Milad-un-Nabi celebrations at Dharmakshetra…

Upholding Bhagawan’s message of Unity Of Religions, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – Maharashtra organised a special ‘rare’ programme celebrating Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed on 19 January at Dharmakshetra, Mumbai. – a Report.

Sathya Deep in Dharmakshetra would remain incomplete without the imposing ‘Sarva Dharma’ pillar. The emblems of all leading 5 religions are depicted in the basement of the pillar, with brief definitions of these symbols.  In an endearing spirit to celebrate all major festivals as depicted in the Sarva Dharma Stupa – Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Mumbai celebrates ‘Unity of faiths’ to bring forth one of the most important teaching of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba  – “There is only one religion, the religion of Love”.

This year, Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed was celebrated in a grand manner on the 19th January 2014 at Dharmakshetra – the Abode of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Mumbai.

After invigorating bhajans, Sri Ajit Popat from the UK addressed the assembly. Sri Popat has had the rare grace of understanding the essence of Quran – especially the ‘Al-Fatihah’ from Bhagawan Baba HIMSELF! ‘Al-Fatihah’ which means “the opener” as it opens the Qur’an it is sometimes also able to open people’s hearts. Sri Ajit Popat in his inimitable style not only opened but also won the hearts of people by relating to his experiences and teachings from Bhagawan Baba.

Various religious rituals as per Islam, such as Wazoo, Azaan, and Namaaz were conducted in quick succession in specially earmarked area in the lawns near the ramp of Sathya Deep.  It was a spectacle to behold – to hear the Azaan echo at Dharmakshetra and see Namaz being offered by brothers and sisters from the Muslim community in a spirit of oneness!

Welcoming everyone for the wonderful evening, Sri Nimish Pandya, All India Vice-President, SSSSO and Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Trust – Maharashtra expressed his happiness seeing the celebrations for the evening.

A young girl from the tailoring class of Mumbai, very emphatically recalled the life & message of Prophet Mohammed, The students from the tailoring classes in Dharmakshetra then presented a value based programme. It was a spiritual skit, on ‘Waqt’ (Time) They presented a meaningful dance drama, enacting beautifully how man spends time in his worldly pursuits and forgets seeking God and do service to mankind.

Sri Anoop Saxena, District President SSSSO, Mumbai introduced the chief guest for the occasion Sri Nizamuddin Rayeem, Chairman-Mumbai Congress Minority Department.

Sri  Nizamuddin Rayeem, was invited to give message for the occasion.  He gave a emphatic account on the Divine Advent of Prophet Mohamed. He explained that the God had preparation for this grand Advent, by creating the Human race, starting from Adam. Several instances of Divine events of Prophet Mohamed’ life, and his main preaching on the Love towards all human beings, was well emphasized by him.   Sri Rayeem was extremely happy at the function being organised that got together people from different faiths under one roof.

To crown the day’s event, there was a music programme. The melodious songs were rendered were by Sri Aditya Phadke and his troupe. It must be mentioned that the meaningful lyrics all the songs for the drams as well as the music programme were penned by Smt Munira Banatwala, a veteran in the Mumbai organisation, who has been training hundreds of ladies in the art of tailoring for very many years.

The memorable evening ended with Aarti being offered to Beloved Bhagawan Who indeed must have been smiling, seeing the faiths being united at his own abode at Mumbai!

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II