Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Vaari Aasheessulu Teesukoni…. Naa mundu unde Ee Sai Bhaktha Saamraajyam, Naa Kanulaku Kanipinchakunda Sarva Lokamulandu Unna Sai Bhaktha Saamraajyam… Andaraku Na Vandanaalu.

Bhagawan ni nenu Suryudu Ani Bhaavistaanu. Suryudiki udayam ledu, asthamayam ledu. Adi Nirantaramaina Prakruthi. Atlaane, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba vaariki kooda udayam ledu, asthamayam ledu. Aayanadi nirantharamaina Prakruthi.

Suryudu Oka Samayamlo okachota, Inkoka samayamlo inkokachota kanipistaadu. Sarva Prakrutilo Andariki Samtosham Ichchevadu Suryudu. Atlaane, Ee lokamlo unna sarava janulaku samtoshaanni Ichche Mahaanubhaavudu Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

“Aadithya Hrudayam Punyam Sarva Shatru Vinaashanam” ani Cheputaaru. Bhagawanto Sambandham pettukunna vaarilo unna satruvulanu naashanam chese shakthi aayanaki unnadi.

Mana Manasulalo unna satruvulu evaru? Kaamam, krodham. Madam, lobham. Ee naalugintini aayana teeyaledu, mana manasulone pettinaaru. Kaani ee negative gunaalani positive ga maarchinaaru.

With the blessings of Bhagawan I convey my salutations to all those who are part of Baba’s empire of devotees, not only this vast gathering in front of my eyes here, but the denizens of this empire of devotees all over the world – my salutations once again. I consider Bhagawan verily as the Sun. There is no rising or setting for the sun; It is eternal. Baba is also an Eternal Being with no arising or setting.

The Sun shines at some time in one part of the world and at some other, at some other time. He confers his benefits and blessings to all at all times. Similarly, for all beings of this world, Sri Sathya Sai Baba confers blessings all the time.

“Aditya Hrudayam Punyam Sarva Shatru Vinaasanam” is the statement in the Aditya Hrudya strotram. The same powers of destroying enemies are there replete in Baba.

Who are these internal enemies in us? Baba did not destroy them but retained and transformed them from negative tendencies to positive traits, for instance, Kama (desire/passion), Krodha (anger), Madha (pride), Lobha (greed). He changed each of these highly negative traits by reversing the direction and turned them into a passion for service, krodha as anger against one’s self for failing in being service-minded, lobha as prayer to God for more and more opportunities for service of society, etc. In this manner, He taught us to reverse the negative tendencies to positive ones.

Well, Sri Venkataraman was kind enough to prove his devotion to Sri Sathya Sai Baba, when he made the statement that Bhagawan conceived this book, that Bhagawan guided this book, that Bhagawan wrote this book, that Bhagawan published this book but I find fault with Mr.Venkataraman for only one thing, that I would like to say, that Bhagawan released this book today in your midst.

Bhagawan may not be in our physical presence today, you may say so but I don’t agree with you.

Because, Bhagawan is somebody Whom you experience, you don’t see.

You have to experience the presence of Bhagawan and not see it.

Right now sitting here you cannot see the Sun, can you say there is no Sun?  You cannot.

You are experiencing the effects of and the impacts of Sun, so also while Bhagawan may not be here with us in our presence here today, probably He is in some other part of the globe giving that Sun and light and illumination to another group of Sai Bhakta Samrajyam.

So that is the importance of Bhagawan.

Though exactly a year back, on this very day, at 7 am, when we got the message in Hyderabad, saying the light has gone out of our lives, my first reaction was, it is a wrong way, light has not gone out of our lives, light has in fact come into our lives.

Because,  Bhagawan’s this act (act of shedding His mortal frame) was, I am shedding My form, My physical form, but My Atma, I am putting into everyone of you.

And that is what He did, so I felt that He provided us the light, He provided us the Atma, into everyone of us, and He did not leave us at all.

He only made us stronger by putting in us this determination that we will abide by His direction and by following His teachings to all of us.

What is so unique about Baba that we keep on talking about?

Some call Him Baba, namely Father, some address Him as Swami, a Master or a Guru and some address Him as Bhagawan, that is God.

I would say that Swamiji was Three in One, He was a Baba, He was a Swami, He was Bhagawan. It was all these three put together in One.

As Baba, He would adopt a different approach in every role that He played, as far as little that I know of Swamiji.

As a Baba, that is a Father, when we go to Him, as His children or Pilallu, He would say Bangaram; He would never address you by name, He would always say Banagram.

He saw in you a golden spec as a child; He saw that you are gold, the almighty gold.

And when you looked at Him as a Swami or a Master or a Guru, He would command you to do a job and that job was done.

In fact, last time, during one of the visits, when I was told about the hostel that was being built and asked them what was the time limit, they said, so and so many days.

I asked, will you complete it? and the person said, this is the command of Swami; we have no choice; It will be completed by Him because He has given the command and He will also complete it, we have nothing to do without Him.

And when we look at Him as Bhagawan, of course we called Him as the revered Avatar,  we look at Him with reverence.

So, I see Swamiji in all the three avatars, as a Baba, as a Swami  and as Bhagawan, all in different times.

Actually we are aware of this concept, MatruDevoBhava, PitruDevoBhava, ArcharyaDevoBhava, AthitiDevoBhava.  To me, Swamiji, I think, had all these four filled in Him. Matha, Pitha, of course as I told you, when He meets, looks to us as a child, and called you Bangaram. Guru, when He commands us to do a certain job and Athithi; why do I call Him an Athithi, because Swamiji never waited for you to come to Him, He would come to your doorstep.

Here is a Person Who came to His disciples to tell them that He was there with them, in them, by them, for them.

He never waited for us to come to Prasanthi Nilayam to pay our salutations to Him, so He was an Athithi in that sense, to our place,  so I consider Him as, MatruDevoBhava, PitruDevoBhava, ArcharyaDevoBhava, AthitiDevoBhava, all the four manifestations in one single person.

In fact, when you look at the spread of the Sai Bhakta Samrajyam, throughout the world, one can only say, Swamiji was like sahasra shirsha purushaha… sahasrakshas sahasrapat…

He was there everywhere, He was present everywhere.

Sahasraha, in this sense does not mean a thousand, it is infinite, it is what it really means, and that was the true greatness of Baba, and that it is why today we have Swamiji’s disciples, Swamiji’s followers, Swamiji’s devotees all over the world and it is not restricted only to Prasanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi.

That is the uniqueness of this Avatar.

He was One Who did not believe in one particular religion or one particular God.

