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The green scarved army with the message of peace from the heartland of Islam performed a concert entitled ‘Sarva Dharma Swaroopa Sai‘ on the 10th of July 2012 ,exalting the five cardinal human values – Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love), and Ahimsa (Non-Violence) which Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba embodied.

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The programme consisted of 6 Arabic songs followed by Bhajans. All the participants were blessed with clothes. Special prasadam consisting of dry fruits and nuts along with a photograph of the Sanctum Sanctorum and pamphlets with the Teachings of Islam gleaned from Bhagawan’s discourses was distributed to the assembly.

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Helping the Ashram to ease the rush in the canteens, this contingent have taken up the responsibility of their food arrangements for both lunch and dinner. A temporary shamiana erected at the western end, next to the culvert gate serves as the canteen and a meeting place for the pilgrims. Volunteers from the group would organize themselves, collecting food items from the North Indian and Western canteens to serve independently by the group without taxing the sevadal force.  Utensils etc. would be washed and deposited back in the canteens by these dedicated group members. This unique exercise by the “Region 94” in serving the ashram force while serving themselves has been a practice by them during their pilgrimage over the years.

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At 1715hrs, the District President Sri Ramakuchel presented a report of the service activities of Ranga Reddy District at the Sai Kulwant hall in the Divine Presence. Starting the speech with gratitude of the memories of the Radha Krishna drama, they presented on 26th July 2009, he then enumerated the various activities by the organisation under the Village Integrated Programme, Agri Care, Socio Care, Medi Care and  Deena Jano Dharana Project.

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This was followed by a music concert entitled ‘Sangeetha Vibhavari‘ that resounded all over the hall with brilliant melody and devotion. Every aspect of the programme including the narration, the vocals and the instrumentals was extremely enjoyable. They started the concert with a song glorifying the Avatar, ‘Veyi Punnamulu Choochina Velupu Neevayya‘, followed by an adoration of the nectarine voice of Mother Easwaramma, ‘Paluku Palukuna Teneloluku Maa Amma Easwaramma‘.

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The Lord beyond the form ‘Janana Maranamulu Leni Nirguna Mandira Partheeswara‘ was next.The song ‘Veyi Kannulu Chaaluvu Manaku‘ (Even a thousand eyes are not enough to enjoy your presence) was particularly moving. They concluded the programme with ‘Sathya Sai Rama, Saketa Sarvabhouma‘. Arati was offered at 1830hrs.

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At 1900hrs there commenced a Rathothsavam, a chariot procession of Sri Sathya Sai Baba from the Sri Venugopala Swami temple in the village. The highlight of the procession was a group of young singers doing Chakka Bhajans.

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The devotees from Ranga Reddy District commenced the second day of their pilgrimage with Samuhika Rudrabhishekam at 1000hrs. They also held a Satsangam (Spiritual gathering) at 1445hrs. The programme then moved to Sai Kulwant Hall at 1700hrs with Veda Chanting.

At 1720hrs the youth of the District enacted a vibrant skit entitled, ‘Sarvadevatateetam Sri Sayeeshwaram‘. The skit captured the various facets of the Sri Sathya Sai Avatar as a discussion between the gatekeepers of Vaikunta and Kailasa with the sages Narada, Bharadwaja and a Christian Apostle. The conversation was interspersed with colourful dances by children.

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The skit started with a colourful dance to Lord Ganesha. This was followed by a poetic imagination of Jaya, Vijaya and Anindya (the vahana of Lord Ganesha) searching for Saint Narada who finally emerges from Earth and discourses on the Sri Sathya Sai Avatar to the accompaniment of Sage Bharadwaja. Bhringi and Yohan the Apostle too join in the discussion in the poetic author’s fertile imagery.

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Even as Sage Bharadwaja explains the advent of the Sai Avatars, Narada renders His many leelas including the appearance in the Virupaksha Sanctum Sanctorum, the materialisation of the Lingam worshipped in Kailasa and the Golden Ganesha Darshan to Sri Amrutananda. This was followed by a dance on the leelas of young Krishna and the episode of Krishna straightening the back of Kubja. The saints then compared the incident to Bhagawan healing the orthopaedic ailment of Mrs. Anderson during His 43rd Birthday Celebrations.

