Anantapur, Nov. 23: The tiny town of Puttaparthi
reverberated with slogans of Jai Sai Ram on the occasion of the 85th
birthday celebrations of Sri Satya Sai Baba. The celebrations were
held amidst great pomp and gaiety at the Hill View stadium in
Puttaparthi of Anantapur district on Tuesday.
As expected, thousands of devotees thronged the
pilgrim town to witness their spiritual leader’s birthday.
Clad in white robes, Baba gave darshan to devotees at Prashanthi Nilayam.
Later, Satya Sai Trust authorities took Baba out in a
golden chariot in a procession along the town streets to the
stadium.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for external
affairs, Mr S.M. Krishna, hailed Baba for his services. He praised
Baba for providing drinking water to tribal areas in West and East
Godavari districts and Chennai residents through the Telugu Ganga
scheme as well as residents in drought prone villages in the
district.
He recalled that he came to know about Baba and his
services when he noticed Baba’s charity centre in Singapore during
his visit.
The Governor, Mr E.S.L. Narasimhan, said that Baba
was a god as he provided basic amenities to the poor free of cost
without expecting any reward from them. He said that Baba gave peace
and prosperity to the world with his spiritual teachings and
humanitarian services.
Meanwhile, Satya Sai Baba announced a Vidya Vahini
scheme to be initiated in collaboration with Tata Consultancy
Services. He released a CD, which was handed over by Ratan Tata.
The new scheme will provide free education to
students, especially in rural areas. It is a customary event for the
Satya Sai Trust to announce a scheme for Baba’s birthday.
The trust authorities announced that mobile medical
care vehicles would provide food free cost besides medical care in
rural areas.
The union minister for power, Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde,
union minister of heavy industries, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh, former
chief minister, Mr Ashok Chavan and Punjab Governor, Mr Shivraj
Patil, were also
A host of politicians and thousands of Sai Baba followers
celebrate his 85th birthday
TCS gives a presentation on ‘Satya Sai
Vidya Vahini' scheme to be implemented in rural areas
Big occasion:Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan seeking the blessings of
Satya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi on Tuesday.
Puttaparthi: The 85th birthday of Sri Satya Sai Baba was
celebrated with gaiety at the sprawling Hill View Stadium on Tuesday
amidst a galaxy of dignitaries and thousands of devotees from
various parts the country and abroad.
The Baba, dressed in white, arrived at the stadium in a hand
pulled golden chariot at around 12 pm. He was greeted by chanting of
mantras and music and was given a ceremonial reception at the
stadium. The piligrim town of Puttaparthi wore a festive look with
thousands of people particularly foreign visitors descending on the
pilgrim town. Colourful balloons were tied with ‘Happy Birthday to
Baba' and a helicopter showered rose petals on the participants as
crackers were burst to mark the celebrations.
Union Minister for External Affairs S.M. Krishna, Punjab Governor
Shivraj Patil, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, Tamil Nadu deputy Chief
Minister Stalin, Maharashtra ex-Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Chennai
Mayor Subramanyan, State Tourism Minister J.Geeta Reddy and Chairman
of Tata group of companies Ratan Tata were among those who
participated in the birthday celebrations.
Service motto
The Baba announced the launch of a new educational scheme dubbed
as ‘Satya Sai Vidya Vahini' aimed at disseminating technological
knowledge to the poor students particularly in rural areas. TCS, a
corporate software firm gave a presentation on the modalities of the
scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. S.M. Krishna said love and
sacrifice and selfless service were the hallmarks of the Baba's
services to the poor . He recalled the services being provided to
the people of Andhra Pradesh State including drinking water scheme
to hundreds of villages, medical and education schemes. Governor
Narasimhan also spoke.
Local MLA Palle Raghunath Reddy, DIG Charu Sinha, district SP
Manish Kumar Sinha, District Collector B.Janardhan Reddy and
Regional Joint Director of Information Pulla Reddy were also
present.
Image:Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sathya
Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.
(Photograph copyright Sify.com)
Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said he was deeply
impressed by the services rendered by spiritual leader
Sathya Sai Baba in education, healthcare, water supply and
other areas.
Addressing the 29th convocation ceremony of Sri Sathya
Sai Institute of Higher Learning, the Prime Minister said
the works undertaken at the institute were an example for
others.