For Him it was EkamSathVipraBahudaVadanti.

You may call Him Allah, you may call Him Ram, you may call Him Rahim but for Him, everybody was One .

For Him God essentially was service, seva and love.

That was God for Him.

Like the song that goes VaishnavajanathoThenekahhi Ye Jo PeedaParayiJaneRe.

Here when they say Vaishnavajan, Vaishanavajan is one, who is “God’s own person”

He is only God’s own person who recognizes, who realizes the pain and suffering of others, and Swamiji was exactly that.

He was a Man who could see the pain and suffering of people all around Him and run to their rescue and say what can I do for him, with a smile

This was the true greatness of Swamiji.

As put by one of my earlier speakers, He understood the fundamentals of life so well.

In His view, education, healthcare and drinking water or food or means of sustenance was the most critical element for anybody’s life.

If you gave anybody all these three bhakthi would automatically follow.

Of the various forms of yoga, you call it bhakthi yoga, jnana yoga, karma yoga, but many of us are not capable of many of these things, but Swamiji, of course was a Karma Yogi.

For Him it was Karmanyevadhikaraste, Ma phaleshu… Action is thy duty, fruit is not thy concern.

But every one of us cannot be a karma yogi, it’s an extremely difficult thing, all of us are still human beings.

So there is a certain attachment or a certain expectation, there’s a certain belief in all of us but Swamiji was above all of that, that is why He was being called Bhagawan, He is an Avatar.

And for Him, He thought, by giving all these basic minimum, at least people will get bhakti into them, the devotion into them and that would make them true citizens and their march to mukthi would be much easier.

So, He really promoted Bhakthi yoga in all of us by providing the basics, namely, education, healthcare and the means of sustenance of life.

How crucial it is, ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, you may ask, I mean education today?… that I think is the key to life.

If you don’t have proper health there is nothing you can do, if you are going to be lying sick in hospital all the time.

If you don’t have the basic minimum means of sustenance, I may give you great lectures, theoretical postulations, etc.  but ultimately, at the end of the day, I want that morsel of food to fill my stomach. I want that drop of water, Sagar Ka Ek Boond Mujhe Chahiye.

Without that morsel of food or drop of water, what is it you are going to do?

That is the greatness of Swamiji, that He recognized these three essential elements and emphasised on this and today, we have institutions which He has built up with such great care.

In fact, I think, I am very unpopular as far as my state is concerned, when I keep on saying this, if one Swamiji could do this, why is it that we as a government are not able to do this?

This is a question that has been agitating me over the last two years; I keep raising this to my friend Raghuveera Reddy, Gita Reddy and others.

How can one person lay down a time-table and build institutions of this world class, top of the shelf culture and why is it that we can’t do that?

What is so great about this one Swamiji who could do this and not all of us put together?

That is because here is a  Person Who felt for others, Who said He did not want to do this to have a university named after Him, Sri Sathya Baba Institute of Technology; No, that was not His purpose; His purpose was service to humanity.

So this is the lesson all of us have to learn, from Swamiji.

Whatever we do, let us do with this simple thought in us, that we are doing this to serve humanity.

This will improve the lives of our people and our whole concept of life should be‘how can I help my brother?”

All of us may not be in the same position. For instance, when Rama was crossing and going over to Lanka, near Rameshwaram, where the vanarasena was building the bridge for Him, the vanarasena would hold huge boulders and keep going, there was a small squirrel that was nibbling in the mud. So the vanarasena came and asked: “oh you little squirrel, we are carrying big boulders, what are you doing smearing mud on yourself? Do you think you can carry this thing?”

Rama took the squirrel in His hand and said, however small you are, you can still help me. Every man can help his fellow man, it is not that you need to have a lot of money, you should have the intention to help.

But the very feeling to help, is wealth for me.

I may not be in a position to help many people but if I can feel or have the sense to say that I need to help this gentleman, I think I have done a great job, and that is what Swamiji really taught us.

So, we don’t have to say, I don’t have the money Swamiji ,I don’t have the time Swamiji, I don’t have the capability Swamiji, but if you can spread this thought, around all of us, there will be some people who be able to invest on it, there will be some people who be able to undertake this, but the thought, I think,  is something that must pervade all of us.

Swamiji’s message was making every creation of God, into a human being.

His concept of human being was different.

His concept of human being was not just to create a graduate, post graduate, or a doctor or an engineer. That was not His concept.

A human being, is somebody who lives for others.

And that is what Swamiji was very particular about.

And this is a concept we need to really talk about.

I am only saying… people like me probably can only talk about it, but I am happy that I am at least, I am able to talk about it because if I can talk about it to hundred or thousand people here, at least one of them probably can take up the thought and follow it up and I would have achieved my success.

I will rate it as my success if one among the thousand people have taken up this thought and can say we must do something for the people.

As Swami rightly said, it is not only for the poor, it is for humanity as such that we need to do.

We need not think of only the poor, poor, poor…we can do it for all deserving persons.

Anybody who is deprived, anybody who requires it, anybody who is going to feel the need for it, we need to do that and that is what Swamiji really taught us.

When we come to Prasanthi Ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam, here is something I really look forward to, because it gives you both PRASANNATHA (joy, pleasant attitude) and SHANTI, both of which are something which people like me, many others miss in our day-to-day living.

It is these few minutes or few hours that one spends in Prasanti Nilayam, of course, I am not as fortunate as all of you who have had the privilege of being resident of Prasanthi Nilayam,  the privilege of listening to Swamiji,, the privilege  of having the darshan of Swamiji on a regular basis,  but as and when Bhagawan ordains that I should come here to Prasanthi Nilayam, I have felt that great peace and satisfaction and I go back charged with extra energy, with a determination that I must try and do something,  in my life, if it is worth a life….that is how I look at it.

Well, passing on to a few personal remarks, not that I am saying this out of a sense of pride or a sense of joy or a sense of achievement, I would only like to share a few of my experiences with Swamiji.

During my first visit to Prasanthi Nilayam when I rang up Mr. Chakravarti and had fixed up  a date and scheduled  to come to Puttaparthi to pay my obeisance to Swamiji, the previous night Mr. Chakravathi rang up, and said” Sir, Swamiji feels that the visit can be postponed”.

I was really, really upset.

Not because I felt I had been insulted as a Governor, but I said why is this Swamiji denying me a darshan tomorrow, when everything had been fixed.

I do not know why and I asked Mr. Chakravathi, why? Is there anything He is angry about? Why has He refused me this darshan? He said, Sir, I have absolutely no idea; He only told me: Let him wait; I will see.

