, on the very same day, of valedictory function. Back in Brindavan, when he sat down to write customary letter to his home town, he had nothing to write as he missed out the biggest thing…Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse. What am i here for if not for Bhagawan and His Divine discourses…can such silly set backs in life stop us from grabbing the best, asked Dr Barua leaving the audience to reflect upon and decide…

Speaking about the evolution of Sports Meet in Prasanthi Nilayam over the years, Dr Barua identified Practice, Discipline and Concentration as the prime lessons he learnt. The evolution with the modern facilities and better standards and raised benchmarks of expectations have helped the management to evolve with skilful planning and execution.

Narrating a beautiful incident happened in the Verandah where in Bhagawan incited the Prasanthi Nilayam  boys to come up with a sterling performance Dr Barua said, that Bhagawan is the most Ideal Leader Who inspires and motivates His students, leaving them free to execute it. In this mentioned context, Bhagawan had asked the Prasanthi boys as to what they were going to do, as Brindavan was going to jump from the Hanuman Hill…though there was no such show by the Brindavan that year…Bhagawan used ‘it’ to stimulate the Prasanthi boys to come with something extra-ordinary.

Ending his inspiring speech Dr Barua said, such sporting actions are happening everywhere, but what makes Prasanthi apart from the rest of the world is Faith and Love in Bhagawan…as boys do everything to bring that smile on Bhagawan’s face.

This was followed by four student speeches representing four campuses.

Ms Aishwarya Neeleshwar from the Anantapur Campus spoke first. Sports is a festival than a mere meet said Aishwarya delving into the significance of the meet in Bhagawan’s institutions. Sports Meet in Prasanthi Nilayam helps to develop Self Confidence, Patience, Perseverance and Team Spirit. Aishwarya also narrated a couple of inspiring dreams by the campus faculties and students showing His presence over there during their performance.

Sri P. Sai from the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School spoke next sharing the lessons he learnt out of the meet. In Unity lies the strength said Sai identifying the same as the first lesson, while Determination, the next lesson learnt, takes one to success with enthusiastic participation. When one has Dedication as a prayer, for the collective success, it becomes true Surrender that brings final success.

Sri TE Sasidhar from the Brindavan Campus was the next speaker. Sports & Cultural Meet throws open opportunities galore to excel in multifarious ways and at the end of the meet comes the beautiful harvest of presentation, as Divine reward. Sports Meet is for Sai, of Sai and by Sai said the speaker ending his speech.

Sri Sri Hari from the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus was the final speaker for the session. Terming Prasanthi’s Sports Meet unique, Sri Hari said the unique distinction comes as every student participant is vying for a smile on Swami’s face as the only reward. Narrating a risky ‘daredevil’ item, risking the human frame owing to the nature of the presentation, involving a student, that required lots of stamina and perseverance, Sri Hari reflected quoting the boy “…for me it is my way of offering to Bhagawan” how much of love and dedication each participant has for Beloeved Bhagawan.

Prize distribution followed next. Divine Chancellor’s Cup were given away to all the institutions, Sri Sathya Sai Primary School, Smt Easwaramma English Medium High School, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, College Of Nusring, SSSIHMS, Whitefield, Sathya Sai Mirpuri College Of Music, followed by the four campuses, Muddenahalli, Anantapur, Brindavan and Prasanthi Nilayam.

Winner’s trophies for various houses and inter collegiate competitions were also given away by the Vice Chancellor.

Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse followed next, played on the public broadcast system. In His discourse, Bhagawan touched upon the significance of Sankranthi, exhorting the youth to lead an ideal life filled with virtues and character. It is not textual knowledge conferred through university degrees that is important, real title, unique degree is Amritasya Putraha, Son Of Immortality, that one should aspire for. True education is Unity in Diversity as proclaimed by the Bharatiya Culture said Bhagawan ending His Divine Discourse appreciating the students for their wonderful efforts during the Sports and Cultural Meet.

