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Daily Updates Grama Seva 2010 (click on the date below to read)
09-Oct - 10-Oct -
11-Oct -
12-Oct - 13-Oct -
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Om Sairam dearest Sai Family, the holy festival of Dasara is on its way. Dasara in Puttaparthi is very unique. As a matter of fact every day in Parthi is unique but Dasara for the past decade is having a special place in the hearts of citizens of Parthi and its surrounding villages. Swami out of His immense grace sends His chosen ones knocking every house hold, to every village, touching every one's hearts. What a great fortune it is to receive a pair of new clothes by the Lord Himself. When Swami's blessings rain it pours.
Come Dasara, there is lot of anticipation. There is hope, there is bliss there is everything. I remember the good old days, when Grama Seva was not so organised like it is now. Swami used to bless a vast gathering of villagers from surrounding villages plus the devotees with His divine darshan in the hill view stadium and many a times He used to personally serve food to every one and give clothes to the assembled devotees.
I remember one such occasion where Swami after finishing the serving, just started distributing the clothes to us and then came this big crowd almost falling on Swami, not to reach Him, but to reach the sarees in His hand. Swami even though was smiling at every one, would have decided to make this Seva more organised. Those days, Charles Darwin's theory "Survival of the fittest" held good. There were few who got more than one pair of clothes and there were quite a lot who didn't get any. The Grama Seva for this year started on the 8th October 2010 for the next 10 days covering 170 villages of Puttaparthi, Bukkapatnam and Kothacheruvu mandals.
This year a group of 18 youth from the UK (17 from UK 1 from Switzerland) headed by Sri. Puppet and students from all the campus of Swami's university are participating in the Grama Seva. A special mention about the group from the UK is to be made as they are the only NON STUDENT community officially participating in the Grama Seva which shows how well they could WIN Swami's heart with their devotion and dedication. In September, when the South African devotees were in Prasanthi during the Pilgrimage, also did quite a bit of Grama Seva, visiting schools out side the territory of Swami's Grama Seva distributing school bags, stationery, sarees and other essential things for a family.
Hopefully more sevas of this kind would come up. Through Grama Seva, Swami is setting a benchmark where every one of us can take cue and do a similar thing in our localities, in our countries to our fellow brothers and sisters in need. Attached here are few photos from Grama Seva 2010 Jai Sai Ram With pranams at the Lotus feet of our beloved Lord, Submitted to SBOI by Satish Naik |
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Check out this blog
http://gramaseva.blogspot.com/ "A group of 18 (17 from UK 1 from Switzerland) fortunate boys along with Sri Ajit Popat participated in Sri Sathya Sai Grama Seva 2010. This blog features their account of day to day Seva activities along with the pictures and other activities."
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Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010 Saturday
09/10/2010:
Morning |
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        Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010
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Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010 Sunday
10/10/2010:
Morning
    
Sunday 10/10/2010: Morning
On this auspicious day of Sunday, the
day devoted to Sarva Dharma, the UK
group began with their Sadhana at 4:45
am with 21 Aumkaars and Suprabhatham.
Following this, they received a
thought-provoking talk inspired by
Swami’s Thought for the Day. The 18
members of the group did their Yoga
asanas to prepare for the demanding
physical activities that lay ahead.
On this Sunday, 10th October, the Pradikshana took place at 8 am around the Mandir. Soon after, the trucks carrying the food and clothing left the Ashram with various groups of students to cover the dense areas of Bukkapatnam Mandal. The UK group headed to a village called Buchiagarapalli, where Swami had instructed them to spread His Love and Grace to over 1100 homes. Of the UK group of 18 boys, 10 were on their first Grama Seva trip and were overwhelmed at the love and gratitude of the villagers receiving Swami’s Prasadam, but were also struck by the deprivation faced by the residents in some parts of the village. Swami’s Prasadam forged a bond of love between the giver and recipient and all were humbled by the experience. While this was going on, the team received the news that Swami gave Darshan at 10:00 am in Sai Kulwant Hall. Although they were not there, they felt Swami’s Presence and Grace in the village.
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Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010 - Monday
11/10/2010: Morning
   