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Quoting an incident of Bhagawan giving the Vision of Haj in His palm to devotees from Arab, the wise men extolled his grace towards all religions and nations. The apostle Yohan compared the resurrection of Lazarus to Bhagawan bringing back Sri Kuppam Radhakrishna to life after being declared dead. The elders then quoted incidents including  the miracle in Allavada, Ranga Reddy District through which devotees are able to perceive Bhagawan’s presence even after He shed the mortal coil. The programme concluded with a group song.

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All participants were honoured with clothes even as Prasadam was distributed to the assembly.

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Sri Ashok Sakhrani, national coordinator of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Hong Kong welcomed the gathering for the Buddha Purnima celebrations. He spoke on the four sublime qualities of the mind that have taught by the Buddha, namely Maitri (Loving Kindness), Karuna (Compassion), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy) and Upeksha (Equanimity). The Chairman of Zone 5 of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Worldwide, Sri Nari Chugani spoke on the similarity between the connection that millions felt towards Lord Buddha and Sri Sathya Sai Baba and their teachings of Peace, Love and Purity.

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Dr Sunanda, a Professor from Sri Lanka and a consultant of various United Nations and World Bank Projects, spoke next on his initial confusions on following Bhagawan’s path, since he felt he would be deserting Buddhism. However Bhagawan’s Love helped him to see the similarity between the teachings of the Great Masters. He mentioned now his spiritual progress accelerated once his Sadhana was suffused with his love for Bhagawan. He also quoted an alumni of Bhagawan’s university in Sri Lanka who on questioning what is the Sadhana one has to do, pointed to Bhagawan’s photo and said, sing His name and Love Him. That will suffice.

Bhagawan has given us a challenge, he said and that is to continue to Love Him when His physical form is not available to our senses. ‘Let us Love Bhagawan until our love also becomes perfect with His Divine Grace. This day is the Buddha Purnima of Prince Siddartha. One day when we perfect our Love to the level of Love of Buddha or Sri Sathya Sai, that is our day of Buddha Purnima!’, he concluded. The talks were followed by international Bhajans by the devotees.

The evening session of Buddha Purnima Celebrations commenced with Vedas by devotees from Zone 5 led by the Japanese delegation who have impressed Bhagawan on various occasions with their diligent learning of the Vedas.

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Sri Ashok Sakhrani then provided the highlights of the various activities undertaken by Zones 4 and 5 of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Worldwide in the last one year. It included Sri Sathya Sai Education in Human Values training to 50 schools in China and Hong Kong along with the translation and new materials published in the said topic, regular Narayana Seva to the homeless and the needy, building of 3 mosques, 323 water tanks and 86 homes in Indonesia, health care centre, old age home, orphanage drinking water projects in Nepal, medical camps and schooling in Sri Lanka for the children affected by the civil war, HOPE (Honour our Parents everyday) programmes in Malaysia, SSSEHV training in Thailand apart from what the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation has developed a reputation for worldwide, Crisis Management. The help rendered by the devotees in Thailand, Indonesia and Japan instilled confidence in mankind among the beneficiaries.

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Sri Sakhrani then introduced the Dance programme by Children from Thailand. The beautiful presentation was on the theme ‘Know Thyself: Life is Bliss when Truth is Realised.’ The children where dressed in traditional costumes of China and India and danced in Chinese style to an Indian song, bringing out the harmony in diversity.

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This presentation was followed by a choir by Zone 5 devotees on the theme ‘Bhajans and its use in daily life’. The choir consisted of various Bhajan medleys in English and Japanese. The conductor speaking in Japanese conveyed her gratitude to Bhagawan. Gifts were distributed to the participants and prasadam was shared with the assembly even as the international Bhajans were in progress. Arati was offered at 1840hrs.

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After the conclusion of Darshan, the devotees arranged an Abhishekam to Lord Buddha which is believed to ward away bad karma. All the members of the pilgrimage participated in the same.

The next evening, Sri Ashok Sakhrani welcoming everyone for the concluding session of the two day programme thanked the organisers and office bearers for their support in the successful completion of the programme especially for the Naryana Seva held yesterday. He then introduced the speaker for the evening, Dr. Periera.