Bhajans followed and intermittently the University Band played a couple of tunes before resuming the bhajans that ended with Bhagawan singing in His mellifluous voice. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1100 hrs. marking the end of the session.

Prasadam was distributed to the capacity audience. In the evening senior students from Prasanthi Nilayam campus would be offering a Musical Dance Drama entitled Shankara Digvijayam on the illustrious life of Adi Shankaracharya.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavnatu II

by Students of Prasanthi Nilayam Campus - 14 Jan 2013

Spectacular Sports & Cultural Meet…

At 0800 hrs. Bhagawan was symbolically ushered in the stadium. A convertible bearing the photograph of Bhagawan was escorted by motor bike riders, brass band of Prasanthi Nilayam and Anantapur Campus and the flag march squad. A throne with a photograph was placed on the stage.

The proceedings of this session began with the march past of the students of Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions. After the oath was administered to the students, the athlete squad of students in batches of two carried the traditional torch to be lit on the Hanuman Hill.

The lighting of the ceremonial flame was carried out the Game’s Mascot, Nandi, the celestial vehicle of Lord Siva atop the Hill. This marked the ceremonial commencement of Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2012.

The first campus to make their presentation was the Prasanthi Nilayam students. The feats they performed were marked by skill, balance, dexterity, verve and athleticism. The first presentation was remote controlled hand gliders soaring in the sky and making perfect landing. These planes were astutely controlled by students.

A huge structure, a replica of the Institute’s emblems with two swans was then wheeled in the stadium. What followed was Yogasanas performed dexterously on ropes. They presented Mudras like Chin Mudra and Dhyana Mudra with perfection. Coordination and harmony with flags to the beat of Chinese drums was the next item. Calling themselves “Dynamists”, a group of students performed various aerobic exercises. Martial arts performed with Nunchakus and the finesse with they handled the traditional weapon was pleasing to the eye.

A contemporary dance performed with deftness was followed by Bhangra performed with verve. A display of Karate and performance of various Katas was the next item.

The students exhibited combat situations and crushed tiles like a seasoned Karateka. To top it all, an adventurous feat was performed on a student lying on a bed of nails; a slab stone was broken with sledge hammer. Students dressed as warriors exhibited real fight-like situations with sticks.

The last item of the Prasanthi Nilayam campus was breathtaking stunts on bikes. “Zoomsters,” as they were called, the students rode with ease while making various formations, criss-crossing each other at blinding speeds, playing guitar on a bike, exhibited perfect balance with a student climbing a ladder on the bike and a group of students making formations like lotus on a single bike.

Obstacles became obsolete in the hands of these students. They crossed with consummate ease barriers and smashed through a glass wall, jumped through a ramp at great speed and made the final formation saluting their Master, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The second performance for the session was by the students of Anantapur Campus. Naming their presentation “Sai Seeking Almighty Inside,” the students performed an Egyptian Sufi dance and Dervishes dance of Turkey whirling and swirling to a song, formed pyramids with ease, made various formations on roller skates. The skaters displayed graceful movements, making synchronous formations. Their last performance was beautiful colourful formations with a rotating circular hoop-like structure. After their performance, the students made the final formation bowing to Bhagawan.

The session concluded with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan at 1015 hrs.

Evening Session:

As in the morning session, Bhagawan was ushered into the stadium by a motorbike escort group. A beautiful photograph of Bhagawan placed in a convertible was brought into the stadium as the devotees had Darshan of their Lord. Then tiny tots offered bouquets at the throne placed on the stage.
 

“Sai is Everywhere Now and Forever Why Fear I am Here” was the theme of the presentation of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School, Prasanthi Nilayam. As has been always, The Primary School presentation was a riot of colour, abounded with a spectrum of colourful hues suffused with synchronisation and coordination.

Tiny tots danced to lilting music and beats played in the public address system. If the sunflower dance wowed the audience with its innovation, an equally beautiful dance of twitter of birds was a treat; the flapping of wings seen from a distance gave a virtual feast to the eye. A group of boys making wonderful balancing acts too won plaudits from the audience.

