Glittering Ladies’ Day morning in Prasanthi Nilayam…
Thursday, November 19th, 2015
Can any mortal grasp the immeasurable magnitude of the Shakti attributes…? Come to Prasanthi Nilayam and one is sure to have a glimpse of this immeasurable prowess of Indian Culture. The land that boasts of the legacy of feminine spiritual prowess has an unending list of pious, virtuous, noble and chaste woman of great character, Sita, Sati and Savitri, to name a few.
Today, 19th November, is the marked day for Prasanthi Nilayam and the Sai fraternity around the globe, to celebrate the ‘Sita, Sati, Savitri’ culture of Bharat, as initiated by none other than Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
It was in 1995, 20 years ago, that Bhagawan had blessed the womenfolk around the world to celebrate their day in His immediate Divine Presence as Ladies’ Day.
Commemorating the grant occasion, a host of programmes were organised in the auspicious morning today, here, in Prasanthi Nilayam.
The progarmme commenced at 0800 hrs. with a Vedic incantations by the Women devotees. A procession of ‘Shaktis’, women devotees from the Yajur Mandiram followed next, led by the Anantapur Band and escorted by Vedam and Nadaswaram troupe from the campus.
Rich Bharatiya ‘Shakti’ Culture from different states moved in segments, presenting an ensemble of ‘Nari Shakti’ in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Glorifying the womanhood and the epitome of Motherhood, Mother Easwaramma, Ladies’ Day Jyoti was then lit in the backdrop of a devotional number, singing paeans to Shiva Shakthi, the song being “Kripa Samudram Sumukham Trinetram… Jatadharam Parvati Vama Bhagam…”
Addressing next, Smt Chetana Raju, speaking on behalf of the courageous, determined and righteous women around the world, invited the twin speakers for the session to share their wisdom and perception.
“I see Bhagawan in each one of you…” said Prof. K.Nirupa Rani, the first speaker, delivering her heart’s content in simple, yet elegant language. “I am at an age and stage where I introspect” and “when I introspect, I have realized that all that is said about me is the ‘i’ the ego”, said the Professor, stressing on the importance of progressing to ‘me’ that is societal oriented.
Speaking on Bhagawan and His abounding love and guidance, a grateful Nirupa Rani reflected how, in the face of challenging situations, she experienced His comforting presence, every single time.
Evil is rampant and love is equally present, deep-rooted in the heart of man, felt the Professor, highlighting on the importance of service with love, gratitude and affection.
Terming higher order thinking as the need of the hour that comes with cultivation of positive thinking, the speaker appealed to the august assembly to stand for Truth, expecting nothing in return, owing responsibility. ‘We are failing to live in the Universal House created by God’, observed Nirupa Rani commenting on the recent unfortunate happenings in France and elsewhere.
Prof Nirupa Rani concluded her inspirational speech with a prayer, seeking strength of mind and tolerance.
Prof. Nirupa Rani was the Vice Chancellor of Adikavi Nannayya University, Rajahmundry and is currently a Professor Emeritus at UGC.
The next speaker, Dr. (Mrs.) Meera Narasimhan, Associate Provost for Health Sciences at the University of South Carolina and Director of Innovative Healthcare Technologies at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, delved on supreme importance of Womanhood and Motherhood speaking on feminine virtues.
Offering obeisance to Prakriti, the Mother Nature, the speaker said, “There is no greater love than the nurturing love of a woman…a mother…” The Mother is a visible and tangible proof of Divinity, reminded Dr Meera, highlighting on the supreme role of womanhood in this God-created-world.
Reflecting on the women-role, feminine virtues, and balance view of life, Dr Meera highlighted on the absolute need of unwavering faith in God, Bhagawan, in her parlance. The speaker then briefed how Bhagawan’s ever flowing grace and unconditional love helped in her upbringing, both in personal and professional life. “Practising His Presence and Living in His Presence has been a true panacea”.
Behind every virtue, there lies the backbone of love; if virtues are the compartments, they follow the engine of love. Living with God is Education, Living for God is Service and Living in God is Realisation, concluded the speaker.
Adding an international flavour, an English Devotional session ensued, led by Karen Chenoweth and team of musicians from overseas countries.
A felicitation ceremony followed next, honoring the medicos who rendered selfless service under the ‘Mother & Child Care of the Sri Sathya Sai Easwaramma Women Welfare Trust’ over the past one decade.
Dr. (Mrs.) Shobha Raju and Mrs. Simitra Guha then presented two brief concerts singing some devotional numbers.
Bhajans continued and the session came to a close with Mangala Arathi at 11:10 hrs.
The Prasanthi Mandir bore beautiful ‘flowery’ decorations. In the morning, the Prasanthi precincts were resounded with a loud ‘Suprabhatam’.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavnatu II
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