The convocation of the institute, a deemed university,
was part of the 85th birthday celebrations of Baba.
Earlier, the Prime Minister met Baba at Prashanti
Nilayam, his ashram, and sought his blessings.
Image:Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh with Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute
of Higher Learning. (Photograph
copyright Sify.com)
Addressing the 29th
convocation ceremony, the Prime Minister said he was all
praise for the work done by the super specialty medical
centres to general hospitals as well as the mobile
medical vans that take medical care to the poorer
sections of society.
'I am deeply impressed by the work undertaken here to
help the people of surrounding 731 villages that are in
drought prone districts of Andhra Pradesh. Another
scheme has provided reliable water supply to the east
and west Godavari districts.'
Stressing the need for
value-based education to youth, the Prime Minister said
Satya Sai Institute was breaking new grounds.
Image:
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sathya Sai Baba at
the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.
(Photograph copyright Sify.com)
Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, Chief
Minister K. Rosaiah, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S.
Yeddyurappa, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Stalin,
former chief minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan and
prominent personalities attended the convocation.
This pilgrim town is decked up for Baba's birthday
celebrations on Tuesday.
Devotees from different parts of the country and
abroad have gathered in large numbers to seek the
blessings of the spiritual leader.
The Hindu President Pratibha
Patil with Satya Sai Baba, Andhra Pradesh Governor
E.S.L.Narasimhan (left) and Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil at
Puttaparthi on Friday. Photo: R.V.S. Prasad
Bring women-related issues to forefront, Pratibha tells
women's representatives
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil said here
on Friday that women should be actively drawn into the
planning and development process, especially at the
grassroots level in the rural areas.
“The 1.2 million women representatives in
the elected bodies in villages and towns should focus on
bringing women-related issues to the forefront for their
progress and overall improvement in the standards of living,
besides opening more avenues of employment and productive
work in the rural areas,” the President said while
addressing the Women's Day celebrations at Prashanti
Nilayam.
Significant day
Ms. Patil was here to participate in the
85th birthday celebrations of Sri Satya Sai Baba. Governors
E.S.L. Narasimhan (Andhra Pradesh) and Shivraj Patil
(Punjab) and State Minister for Information and Public
Relations J. Geetha Reddy were present.
In her 10-minute address, the President
remarked that the day was significant as it was the birth
anniversary of Indira Gandhi, a brave person and the only
woman Prime Minister India had.
Acknowledging that women had reached high
positions, she referred to the constraints and difficulties
they faced. “Efforts to empower women through education,
awareness and opportunities should continue,” she said.
Right to education
On education as a tool of empowerment, Ms.
Patil said the right to free and compulsory education and
the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan should ensure that every child
between six and 14 years received education.
She said: “Educated women can be the voices
in the fight against social evils like female foeticide,
child marriage, dowry, addictions, discrimination and
biases.”
Stressing the need for giving full attention
to the health sector, the President said access to and
affordability of healthcare should be accomplished. “A
sustained approach is required towards developing a strong
health infrastructure by involving the government, private
sector, voluntary organisations,” she observed.
Partnerships crucial
The President said diversification of the
rural economy hinged on the changes in agriculture and the
emerging opportunities in the non-farm sector. She backed
linkages between the corporate world and the farm sector.
Partnerships could also be evolved for marketing, research,
micro-credit and skill building of men and women, among
others, she added.
Chetana Raju, member, Sri Satya Sai
Easwaramma Women's Welfare Trust and Mallika Srinivasan,
vice-chairperson, Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE), spoke.
Dr. Hema Reddy, practising paediatrician in
the U.S., proposed a vote of thanks
President to celebrate Sathya Sai Baba's 85th birthday
India
Blooms News Service
Puttaparthi, (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 13 (IBNS) Millions of
devotees worldwide will be joining in celebration to commemorate the
85th birthday of godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi Ashram in
Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh on
Nov 23.
The
celebrations will be marked by the presence of his devotees, and
important dignitaries like President Pratibha Patil , who would also
be gracing the Women's Day function on Nov 19.
Sathya Sai Baba’s birthday celebration starts from Nov 15 at
Puttaparthi .
Renowned sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will start off the
proceedings in the evening followed by a Carnatic Vocal Recital by
Abhishek Raghuram.