The next performance was from the students of Smt. Easwaramma English Medium School. With perfectly coordinated movements, these tiny tots too added colour and variety to the evening session. The highlight was a Krishna dance with gopalas. The childhood pranks of Krishna were well portrayed; stealing of butter incident and killing of the serpent Kaliya etc. Lord Krishna holding the steeds of the horse and guiding the chariot in the Mahabharata war too was aptly portrayed by the students.

This was followed by a short performance by the students of College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield. A demonstration of Katas in the art of Karate and breaking of tiles with fire lit was displayed by the nursing students. Beautiful formations with spinning of ribbons and the formation of the word ‘Love’ with long tapes of cloth stood out in their performance.

The last programme of the evening session was from the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Brindavan Campus. They began with a display of Yogasanas invoking Sun God with Mantras. An exhibition of the game of football, volleyball, basketball followed next. The display of game of basketball needs special mention as the students spun the basketball in their forefinger with skill and dunked the ball in the basket after getting elevation from a ramp with dexterity.

What followed was synchronised movements on wheels by gymnasts. This item required coordination and balance to the core. Display of different strokes in the game of Cricket and making of various formations with LED lights embedded on them followed next. Calling themselves “Blazing Spirits,” the Brindavan students lit the evening sky with a fire drill. The precise movements of the torch bearers won special praise from the audience. Formations like Swastik, Sudarshan Chakra, “We Love You” and “Sai Ram” gave a beautiful sight in the fading day-light. The performance ended with Mexican wave movement, which was an icing on the cake of their performance.

Mangala Arathi was offered at 1840 hrs. that marked the grand finale of the Sports Day in Prasanthi Nilayam.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2011
Day 1 & Day 2 Report, Photos & Video

Text & photo source - copyrights: Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust - sssbpt.org  - Radiosai.org  Prasanthi Diary -  Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org .  | Web layout - Photo graphic design : saibabaofindia.com  "SBOI" | - We gratefully acknowledge the publishers Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust &  Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation

Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2011 -  Day 1 - Day 2
	11th Jan. Day 1 Photo slides 1	11th Jan. Day 1 Photo slides 2	11th Jan. Day 1 Photo slides 3	12th Jan. Day 2 Photo slides 4	12th Jan. Day 2 Photo slides 5	12th Jan. Day 3 Photo slides 6
	Video Day 1			Video Day 2			Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2011 -  Day 2
	New Photos - 15th Jan. 2011   VALEDICTORY FUNCTION OF THE SPORTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Tue, Jan 11, 2011: Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2011 of SSSIHL and Sri Sathya Sai Institutions got underway this evening at Sri Sathya Sai Vidyagiri Hill View Stadium in the immediate presence of the Divine Chancellor. Deviating from the existing practice of single day programme, this year's meet is conducted in the evenings alone, spreading over two days, 11th and 12th January. At the venue, in the evening, after month-long hectic training schedules and preparations, students from all the campuses along with staff members were ready and upbeat, welcoming the Divine Chancellor.
 

Bhagawan, clad in white, was ushered into the the stadium at the stroke of 1700 hrs.; The Divine Chancellor was escorted by a host of procession led by the Institute Band. A column of motorcyclists, Anantapur Band and flag bearers representing various houses followed the Institute Band from Prasanthi Nilayam escorting the Chancellor.

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Source & credits: copyrights-Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust,sssbpt.org Picture graphic layout - Saibabaofindia.com "SBOI"

At the Shanti Vedika Bhagawan was received by the Vice Chancellor and representatives from all the three campuses and other educational institutions. Upon ascending the dais, Bhagawan lit the lamp officially inaugurating the meet. top

Even as He assumed His seat on the dais flanked by a host of dignitaries, student representatives from various campuses along with other institutions made a beeline unto Bhagawan greeting Him on the occasion. March-Past followed as various contingents of the three campuses and other educational institutions marched sprightly to the tune of the Institute Brass Band. This year, two more institutions, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, SSSIHMS, Whitefield and Smt. Easwaramma English Medium School, Prasanthi Nilayam are also participating in the meet.

