After the hectic saga of Sports and Cultural Meet, students were
back into serious academics as mid-semester exams were due. As this
mid-semester wields greater impact on the final result and grades
obtained, attention has to be focal. The folks were up to it
ensuring that they were not leaving any stone unturned in their
attempt to bring yet another smile on Divine Mother’s beatific face.
…And the hostels in Prasanthi Nilayam still had the glitter ‘n’
grandeur with light sprayed colours under the dark, aftermath of the
hostel day and sporting extravaganza.
With a week passing away without any special activity, the 26th
evening, the National Republic Day of India had the higher secondary
boys putting up a drama entitled “Sai – The Saviour”, a presentation
calling for religious harmony that help redeeming the world from any
impending disaster.
Set up in the backdrop of a religious conference attended by an
ensemble of religious masters representing various religions, the
drama had pointers from various religious heads hailing their
respective religion to be the lone solution for the world facing
impending disaster. Adding climax to the conferential deliberations,
a group of four alumna of Sri Sathya Sai University holding esteemed
positions in the society came into the scene deliberating on the
presence of a great master driving home the point that Bhagawan
alone is the savior for a world that was caught in the mire of
confusion.
Close on the heels of the 61st Republic Day of India, Prasanthi
Nilayam witnessed the patriotic resurgence of the nation through a
drama presentation in telugu entitled, “Namaami Bharathiyam”.
Saluting the Indian Spirit, the drama staged by the Sai Youth of
Hyderabad was a presentation aimed at addressing key issues
associated with the Youth of the day haunting our nation blocking
her future in state of indecisiveness.
The drama that was set in the backdrop of a conversation between a
grandfather and two teenaged military officers took its route
through flashback scenes depicting the vanity behind delusive job
opportunities abroad leaving the motherland, the quit India
agitation wherein the British had to face the wrath of determined
Indian Youth, to the final scene wherein the ever exuberant Sai
Youth bringing in revolution in the society at large through
selfless dedicated service.
Over 1100 Youth from various professional institutions have been
brought for the first time to Prasanthi Nilayam as part of a Youth
Convention organized by the Sai Youth of Hyderabad under the
auspices of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Hyderabad. This Youth
convention was the fructification of six-month-long activities based
in and around Hyderabad, meeting, educating, motivating and bringing
greater awareness.
The Drama also highlighted a unique service opportunity initiated by
the Hyderabad Youth, “Sri Sathya Sai Re-Programming Lives” Project.
The project helps hundreds and thousands of unemployed youth to get
trained in soft skills to get better job opportunities in the
corporate world.
Vice Chancellor’s from eight reputed Universities from Andhra
Pradesh were brought to Prasanthi Nilayam as a part of the
pilgrimage. The Vice Chancellors attended were, Prof. Tirupathi Rao
of Osmania University, Prof. DN Reddy of Jawaharlal Nehru
Technological University, Prof. Linga Murthy of Kakatiya University,
Warangal, Prof. Bhoomiah of Potti Sriramulu Telugu University,
Hyderabad, Prof. Kusuma Kumari (formerly faculty at Sri Sathya Sai
Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus for eleven years) of
Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Prof. D. Ramanaiah of
Dravidian University, Kuppam, Prof. G. Sarojamma of Sri Padmavathi
Mahila Viswavidyalaya, Tirupathi, who is incidentally an alumnus
from Anantapur Campus belonging to the first batch of 1969-74 and
Dr. A. Ramachandra Reddy of Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa. Over
twenty senior administrators from various educational institutions
were also invited to attend the Educationists’ Conclave held on the
30th and 31st of January.
The Conclave held in the Poornachandra Auditorium had Prof. Anil
Kumar giving a scintillating speech in Telugu followed by two Youth
Speakers from Hyderabad Youth sharing the effort behind the entire
saga and the Reprogramming Lives Project finally to conclude with a
Divine Discourse that lasted for ninety minutes.
The group had their final session on the 31st evening with an
offering entitled “Sri Sathya Sai Sangeeta Vibhavari”, a musical
bouquet of eight songs followed by a stint of bhajans.
Sai Manonmani Nurses’ Residential Complex that was inaugurated in
2004 got its second phase done and inaugurated by the Divine Hands
on the 30th evening. The complex built adjacent to the Sri Sathya
Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences is aimed at housing nurses
and technicians working with the hospital. This 3-storeyd building,
a loving offering by the Singapore based devotee and Orthopaedic
Surgeon Dr. VK Pillay and family, has 48 quarters to house the
serving hands in the hospital.