On Nov 16 evening, following bhajans in the morning, ‘Saxophone
Chakravarthy’ Kadri Gopalanath will perform to enthrall the millions
gathered in tribute to Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The evening will round off by fusion genius and santoor artist Rahul
Sharma.
Nov 17 morning will witness a Mass Marriage Program followed by a
Carnatic Vocal recital by Sikkil Gurucharan. The program will
culminate with a flute recital by India’s ace flautist Pandit Ronu
Majumdar.
On Nov 18 morning, there will be a grand Rathotsavam, followed by a
cultural presentation by students of the Sri Sathya Sai Primary
School in the evening while Nov 19 will be commemorated as the
Women’s Day and the Nov 20 evening will host a World Conference
Session of the Sri Sathya Sai Overseas Organisations.
On Nov 21 evening, students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
Learning will present a drama. This will be followed by their 29th
Convocation ceremony the following morning with Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh gracing the occasion.
The festival will culminate on Nov 23 morning with birthday
celebration of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View
Stadium and conclude in the evening with Prema Pravaham, a special
concert by Swami’s students glorifying His Mission and Message for
humanity.
Anantapur, Nov. 18: The stage is
set to celebrate Satya Sai Baba’s 85th birthday in grandeur at
Prashanti Nilayam in Puttaparti. Officials are making elaborate
arrangements for devotees and visiting dignitaries across the world.
It is customary for the Satya Sai Trust to celebrate Baba’s birthday
with great pomp every five years.
Town streets are beautifully decorated with paintings and life-size
images of Baba. Thousands of devotees have already descended on the
town and lodged at restaurants to witness the celebrations.
Trust authorities arranged several traditional and folk exhibition
stalls and hundreds of artists are readying to perform cultural
programmes till the birthday celebrations culminate on November 23.
The authorities arranged mass feeding camps for visitors.
President Pratibha Patil will visit the town for Baba’s darshan and
participate in several programmes. She is likely to address a
gathering at a meeting to be held on the occasion of Women's Day.
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, will participate in Satya Sai
Institute of Higher Learning's 29th convocation ceremony on November
22.
Police beefed up security and deployed additional forces at the
airport and other public places to prevent any untoward incident.
They have been checking vehicles and regulating the crowd into
Prashanti Nilayam.
According to Trust authorities, elaborate arrangements are being
made to accommodate a million devotees with all facilities including
drinking water and food.
Delegates from more than 150 nations will be present here, and the
Trust is readying to host a world conference with all Satya Sai
Baba's overseas organisations on November 20.
The celebrations will culminate with Satya Sai’s spiritual message
during the Prema Pravaham programme at the Hill View Stadium on
November 23 evening.
Ratan Tata participated in the 85th
birthday celebrations
PUTTAPARTHI (AP): Tata
Group chairman Ratan Tata participated in the 85th birthday
celebrations of Sathya Sai Baba here, where 85 couples entered into
wedlock at a mass marriage ceremony.
The mass wedding was held yesterday as part of the ongoing birthday
celebrations of the spiritual leader , a press release said. Sai
Baba, who will celebrates his 85th birthday on November 23, blessed
the couples, the release issued today said.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com
President to
celebrate Sathya Sai Baba's 85th birthday
Puttaparthi, (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 13 : Millions of devotees
worldwide will be joining in celebration to commemorate the 85th
birthday of godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi Ashram in
Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh on Nov 23.
The celebrations will be marked by the presence of his devotees, and
important dignitaries like President Pratibha Patil , who would also
be gracing the Women's Day function on Nov 19.
Sathya Sai Baba's birthday celebration starts from Nov 15 at
Puttaparthi .
Renowned sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will start off the
proceedings in the evening followed by a Carnatic Vocal Recital by
Abhishek Raghuram.
On Nov 16 evening, following bhajans in the morning, 'Saxophone
Chakravarthy' Kadri Gopalanath will perform to enthrall the millions
gathered in tribute to Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The evening will round off by fusion genius and santoor artist Rahul
Sharma.
Nov 17 morning will witness a Mass Marriage Program followed by a
Carnatic Vocal recital by Sikkil Gurucharan. The program will
culminate with a flute recital by India's ace flautist Pandit Ronu
Majumdar.
On Nov 18 morning, there will be a grand Rathotsavam, followed by a
cultural presentation by students of the Sri Sathya Sai Primary
School in the evening while Nov 19 will be commemorated as the
Women's Day and the Nov 20 evening will host a World Conference
Session of the Sri Sathya Sai Overseas Organisations.