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Source & credits: copyrights-Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust,sssbpt.org Picture graphic layout - Saibabaofindia.com "SBOI"

 

The march-past was followed by the hoisting of the Institute Flag. This was followed by administering the oath of fair participation by the Institute Captain.

As Bhagawan lit the Games Torch, a special squad of athletes carried the same in turns, rounding the stadium moving up to the urn at the Hanuman Hill. Simultaneously, the mascot for the year’s meet, Multi Coloured Tropical Parrot, moved up in the rope, finally lighting the urn atop the Hanuman hill. Symbolising Peace and Unity, Bhagawan set free a set of three white doves and balloons went flying in the air marking the rejoice on the occasion. top

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Source & credits: copyrights-Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust,sssbpt.org Picture graphic layout - Saibabaofindia.com "SBOI"

Photo slides #3 - Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2011

 

This evening was reserved for Anantapur and Brindavan Campuses to perform. Anantpur Campus presented a twenty minute programme titled "Aim High Soar High". Beginning with daredevilry on Motor Bikes, they had interesting formations coupled with exercises on the poles at heights delighting the audience. A short presentation by the students of College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, SSSIHMS, Whitefield, Bangalore followed. The nursing students presented a thematic dance programme entitled HEALING, depicting the art of healing. top

The final presentation was by the Brindavan Campus. Beginning with the melodies of nascent Brindavan Band, students from the campus had chinese martial arts, drum music, colourful dance cum floor exercises with the theme "Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu..." to end up with a delectable display of aerial gymnastics with the theme WE LOVE SAI.  Mangala Arathi was offered at 1845 hrs. and Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram just after 1900 hrs.
 

Dignitaries present during the occasion included Dr. (Mrs.) J. Geeta Reedy, Minister for Commerce, Andhra Pradesh, Palley Raghunatha Reddy, MLA, Puttaparthi, Ms. Charu Sinha, DIG, Anantapur etc. Tomorrow's concluding session of the meet will have the tiny tots from Primary School and Easwaramma English Medium School taking their slots before seniors along with higher secondary children from Prasanthi Nilayam Campus ringing the curtain down. top

Wed, Jan 12, 2011: This evening, on the second and concluding day of the Sports and Cultural Festival, Bhagawan arrived at the stadium at 1715 hrs. The Divine Chancellor was accorded a rousing reception at His arrival with the Brindavan Band along with Little Lions from Prasanthi joining the motorbike escorters from all the three campuses.

The evening presentation was earmarked for Primary School, Easwaramma English Medium School followed by Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. Colourful pageantry of the little hearts from the Primary School ruled the stadium for the next one hour with intermissions coming in the form of little gymnasts performing acrobatic feats on the floor and on a mounted structure. There was dance to the tune of background music while the entire session promised a riot of colours.

With the sundown at the eastern horizon, floodlights turned on and the little hearts, exhibiting graceful movements, formed into various colourful combinations often receiving round of applause from the packed audience. Little Lions of Prasanthi also made an impressive outing in the evening regaling one and all. top

Photos: Sports and Cultural Meet 2011 -  Day 2    (Day -1 Photos)

Easwaramma English Medium School, in its maiden outing, made an impressive beginning with a thematic presentation depicting man's monkey mind. Dance and formations followed to the accompaniment of musical score. They ended the session with a formation showing WE LOVE YOU SAI declaring loudly to Bhagawan that, YOU ARE OUR EVERYTHING.

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VIDEO: 2011-01-12 ANNUAL SPORTS

The final programme was by the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus that included Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School. Presenting a huge indigenous plaster of paris structure of Lord Krishna, that was wheeled unto His presence, the hosts began their display with floor gymnastics by Higher Secondary Wing. Trained by Olympian Dimosthenis Tampakos from Greece children from Higher Secondary exhibited great dexterity and skill flexing their muscles showing various feats.
 

