Makara Sankranthi and Sports & Cultural Week’s Valedictiory Function…
Sunday, January 15th, 2012
Today is auspicious Makara Sankranthi, marking the transition of Sun, advancing in its northward journey, a transition through the winter from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn that has much spiritual connotations.
Incidentally this has been the day, as chosen by Bhagawan, earmarked for the valedictory function of the Sports & Cultural Festival. This morning’s proceedings began with a regal procession from the Divine Abode, led by the Brass Band from Prasanthi Nilayam, to the venue in Sai Kulwant Hall. Flag Bearing Squad of the Institute and Vedam Group followed the procession, symbolically signifying escorting The Divine Chancellor.
The venue was bedecked with colourful floral buntings and a special dais with The Seat Of The Divine was erected in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum. As the procession arrived at the venue, the Vedam group moved behind the dais, chanting for some time, till further proceedings began.
Continuing with the proceedings, Master Of Ceremonies Sri Sanjay Sahni, greeted the audience delivering the introductory speech. Bhagawan is ‘Utsava Priya’ and in His presence every day is a festivity, said Sanjay Sahni before echoing on the symbolic spiritual significance of the occasion. He further introduced the speakers for the morning Session.
Dr. Naren Ramji, Registrar of SSSIHL spoke on the significance of Sports & Cultural Meet which was orchestrated by Bhagawan as a part of Sri Sathya Sai System of Integral Education. The Registrar also touched upon Bhagawan’s personal interest and attention in drafting the ‘course’, the sports and cultural curriculam, imparting lessons in life. He thanked Beloved Bhagawan for the exemplary educational system provided moulding students for future generation.
Four students, Ms. R. Parvathi, Sri Sathyapriya Upadhyay, Sri Bharani Prasad and Sri L Vishal, representing the three campuses and SSS Higher Secondary School shared their thoughts on Bhagawan and Sports & Cultural Festival divulging interesting anecdotes, the uniqueness of the occasion, reaffirming the ‘Doer ship’ role of Bhagawan bringing the best of His students. Students always endeavour to bring a smile on Swami’s Face, echoed these grateful students, pouring heartfelt feelings for Bhagawan.
Chancellor’s Prizes, Trophies, were given away by the Vice Chancellor to the winning Institutions. Representatives from Sri Sathya Sai Primary School, Easwaramma English Medium High School, Anantapur Campus, Nursing College – Whitefield, SSS Higher Secondary School, Mirpuri College of Music, Brindavan Campus and Prasanthi Nilayam Campus received trophies from the Vice Chancellor.
Next in the proceedings, lists of winners were offered at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet. Subsequently, Championship Trophies were given away to various representatives, under various categories, for all the campuses and Higher Secondary School, where Intra-campus competitions on various disciplines were held.
Audio excerpts from Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse followed next, that was listened with rapt attention. Discoursing on Mind and its vagaries, Bhagawan exhorted the students to follow the path of Morality, Righteousness and Spirituality. One who wins over his mind can achieve anything. Achieve that state of mind, which is pure and then you can achieve anything, said Bhagawan concluding His speech with the bhajan, Hari Bhajana Binaa Sukha Santhi Nahi…
Brass Band from Anantapur Campus played a couple of tunes before bhajans took over for the next fifteen minutes. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1040 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.
An announcement about the final presentation of Sports & Cultural Festival followed. In the evening Prasanthi Nilayam campus would be presenting a drama on the life of Buddha at 1730 hrs. in Sai Kulwant Hall.
II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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