So what was that intent, that was a signal saying that trust and faith is the most important thing.

I did not lose my faith or trust in Swamiji.

I said, I will meet this Swamiji, I will definitely, come what may… I will definitely have my day…and I will get my darshan of this Swamiji.

I went on and I did get it, next time a month later, Chakravarthi now said: “Swamiji now feels that the Governor should come, he should come.”

And here I was seated in that corner. (between the bhajan hall and the stage).

The Swamiji went around giving darshanam to everybody, bhjajans was over, the arathi was over.

He had met various people and thereafter, He went past me and went into His chambers.

I am sure there was shock wave that went through many of my friends here.

Oh God! what happened, first time this man comes, he is refused an entry to Prasanthi Nilayam;  second time he comes,  he spends his whole time here through the bhajan, still the Swamiji doesn’t look at him and He goes away.

Then He goes into the chamber, sends for me and my wife.

We go there.

And you will not believe that was my first real encounter or meeting with Bhagawan.

I had only heard of His miracles, I heard of His greatness, I heard of His preachings, but when saw Him, tears filled my eyes, I do not know why. 

I have no reason to explain that, I have absolutely no reason to explain this.

And because of the softness of His voice, I went as near as I could to Him, almost putting my ear in His mouth, which I would think, I would say, was the biggest privilege that anybody could get.

I don’t know how many of you could have had this privilege.

But it was there for me and the two words which still strikes me, which acts as a guiding force, for my life…I am not trying to tell you this as a first person, but because this is something I feel out of my heart and I think I have to say it in the presence of Swamiji today.

He said: “Neevu emi thappu pani cheyavu”

(You will never indulge in any wrong doing)

He said “Go ahead, you have My blessings”

And He placed His hands on our heads, both of us.

And you do not know what it meant to me, to me today, that is probably my biggest strength.

I may be doing a lot of wrongs but here is Bhagawan telling me you will never do a wrong, so I probably feel that is how it is destined and that is how it is happening.

So I have almost surrendered my deeds.

Like it is said KayenavachaManasendiya Va …..

So I have surrendered myself and said ok, if I am doing something, it is being ordained by someone else.

It is not in my hands to do this job and I am doing this, and in that sense probably I have turned into a fatalist or somebody who has just accepted in life that is coming through.

I think it was one of the best moments of my life getting that blessing from Swamiji.

On a second occasion when I came to Him, I had come here to seek His blessings for a very close relation of mine who had a serious health problem.

We are all human beings, we come to seek.

We don’t give up, because I am still a human being, a raw human being…so you might understand why is this man talking so much, ultimately he is here to seek and not to give.

But seeking blessings is also something which has to come from your heart.

Because everyone of us has that Aham in us…AHAM BRAHMASMI, is what we all think, but giving up that Aham (ego) and coming to a sage like Him and saying I seek Your blessings, I think in itself, is God’s Own Will.

So all that I came to Him was with folded hands, I said “Swamiji I seek Your blessings, I hope nothing serious will happen.”

He just put His hand on my head  and said “NOTHING WILL HAPPEN”

He said Life is secure; you don’t worry about that.

And today that person is alive.

This is something I can hardly believe but I have gone through this.

I am sorry I have become a little emotional but this is a fact.

That it took me a few minutes to come out, because He kept His hand on me and kept saying it.

I know many people were very angry and saying why is this man sitting at His feet and touching His feet and standing like that, but I could not control myself, but here is a Person Who says about the health of the person, who is somewhere else…and here is a man who does not know what it is all about.

I am only seeking His blessings and prayers.

And here He is, saying nothing will happen.

And He gave that life to that individual, I believe.

On the third occasion when I came here, I was out there sitting in the corner doing the bhajan that it was… He was here sitting on His throne.

He told somebody, “Ask him to come forward”

I do not know how He knew, I don’t think He saw me at all but He said,  “ask him to come forward.”

So somebody came and said:  “Sir, come forward.”

So I then moved into that corner and sat there.

Then again He beckoned, and said, “Ask that man to come and sit next to Me”

So I said Swamiji I can’t sit next to You, I will sit behind You, but next to You I cannot because,  I don’t think I am worthy of that, I cannot.

You are on the throne and i am on the floor.

But still I cannot sit next to You and I shall sit behind You.

I said I do not know why He is doing it.

So this same Swamiji Who at one stage felt why I should wait for His darshan, this is the transformation He brought in me, as a great Man.

And that is the faith and belief in Swamiji that I have today.

If I come today, I have not come as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, I have come here as somebody who has adored Him, as somebody who worships Him, as somebody Who has given me a life.

I have great faith.

I have told you in these two personal incidents, I am seeing the impact even today.

And that is what, Faith is built over experiences.

So that is why when I said that Swamiji has to be experienced, He is not to be seen, you have to experience what Swamiji’s presence means and it is there, everywhere.

It may be in your house, it might be in your drawing room, it might be in your office, it might be there, it might be here.

You don’t necessarily need to come here and do it.

Can you imagine any other place where thousands of people would come and sit in such a disciplined fashion.

I have been telling my colleagues in the police force, look at this discipline, there is nobody controlling these crowds, they are going in the queue on their own.

Nobody is pushing, nobody is shoving and all of them are going.

How does this happen?

It is not that Swamiji has told you must not do this.

I don’t know it comes on its own, all of you are there in the line, queues are going over miles, people are walking quietly, many of you may probably not even get a glimpse of Him.

You may probably feel that Swamiji is somewhere around and you go back happily, saying that I have come to Prasnathi Nilayam today,  happily saying I had a darshan of the Swamiji, even if you have not had the darshan.

That is the greatness of Swamiji.

The essential expectation of His was Seva.

The concept of selfless seva, seva for the needy, need not necessarily be for poor.

If you can preach even if you can’t do that, I think we would have achieved a great milestone in our lives.

Our lives are not like Bhagawan’s life….Ours is not Ananta Yatra; ours is Anta Yatra.

We have an end in our yatra whereas He’s is an Ananta Yatra, His journey goes on.

So,  in that short period that life has been given to us, it will be very useful if only we could follow Swamiji’s teachings.

If only we could convey His teachings to others, for mundane people like me, who cannot probably  carry out the task He would like us to  do.

Even if we could just convey this to others, we would have done a great job.

To me Swamiji represented the ultimate source from where one can seek,  AsathoMaaSadgamaya, ThamasoMaaJyothirGamaya, MrithyorMaaAmrithamGamaya, He is that Goal.

From darkness unto light, from ignorance into knowledge, from death into immortality…that is what Swamiji ultimately represented.