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Reminiscing the Unity Cup Cricket Match held in Prasanthi in 1997 cricketing actions were brought to live with a mock India vs. Rest of the World match. Following the higher secondary wing, seniors continued the gymnastic feats with perfection, once again trained by the same Dimosthenis Tampakos of Greece.  Star Wars, Angels and Devils etc. were some of the other items that lit the stadium before Prasanthi Lions went on prowl bringing the curtains down for the Annual Sports and Cultural Festival 2011.

Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi at 1910 hrs. and returned to Yajur Mandiram just after 1930 hrs.

Text & photo source - copyrights: Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust - sssbpt.org  - Radiosai.org  Prasanthi Diary -  Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org .  | Web layout - Photo graphic design : saibabaofindia.com  "SBOI" | - We gratefully acknowledge the publishers Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust &  Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation 

Report
 

Day 1
The Annual Sports and Cultural Festival occupies a prominent place in the calendar of events of the students’ curriculum in the hallowed Sri Sathya Sai Educational institutions. Students from colleges and schools and people from far and near come in large numbers to witness this grand spectacle of the students. This event is entirely organised and choreographed by the students and staff of the educational institutions. Showcasing of sports events is usually done on the 11th of every year with dramatic presentations on succeeding days and ends with the prize distribution function on the Sankranti festival. This year the sports events will be spanned over a period of two days and would be an evening affair. On the 11th evening, all the campuses marched sprightly to lilting tunes of the Institute’s brass band followed by an exhibition of daredevilry and rhythm by the Anantapur and Brindavan campuses with a short programme by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences. This was the maiden performance by the College of Nursing students.

 

Bhagawan arrived at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium at 5 p.m. in an immaculate white robe through the northern end of the stadium overlooking the Sri Sathya Sai Primary School. A motorbike escort of students drove in regally welcoming Bhagawan into the stadium. The Anantapur campus band, slow march squad bearing flags and the Institute brass band formed part of this grand procession. After Bhagawan ascended the dais, He lighted the ceremonial lamp to mark the beginning of the proceedings. At the outset, more than 1,600 students from Bhagawan’s educational institutions marched past the dais saluting Bhagawan. The first contingent was the tiny tots from Sri Sathya Sai Primary School followed by Smt. Easwaramma High School – English Medium (again a first performance by the school), Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences), Sri Sathya Sai Junior College for Women, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Brindavan Campus and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. The Revered Chancellor of the Institute, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba then hoisted the Institute flag and the Institute Captain administered the oath to take part in the sports events in the Annual Sports and Cultural Festival in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the honour of the country and the glory of Mother Sai. After the ceremonial lighting of the sports torch by Bhagawan, the athletes of the Institute in pairs carried the torch aloft to a point in the hill near the Chaitanya Jyoti museum from where the torch-bearer of the sports meet, a tropical multicoloured parrot took it to its destination, an urn at the Hanuman hilltop. The urn was lit to a thunderous applause from the audience. Bhagawan released doves symbolising peace as bunches of balloons soared in the sky. The Anantapur Campus band and the Institute Brass Band marched past the dais saluting Bhagawan. This marked the conclusion of the march past event.
 

The evening’s sports performance began with the sports and cultural events by the Anantapur campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The first item was showcasing of stunts on Apache 160 RTR motorbikes. The presentation was christened “Aim High, Soar High”. The feats included crisscrossing on bikes, balancing acts – some of them were truly stunning. An awe-inspiring stunt was jumping across girls lying on the ground after getting the elevation from a ramp, and smashing an obstacle with consummate ease. After the bike stunts was a cultural event featuring different formations with colourful bands of cloth.

The next presentation was Yogasanas on a structure designed like a ship. Students performed various postures on the ship’s mast. The formations and balancing acts were eye-catching and inspiring. The theme of this presentation was “Sai is the anchor, Sai is the lighthouse and Sai is the destination”. The last item, “Imagination is the highest kite” was an innovative performance with kites. Sankranti is the season for kite flying. Taking this cue, the students made formations with kites. After this, the students converged for the final formation releasing colourful balloons.