All are children in the eyes of God but some are more special than
others. On the evening of 31st Jan, when the Hyderabad Youth were
sitting in full strength with a loving music programme in their
agenda and when all eyes were on the stage awaiting Bhagawan's
arrival, Bhagawan took a detour and went to attend a special lot. A
small group of mentally and physically challenged children were
sitting in orderly lines seeking Bhagawan's blessings.
These were the children from Gujarat Research Society, an NGO based
in Khar West, Mumbai, aimed at treating children having
psychological and physiological problems. Twenty Two children
accompanied by some parents and other aids came over to Prasanthi
Nilayam to have Bhagawan’s darshan and blessings.
Where He wills there is a definite way. When Bhagawan wanted these
children to sing. It was obvious that these physically and
psychologically challenged children would find it difficult to do it
without proper practice. Yet their Love for Bhagawan has given them
the determination to achieve what many of us normally take for
granted. What followed was even more spectacular! Both the groups of
children (boys and girls) gave wonderful dance performance with
perfectly synchronised steps. Greatly pleased with their devotion,
Bhagawan posed for pictures with the children and distributed gifts
to them.
Construction work of dormitories is in progress at the rear west end
of Prasanthi Nilayam. The area is partially cordoned off for public
movement and one could see huge EOT crane installed with road
rollers and tractors making moves up and down… Even as more old
sheds are being demolished, leveling the ground for the new ones to
come up, basement level work is marking steady progress at the rear
western end of Prasanthi. The road between the dormitory sheds is
partially cordoned off for public move as the area is becoming
dustier with the work getting greater momentum.
Dignitaries spotted during the fortnight were the VHP veteran, Ashok
Singhal, Singer-Musician duo, Kavita Subramaniam and family, etc.
Apart from the Hyderabad Youth organised Youth Pilgrimage, there
were many other floating groups in Prasanthi during the fortnight
including a huge contingent of devotees from West Godavari.
Rose Beneficiaries for the fortnight were Prof. Sudhir Bhaskar,
Prof. Kumar Bhaskar, Prof. S. Kruptw31012010 1.swfhelli Janardhana ,
Dr. R. Gangadhara Shastry, Dr. C L N Moorty , Dr. K. S. Sridharan,
Dr. G. Bhptw31012010 1.swfK. L. N. Reddy, Mr. Sairam Subramaniam,
Mr. Tata Rao, Mr. Pai, and Mr. Radhakrishna.
Prasanthi This Week...ending 17, Jan 2010
Posted at 08:30:00 Hrs. IST on 18 Jan 2010
Sports took precedence over everything else when the new week dawned
on the 11th January morning in Prasanthi Nilayam. Sports in
Prasanthi earns a special distinction with its lofty goals than
remaining to be a mere physical drill with worldly competitive
spirit. It starts with bending the body, mending the mind to end the
senses to realize the ultimate goal.
Deviating from the normal practice, this year the meet had its
scheduled beginning at 9:30 am when Bhagawan was ushered into the
venue, Vidyagiri Stadium, escorted by an array of bikers from all
the three campuses, the brass band from the Anantapur Campus, the
University brass band from Prasanthi Nilayam, flag-bearing squad and
a group of boys on horses.
Four presentations of fifty minute each by Brindavan, Prasanthi
Nilayam in the morning and the Primary School and Anantapur in the
evening had the thrills and frills of a sporting extravaganza. While
each and every student participant made his or her best of effort to
excel, the month long dedicated all-out effort was reaching its
climax, finally earning the most coveted of all prizes, the smile
from Beloved Mother Sai!
Brindavan Campus came up with a variety of performance starting with
a cultural presentation titled, “Dance – Celebration of the Advent”.
This presentation was tagged to the ensuing 85th year of His Divine
Advent that had a range of colourful display from the vast Indian
culture. Daredevilry on motorbikes followed by equestrian events
were the highlight of the session wherein students with short
training stints were seen attempting ambitious heights, all with
ease, making Divine Mother proud of His children.
All-round talents of the students came to the fore when Prasanthi
Nilayam took the centre stage with ‘their’ tantalising show of
artistry and daredevilry for the final show during the morning
session.