I know that you people are Swami bhakthas.

It gives me great confidence when I attend gatherings like this because it gives me the confidence that we are on the right track.

We will not lose.

A day will come when again, we will win the situation.

It might take some time, but the very fact that if I can see thousands and thousands of Sai devotees here, and all over the world who have such dedication, and who have such discipline, and who have such commitment to do seva and to work and to do, carry out His Will, I think this country, this globe has a great future.

The other day for example, when I was inaugurating the hospital mobile vans of the Sathya Sai Institute in Hyderabad, I was exalted, I was struck,  at the sight of the type of equipment that was there, the type of doctors that were willing to do…I said who is going to man these vans, they said, the best of top of the shelf doctors.

Everything is there.

And I just mentioned to Raghuveera Reddy this morning, if these people can run vans in every district, if Swamiji can say I am going to provide drinking water for Chennai city and Swamiji does it, if Swamiji says I am going to provide drinking water for Ananatapur district, why can’t we do it?

We (the government) will do it, is what I am trying to tell this audience.

I, today, tell you, brothers and sisters, that this government will do definitely something for the people as ordained by Swamiji.

We will carry forth Swamiji’s blessings and we will carry out this task.

I would thank Swamiji, for giving me this great opportunity today to be in Your midst once again, and to receive your blessings, once again.

I feel the impact, I experience Your presence.

…And I give you my word, to the best of my ability, I will try to serve society and the people.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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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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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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On the 25th morning after the regular Vedic chanting by the students, Panchanga Shravanam (recitation of religious almanac pertaining to the coming year) was conducted by noted vedic scholar Sri Kuppa Siva Subrahmanya Avadhani. As the festivity marks the beginning of a new Panchanga, it is significant to conduct Panchanga Shravanam, hearing of the annual forecast as predicated in the Panchanga.

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After the Panchanga Shravanam, students from the Institute sang a couple of Telugu songs that was followed by reminscence of Divine Voice Of Wisdom Of Bhagawan, listening to one of His Divine Discourse delivered during Ugadi celebrations in the past.

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At the end of the function, the vedic scholar was felicitated by the Trust Secretary and Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

The venue  was tasterully decorated with symbolic festive greenish tinge – “Pachchathoranam” – parading all over. “Pachchathoranam”is a sign of prosperity and auspiciousness.

Bhajans continued for fifteen minutes and Mangala Arathi was offered at 0945 hrs.

The evening function was marked b a spritual talk by Sri V Sriramachandra Murthy, an erudite scholar and businessman from Hyderabad. Sri Murthy dwelled deep into the significance of the festivity talking from a Sai perspective. Speaking in Telugu, Sri Murthy explained the subtle significance of the festivity keeping Bhagawan and His teachings to the fore.

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A string of devotional numbers followed, sung by popular playback singer Ms. Nithya Santoshini. She sang a mix of mainly Telugu and Hindi numbers followed by solos in Tamil and Gujarathi in a concert that lasted an hour. Her Hindi numbers included “Allah Tero Naam…” and “Sai Baba Bolo…” and the solo in Gujarathi was “Vaishnava Jana To…”, the 15th century composition of Poet Narsinh Mehta.

The festivity has been a permanent feature in the Prasanthi Festive Calendar ever since year 2005 when Bhagawan graciously consented the twin states, Bihar & Jharkhand to celebrate the festivity in His immediate Divine Presence.

Celebrating the occasion, on the 8th evening there was a musical concert by Kumari A. Jyotsna, who presented a fifty minute rendition presenting a string of devotional numbers, calming the minds and soothing the souls. Her rendition included “Ithadokade Sarvesvarudu” – a telugu number hailing Bhagawan, “Kinu Sang Khelo Holi” – a special Holi song expressing heartfelt prayer to play Holi in His Divine Presence, “Om Namah Shivaya…”, “Sundaram Sundaram” – a song on the beauty of darshan of Beloved Bhagawan, “Ram Bhajan Sukha Dayee…”, “Tora Man Darpan Kahlaye…”, “Baje re Muraliya Baje…”, “Oh Swami Pranamamee Sarvantharyamee…” to end with an Annamacharya composition “Nigama Nigamaantha…”. Regaling the audience with the beauty of her melody the young upcoming artiste incited applause from the audience after every song.

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At the end of the prorgramme the artist and accompanists were felicitated by senior officials of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations from the states.

Bhajans by the state troupe continued for the next fifteen minutes that ended with Thursday Special, “Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandrasekharaya…” in Bhagawan’s mellifluous voice. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1815 hrs.

On the second evening ardent devotee of Bhagawan and eminent Hindustani volcalist Dr. Krishna Kumar Mishra presented a musical bouquet singing a collection of Hindustani numbers. Dr. Mishra who hails from Bokaro, Jharkhand, is a trained artist from from Banaras Ghrana in Hindutani music, currently serving as Director of Music in Sarla Birla Academy, Bangalore.

Beginning with a Ganesha Vandana, “Gaiye Ganapati Jagavandana…” of Sant Tulsi Das in Rag Jog and Taal Kaharwa Dr. Mishra presented another seven more songs in his hour-long concert. The songs for the evening included “Sai Vandana Sai Archana”, “Man Re Laga Mero Yaar Fakiri Me…” – a Sant Kabir composition based on Rag Piloo and Taal Kaharwa, “Sai Ram, Sai, Satya Sai Ram Kahiye…” based on the lines of the epic Ramayana by Sant Tulsi Das sang in traditional folk tune, “Aaj Biraj Me Hori Re Rasiye..” – traditional folk songs from Braj Bhoomi based on Taal Kaharwa , “Sawan Jhari Lagi Ho Dhire Dhire…” – traditional Dadra of Banaras based on Taal Dadra to end with a final song “Holi Khelat Raghuveera Awadh Me…” in traditional Bhojpuri folk tune based on Taal Kaharwa.

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Dr. Mishra was accompanied by a host of musicians playing on various instruments. They were Rajkumar Mudani on Tabla, Balkrishna on Violin, Edwin Das on Sitar, Govind on Keyboard, Ravi on Guitar, Vinish Babu and Vikash Naragal on Side Rhythm, Rajgopal on Dholak and Tabla and Sanjay Kumar Singh.

At the end of the presentation the artist and accompanists were felicitated and Prasadam was distributed.

After 15 minutes bhajans by the devotees from the states, Mangala Arathi was offered at 1810 hrs.