The next presentation was a short one from the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences). Dressed as nurses, they brought out the nobility of the nursing profession through various formations and dances.

The last presentation for the evening was from the students of Brindavan Campus. The first performance was from the brass band of the campus, which played a few pieces. The next item was a dance with balance and dexterity – the flavour and fragrance of Lord Jagannath of Puri. A beautiful backdrop of a peacock in full bloom with lights was an added attraction. They made various yogic postures and beautiful balances, one on the other. Dragon dance in typical Chinese style was performed by the students which gave the aura of the Chinese ambience. This performance was marked by rhythm and harmony on huge drums. A discerning viewer got a feel of the Chinese culture with martial artistes performing with the ferocity of a tiger. Shifting over to the ancient Indian style of martial arts, students showed combat formations and styles with swords and sticks followed by a demonstration of actual combat with sticks and swords.

The last performance for the evening was on a huge suspended structure. Students made beautiful formations beginning with 85 Years of Love. It was a treat to watch students joining each other’s legs and hands to make these formations. Calling themselves aerial acrobats, these messengers of love performed with skill, dexterity and balance. Their feats ended with the beautiful formation, “We Love You Sai – Yours Forever”. Arathi was offered to Bhagawan at 6.45 p.m. Thus ended, the first day of Sports and Cultural Festival of the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions.

The second day’s performance will be by the students from Bhagawan’s educational institutions in Prasanthi Nilayam including the institute, the higher secondary school, the primary school and the new entrant Smt. Easwaramma English Medium High School.
 

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ANNUAL SPORTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2011 -  Day 2

The second day of the Sports Festival belonged to the students of Prasanthi Nilayam. It was a carnival of colour from the students of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School and Easwaramma High School while the students of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning presented a programme of gymnastics and roller skating with interludes of dances with lights.
 

On this evening, Bhagawan came to Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium at 1715 hrs. preceded by a motorbike escort squad. The procession also had the pageantry of lion dance from the Institute, dragon dance from the Primary School and the brass band of Brindavan students. The first to perform in this session were the students from Sri Sathya Sai Primary School. “Universe is a Divine Play in His Safe Hands” was the backdrop for their programme.

It conveyed that Bhagawan’s outstretched, all-embracing hands were protecting the universe. As in the previous years, there was a riot of colours in the performance of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School with a mix of gymnastics. The first presentation was a dance by the students from the girls section to a song which conveyed that they are unable to comprehend what merit they have done in their previous birth to be in the Divine Presence, to have the invaluable Darshan of the Lord in human form.

The next performance was floor exercises typically performed by gymnasts. The students somersaulted and crossed human hurdles after getting elevation from a ramp. Gymnastic feats on a structure was their next performance. The balancing acts performed head downwards, one holding the other and Dhanur Asana (Asana in the pattern of a bow) were performed with dexterity and skill. There was also a display of dragon dance and lion dance.
 

Girls dressed as Gopikas with Lord Krishna in their midst was the next performance. This dance transported the audience to the Vraj Brindavan days of Dwapara. A colourful dance with kites by the tiny tots, a Kavadi dance – traditionally performed by Lord Muruga devotees in Tamil Nadu and a peacock dance by the tiny tots won the hearts of the audience. A dance by girls with flowers arranged in a semicircular pattern; the speciality of this dance was the colours of flowers kept changing in a trice just by swaying to and fro. This spectacle won the plaudits of the audience. With this performance, the presentation of Primary School students came to a close. All the students converged for the final formation with placards displaying “We are Yours”.

Smt. Easwaramma English Medium School, the new entrant to this Sports and Cultural Festival, gave a good account of themselves with a short performance of dances and floor exercises choreographed to perfection. They ended the session with a formation showing WE LOVE YOU SAI declaring loudly to Bhagawan that, YOU ARE OUR EVERYTHING.