On Nov 21 evening, students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
Learning will present a drama. This will be followed by their 29th
Convocation ceremony the following morning with Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh gracing the occasion.
The festival will culminate on Nov 23 morning with birthday
celebration
of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium and
conclude in the evening with Prema Pravaham, a special concert by
Swami's students glorifying His Mission and Message for humanity.
Puttaparthi, Nov 17 (IBNS) Torrential rain
did not deter the celebrations and festivities that continued in
full swing, as to thousands of devotees thronged Puttaparthi in
Andhra Pradesh to celebrate godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 85th
birthday.
An exhibition on Sri Sathya Sai Village
Integrated Programme (SSSVIP) for development of Indian villages was
inaugurated at Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports
(Indoor Stadium), Puttaparthi on Tuesday to commemorate his
birthday.
The exhibits reveal the eight categories of service activities that
are in progress in the 1388 villages adopted by the Sathya Sai
Organization under this project.
The services are categorized as Individual Care, Employment Care,
Educational Care Activities, Medical Care Activities, Spiritual and
Cultural Activities, Agricultural Care Activities, Social Care
Activities and Infrastructure Care Activities.
Native art forms, culture and traditions also have been displayed.
Model villages have been erected with one pavilion per state.
Pavilions also exist one for the All India Technology Support Group
and one for overseas activities respectively. The exhibition is open
to all the public.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba visited the exhibition Tuesday evening. He also
gifted traditional wedding clothes to the 85 blessed brides and
grooms on the eve of the mass wedding ceremony.
Puttaparthi, Nov 18 (IBNS) Tata Group
chairman Ratan Tata has appreciated godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba for
his humanitarian services.
“Sri Sathya Sai Baba is a truly outstanding
humanitarian. The Sai Trust’s facilities, including the Sai
University and the Institute of Higher Medical Sciences are most
impressive and I am overwhelmed by the quality and professionalism
of the staff,” Tata said.
“These institutions are a standing tribute to the Swami’s vision and
attention to detail. He has given so much. The world needs his
kindness and service to humanity,” he added.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, as 85 brides and grooms tied knots with the
blessings of Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi ashram in Andhra
Pradesh.
The marriage ceremony was organized by The Sri Sathya Sai Central
Trust to celebrate the 85th birthday of the godman.
The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust was founded by Bhagawan Sri Sathya
Sai Baba, as a public charitable trust in 1972.
Most of the couples were from the various neighbouring villages. It
was a beautiful vision to see each of 85 grooms tie the Mangalasutra
around their brides neck to a mark of their union.
The evening was marked with performance by Ronu Majumdar, India’s
ace flutist; followed by Sikkil Gurucharan, a carnatic vocalist. It
was Sikkil’s first performance before Sri Sathya Sai Baba in
Prasanthi Nilayam.
President
Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will take part in
the 85th birthday celebrations of Satya Sai Baba
17th Nov, 2010:
President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will take
part in the 85th birthday celebrations of Satya Sai Baba beginning
from Wednesday at Puttaparthi in Anantapur district.
According to statement, President Patil would participate in a
seminar on November 19th, and spend a few hours at Prashanti Nilayam
in Puttaparthi, where Sai Baba would pay tributes to his mother
Eswaramma.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will visit Puttaparthi on November
22nd to address the 29th convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University.
The Prime Minister will spend 3 hours at Prashanthi Nilayam.
Prashanthi Nilayam has already been geared up to celebrate Sai
Baba's birthday on November 23rd. Thousands Sai devotees from
different parts of the country and abroad would visit Puttaparthi
town to seek his blessings.
On the occasion of his birthday, Sai Baba will bless the devotees
and address them at Hilllview stadium.
Puttaparthi, Nov 16 (IBNS) Sarod maestro
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, accompanied by his sons Ayan and Aman,
performed on the occasion of godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 85th
birthday at Puttaparthi ashmram in Andhra Pradesh on Monday.
Khan’s recital was followed by young Carnatic
vocalist Abhishek Raghuram’s performance in the evening.
The Veda chanting began at 4:30pm. It w
as at about 6:45pm that Sai Baba arrived
for ‘darshan’ as the bhajan singing went on.