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Dr. Periera focused on the similarities of the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and Sri Sakyamuni Buddha. He stressed on the immense compassion shown by the Avatars with many examples. The talk was followed by a drama on the great eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami titled ‘Adrishtam’. Visuals from Japan were played in the backdrop (See top of page) even as actors performed in front of the screen. The skit contained various incidents of Love of mutual help, Compassionate Love, Love through Vedas, Love melting closed minds and Water God’s Love. It was indeed a moving presentation.

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Sri V. Srinivasan, the all India president of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations congratulated the participants on even converting a disaster into an opportunity for Seva. He said how he was humbled by the great work of the Japanese Volunteers. Speaking with conviction, he reminded everyone of Bhagawan’s assurance that He is with us during our joy and sorrow but above all He is with us when we are doing selfless service.

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With Bhagawan’s blessings all the pilgrims were given special tokens of Love. Prasadam was distributed to the assembly. Arati was offered at 1830hrs.

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Many elders of the ashram who have had the blessing of having known and interacted with her in close proximity offered their respects to the Divine Mother. The descendants of the Divine Parents then offered flowers and broke coconuts at the Samadhi. Arati was offered in Samadhi Mandir at 0830hrs after which Sweet Pongal and Tamarind Rice was distributed to the assembly. The added special ingredient of mother’s love made the Prasadam even more delicious.

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The programme then shifted to Sai Kulwant Hall with 9 cows being brought in a procession led by Panchavadhyam. A total of 54 cows were donated on this auspicious occasion with 9 of them being symbolically given away in the Sai Kulwant hall while the rest was given in the Gokulam. The beneficiaries prostrated at the Sanctum Sanctoram even as Prof Anil Kumar announced their names. The deserving candidates were selected from various nearby villages including Paipalli, Venkatagari, Jagaraju Palli, Gunti Palli, Kambalapalli and so on. The beneficiaries were also offered clothes.

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The distribution was followed by Bhajans and Arati.

“I am installed where ever My Glory is sung”, is a time tested declaration of Bhagawan and which has been experienced by His devotees across the world. With that theme in mind, Dr. Dwaram Lakshmi enthralled the audience with classical songs in various languages. She started the concert with ‘Vathapi Ganapathim‘ in praise of Lord Ganesha followed by ‘Kondalalo Nelakonna‘ and a special Telugu song on Mother Easwaramma. While her rendition of ‘Nagumomu‘ had everyone swaying, ‘Vaishnava Jana To’ and ‘Krishna Nee Begane’ was well applauded.

Sri NemanaVenkata Ramana provided wonderful introductions to the songs with fitting humility. She was accompanied on the violin by Sri B. Narasimha Swamy, Sri Harish Ramachandran on the Mridangam, Sri Mohan Dora on the Tabla and Sri Ratan Chandu on the Tambura. The latter three are alumni of the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music. The highlight of the programme were the special aalaps on Mother Easwaramma and Buddha Purnima specifically composed for the occasion by Sri Prakash Rao.

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The performers where honoured with clothes and special gifts with Bhagawan’s blessings. On this holy occasion of Easwaramma Day, a recording of Bhagawan’s divine discourse was played in the hall where in He questions the youth as to how many are providing their mothers, who are verily their first God, with the love and respect they deserve.Speaking on the principle of Reaction, Reflection and Resound, Bhagawan reminded us to watch our thoughts, words and actions. Bhagawan recounted the spirit of sacrifice and discipline in the personality of Mother Easwaramma with examples from a few incidents during the Summer Course in Brindavan. Inspiring us all to follow the twin doctrines of Selfless Service and Naam Smarana or chanting of the Lord’s Matchless Name, Bhagawan concluded His discourse with the Bhajan, ‘Hari Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanti Nahin…’

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Pandit Shivkumar Sharma set the trend with his faultless rendering. He was followed by Smt. Devaki Pandit, Sri Geet Sagar, Sri Udit Narayan, and  Smt. Anuradha  Paudwal.  There was also a group of students from Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music,Prasanthi Nilayam who had come  for  participating in this great function. These students enthralled the audience with music sung with great devotion.  Sri Hariharan’s soul stirring performance was the climax of the great evening. Mangala Arathi and singing of National Anthem marked the end.  It was almost midnight when the curtains were drawn.