The last performance for the evening session was the students from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music. At the outset, a few students wheeled in a huge monolith idol of Lord Krishna playing flute towards the dais for their Lord to see and behold the efforts they had put in over a number of days to create this masterpiece.
 

The performances of the Prasanthi Nilayam students was a healthy mix of sinew and skill. The first item was gymnastics on vaulting horse, parallel bars and balancing acts on a structure. All these were done with agility, dexterity and skill. Events like parallel bars and vaulting horse require a lot of practice to perform even by professionals. The students exhibited these skills quite adeptly. Roller skating, another event displayed by the students exhibited their raw power. The speed of skaters moving in tandem, crossing hurdles, ramp jump over six students, jumping over a wall and jumping over a wall of fire is worth mentioning here.
 

After two days of Annual Sporting and Cultural extravaganza, Prasanthi witnessed the valedictory function honouring the heroics of students, on the 15th January evening in the immediate Divine presence of Bhagawan.

In the evening, Sai Kulwant Hall, the venue, had colour and glitter around, reflecting the celebrating mood of the twin occasion, the valedictory function and the auspicious Makara Sankranthi. Weekend ensured a capacity audience and additional venue, Poornachandra Auditorium, had its shutters up for the devotees.

In the evening, emerging at the stroke of 1800 hrs., Bhagawan went straight into the Poornachandra Auditorium to bless the convergence before coming into the Sai Kulwant Hall. Entering into the Sai Kulwant Hall at 1820 hrs., Bhagawan's caravan had the Institute Band and Flag Bearing Squad, preceding Him, marching gracefully escorting The Chancellor.

The dais in the Sai Kulwant wore a special decorative costume, adorned with trophies and shields on both sides, meant for distribution. As Bhagawan arrived on the dais, He blessed the trophies and shields before lighting the lamp on the stage sanctifying the occasion.

Proceedings began with Sri Sanjay Sahni, Principal, Brindavan Campus of SSSIHL addressing the gathering , introducing the occasion to the audience. Sun's northward journey is an occasion to remind man of His Godward journey, said the speaker greeting one and all on the auspicious occasion. Referring to the symbolic incident in Shankaracharya’s life, wherein little shankara was caught by a crocodile compelling his mother to allow him to pursue the line of a renunciate, the speaker said man should disentangle himself from worldly entanglements by turning his vision inward and the easiest way to achieve this is to dedicate each and every action unto God, and thus the significance of Sports and Cultural Festival.


 

Prize distribution for the participating institutions followed next. As the names were announced, representatives from various institutions, namely, Sri Sathya Sai Primary School, SSSIHL - Brindavan Campus, Mirpuri College of Music, SSSIHL - Anantapur Campus, SSSIHL - Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School - Prasanthi Nilayam, all came in the order to receive trophies from the Divine hands. Subsequently Bhagawan blessed certificates and medals to be distributed among the winners from all the institutions.

Conveying His immense blessings, Bhagawan asked Sri Sanjay Sahni to announce that He felt immense joy at the performance of the students during the festival. Special mention was made on the drama presentation held on 13th Jan evening.

Special benedictions were sent to the Muddenahalli Campus and Smt. Easwaramma English Medium School along with College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, SSSIHMS, Whitefield, Bangalore and Sri Sathya Sai Junior College, Anantapur. As Bhagawan sat on the stage, there was a flurry of greetings from students related to the Sports theme. Bhagawan blessed all of them.

Blessed Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage. As the distribution went on Institute Band played some soulful tunes that included bhajans.

Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi at 1950 hrs. and retired to Yajur Mandiram at 2000 hrs. As His car slowly moved past, Institute Band and Flag Bearing Squad joined Him forming the caravan.
 

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Text & photo source - copyrights: Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust - sssbpt.org  - Radiosai.org  Prasanthi Diary -  Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org .  | Web layout - Photo graphic design : saibabaofindia.com  "SBOI" | - We gratefully acknowledge the publishers Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust &  Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation