Vidya Vahini – The River Of Knowledge
Saturday, February 14th, 2015
If Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini is the River Of Knowledge originated from the Perennial Source Of Eternal Inspiration, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai, it is bound to flow on…touching and transforming the landscape of India’s cultural and moral fabric. Today, on the second day of the 3-day Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini celebrations, ten schools from the States of Maharashtra & Goa joined together presenting a Musical Dance Drama entitled “Vidya Vahini – The River Of Knowledge” here at the Sanctum Sanctorum in Prasanthi Nilayam.
The presentation showed in a nutshell the legend of Vidya Vahini, from It’s inception through the developmental stage to what Vidya Vahini is today.
Earlier, the presentation began in typical Maratha style, with a prelude depicting the great ‘Maratha’ tradition.
The State(s) that boasts of diverse cultural heritage has much to depict…and the programme began with an exhibition of this rich cultural diversity, ranging from the legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji to… the Bhakti tradition propagated by Namdev, Thukkaram, Eknath …to the Freedom Movement heroes of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Veer Savarkar… to the frenzied ‘Ganapati Bappa’ adoration… to the sacred tale of River Godavari before Vidya Vahini ‘Herself’ pitching in narrating her own telling tale.
‘Goddess’ Vidya Vahini, the protagonist, who was ushered unto the centre-stage began telling her own tale of “Supreme Boon”, being Bhagawan’s most potent instrument in disseminating knowledge. Depiction next showcased Vidya Vahini narrating her own story, as to how she has evolved into one of the most effective educational tools of modern day Sathya Sai Mission.
The ‘musical-dance-narration’ began from the background story, explaining the situation that necessitated the presence of Vidya Vahini, being an off-shoot of Bhagawan’s maxim, Manava Seva Madhava Seva. Began with a bang with Bhagawan’s ‘personal’ involvement, soon modern technology was put into positive use preparing a ‘customised curriculam’ with emphasis on human values. Talent galore joined the force leading the project to expansive heights, affiliating selected schools from the length and breadth of India into the project, touching and transforming, moulding and making future ambassadors.
Vidya Vahini claims she was born from the Feet Of The Master That Grants Salvation. The beautiful presentation ended with a group song “Vidya Vahini Sai Prasadam… Jnana Prakasham Vidya Dhana Pradayakam…”. The presentation was interspersed with beautiful, colourful songs and dance sequences. A special modern song, “Shift-Delete and Google It…” on the modern day’s addictive influence of computers was well depicted and received audience appreciation.
Over 150 children participated in the programme, most of them coming from rural, adivasi, background, without much of English proficiency. Yet, for the sake of Swami, these spirited children put up a wonderful show this evening, a show presented in English, a true testimony to the positive influence of Bhagawan’s ‘visionary’ project.
Blossoming talents from the group continued in the same vein, singing some beautiful Marathi devotionals followed by Bhajans.
The schools participated were: Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Mandir, Dharmakshetra, Mumbai, Hari Uddhav Dhotre Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Phulgoan, Pune, DB Mohane Ashramashala School, Gandulwad, Thane, Adarsh Vidyalaya, Tikondi, Sangli, Lal Bahadur Shastri Vidyala, Khatta, Washim, Late DhaulatRao Dhawale High School, Nagpur, Zilla Parishad School, Asangiturk, Sangli, Old Goa Educational Institute, Old Goa, Goa, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Mandir, Aksa Village, Mumbai and Dr Nandurkar Vidyalaya, Yavatmal.
You inspire, You motivate, You initiate, imbue, impart, instruct… nurture, illustrate and inculcate…You Are forever…and forever You remain our – Foremost Guide…Oh! Almighty Preceptor… was their invoking prayer seeking a special Divine Rendezvous on the blessed evening. Truly, deeming it a rare privilege, these beautiful children from across the twin states excelled this evening, lovingly, reverentially placing themselves at the Lotus Feet of Sai Maa Jagat Janani.
Yes, His mystique does the Universe mystify, His exalted Essence does creation vivify… and Sathya Sai’s Vidya Vahini flows on…on and on… perennially…
Bhajans by students continued and ended with Mangala Arathi at 1815 hrs.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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