Prasanthi Nilayam and Sai Kulwant Hall were
beautifully decorated and buzzing with
vibrations. The morning proceedings began
with the usual Vedam chanting together with
nadaswaram and thavil adding to the
excitement felt by all present.
Swami arrived during bhajans and gave beautiful Darshan which only heightened the sense of joy felt by everyone. Swami acknowledged the UK Grama Seva boys in the darshan line and also inquired from the group leader Puppet (Sri Ajit Popat) on the portico whether the boys were enjoying the Grama Seva and where they were located for the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna, which was commencing immediately. The group was touched by Swami’s inquiry.
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Tuesday 12/10/2010
    
In celebration of the fifth day of Navaratri,
the day began with prayers offered to the
Sakthi aspect of Bhagavan.
Being Tuesday, which is the day dedicated to Mother Durga, the UK Grama Seva group leader gave an inspirational and thought-provoking talk centred on Ma Sharada, the wife of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Following the morning session of prayers, spiritual experiences and yoga, the group moved to Sai Kulwant Hall for darshan. At 8:00 am, instructions were received to commence the Grama Seva activity after completing the Pradikshana of the Mandir. The group set off for the village of Meerjapuram just beyond Talamara district. The road to the village was rough and pot-holed but the scenery was beautiful, with rows of mountains, fields rich in crops and a calm lake. The village was also very different to previous villages served by the Grama Seva group. The village was tranquil and most houses were brightly decorated and displayed intricate rangoli patterns. The villagers were, at first, reluctant to come out of their houses, but when we explained that Swami had sent Prasadam for them (in Telugu), they eagerly came forward and gratefully received Swami’s Love. After completing the service in the village, the UK group would sit together, back in the Ashram, to have the same Prasadam that had been distributed during the day. Whilst the group was having the Prasadam, they heard a commotion outside as one of the group members noticed that Swami had just driven past. Some of the boys rushed outside to receive Swami’s unexpected Darshan. Swami returned from His visit outside the Ashram at 12:30 pm and, again, all the devotees were grateful to receive a second unexpected Darshan. Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010 Tuesday 12/10/2010: Afternoon In the afternoon, Vedam and Bhajans started at 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm respectively, as normal. As the devotional songs were being sung, our Dear Lord entered the Sai Kulwant Hall in His Chair at 6:05 pm. One and all received Swami’s Divine Darshan as Swami did the usual round from the ladies’ side to the gents’ side and finally came and sat in the front portico. Swami sat on the raised platform for almost an hour listening to the beautiful bhajans sung by the students, whilst reading the letters He accepted from those fortunate from the darshan line. Swami called the priest and briefly spoke to him before getting ready to do Aarthi. Swami also spoke to the UK Grama Seva group leader Puppet (Sri Ajit Popat). Swami said to Him: “How are the boys?”, to which Puppet responded, “They are all fine and extremely grateful to be at Your Lotus Feet.” Swami also blessed Sri Ajit Popat to mark his birthday. Soon after, Swami headed towards Yajur Mandir at 7:15 pm.
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Wednesday 13/10/2010
    