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Earlier, devotees from the state took out a Palanquin Procession in the morning celebrating the occasion in traditional, colourful style. The procession that was marked with a riot of colours had the thrills and frills of the festivity and was attended by hundreds of devotees from the twin states camping in Prasanthi Nilayam.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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As the auspicious morning dawned in this spiritual township, Prasanthi turned resplendent charged with Divine vibrations. Colourful parasols added beauty to the resplendent Sai Kulwant Hall, and the Sanctum Sanctorum had an added splendour with the special Seat Of The Divine adorning the centre. The Seat was covered from the top with a golden-silver umbrella, signifying the custom, umbrella over the deity.

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The morning programme began with the University Percussion Band of Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam, playing for half-an-hour heralding the auspiciousness of the occasion, while Veda chanting continued as scheduled, till 0830 hrs.

At 0830 hrs. beginning with offerings to Lord Rudra as Sai Easwara, boys began their rendition with Vishwanathashtakam followed by Lingashtakam and many other hymns that included some scintillating Carnatic pieces, lasted an hour. Some of the musical pieces were, “Charanom Mein Rakhle Oh Sai Baba…”, “Deva Deva Yama Raajitha Vanditha…”, “Sai Naatham…” a tamil carnatic piece etc.. Bhajans continued for next twenty minutes and special prasadam was distributed to the entire audience. Tiny tots from the Primary School made a beeline to the Divine Lotus Feet offering handy-work of Love at their Beloved Swami. Mangala Arathi was offered at 0950 hrs.

In the evening, the highlight was an auspicious “Maha Rudrabhishekam” to the sanctified Sayeeswara Lingam in the Sanctum Sanctorum in Sai Kulwant Hall prior to the commencement of Akhanda Bhajan.

The Sayeeshwara Lingam was sanctified by the Divine Hands during the epochal Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam in the year 2006.

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The proceedings began at 1610 hrs. with a procession carrying the “Sayeeswara Lingam” to the venue in Sai Kulwant Hall. Mounted on an elevated platform, decorated with flowers, mango leaves and banana stumps, Mahaganapathi Prarthana and Swasthi Punyaha and Avahana (purificatory rites) followed for the next five minutes before the commencement of Maha Rudrabhishekam.

The abhishekam was performed with eighteen different items and was officiated by Prof. Nanjunda Dixit, who was the Chief Priest for the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam in Prasanthi Nilayam. The eighteen items offered to the Lingam are: milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, gandham, five types of cut fruits, five types of dry fruits, tender coconut water, special flowers, akshata, vibhuti, rudraksha leaves, sacred grass, gold, turmeric, kumkum and pure water.

As the Abhishekam with various items progressed, by the Chief Priest assisted by a set of four priests, chanting of Namakam and Chamakam continued.

Alankaram, decorating the Lingam, followed along with Sri Sathya Sai Ashtothara  Namavali followed by Sri Shiva Ashtothara chantings.

Dhoop (Fragrance) Arathi, Offering of Naivedyam and Ashirvachana, seeking blessings from The Lord, followed before Mangala Arathi offering to Sayeeshwara Lingam.

The Maha Rudrabhishekam was conducted for World Peace and the whole proceedings lasted ninety minutes.

Divine discourse exhorting the esoteric significance of the auspicious night was played for the next fifteen minutes before the commencement of the Akhanda Bhajan. Bhagawan’s discourse ended with His favourite Bhajan, “Prema Muditha Manase Kaho…” that marked the beginning of the Akhanda Bhajan.

Night-long Shivarathri Vigil continued with enthusiastic students along with various groups leading the bhajans throughout the night. There was a good turnout of devotees during the entire night and Sai Kulwant was vibrant with devotional singing. Simultaneously, a group of students was engaged in chanting Namakam eleven times, infusing added life into the Night Vigil.

At the scheduled hour at 0600 am final bhajans was played, a recorded mellifluous piece from Bhagawan “Subramaniam Subramaniam…” bringing nostalgic memories of His physical presence, when He would often sing Divine Melodies at the end of His Divine discourses.

Mangla Arathi offering was followed by serving sanctified Prasadam, tamarind Rice and sweet pudding, to the entire assembly of devotees bringing curtains down on yet another glorious Maha Shivarathri in Prasanthi Nilayam.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Shadow Play by Brindavan Campus…Jan 12, 2o12

Using the creative methodology of Shadow Play, an ancient Indian art dating back to the Harappa Civilization, students from the Brindavan Campus presented an innovative programme on the Life and Message of Bhagawan on 12 Jan evening in Sai Kulwant Hall.

The programme commenced with the Cosmic Dance of Shiva which leads to creation, going on to promise of Lord Shiva to Sage Bharadwaja which leads to the Birth of Sathyanarayana who was to be known, loved and adored as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Beautifully shifting between the childhood incidents of young Sathya and how they got projected into the massive projects of His trust, the students presented a wonderful collage of the Divine Advent.

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The students spent a considerable time focusing on the Educare Philosophy of Bhagawan. Fittingly the programme itself depicted the miracle that His hands have worked. The programme concluded with Bhagawan singing “Hari Bhajan Bina Sukh Shanthi Nahin…”

With very little use of props, they made all the formations including the grand structure of the University Building, the Super Speciality Hospitals and the Sarva Dharma Sthupa by human formations.

It was a performance which earned a long hard applause at the end of the presentation…It was a performance which provided pride to everyone associated with Bhagawan’s Institutions…It was a performance which filled one and all with gratitude to Bhagawan for moulding such children of skill, character and dedication.

God is good…Hold on to Him…Jan 13, 2012

Second in the series of Cultural Festival, on 13^th January evening students from Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam presented a drama entitled God is good…Hold on to Him!

The presentation revolved around the protagonist Vishwas who questioned God’s intentions after failing to convince himself of the suffering that plagues the world around.

Bringing the theory back home, convincingly portraying three illustrious anecdotes from the lives of the three preceding Avatars o f the present time, the students declared in united voice that God is good all the time…

The presentation began with a conversation between the father and son duo, both holding opposite views about the ‘bone of contention’, God and His motives. As father’s repeated promptings to trust God at all time fails to convince the son, the scene shifts to the illustrious Krishna-Sudhama story presenting the theory that God is there every time for His devotees, ever ready to respond to a call from within.

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Ruminating over and over again about God and His style of dealing as Vishwas gets lost in thoughts, he receives a call from one of his friends informing of an accident involving his father. With father admitted in the ICU, Vishwas turns more panicky and to assuage his tension a friend of his father narrates an anecdote from the times of Shirdi Sai Baba trying to instill greater faith in the boy.

The story was that of Shama who was saved by Baba after being bitten by a snake, and subsequently saved by Baba at Dwarakamai with assurance of protection.