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Among the large distinguished gathering were also present Sri K V Kamath, Chairman, Infosys and former Chairman, ICICI Bank Ltd.,Sri Rana Kapoor, Chairman, Yes bank Ltd., Sri Aditya Puri, CEO, HDFC Bank Ltd., Sri Vivek Jain of Western India Royal Turf Club,Sri Venugopal Dhoot, Chairman, Videocon Group of Companies, Smt.Indu Sahani, Sheriff of Mumbai, Smt. Shaina N C, Fashion Designer , Sri Gopinath Munde, BJP Leader, Smt.Jaywantibahen Mehta, Former MP, Sri Mohit Shah, Chief Justice, Mumbai High Court, Smt Geeta Reddy, Minister AP Government.

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There was a large presence of the representatives from Print and Electronic Media with Live Webcast on Indiatimes, Sanskar, Television Channels in India and 90 other countries.

It may be recalled that Chennai witnessed a similar congregation of artistes who paid a musical tribute to Baba titled”Sangeetha Deeparadhana” on the 17th of March.Dana Gillespie,the famous Blues Singer  has already performed in several European locations this past year.Mumbai has enlarged on that tradition setting the stage now for a global phenomenon of such  tributes to this true Legend of Pure Love.

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Summer course on Indian culture and Spirituality at the Brindavan campus of Sri Sathya Institute of Higher Learning was inaugurated on 16^th April, 2012 at 10 am, resonating with Vedic chants and soul stirring Bhajans. The event started by lighting of the lamps by Justice  Shivraj Patil, former Judge of Supreme Court of India, Prof. Shashidhara Prasad, Vice Chancellor of Sri Satya Institute of Higher Learning, Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President of Sri. Sathya Sai Seva Organization and Sri Sanjay Sahani, Director, Brindavan Campus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Sri. Dhakkappa, State President of Karnataka, and Sri. Gangadhar Setty, Convenor, Sathya Sai Trust, Karnataka.

In his inaugural address Shri. V Srinivasan, said ‘Culture’ is a way of life. Bharathiya culture has survived for thousands of years and will continue to propagate all that is good in human existence. He noted that Bharathiya way of life include respect for elders, love, faith and tolerance. Bharath has taken in many races and religions into its fold. He said that the organization will attempt to collaborate with colleges and universities across the country to create awareness and share these core human values across the nation. He advocated ceiling of desires as a way of life for the youth attending the Summer Course.

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Delivering the Key Note address Justice Shri. Shivaraj V. Patil stressed the importance of Time Management in the life of Youth. The learned speaker highlighted Time is the only element available to all without any discrimination. While advising to ‘BUDGET the time in the morning and AUDITING at night, he expressed ‘Youngistan’ can make a better ‘Hindustan’.  He emphasized on the importance of ceiling on desires and stated that ‘Luxury is an artificial poverty and Contentment is a natural wealth’. He also advocated that Youth with proper Competence, Character and Commitment with Compassion can help counter societal ills such as Crime and Corruption. The speaker highlighted the huge importance of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings such as Love All, Serve All and Help Ever, Hurt Never as panacea for addressing all modern day ills affecting world at large. The speaker kept the youth spellbound with some inimitable quotes – ‘If your eyes are positive, you will like the world, if your tongue is positive, and the world will like you’. He mentioned that a recent research done by the University of Chicago has brought about a paradigm shift in Organizational thinking from just Profits to Profit, Planet and People.

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Presiding over the event Prof. Shashidhara Prasad said Darkness represents ignorance, Light presents Knowledge. He said energy can be created from matter but only divinity can create matter from energy.

Before the inaugural function concluded, Bhagawan Baba’s message to the students was played that kept the entire gathering enthralled.

Handling the first technical session, Shri. S. Ranganath, Director of RV Institute of Sanskrit Studies explained to the youth that importance of Guru while also stressing on the essentials of Truth and ‘Samskara’ to spiritualize one’s life. He urged the youth to be an ACE in devotion, RACE towards the LORD to earn HIS GRACE.

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The next speaker, Professor Prof. Pujya Prema Panduranga gave a scholarly treatise on the salient facets of ‘Bhagavatham’ while elaborating on the Dasaavatharas. She also advised the youth on Time Management and spiritualizing the life.