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010 Wednesday 13/10/2010: Morning On this auspicious day of Wednesday, the day dedicated to Lord Krishna, the UK Grama Seva Group began their day in earnest at 5:10 am with silent sitting, Aumkaar and Suprabhaatham. The group practised Thraatakam, a spiritual exercise in which one focuses on a fixed point of their chosen deity, such as the eye, forehead, lips, etc. for a period of 3-5 minutes initially. The key to this exercise is that the eyes must remain open and not blink. One of the benefits of this exercise is an increase in concentration and memory. Thereafter followed a talk about prayer and various methods of praying. The highlight of the talk was practical suggestions such as prayers should be short, simple and in your native language. Prayers should also be offered with intensity, persistency and consistency. At 8:00 am the UK group along with Swami’s students set off for the sixth day of Grama Seva. The UK group’s responsibility was to cover a total of five villages. These were Obuladevarapalli (150 houses) and Virupapuram (40 houses), Appalavallapalli (250 houses), Narayanpuram (125 houses) and Honnurapalli (125 houses). This was a challenging task as the nineteen group members were divided amongst the villages. However, working with Swami’s students was a great eye-opening experience for most the UK group. The humility, simplicity and honesty displayed by them was inspirational. One surprising incident is that at Apallavallapalli, we found that the villagers spoke a number of languages including Gujarati and Hindu as well as their native Telugu. As usual, upon completion of the Grama Seva activity, at 12:30 pm, the students and the UK group partook of Swami’s Prasadam and were grateful for the opportunity to serve.
More pictures for 13/10/10
    
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Thursday 14/10/2010
     
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010
Thursday 14/10/2010: Morning On the seventh day of Navaratri and Grama Seva, the day devoted to Guru (in whichever form you worship) began at 5:20 am with silent sitting, Aumkaar, Suprabhaatham and an inspiring Thought for the Day. Today was a busy day for the Grama Seva teams. The UK group with Swami’s students covered three villages, which consisted of Satharallapalli (approx. 250 houses), Diguchurvapalli (approx. 200 houses) and E. Gingareddypalli Tanda (approx. 530 houses). The route to these villages, which were situated about 45 kilometres from the Ashram, was potholed and rough, but passed through the mountains, lush fields and crossed the Chitravati river. The furthest village was 45 km away, but because of the road conditions, took over an hour to reach. At each of the villages, the Grama Seva began with Vedam chanting or bhajans (Nagarasankirtan) and concluded with Mangala Aarathi at the village Mandir. The common theme was the warm welcome we received as well as the eagerness with which the villagers accepted Swami’s Prasadam. On returning from the villages, the Grama Seva groups distributed Swami’s Prasadam to labourers working at various road construction sites en-route to the Ashram. There was never a shortage of smiling children wanting by the roadside for a laddu or photo of Swami. However, with the Dassera holidays, there seemed to be more children than laddus! Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010 Thursday 14/10/2010: Afternoon In the afternoon, the crowds had gathered to receive the Darshan and Blessings of our Lord, Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The Vedam commenced at 4:30 pm with Sri Rudram (Namakam and Chamakam) and Purusha Suktam. Swami’s students then took over with heartfelt devotional singing to invite our Lord to Sai Kulwant Hall. As always, our Dear Lord responded immediately. However, Swami always says: “Love my uncertainty”. Today, Swami displayed this by arriving for Darshan in His car. Swami has not entered Sai Kulwant Hall for Darshan in His car in a long time, so it may be that Swami wishes to bless His car and driver in anticipation of Vahana Puja, which is to happen tomorrow. Swami was in a wonderful and cheerful mood. As He approached the portico, He came out of His vehicle and sat in front of the gathered assembly. Swami listened to the bhajans as He read a few letters from devotees. He then signalled to the birthday boys to come to Him. Watching Swami bless the birthday boys was a reminder to all gathered of how Loving and Caring our Dear Mother Sai is. Swami then continued listening to the bhajans, calling a further three boys to the portico to bless them with rice and vibhuti. Swami also blessed CDs prepared by these boys. Swami occasionally threw vibhuthi packets to boys sitting at the front, smiling and giving them paadanamaskaar. Swami then called for Aarthi to be taken at 7:05 pm and whilst the Shanthi recitation was being sung, Swami raised both of His Hands in Abhayahasta three times, once each for the men, ladies and students, with a lovely smile playing on His face. Again, Swami wanted to bless the assembled audience again: as Samastha Lokaah was being chanted, Swami again raised His hands twice to bless all the people in all the worlds. |
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more pictures from 14/10/10
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Friday 15/10/2010
      