Prasanthi has the unique distinction of bringing out stunning
master-piece structures every year during the sports meet.
Continuing with the tradition, this year, they had a gigantic
golden-hued 35 ft. Karthikeya Structure made out of iron paper mesh
and thermocoal. It was stunningly awesome looking like a monolith
carved beautifully from a single block of stone.
Sports in real terms demands Sporting Spirit with team effort,
co-ordination, co-operation and greater harmony. This structure of
precisely 34.5 ft height that was made in ten days with thirty
students pledging their might on the same, symbolizes bold instincts
of the student fraternity to take up the challenge with greater team
spirit.
Starting with synchronized dance movements forming waves, the show
moved on to trampoline basketball show with everyone vying to basket
in presence of their Beloved Mother Sai. Skate jumping over a Maruti
van, gymnastic display, aerobics on Roman Ring, “Chairobatics”, an
innovative item with chairs, balancing of huge flags to the
accompaniment of rhythmic beats on Chinese Drums with kites zooming
in the air in the background were some of the delectable feats
before winding up with daredevil jeep stunts.
It rained colours when the tiny tots from the Primary School took
the stage in the afternoon session. With riot of colours marking the
dress-code with distinction, tender but aesthetic steps dancing to
the tune of soothing music, the show was nothing short of
spectacular receiving round of applause from one and all though the
real remark, words of acclaim from the real “Master of Ceremony”,
came bit later during the valedictory function.
The Anantapur Campus for women that followed last had feats on
unicycles, a difficult task compared to motorbikes where the
advantage of speed comes as a blessing, balancing of dumbbell with
legs and hands, rotating it with dexterity, stunts on bicycles,
rotating hoops of various sizes passing them with precision were
some of the other items in display before winding up with their
final formation for the song, Sai Maa Praanama… (Sai is our
life-breath) that reverberated the entire stadium with devotional
fervour in the beautiful twilight.
The next day found Bhagawan visiting the Sri Sathya Sai
International Centre for Sports – Indoor Stadium blessing the
students, pepping their spirits up watching their gymnastic display,
friendly basketball and volleyball matches involving both Prasanthi
Nilayam and Brindavan Campuses. Dimosthenis Tampakos, Olympian
gymnast from Greece was also present who was coaching the students
on various gymnastic drills. The fledging Band from Brindavan got
their first opportunity to perform in His Divine Presence while a
group of dancers danced to the tune of famous Oscar Winning number
“Jai Ho…” .
Three days from the fixed schedule on 11th January, 14th January is
Makara Sankranthi when the Sun enters Makara Rasi (Tropic of
Capricorn), signifies the onset of Uttarayana, the auspicious time.
And over the years this day has been marked for the Valedictory
function of the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet. This year against
the prevailing practice, the function was held in the evening.
The highlight was as expected, yet another continuous round of
applause for the Tiny Tots from Primary School. Bhagawan asked the
Vice Chancellor, at the end of his speech, to announce His special
words of appreciation for the spectacular performance of the primary
school students and they were privileged to make a beeline to The
Lord onstage to receive special gifts directly from His hands.
Introductory speech by Mr. Sanjay Sahni, Principal, Brindavan Campus
was followed by the customary speech by the Vice Chancellor Prof.
Vishwanath Pandit. This was followed by the Prize distribution to
all the campuses starting with Primary School. A special memento, a
huge framed photo of Bhagawan was awarded to the Primary School as a
special gesture for its spectacular show. A total of 88 gold and 64
silver medals along with certificates were blessed by Bhagawan after
which the tiny tots formed the beeline to receive special gifts
directly from the hands of the Divine.
Three speeches by three senior faculty members followed. Dr. Pallav
Kumar Baruah from the Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science of
Prasanthi Nilayam Campus was followed by Dr. Shiv Shankar Sai,
Warden of Senior Boys’ Hostel and Head of Department for Physics.
The last speaker was Dr. T. Ravi Kumar, Reader in Dept. of
Chemistry, Brindavan Campus.
Sports and Cultural Meet scheduled on the 11th January does not end
with the day’s grand events at the Vidyagiri Stadium. Cultural
spectacle continues in the following days with the campuses coming
up with drama presentations competing themselves to excel with their
best in bringing another smile on Beloved Bhagawan’s face.