The last speaker for the day Shri, Ruchir Desai emphasized the significance of the period of youth when the senses are strong and how to utilize this strength for transformation.

The Summer Course has attracted almost 1000 youth from across Karnataka and large number of devotees and general public

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The day’s events ended with scintillating musical performance by Ustad Faiyaz Khan, disciple of the great Sarangi exponent Pandit Ram Narayan.

Day – 2

On the second day of the ongoing summer course on Indian Culture and Spirituality held in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Brindavan campus, 1000 students after attending their daily schedule of vedic chants, yoga, pranayama and Bhajans were addressed by Dr. Krishna Mikkilineni Senior VP, Honeywell Inc. on the topic ‘Spirituality and Business’. He stressed the importance of spirituality in today’s working environment and insisted that Business has to be conducted with values of spirituality

Smt. Kamala Pandya, a senior Advocate, spoke on MEDITATION AND YOGA. She highlighted that the key to control thoughts lie in applying the 3Hs advised by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba -

1)  Head -  to Pause and think

2)  Heart – for approval

3)  Hands – to perform the act

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Shri. Nimish Pandya, a senior Legal practitioner, spoke on ‘Spirituality in daily life’. He highlighted that the problem in India lies in the crisis of character and we need to put Thought, Word and Deed together in order to overcome this.

Dr. Sivakumar, faculty of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, impressed upon the audience on Human values through the acronym MANAGER – The Mind of Man, Awareness of Atma, Nature of Nations, Aspects of Environment, Guidelines for Goodness, Enquiry of Ethos and Role of Rules.

Sri. Shikaripur Krishnamurthy, Sansrit scholar, advised the students through excerpts from Upanishads.

Sri. B.N. Narasimha Murthy, senior devotee of Bhagawan Baba, shared his experiences with the students.

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The day ended with a scintillating musical program by noted playback singer in Tamil and Telugu industry, Vidhwan Sriram Parthasarathy and party.

Day – 3

The Third day of the Summer Course on Indian Culture and Spirituality commenced after all the 1000  students completed their morning spiritual routine of Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation and Bhajans.

Sri. B.G. Pitre, Founder Principal Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan, Jaipur, educated the audience on the significance of ‘Indian Traditions and Indian civilization’ in World context.  He emphasized that knowing about Indian culture should be through experiential learning like how in a pilgrimage the journey is more beneficial than the destination itself. Dr. Pitre kept the audience enthralled through his insights on the significance of various symbols of Indian culture like the Lotus, Indian Flag and the National Anthem.

Mr. Vijay Sai, Director of Call Ready, addressing the gathering on Adishankara’s Bhaja Govindam. He brought about beautiful comparison of Bhaja Govindam with many other prominent poems composed by various popular Saints of India. He emphasized on the significance of ‘Nama Smarana’ and ‘Satsang’. He summarized his talk by saying “The only Emotion that can take care of all negative emotions is DEVOTION.”

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Sri. Sai Giridhar Sairam, a research scholar in Chemistry, educated the audience by touching upon the most important aspects of Ramayana. The speaker impressed upon the delegates the true meaning and purpose of sacrifice, righteousness, true friendship and service by quoting relevant examples from prominent characters of the epic.

Group Capt Yasas (Retd), the last speaker of the day, shared his thoughts on the Power of Faith. He stressed that Faith makes one fearless. Quoting the example of Mother Teresa, he said though she was a simple school teacher, it was only due to her implicit Faith and self confidence that she achieved so much success in her noble deeds.

The day ended with soulful music rendition by Vidwan Tippu, a Nandi awardee, and Vidushi Harini. Vidwan Tippu has sung in many south Indian languages.

Day – 4

On the fourth day of the Summer Course on Indian Culture and Spirituality, all the spiritual routine of Vedam, Yoga, Pranayama and Bhajans continued with the same vigour as the last three days.

The first speaker of the day was Dr. Dwarakarani Rao, Director Women’s College, Ananthapur campus. Women’s Virtures in Today’s Virtual World. Extolling the significance of women’s virtues, she spoke on the Responsibilities, Virtues that the Modern women should carry.   Emphasizing the role of women in our society, she said ‘Just like how fragrance is important to a flower, in the same way modesty for women is important . She concluded stating that Character is the End of Education.

