Ladies Day Morning In Prasanthi Nilayam…
Saturday, November 19th, 2016
November 19 is International Ladies Day in Prasanthi Nilayam and for the Sai Fraternity all over the world. Ever since its inception in the year 1995, calling for greater women participation in social and spiritual revolution in their role as feminine energy, November 19 has been the dotted day in Prasanthi Calendar when womenfolk comes active celebrating the day in His Divine presence.
This Prasanthi morning burst into day -light immersing in the glory of Sri Sathya Sai singing ‘Auspicious Morning’ to Him, loud and clear played on the public address system.
In the morning at Sai Kulwant Hall, the proceedings began at 0800 hrs with ‘regular’ Veda chanting by women students of Anantapur Campus. The Anantapur Band followed next playing soulful tunes, as students from the campus followed by senior ladies paid tributes at Beloved Bhagawan at the Sanctum Sanctorum.
After an invocatory Vedam three speeches followed. The speakers were Ms Chetana Raju, Ms Suniti Khastagir and Ms Dana Gillespie.
Addressing first, Ms Chetana Raju, an ardent devotee, Member Trustee, SSSWWT, spoke of the invaluable contribution and role of women in society. Stressing on the greater role of women in society and the need to live with integrity, humility, dignity adhering to human values of love and compassion, Ms Raju reminded the women folk of the turbulent time that humanity is passing through, exhorting them to join hands to lend their time and energy for the purpose of serving humanity and planet earth.
Announcing a new project initiative – “Sri Sathya Sai Global Women – A Strategic Thinking Tank”, to mentor and drive global womenfolk in their service activities, the speaker then highlighted on the project in detail, listing out the core think tank and the modus operandi. Paying Gratitude galore to Bhagawan for His ceaseless contribution, grace and blessings Ms Raju posed a question, “Are We Ready To Be Torch Bearers…?”, stressing on the absolute need to follow Swami’s Teachings, focussing and work towards the goal with humility.
Apart from her Sai-oriented activities, Ms Chetana Raju is a successful business woman, based out in the United States.
The next speaker Ms Suniti Khastagir, a corporate personality with lots of artistic initiative to her credit, spoke straight from her heart, addressing the audience with “Om Sai Maa”, the best alternative for the day, for the fraternity’s regular “Om Sai Ram” greetings. She began with speaking about the “Real Devis” (God Woman) of the world, referring to the flower girls outside the Ashram premises and the likes who live in abject poverty, who would invariably light up many hearts with innocent smiles, despite all oddities, struggling hard to make their ends meet. In an emotional tone touched with great compassion, the speaker stressed on the need to honour these struggling womenfolk, seeing Swami in all of them. When you give birth (love) to everyone your heart, you become a Mother, irrespective of whether you are a physical mother or not, said the speaker referring to Motherhood. In conclusion, she spoke her heart out on the supreme importance of “Seva”, being the most potent weapon in individual transformation that in turn leads to societal transformation.
The final speaker, Ms Dana Gillespie, famed western singer, chose to speak from her core being, advising the womenfolk to “Play The Game Of Life and Be Happy”, a Divine Counselling that she had received from Bhagawan long ago, in the privacy of His interview room. Dana then burst into a song, “Start The Day With Love…”
Bhajans continued and the session ended with Mangala Arathi at 1000 hrs.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Posted in Prasanthi News |