Mrithyunjaya, the tale of immortality was the theme chosen by the
senior students of Prasanthi Nilayam campus. The presentation was a
depiction of true devotion and surrender of two of the greatest
devotees of Lord Shiva - Ravana and Markandeya bringing alive
anecdotes from the lives of these illustrious devotees. While Ravana,
the epitome of ego and arrogance at one end and unflinching devotion
to Lord Shiva at the other end sought perpetuality of his ego,
Markandeya with his unsullied devotion attained immortality with his
pure love for the Lord.
Earlier on the 13 January evening, boys from the Brindavan Campus
presented a drama entitled “Bhakta Tukaram”. The drama attempted to
depict the life of Sant Tukaram as visualised by innovative
thinkers. Tukaram’s unflinching devotion, trials and tribulations
meted out to him by many and the Divine Guidance he received from
His chosen deity Vittala, all were depicted with elan with lots of
devotional fervour.
The three days, 13th, 14th and 15th found the three Brass Bands
escorting the Divinity to Sai Kulwant Hall. While it was their
maiden band escort for the Brindavan Boys, the fledging brass band
from the campus, for Prasanthi Nilayam, it was their customary
escort on the Valedictory Function and on 15th, Anantapur took their
turn to escort Bhagawan to and fro…Bhagawan chose to interact with
the girls for quite some time upon reaching the Yajur Mandiram.
After a more than a month of hectic preparations towards the
Sporting extravaganza, students would be back into academics
preparing for the ensuing mid-semester exams. Students from
Brindavan and Anantapur campuses had left for respective campuses on
friday evening itself to ensure that classes would restart the next
day, saturday.
On the occasion of the 9th anniversary of Sri Sathya Sai Institute
of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield, Bangalore, a big group of
staffers from the hospitals came down to Prasanthi Nilayam on Sunday
to celebrate the grand occasion in the immediate Divine Presence.
The Institution that was thrown open to the public on 19th January
2001 is completing nine years of yeomen service two days from now,
on 19th January 2010.
Commemorating the occasion the staffers from the hospital had a
garland of devotional songs followed by a stint of bhajans, by both
men and women in the lead, to conclude with three inspiring speeches
by Dr. AS Hegde, Director, Chairman Department of Neurosciences,
Dr.Voleti Choudary, Chairman Department of Cardiac Sciences and
Dr.Kolli Chalam, HOD Department of Anaesthesiology.
Punjab Governor designate Mr. Shivraj Patil, formerly Lok Sabha
Speaker and Union Home MInister, had been to Prasanthi Nilayam on
sunday seeking Divine Blessings of Bhagawan.
Posted at 21:05:05 Hrs. IST
on 10 Jan 2010
On a wintry foggy January morning when temperature on a mateorograph
would tend to settle somewhere near the “15 mark”, the student folks
from Sri Sathya Sai University were not ready to relent. They were
up from the bed much early, as early at 5 am for their regular Omkar,
Suprabhatam schedule at 5:20. After this customary routine spiritual
exercise feeding their souls, they would not retire under the cover
of cozy blankets warming themselves for yet another spell of early
morning nap. Instead, they would flock together to move into the
adjacent Vidyagiri Stadium, sans any winter coat, for the warming up
schedule in preparation for the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet.
After a fortnight of hectic activities filled with action, ranging
from Christmas to New Year to the Alumni Meet, the week leading to
the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet, scheduled for 11 January, 2010
had no specific activity in the Mandir, though the Vidyagiri Stadium
has been abuzz with frenzied action.
With Brindavan and Anantapur campuses joining the Prasanthi Nilayam
campus on 6 January, it was time for combined practice sessions,
with an eye on the timer. Giving a fillip to the prevailing mood of
excitement, Bhagawan blessed the practice session on the 7th evening
watching the students practising various events. The Higher
Secondary School and the three campuses of the University presented
ten-minute excerpts of their respective programmes as Bhagawan
preferred to watch from the “D – Block” in front of the Shanti
Vedika.
The morning warming up exercises continue till muscles turn supple
enough to stay competent for the sporting event. Of course, these
warm-up exercises form part of the regular routine of the hostel
boys. This would be followed by breakfast session before continuing
with regular practice sessions for specialized items, all divided
campus-wise for want of stadium availability. Hectic practice
sessions would follow after enough of rest during the mid-day. This
final session would continue for 3-4 hours beyond 7 pm till the
students return to hostel.