Mr. Venkatesh, Sanskrit teacher of Brindavan campus, extolled the glory of Saints of Karnataka and clarified that the deplorable characteristics of Tamas and Rajas can be done away through ‘Haridasa Sahitya’. He spoke in detail about saints like Purandaradasa, Vijayadasa, Gopaladasa.

The next session was on ‘Dharma – as propounded in Mahabharatha’ Sri Jayendra Puri Swamiji stressed upon the importance and significance of Dharma sighting examples from the Gita and the Mahabharatha and its relevance is apt even in today in our daily life

The evening ended with a scintillating music program by Mr. Akash a child prodigy and an emerging flutist.

Day – 5

The final day of the Summer Course on Indian Culture and Spirituality continued with the same vigour in all daily Spiritual practices like Vedam, Yoga, Meditation and Bhajans.

Swami Chidrupananda extolled the practical aspects of Bhagavad Gita. Explaining the profound concepts of the epic in very simple terms he said Spiritual maturity is the ultimate requirement of man. Stressing on the universality of Bhagavadgita, he said the epic is not constrained only to a Hindu, but will act as a torch-light for all religions. He finally demonstrated to the audience on how Happiness is not something found outside or inside, but we ourselves are Happiness (Sat-Chit-Ananda)

Mr. K. Jairaj, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. Of Karnataka, skilfully educated the audience on practical challenges of following ethics and morality in working life. Drawing similarities from his vast public service experience, he pointed out that Ethical dilemmas arise when Judgement is required in decision making involving personal beliefs. He said ethical practices are generally compromised when people become victims of the system. Terming Anxiety as a disease, he said it takes away peace from an individual. He insisted that the youth should not adopt the ‘policy of least resistance’ and urged them to take difficult decisions wherever required to uphold morality. He ended his talk by stating a vital message to all that we need to adhere to ‘Right’ things not because it would benefit someone, but it is because it is the ONLY conduct we must uphold; that in essence is ‘Bhakthi’

Sri V Menon, the next speaker, enthralled the audience with his powerful speech on the topic ‘Service to Man is service to God’. In his energetic talk, he firmly urged the youth to see Spirituality and daily work as the same. Quoting multiple examples of socially accomplished people he said we should realise that life is for a greater purpose. He said understanding the ‘Atma’ of India is the key to understand the significance of Indian Culture and Spirituality. Ending his talk with the request, he asked the audience to give up Alcohol, Tobacco and Non Vegetarian food.

Mr. Amey Deshpande, a research scholar, spoke on the significance of ‘Namasmaranam’.  He stressed that consistency and intensity is the key to achieve any spiritual progress. He finally concluded the talk by mentioned that ‘We become what we think’.

The day ended with a Question and Answer session with the speakers.

The main programme for the Vishu evening was a musical concert by noted Carnatic vocalist Padmasri Sirkazhi Sivachidambaram & Party.

The programme commenced with State President of SSSSO Prof. E. Mukundan delivering his introductory talk. Prof. Mukundan spoke of Bhagawan’s immense grace, blessing the state with the opportunity to celebrate the festivity in Prasanthi Nilayam for many years.

The guest speaker for the evening was Sri Jyothilal, IAS, Secretary, General Administration to Govt. of Kerala. In a short speech Sri Jyothilal elucidated on Bhagawan and His Divine Glory.

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Next to come was the mucical presentation. Beginning with a slow-tuned invocation, Gurur Brahma, the singer set the ball rolling with a Ganesh Stuthi followed by an array of keertans that included some on the spot compositions.

Teaming well with the violinist Chethalai Sathyamoorthy and accompanied by Valamkaiman Thyagarajan on Mridangam, Thiruvalur Sai Krishna on Ganjira, Chennai Ramdas on Ghatam, Chidambaram Rajendran on Mukha Sang, Mardavali Mahesh on Tambura, Sri Sivachidambaram sang for the next one hour, singing all Tamil, except for one Telugu number on Lord Venkatesha, “Sri Venkatesha…”. Some of the other numbers were, “Chittirai Sri Vishukkani..”, “Sharanam Sri Guruvayoorappa…”etc… The concluding song was to the tune of …there are many Names of God…there are many places of worship…but the One presiding deity is Sri Guruvayoorappan…Sri Sathya Sai Bhagawan… The singer concluded with a recital of Tamil version of Samastha Lokaaha…Ulagam Vazhga… “Ulagam Vazhga…”.