The final episode depicted a Rama Navami celebration by the devotees of Bhagawan. The famous Bhadrachala Ramadas episode where in Lord Rama saves His dearest devotees, coming in the guise of ‘Ram and Lakshman’ paying debt to King Taneshah was depicted as a part of the presentation.

As the presentation portrayed Bhagawan as the Elixir Divine, The Ultimate Refuge, greater faith dawns upon the young lad finally making him turn to Bhagawan imploring His interference to save his father.

In a final twist, the doctor approaches Viswas and tells him that not only has his father been saved but this accident brought to light an preexisting condition which would not have been noticed if not for the accident. Even as Viswas seethed in gratitude, everyone engages in celebrating God’s Love and protection singing “God is good all the time…”

The one hour presentation was intertwined with beautiful songs and dances ending with a melodious group song of love and gratitude to Bhagawan.

Thyagaraja Aradhana by Music College…14 Jan, 2012

The fourth day of Annual Sports and Cultural Festival was a musical treat in Prasanthi Nilayam. Senior students from the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music commenced with ‘Sri Ganapathi Nee Sevimpa’. They performed a few Thyagaraja Kirtis including  Jagadanandakaraka, sahasinche oh manasa, upacharamulanu chekonavayya and a Hindustani number, ” Japath Prabhu Ramachandra” before concluding auspiciously with “Jaya Mangalam, Nitya Shuba Mangalam”.

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The vocal concert also featured some stirring solo performances on the Veena and the Percussions. The backdrop was also befitting the occasion featuring an Idol of Lord Rama and a portrait of Saint Thyagaraja immersed in music.

Fusion Music by Anantapur Campus…14 jan, 2012

This was followed by a fusion music presentation by the Anantapur Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Members of the Institute Brass Band and the Panchavadyam group together with traditional instruments like Violin and Tabla presented a Jugalbandi in the Divine Presence. Starting with Stotrams like Vakratunda and Shantakaram, they went on to the genres of carnatic music with “Raghuvamsa sudha” and western with “Heal the World” before concluding with Sri Sathya Sai Bhajans.

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To the final song the students worshiped Bhagawan with many traditional forms of lamps . One of the visually challenged teachers of the campus presented an autobiographical book documenting her experiences with Bhagawan while the students performed Bhajans from an Audio CD they released. Another significant feature was the exquisite backdrop that was made for the occasion in the form of a grand mandapam with many lamps.

Gautam Buddha by Prasanthi Nilayam Campus…15 Jan, 2012

On the final evening of Annual Sports & Cultural Festival 2012, students from the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus presented a drama entitled ‘Gautam Buddha’.  The presentation sought to take the audience to a journey through the life of prince born Siddharth to the enlightened Master Gautam Buddha showing highlights from his illustrious life in a nutshell.

His earlier life as a little prince awaiting the throne, his subsequent exposure to the ‘real’ world outside that is full of suffering, young Siddharth’s change of mind to help solving the mysteries of life thus serving the world at large…all were depicted beautifully with powerful enacting and dialogue delivery.

Depiction of his encounter with Mara, the Buddhist devil, who represents temptation, sin  and death was depicted beautifully, innovatively and convincingly inciting applause from the audience. When Mara returned to Buddha repeatedly, right from his infant stage influencing his father King Suddhodhana and subsequently at every interval trying to delude him into passion and temptation, the encounter between the ‘evil’ and the one who is ‘full’ became a royal treat for the august audience who sat in pin drop silence immersed watching the evolution.

Cynically perfect with his crispy and influencing demeanor, when Mara entered the scene every time, haunting the Buddha, Buddha sat in perfect peace, with his ever alluring calming countenance, full of wisdom within and the battle royal with verbal volleys, scathingly egoistic versus supremely love took the audience to a thrilling finale, with all hearts pouring in for Buddha – The Master Of His Destiny. Finally it was Buddha who won the battle,  transforming  Mara and initiating him into Bodhisattva…

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The young prince with his resolute, determined effort attained Nirvana finding the Truth that The Right Path Lies In Between The Extremes, neither in the world of amusements nor in the world of complete renunciation…Harmony of Body, Mind and Spirit leads one to Nirvana, proved the young prince and with this Buddha Was Born…and a true spiritual leader for mankind…

The seventy minute presentation was interspersed with couple of beautiful dances and ended with a group song singing in praise of Bhagawan.

Even as bhajans filled the air with devotional fervour, group photo session continued. Short stint of bhajans ended with Bhagawan’s melodious voice reverberating the hall with the bhajan, “Rama Kodhanda Rama…”

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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The morning proceedings began with a regal procession led by the Brass Band from Prasanthi Nilayam, from the Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram to the venue in Sai Kulwant Hall. Flag Bearing Squad of the Institute and Vedam Group followed the procession, symbolically signifying, escorting The Divine Chancellor.

The venue was bedecked with colourful floral buntings and a special dais with a special Seat For The Divine Chancellor was erected in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Even as the procession culminated at the venue, the Veda chanting continued for some time, giving a‘guard of honour’ to the Divine Chancellor.

Master Of Ceremonies for the occasion Sri Sanjay Sahni, Principal, SSSIHL Brindavan Campus, continued with further proceedings, greeting the audience, delivering an introductory speech. Bhagawan is ‘Utsava Priya’ and in His presence every day is a festivity, said Sanjay Sahni before echoing on the symbolic spiritual significance of the occasion. He further introduced the speakers for the morning Session.

Dr. Naren Ramji, Registrar of SSSIHL spoke on the significance of Sports & Cultural Meet which was orchestrated by Bhagawan as a part of Sri Sathya Sai System of Integral Education. The Registrar also touched upon Bhagawan’s personal interest and attention in drafting the ‘course’, the sports and cultural curriculum, imparting lessons in life. He thanked Beloved Bhagawan for the exemplary educational system provided, that moulds students for future generation.

Four students, Ms. R. Parvathi, Sri Sathyapriya Upadhyay,  Sri Bharani Prasad and Sri L Vishal, representing the three campuses and SSS Higher Secondary School shared their thoughts on Bhagawan and Sports & Cultural Festival, divulging interesting anecdotes, the uniqueness of the occasion, reaffirming the ‘Doer ship’ role of Bhagawan bringing the best of His students. Students always endeavour to bring a smile on Swami’s Face, echoed these grateful students, pouring heartfelt feelings for Bhagawan.