With items galore in their kitty, these folks were at their very
best when Bhagawan chose to present Himself for the live-show
demonstration. With Him, these students became the heroes and they
left no stone unturned to make the event a grand success, both with
sports and spirits, upholding sporting spirit.
Daredevilry is something unique and common with the students from
the Sri Sathya Sai University and their spirits peak to ecstatic
levels when they realize that they are blessed to put up a show for
none other than The Lord in physical form. The folks are not alone
in their attempt to excel; they are ably supported by industry based
professionals. It is a new learning ground for these professionals,
meeting the students from Prasanthi who at the end of the day turn
themselves to become real heroes.
A pair of stuntmen from Telugu Film Industry was engaged in training
the wards in jeep stunts. “Never did unacknowledged stuntmen of the
film world know that they were the chosen ones for the Divine
exhibition. The film heroes might be duped in the movies by these
stunt men and they never get the praise, but they had the call of
the Divine which heroes never have” says, Sagar Reddy from Hyderabad
who was fortunate to arrange the men from the Industry based in
Hyderabad.
“They are surprised by the enthusiasm, the vigor, the courage and
sincerity of the students. What surprised them was that these
students were doing it not for the claps or not for the box-office
hits, but for a smile from the Divine” said Sagar speaking about the
spirited students and their charged up enthusiasm.
For an accomplished trainer who got the first Lion Dance Troupe to
Prasanthi, Francis Goheng Lee from Singapore, training the students
has been a blessing ordained by Bhagawan Himself. Francis was a
member of the Lion Dance team that visited Prasanthi in 1998 and
subsequently got the Divine call in 2000 to train His wards on Lion
Dance, and ever since he has been a regular trainer in Prasanthi
Nilayam campus. Apart from Lion Dance, he had stints in training the
boys in giant flag post, trampoline basketball, gymnastics,
parachute acrobatics, etc.
“Parthi students are quite inquisitive, learning fast” says Francis
adding that while the students in Singapore would take a year to
learn Lion Dance skills, same skills are picked by students in
Parthi in less than a month. Speaking about the discipline and level
of enthusiasm of the boys here, he says, “only in Parthi can you see
it that students come as early as at 5 am to the Hanuman…they are
able to concentrate, they are very respectful and always smiling,
willing to learn…” Francis is ably assisted by Linus an Analyst
Banker, and Weng Joon Cheng, an Engineer working as a Project
Manager, both from Singapore.
Apart from the balancing of the Giant Flag Post, trampoline
basketball etc., the students are getting trained in a special item
called “Colour of Lights”, a parachute item that was held for the
first time anywhere in the world, during the International Kite
Festival in Shanghai, China. This is only for the second time in the
history this parachute acrobatic item is going to be displayed
tomorrow, after the Shanghai event, involving 25 parachutes against
the six at Shanghai. Calling the entire exercise an exchange of
tradition and cultures, Weng Joon Cheng says that they are always
taking bigger lessons back home, learning from these students, whose
exemplary behavior is something heartwarming for them.
When the D-Day arrives, there come the tiny tots from the Primary
School to steal the limelight to the merriment of all. Pepped up in
spirit by a bunch of dedicated teachers, these wards undergo hectic
practice sessions making their final drill a masterpiece for the
Divine. As an encouragement to their preparations, Bhagawan went to
the Primary School ground and blessed the children watching their
practice session on 9 January, Saturday evening.
Back in the ashram, the week was full of evening darshans and
bhajans galore. As Bhagawan came to occupy the dais every evening,
watching and blessing the concourse of devotees, ecstatic assembly,
in its blissful state would not have remembered that it was exactly
an year ago that Bhagawan ordained to shift the bhajans from the
Bhajan Hall inside to the open Sai Kulwant Hall.
While the construction of the dormitory work is progressing with two
more locations identified, rear to the road leading from the Book
Centre ‘towards west’, the canteen coupon counter located near the
South Indian Canteen has been demolished to reconstruct at the same
spot. A temporary counter has been opened at W2-A1&2, opposite to
the previous Counter.
Rose Beneficiaries for the week included, Shri H J Bhagia, Prof.
Shiv Pandit (both from Prasanthi Nilayam Campus), Mr. M. E. Thukaram
Rao and Dr. Narahari (both from Brindavan Campus).
