Guru Poornima Celebrations


 


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Guru Purnima in Prasanthi Nilayam

 

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Guru Poornima Celebrations - 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012

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Happy Guru Poornima
 

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 .
 

 

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.

 

Malladi brothers offer their obeisance on Guru Purnima

 

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.

 

Malladi brothers offer their obeisance on Guru Purnima

 

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.

 

Fondling Rememebering The Guru Of All Gurus…

 

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.

 

Fondling Rememebering The Guru Of All Gurus…

 

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.

 

Fondling Rememebering The Guru Of All Gurus…

 

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.

 

Fondling Rememebering The Guru Of All Gurus…

 

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.

 

Fondling Rememebering The Guru Of All Gurus…

 

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

 

 
 

2011 Updates

 

Friday July 15, 2011 - UNVEILING OF MAHA SAMADHI


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.
 

 


VIDEO GURU POORNIMA - 15 JULY 2011 - Unveiling of mahasamadhi

 

Thursday, Jul 14, 2011
Morning Programme:

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
 
Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011

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
 
 
Monday, Jul 12, 2011

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.
 
 
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Guru Poornima

 

    guru-poornima-wallpaper-bhagawan-sri-sathya-sai-baba
Guru Poornima

 

       
click to enlarge  Sai Baba wallpaper
 
 

 

 
Monday, Jul 11, 2011

Prasanthi woke up this morning to a festive ambience and who better to add colour to an occasion than Maharastra.

 

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.
 

Facebook Page:Sri Sathya Sai Baba's MahaSamadhi Facebook Page:  Samadhi of Sri Sathya Sai Baba
 

Archive 2010

 Guru Purnima in Prasanthi Nilayam
July, 25, 2010  
 

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.

-GURU-POORNIMA-2010-SATHYA-SAI-BABA.jpg   GURU-POORNIMA-2010-SATHYA-SAI-BABA
     
  LARGE SIZE PHOTOS - click to enlarge
     
GURU-POORNIMA-2010-SATHYA-SAI-BABA   GURU-POORNIMA-2010-SATHYA-SAI-BABA

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.

 
 
 

Whistle_Concert
 

Click here: Photo slides - Whistle Concert in the Divine Presence...26 July 2010

 

 
 
New Photos Vamos Con Sai Latin American Choir 23 July 2010

New Photos Vamos Con Sai Latin American Choir 23 July 2010

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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New Photos Ashadi 21-22 July 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Alwarula Bhakti Samrajya Mahotsavam

Alwarula Bhakti Samrajya Mahotsavam
14 July - 18 July 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Archive: 2009 -  Guru Purnima in Prasanthi Nilayam
 

 

 Guru Poornima Celebrations - Report & Images

 

 
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

 

 


GURU PURNIMA 2009 -
Gurupoornima 2009 Photos  -  Gurupoornima discourse


 

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.
 

     

GURU MANTRA

GURUR BRAHMA,
GURUR VISHNU,
GURUR DEVO MAHESHWARAH
GURUR SAAKSHAAT PARA-BRAHMA,
TASMAI SHRI GURUVE NAMAH.

 

Summary of the Mantra in English

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.
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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.
 
Divine Discourse at the Twilight Click here to read the full text of Gurupoornima discourse

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.
 

materialized gold coins for the ladies -Mrs. Appa Rao &  Mrs. Nanjundaiah


Earlier the evening session started as usual at 1700 hrs. with Bhajans and devotees had a long wait till 1800 hrs. when Bhagawan came out of His Abode. After completing His usual round, coming onstage Bhagawan called for the couples, Mrs. & Mr. Appa Rao and Mrs. & Mr. Nanjundaiah, materialized gold coins for both the ladies before commencing His Divine Discourse.
CLICK HERE TO READ EYE WITNESS  DARSHAN ACCOUNT (GURU POORNIMA) BY SAI DEVOTEE FROM PUTTAPARTHI - PRASANTHI NILAYAM, SUBMITTED TO - SBOI-GroupJoin Group Sai Baba Of India - "SBOI"

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
 

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