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Speaking first, Ms. R. Parvathi, pursuing her B.Ed. programme after her post graduation in the Anantapur Campus, compared the Sports & Cultural Meet to a great testing ground to face the tests in life. In every facet of the Sports & Cultural Meet, there is a redirection of energy to fruitful channels, kindling fraternal feeling, forging social solidarity, training each student in the Art Of Living, said Ms. Parvathi echoing that students at Bhagawan’s Institute are trained to face defeat with dignity and celebrate success with equanimity. Students ever aim at pleasing their Beloved Swami and at every step they are conscious that they are mere instruments while Bhagawan is the ‘Doer’ guiding and guarding His students at every single step toward success. Sports Meet is a Yajna, a Journey Within…, Seeking Sai Within, concluded Ms. Parvathi beseeching Bhagawan’s eternal blessing upon His students.

Sri L. Vishal from Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, who spoke next, began with the lone aim the students nurture, to “Please Swami”. At every step, from the preparatory stage, students could feel His invisible Hand guiding them, and with this greater feeling necessary confidence was built, that took them through to come out successful during the Meet. We must surrender our selfish deadlines and then Bhagawan will answer every single prayer said Sri Vishal, narrating a small anecdote involving a student who, managed to secure a small role, quite surprisingly by His sheer grace, that was his cherished dream.

Dream… Believe…Achieve was the theme of the next speech, delivered by Sri Sathyapriya Upadhay, a B.Com student from Brindavan Campus. Soul’s inner quest, deep desire to carry His message, was a Dream that was born, in the form of The Sports & Cultural Meet. With an attitude of surrender they Believed in the Dream and visualised a cause, a beautiful smile on His face, and with determination and perseverance they pursued the goal finally to Achieve the same with His Divine Grace, said the speaker attributing the whole success to Beloved Bhagawan.

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Delivering a most significant speech, the final student speaker, Sri Bharani Prasad, an MBA student from Prasanthi Nilayam listed out four invaluable lessons that he learned during the Sports Meet. Being passionate to Motor Biking he was ever enthusiastic to secure a seat for the limited opportunity, events with scramblers. Determined he was, that he tried his level best to outperform other students in the trials and every time he tried so, he was faced with hardships and failure. As he started praying, wisdom dawned upon him that he should try to better his own performance rather than trying to outperform his colleagues. And with this new dawned wisdom, when he attempted every time, he could achieve better target finally helping him to earn a place in the scrambler events, said the speaker, listing the first lesson, Competition is always within.

Watching the hyperactivity with great zeal and enthusiasm by boys around, in the hostel, he would often wonder what keep them going, doing multifaceted things. When his own passion towards biking, his own perseverance came to the fore, he learnt the second lesson, Be passionate in everything you do, rest will follow…

Complexity of working as a team, with differences, conflicts and misunderstandings etc. gave way to the one and foremost aim, to Please Bhagawan, that came as a unity factor and with this came the third lesson, Aspire to make Swami happy in every act of yours…

Passion story towards Biking continued when he was given a chance to perform a Ramp Jump, first in his life, jumping over 30 feet on a speeding bike. Do’s and Donot’s by the coach was ignored in his enthusiasm and as Bharani hit the ramp at a very high speed, that was not supposed to be, he jumped in mid air and blanked out, only to land safe, thanks to Bhagawan. His coach who had the do’s and donot’s clearly defined attributed his being alive at the moment for Swami’s sheer grace as otherwise it would have been a clear case of mishap. The story continued, as after the successful meet, in his over enthusiasm Bharani took the bike out to do some stunts for self-gratification and in the process, fell down and got some bruises, and thus the final lesson, Offer everything to Him, no matter how big or small, He will take care…

Chancellor’s Prizes, Trophies, were given away by the Vice Chancellor to the winning Institutions. Representatives from Sri Sathya Sai Primary School, Smt. Easwaramma English Medium High School, Anantapur Campus, Nursing College – Whitefield, SSS Higher Secondary School, Mirpuri College of Music, Brindavan Campus and Prasanthi Nilayam Campus received trophies from the Vice Chancellor.

Next in the proceedings, lists of winners were offered at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet. Subsequently, Championship Trophies were given away to various representatives, under various categories, for all the campuses and Higher Secondary School, where Intra-campus competitions on various disciplines were held.

Audio excerpts from Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse followed next, that was listened with rapt attention. Discoursing on Mind and its vagaries, Bhagawan exhorted the students to follow the path of Morality, Righteousness and Spirituality. One who wins over his mind can achieve anything. Achieve that state of mind, which is pure and then you can achieve anything, said Bhagawan concluding His speech with the bhajan, Hari Bhajana Binaa Sukha Santhi Nahi…

Brass Band from Anantapur Campus played a couple of tunes before bhajans took over for the next fifteen minutes. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1040 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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The aim of the Balkan South European countries led by Croatia that took up this monumental task was to present this wonderful event describing the birth of Jesus in a way which will be familiar to all Christians. They also wished that the warmth of Christmas touch even those who don’t observe Christmas in their cultures and just to make it even more interesting, they had to conjure up a bit of Croatian Christmas.

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There is someting which is common to all Christians and that is God’s temple, the church, a place in which lots of Christians feel closest to God. Everyone who enters a church must notice magnificent colourful stained-glass windows which together with the sun make the interior of the church a special and sublime place. The Croatian magic was that they set the same atmosphere through decorations made of colourful plastic sheets.

This project was blessed by Bhagawan an year and a half ago and the team has worked tirelessly since then. Every thing was handmade. They spent a full year to make the individual plastic stained sheets which where then made into panels to surround the pillars in the Sai Kulwant Hall and as hangings all around the hall. There were also panels above the Sanctum Sanctorum and directly facing it. The Sai Kulwanth Hall had transformed into a church.

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In addition to the decoration of Sai Kulwanth Hall, the group ably assisted by youth from South Africa, went about decorating the entire ashram with a special focus on the Western Canteen. While a Snowman and Santa had settled down in the left side of the lawns in front of the canteen overlooking the Nativity Scene, displaying the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the three wise men, the right side was a riot of light and colours. A christmas tree of light in the centre was surrounded by various Santas circumambulating it with bright white stars forming the circumference.

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Another similar altar was set up inside the canteen, with its own christmas tree and crèche. The Book Store was the other major beneficiary of the decoration team with its own tree and lights.

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Ornaments and other decoration to the extent possible, were made out of ecological materials and are ment to be reused. Only the low-cost materials have been bought in all the countries whose Sai devotees participate in the Project. Elements that represent the Western but also local Christmas tradition have been represented in an original way: the focus is made here on vitrage coloured style decorations and wheat grass sprouting.