Giant LED screens and televisions ensured that everyone in the hall
have a close darshan.
“It was a spiritual experience,” said Khan after his performance.
The evening concluded around 8:20pm with ‘aarti’ and Sai Baba
graciously distributed ‘prasadam’ to those present.
Puttaparti
town hit by poor civic amenities
Anantapur, Nov. 15: For all the tall
claims by ministers and officials to provide basic amenities in the
world famous spiritual centre of Puttaparti, roads and the drainage
system in the town have been in bad shape for many years, besides
rampant encroachments posing a problem to dwellers and devotees.
Thousands of devotees throng this small
pilgrim town for Satya Sai Baba’s darshan every day. The authorities
have been taking steps to beautify the town in the wake of Sai
Baba’s 85th birthday to be celebrated on November 23.
President Ms Pratiba Patil will visit
the town on November 19 and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will
participate in Satya Sai University’s convocation ceremony on
November 22. Chief ministers from seven states and six governors
will visit the town.
While the authorities are making
temporary arrangements for the visit of notable persons from 150
nations, problems of long-pending basic amenities haunt the
dwellers. Almost all internal roads are ruined and drains are
waterlogged across the town.
Though the government announced that Rs
53 crore would be utilised for roads and drainage restoration works,
nothing substantial has been done so far. Rainwater often enters
shops and residences due to the poor drainage system.
According to sources, the officials
failed to utilise Rs 53 crore for basic amenities except for Rs 2
crore works so far.
The government promised to construct a
bypass road for easy accessibility to the town and a four-lane road
from Enumulapalli to Puttaparti. But the promises have remained
confined to foundation stones.
Sewage treatment is in shambles though
civic authorities renovated it with Rs 1 crore last year. Residents
are concerned as unhygienic conditions prevail at the municipal
compost yard.
The government assured that it would
provide boating facilities for devotees in Enumulapalli tank, but
this has not materialised yet.
Dwellers urge the government to take up
roads and drainage system restoration works before Baba’s birthday,
else it would give a bad impression to the visiting dignitaries.
Puttaparthi,
the abode of Sri Satya Sai Baba, on Monday witnessed a beautiful
symphony of sound and spirit as thousands of devotees from across
the world, important dignitaries and well renowned artists gathered
to join the 85th birthday of the renowned spiritual guru.
The Festival of Divine Love commenced
with a soul stirring performance by Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali
Khan accompanied by his sons, Ayan and Aman; followed by the dynamic
Carnatic vocalist Abhishek Raghuram later in the evening.
Image: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan performing at
Sathya Sai Baba's birthday celebration
The Veda
chanting began at 4:30pm on Monday, and it was at about 6:45pm that
Swami arrived for darshan as the bhajan singing went on.
The proceedings of the day was a
heartwarming experience for all at Puttaparthi and a joyous occasion
for everyone as the maestro, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan himself stated,
"It was a spiritual experience."
The musical performances heightened the
emotions of all present and the purity of sound was soul touching as
the renowned artists mesmerised the gathering with their talent.
Image: Sai Baba surrounded by thousands of devotees at
his birthday celebrations at Puttaparthi
All in all it
was a musical feast for all gathered. The presence of Bhagwan Sri
Satya Sai Babaseem to have inspired the artists to give one
of their most memorable performances.
Shri Satya Sai Baba was born in a
remote village called Puttaparthi in Ananthapur District of Andhra
Pradesh in India on November 23, 1926 to the pious couple Ratnakaram
Pedda Venkama Raju and Eswaramma.
Image: Sai Baba's birthday decoration
Baba was named
Satyanarayana Raju. Young Raju was exemplary to others through his
behaviour. Even as a child, His spiritual inclination and
contemplative nature set him apart from other children of his age,
and he was known as 'Guru' and "Brahmajnani' (knower of Brahman or
Godhead) among his peers and others in the village.
However, he made the historic
declaration of his Avatarhood, (divinity incarnate in human form')
on October 20, 1940. The world at large started learning of his
divine phenomenon and the holy mission started unfolding.
Image: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, sons Aayan and
Amaan receiving blessings from Satya Sai Baba
Sri Satya Sai
Baba is revered and worshipped across the continents by millions of
people for his teachings of value oriented life and for his
innumerable projects in education, medical care and fulfillment of
social needs.