With hours to go for the “Sports and Cultural Meet 2010” to kick
start, Bhagawan made a visit to the venue on Sunday, 10 Jan,
evening. Bhagawan spent an hour sitting in the “D-Block”, watching
the proceedings of the three campuses, twenty minutes each.
It was announced in the evening, after the Arathi, that the “ The
Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2010 would commence at 9:00 am at
the Vidyagiri Stadium in the immediate Divine Presence of our Most
Beloved Bhagawan”.
Posted at 16:00:00 Hrs. IST on 5 Jan 2010
Old is the experienced version of the New and with the
old and experience comes the Golden…The latter half of
the fortnight had the golden touch of the old when
thousands of Alumni gathered in Prasanthi Nilayam
celebrating their “Coming Together” to the portals of
their alma mater.
While the Alumni Meet 2010 earned central attraction,
the fortnight witnessed frenzy of activities, Christmas
as well as the advent of the joyous New Year 2010.
“Eternal Bond of Love” as aptly termed, the coming
together of the Alumni with a strong 1400 team had the
flavor of a “Coming Home” and Prasanthi literally basked
in the glare of this Divine Romance between Swami and
His Students.
Sunday, 3 Jan evening, supposedly the final day for the
folks before returning, was made most memorable when
Bhagawan, upon taking the dais, called for the remaining
folks to join the current stream of students giving them
yet another opportunity to sing in His immediate
presence. With mikes exchanged to the seniors, with
experienced hands yet again taking over the instruments,
they burst open, singing “Sai Ke Durbar Mein Aao Madhura
Madhura Sangeet Sunao…”
The song reflected the collective feeling of the
fraternity, the feeling of pining and yearning to be in
His presence. For the singer, even as he completed
singing, Swami called him and spoke to him. What was
once a regular routine has come as a rare opportunity on
the blessed evening. He had no words to say and Swami
further struck him dumb as He began to wave His palm in
circles….and there came a beautiful golden chain with a
pendant and the singer broke down, unable to bear the
gush of joy that was welling up within”.
And what the singer, Ajnish Rai, had to share with the
readers on the “Home Coming” and the “bonus” that came
along with like a “bolt from the blue” is a testimony to
the humility and devotion of the entire fraternity.
“I have realized that Swami’s love and compassion cannot
be deserved or attained by one’s abilities. His grace
supersedes all that one can achieve through merit or
good karma. That is why it is called “Grace”, something
which is bestowed upon you and is more than what you
deserve. Despite being the fallible human that I am,
despite the odds of even speaking to Swami, despite
being a mere singer when there are thousands of great
singers waiting for a word or glimpse of Swami, what
else can it be except His infinite Grace, that I get the
loving look, exchange of words and His chain of Eternal
Love! I do not want to blemish this golden moment with a
‘Thank You, Swami’. I offer every song I sing at Thy
Lotus Feet and pray for Thy Grace that redeems the
entire world. Samastha Lokaha Sukhino Bhavanthu!!”
“Even in His silence we were leaning” said someone who
agreed that every individual carry home the needed
lesson that comes most subtly from Bhagawan in His most
inimitable mysterious way. For bhajan folks it is
recalling and reinventing of those nostalgic olden
golden days: “… a flashback to those beautiful moments
got tears in our eyes and left us totally thrilled and a
joy not expressed in words” says Shyam Kumar Raja, a
pass-out of 1989 and whose voice had been heard during
those days.
Earlier the programme got off to a colourful start with
Alumni presenting a thematic drama, entitled, “An
Eternal Bond of Love…” essentially depicting the “Divine
Romance” between Swami and His students. Reliving the
golden memories at the hallowed precincts of Prasanthi
Nilayam, the drama brought out in a most innovative
style, was gratitude in offering for their beloved Swami
for making and shaping their lives as worthy
instruments.
The saga continued on the New Year day when the folks
continued with their presentation in the afternoon with
band display interspersed with commentary followed by a
musical session coupled with bhajans. Capitalising the
opportunity, stream of alumni, clustered in smaller
groups seeking His blessings on various project
activities.
The 2nd evening found the Alumni accompanied by their
escorts assembling in the Poornachandra Auditorium for a
private session with the Lord. The session turned out to
be a “awareness refresher course” when Bhagwan asked two
of the seniors to address the group, Prof. G,
Venkataraman, former Vice Chancellor followed by Mr. V.