At the end of the session, the artist and accompanists were felicitated by senior officials from SSSSO – Kerala. Bhajans continued for sometime and Prasadam was distributed to the entire assembly. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1900 hrs.

Vishukkani, auspicious sight, symbolical with reference to the prospect of the year ahead, was arranged with aesthetic touch facing the Sanctum Sanctorum.

II Samasta Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavantu II

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The celebrations began early in the morning with auspicious music on the Nadaswaram. At 0800hrs, the Sundaram Bhajan group performed Veda Chanting and Bhajans in the Sai Kulwant Hall even as delicious sweets were distributed to the assembly. In the evening Professor Anil Kumar introduced the programme in English and Telugu after which the state president of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Tamil Nadu, Sri N. Ramani addressed the gathering in Tamil.

Sri Venkata Krishnan, Alumni Coordinator, then explained about the school and the alumni association with it. Vela Special School, Villupuram was started in 1992 as a means of Seva and today caters to the needs of about 214 special children. All the teachers who teach at this school have demonstrated enormous amounts of dedication, patience and commitment to better the lives of these children. On the 26th February 2011, during the Tamil Nadu Alumni meet, Bhagawan had blessed the association of the alumni with this project and had Himself instructed to bring these children to Prasanthi Nilayam.

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The first song of the program was a solo performance by Janiswari, a child who is speech and hearing impaired from birth. The song was an offering to Lord Ganesha. The songs were played only for our benefit. These children cannot hear the song or match their steps with the beats of the song. Yet, they have been taught these dance steps by their teachers using only hand sign language, eyes and facial expressions. The dance was orchestrated live by their teachers seated in front of them using this noble communication. In the second song ‘Kayyil deepam endhi vandom’, the little ones pray to Bhagawan to light up their lives and help them overcome their challenges.

As a prelude to the third song, a patriotic number entitled ‘Vande Mataram‘, the master of ceremonies prayed to Bhagawan to bless these children to be able to lead a normal life. An interesting incident happened after that. There appeared to be a loose connection in the audio system and the song did not play correctly. Any other group of dancers who had actually danced based on the music of the recording would have got disoriented and missed a step but these children, special as they are, danced on perfectly, least affected unlike their auditorically sound neighbours. It was as if Bhagawan replied that He did not make them special so that they could wish to be normal. He made them special because they are meant to achieve extraordinary things.

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The fourth song, ‘Kannuku Oli Kodduppom‘ was written by former President of India, Bharat Ratna Prof. APJ Abdul Kalam. In this song, he extols the value of vision and the importance of eye donation to the citizens of India. This was a solo performance by Chitra, a truly gifted child. The dance programme ended in a celebratory note with ‘Mukunda Mukunda‘.

This cultural presentation was followed by seven melodious songs in various languages by youth from Tamil Nadu indicating how all distinctions melt away and amplify harmoniously in His Divine Presence. Invoking Lord Ganesha with ‘Raja Gajanana‘, the youngsters then sang the praise of great devotees of Lord Shiva in Tamil with the song, ‘Eppadi Paadinaro‘ before linguistically travelling the length and breath of India. A highlight of the programme was an instrumental presentation to the tunes of ‘Raghuvamsa Sudha‘. As if handing over the stage to their brothers and sisters from Kerala for the Vishu Celebrations the next day, the youth fittingly concluded with a Malayalam number, ‘Valam Kannu Sooryanum‘.

Even as the Sundaram Bhajan Group commenced Bhajans, all participants were honoured with clothes. Also special gifts with Baba’s blessings was distributed to the children from the Vela special school. With the beginning of the Tamil New Year, let us recount the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan on this auspicious occasion in 2008.

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Avatar of the age, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai, Who coined His Name Sai with His previous Avartar’s Name, Ram, to form the most endearing one word Mantra, “SaiRam” has always been exhorting Sri Rama’s glory teaching erring humanity to tread the path of Truth and Righteousness. Sri Rama Navami marks the annual commemoration of the advent of the Lord in Tretha.