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010 Friday 15/10/2010: Morning
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010
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Saturday 16/10/2010
   
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010
Saturday 16/10/2010: Morning The auspicious day of Saturday, the day devoted to Lord Rama, began at 5:10 am for the UK Grama Seva group. Following their normal routine, the group received an inspiring talk on righteousness and Dharma. The group leader discussed Swami’s revelation that Lord Rama had three main attributes: (1) ‘Ekam Vacaniya’ (one word), (2) ‘Ekam Pathaniya’ (one wife), and (3) ‘Ekam Lakshiya’ (one aim). Lord Rama lived His life by these three attributes. One must follow His example in order to follow the righteous path. Swami has said that it is our righteousness that will protect us. It will serve as our armour. The UK grouped completed their morning sadhana before heading to Sai Kulwant Hall for Pradakshina and preparation for the commencement of Grama Seva. The UK group joined the students for the final day of Grama Seva and were privileged to serve Vengalammacheruvu village. The village consists of approximately 1000 houses. It was a wonderful experience to work with the students closely as the UK group was divided amongst six teams. Swami’s students are extremely efficient and hard-working and served as an example to us all. On our return from Grama Seva, the UK group made their way to Poornachandra Hall in the hope that Swami would give Darshan during the Yajna. As always, Swami heard our prayers and fulfilled our desire by appearing on stage to oversee the Yajna. As well as the usual Vedic chanting, there was recitation of hymns from the Sama Veda by one of the priests as he sat in front of Swami. This was uplifting for all gathered and received loud applause. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the faculty members and students for the love and kindness that they have shared with use of the nine days of Grama Seva. We are extremely grateful to our Beloved Baba for granting us this wonderful opportunity to be bart of His mission and making us part of His Message. Jai Sai Ram Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010
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Dassera - Sunday 17/10/2010
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010
top Sunday 17/10/2010: Morning On this very auspicious day of Vijayadasami, the day broke at 5:20 am for the UK group with Aumkaar, Suprabhaatham and universal Vedic prayers, followed by a special talk on the Vijayadashami festival. Vijayadasami is a special festival which combines the following sacred events:
2 - Victory of Lord Sri Rama over Ravana in the Dvapara Yuga
took place on this day. 3 - Shirdi Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi on this day. Shirdi Baba
foretold of His departure to a few devotees a few days before
‘crossing the border’. He said to those around Him that the time
was approaching for ‘Seema Ulungan’. 4 - Culmination of Grama Seva. Today, the Anantapur sisters
carried out the Grama Seva activity in the Ashram itself,
distributing Swami’s Love in the form of His Prasadam to all
devotees and residents of Prasanthi Nilayam. 5 - Culmination of Vidvan Mahasabha. In the previous years,
various talks were given by scholars and students. Our Beloved
Swami also has given numerous Divine Discourses during the
Dassera festival. Although there were no official talks in the
Sai Kulwant Hall this year, the chanting carried out by the
priests, who are themselves scholars in the scriptures, will
come to an end today. 6 - Culmination of Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna with the
final Poornahuthi to be offered to the Veda Purusha. In the early hours of the morning, devotees queued to enter
Poornachandra Hall for the Poornahuthi. Students and Vedam boys
commenced the usual chanting in Sai Kulwant Hall with hope that
Swami would come for Darshan. Back in the Poornachandra Hall,
the priests were preparing the final ceremony in anticipation of
Swami’s arrival for the Poornahuthi. However, a historical event
took place: Swami did not come down for the completion of the
Poornahuthi in the morning. All assembled devotees and priests
were instructed to return in the afternoon to witness the event.
We hope and pray that Bhagavan Baba gives Darshan in the
afternoon and gives the opportunity for all those gathered to
witness the culmination of the Yajna.
Sai Kingdom (UK) Grama Seva Group 2010
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