Srinivasasn, President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva
Organisations – India.
The fortnight had lots more in its kitty that included
the glorious Christmas celebrations. While the Christmas
Eve was marked with the usual International Choir
singing Christmas hymns, a day after the Christmas found
the International
Children Choir singing His glory through a selected band
of children from around the world. The same evening, 26
Dec witnessed the Christmas 2009 Children Drama, by the
children from Latin American countries, highlighting the
greatness of the festivity in His Divine Presence in
Prasanthi Nilayam. “Christmas Comes to My Heart” brought
home the joy of Christmas, lucidly explaining the story
behind the celebrations interconnecting the same with
that of Bhagawan’s, bringing home the message of true
celebration of Christmas in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Christmas was the day when the Lord in white ushered in
to the escort of Biblical characters bringing in the
real Christmas flavour. Christmas is essentially the
“Western Time” in Prasanthi Nilayam and in the thanks
giving speech, the Christmas Committee Chairman, Mr.
John Behner spelt out every possible names thanking them
profusely for the wonderful co-operation the team had
received making the festivity a grand success.
The entire happening was only “icing on the cake” when
the real blessing came in the form of Christmas Divine
Discourse. He exhorted everyone of the importance of
trying to know the Atmic reality: Enquire into yourself,
“Who am I? Who am I?” you will realise, “I am I, I am
Atma”, “I am I, I am Atma”, “I am I, I am Atma.” If you
forget this Divine Self, what remains is ‘deep wine’!
Hence, you should become divine.
There were other interesting happenings during the
fortnight. The 22nd Dec afternoon Bhagawan commissioned
the Sri Sathya Sai University’s new ERP system in a
private function held in the Bhajan Hall. The newly
revamped version of the University website was also
shown to Bhagawan seeking blessings. The new version of
the website was subsequently launched on the world wide
net.
The Prasanthi Dance Troupe that celebrated its fifth
anniversary had a cultural programme entitled “Sathya
Vaani Nrithya Baani“ held in the Divine Presence on 23
Dec in the immediate Divine Presence of Bhagawan.
“Joy of Serving”, a cultural programme by the devotees
from Southern Europe, comprising erstwhile USSR
countries namely, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,
Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia followed the Christmas
celebrations. More than their singing that had its
beauty, melody and devotion what captivated the
attention was the all-conquering love of Bhagawan when
He decided to move among the hundreds of men and women
to distribute Vibhuti Prasadam in person.
This was followed by two programmes in the next two
days, a bouquet of songs by Balvikas children from Delhi
followed by another bouquet of songs by a huge group of
over 340 from Indonesia.
When the New Year ushered in, the mini world in
Prasanthi had the fortunate darshan of Lord Sai, who
ushered Himself donning in Yellow garb…and what followed
was joy of the advent of the New Year in His immediate
presence…a band display by the University Brass Band
followed by an array of four songs, carnatic vocals by
the Music Troupe that broke loose the set benchmark of
excellence.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan was in Prasanthi
for the New Year dawn. The Chief Minister, who came
along with his immediate family, has made several trips
to Prasanthi during the last couple of months seeking
Bhagawan’s blessings.
Rose beneficiaries for the fortnight included Prof. US
Rao, Principal, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, Prof. Anil
Kumar, Prof. GV Prabhakar Rao, Dr. KBR Prasad (all from
SSSU),Sri Sivaramakrishnaiah, Principal, Sri Sathya Sai
Higher Secondary School, Sri Sai Surendranath and Sri
Ramakrishna Reddy, (both from Sri Sathya Sai Higher
Secondary School).
Taking a cue from the recently launched Sri Sathya Sai
Narayana Seva Project, all states coming for Prasanthi
Duty would be bringing special sweets per week to be
distributed in the Mandir, an initiative by the All
India Sathya Sai Seva Organisations.
Sports and Cultural Meet is coming up in the second week
of January and preparations got into a higher gear with
the emergence of the New Year…and came along with the
New Year a wintry bonus…but these resolute folks have
only one aim, to excel and make Beloved Swami “happy”!
It was indeed Home Coming, be it for the Christmas folks
from overseas countries or for the 1400 odd alumni came
from different parts of the world, everyone finds the
warmth of being at home while in His presence in
Prasanthi Nilayam!