This year Sri Rama Navami was celebrated on the 1^st of April with special programme. The programme for the morning session began with 20 minute Vedic chanting followed by a 40 minute musical offering by the students from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The songs were in dedication to Lord Ram and Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai. The programme with interlaced songs and commentary had the songs, namely, “Sri Ram…Sri Ram…”, “Sai Ram Subha Dayee Ram…”, “Shuddha Brahma Paratpara Rama…” a song detailing the beauty and grandeur of His Advent, “Ramjee Ke Mahima Apaar…” that lasted 30 minutes.

A short clip of Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse followed that enlivened the audience with golden memories of Bhagawan narrating Ramayana stories. Bhagawan, dwelling on the greater significance of Ramayana, stressed on the ideal life led by Lord Ram and brothers, highlighting the exemplary brotherly relationship among them. Bhagawan also touched upon the efficacy of Vedas in relation to the epic, relating the four brothers with the Chatur Vedas. Concluding His Divine Discourse, commenting on the sweet story of Rama and grandeur of Ramayana, Bhagawan exhorted the audience to install Rama in their heart. Divine Discourse came to an end with Bhagawan singing “Rama Jayam Raghu Rama Jayam…”

Bhajans continued for some time and Mangala Arathi was offered at 0930 hrs. Prasadam was distributed at the end of the session.

Evening Session:

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Indian Classical Music’s two prominent versions, Carnatic and Hindustani, a couple of instrumentals and a ghazal by the music college students marked the Sri Rama Navami evening in Prasanthi Nilayam. Richly talented and devoted, the special bunch of musical students whose inner musical instincts were nurtured at the hallowed portals of Prasanthi presented a scintillating musical display that lasted seventy minutes. The programme concluded with the bhajan in Bhagawan’s voice, “Rama Kodanda Rama….”. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1830 hrs.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Radiosai today, has 6 different streams – Asia, Africa, Ameri, Discourse, Bhajan and Telugu,  that offer a variety of programs that bring out the message of pure love given by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, to the entire humanity. Under the able guidance of Padmashree Dr. G. Venkataraman,  eminent scientist and former Vice Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning , the Radiosai team offers spiritual programs that enable every human being to follow the path of Dharma and spread the joy of love, peace and harmony.

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In February 2011, Baba gave His Divine consent and blessings to start a 24 hr radio channel that would broadcast programs specifically telugu. This Radiosai Telugu channel was launched on July 15^th 2011, on the auspicious Gurupoornima day and is now growing at a rapid pace.

In order to involve as many people as possible in this sacred mission, Radiosai has conducted selections in 8 districts of Andhra Pradesh. The participation has been very encouraging as more than 2500 people had participated in these selections, and Radiosai has identified close to 500 talented people who would enable the generation of creative content for this 24 hr. radio channel,  purely as a service to the Lord and to humanity at large.

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To enable better functioning and faster processing, Radiosai is establishing small studios in all the districts of Andhra Pradesh. The first of those was  inaugurated on the 29^th of March 2012, in the temple town of Tirupati. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Tirupati, Chitoor district is delighted to open this studio and serve the humanity by spreading the message of pure love.

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The Programme started with Omkaram and Veda Chanting at 1730hrs. Sri L.V.Subramanyam, I.A.S, executive officer of Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams and an alumni of Bhagawan’s Institutions, inaugurated the recording studio. Sri K.V.S.K. Ganesh gave the welcome address followed by a video of Bhagawan’s Discourse. Sri Subash Chandra Bose, District President and Sri S.G.Chalam, State President of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, A.P. spoke next.Sri. Subramanyam then gave the inaugural address while Sri V.S.R.Murthy gave a guest lecture.

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Sri Deepak Mazumdar Ji, a dedicated Bharata Natyam exponent and Bhagawan’s former Balvikas Student, gave a special Dance Presentation. A music presentation by staff of Bhagawan’s institutions in Prasanthi Nilayam including the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music performed to an enthralled audience.

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Sri Dwaram A.V.Swamy, State Coordinator, Radio Sai Telugu Stream, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, A.P, offered his gratitude to Bhagawan and thanked the chief guest and the gathering.

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[Currently Radiosai can be heard through Internet by logging on to www.radiosai.org and through various applications on mobile phones and through Airtel service. Radiosai is heard in 125 countries all over the world and continues to spread this joy, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.]