While doing preparations, a group of almost 500 people had been doing the spiritual practice of repeating the Divine Name to charge the ambience and they state with emphasis that while hand making the Christmas decoration, all of them have been turned towards God and experienced His omnipresence, His love, His teachings, caring words, forgiveness and help.

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This year’s Christmas became a unique event at Prasanthi Nilayam when thousands of devotees from across the world celebrated the festivity in the ‘Holy Presence of Bhagawan’ in the spirit of unity and love. Delivering His Christmas Discourse, recorded version of the epochal Divine Discourse delivered during Christmas 1996, Bhagawan revealed some unknown facets of the Son of God, Jesus. This was the occasion when Bhagawan materialized a miniature version of the Holy Bible.

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Carol Singing in the Early Hours…
The programme on the holy morning commenced at 0630 hrs. with overseas devotees singing Christmas Carols at the Sanctum Sanctorum in the Sai Kulwant Hall.

Singing the glory of the Holy Silent Night, announcing the arrival of the Saviour Jesus, the group of over 100 choristers from overseas sang a full half-an-hour on the Christmas morning. “…Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the saviour is born…”, sang the choristers narrating the joyous earthly scene at the time of the Holy Advent.

The songs were Silent Night…, We Three Kings…, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear…, O Holy Night…, What Child is This…, Joy to the World – sing twice…, O Come All Ye Faithful…, The First Noel…, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing…, Go Tell it on the Mountain…, Little Drummer Boy…, Angels We Have Heard on High…, Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee…, Jingle Bells…, Feliz Navidad, We Wish you a Merry Christmas…etc. and ended with the Universal Prayer, Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu…

Christmas Singing by Students…
Next session commenced at 0830 hrs. and saw the students from the Institute singing Holy Christmas hymns. Earlier a group of little musicians belonging to the Violin Band of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School played some melodious Christmas tunes, commencing the session. The efforts of these little children are worth mentioning as they learned the art of playing violin on Skype over the internet with an accomplished trainer Al Levy guiding and training them. The children played for fifteen minutes and the numbers included “Love Is My Form…” and “Jingle Bell…” and also included some familiar bhajan tunes.

Lifting the spirits from the slow soothing violin to the fast paced beats of percussions, the Institute Brass Band presented a scintillating display of Band Music, playing for the next ten minutes. The Brass Band from Prasanthi Nilayam Campus has always been an integral part of the Christmas celebrations and this year too they excelled with high beat music reverberating entire Prasanthi. The Band played Silent Night, Rudolph the Red Rose Rein deer, Little Drummer and two varied versions of Jingle Bell…
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The final session of the morning programme was a presentation of a bouquet of traditional Christmas Songs and Carols by the students from the Institute.

Invoking Bhagawan, offering every note of their performance at His Lotus Feet, students began the Christmas offering in traditional Indian style, with three Omkars…Singing for the next fifty minutes, interspersed with commentary elucidating on the greater significance, narrating the beauty of the holy scenes from Bethlehem at the time of The Advent, they produced a total of eight songs, that included, We Wish You a Merry Christmas…, Love From Heaven…, Jesus Is Alive Today…, Gloria – We Three Kings…, God Is The Strength…, As We Worship You…, I Will Sing…, Sing For Joy…etc.. As the songs went on, two little Santas from the Higher Seconday Division emerged, moving among spreading spreading chocolate joy to one and all.

The evening programme commenced at 1700 hrs. with Christmas International Committee Chairman John Behner introducing the speakers for the evening. Introducing the speakers Mr. Behner thanked the Croatian led decoration team as well as Indonesian devotees for their efforts in the western canteen in providing sumptuous Christmas dinner.

The first speaker for the evening was Ms. Sylvia Alden. Sylvia Alden has been the programme coordinator for the International Christmas Choir group for several years. She comes from a fundamental Christian background. There was a time when she was an atheist and then an agnostic. A friend had given her some vibuthi to taste and she couldn’t shake off the taste even several days later despite everything she had consumed. Sylvia has come a long way since then despite many skeptics advising her that she has “no need for an Indian Guru!”

Sylvia began speaking with her first ever eye-to-eye with The Lord Incarnate and her sudden transformation from being a skeptic to a believer. That was the beginning of her spiritual journey, under the patronage of Beloved Bhagawan.

Elucidating on the beauty and love of Beloved Bhagawan, Sylvia posed a question, …what else we could ask for when He has given us everything…? Speaking on the Love of Swami, the speaker narrated some of the most wonderful moments she had with Bhagawan, wherein she learned many a lesson, over the years ever since she came into His fold in the year 1978. “When He is foremost in your mind…He is foremost in your heart and when He is foremost in your heart…you have Joy…Joy…Joy” concluded the speaker receiving round of applause from the audience.

The second speaker, Mr. Arthur Hillcoat, fondly referred to as the “Lion” by Swami, because of his distinguished white beard for a mane, relayed a message of a more serious nature. Referring to Bhagawan the speaker stressed on the importance of understanding the mighty benevolence of His being with us and to follow His teachings…

Referring to the trials and tribulations that he had to face in his early years, the speaker said, he would often wonder, why me, my Lord? and this disgusted feeling took Him to inquest about his real being that led Him to the Mighty Lord. Speaking from a higher level of wisdom, referring to what he learnt from His own experience with Bhagawan, Hillcoat said, all that we see around is nothing but a projection upon the screen of consciousness. In this great play of consciousness once we are aware of our own reality, we will be unaffected with all happenings. Hillcoat further advised the assemblage of devotees to seek the Truth as to “what is the purpose of our existence?” One must make efforts to go through the trials and tribulations to find out this Truth. From understanding one should shift to ‘inner standing’ delving deep inside.

Be the Love that you are…and one should make efforts to be that…as this won’t come on a platter. We must make efforts to know the Truth.

You are Love…You are Divine Love…You are Divinity…Rama, God, consciousness, the Self are all synonymous….enjoy this great play…it’s a wonderful one…we should be happy when we suffer pain, with grief or loss or hardship…as it is debt that stops us from Sai… may you in course of time know the Truth, concluded Hillcoat.

What followed next was an excerpt of the Divine Discourse delivered over 15 years ago, during Christmas 1996.

Excerpts from Christmas Divine Discourse 1996
Giving an account of the Jewish concept of the creation, of the cosmos and referring to the birth of Jesus as the son of Mary and Joseph, Bhagawan spoke about the evolution of the little boy to ‘The Messenger of God”. Materialising a miniature version of Holy Bibile, that the Russians preserved in a safe place on the Black Sea cost, Bhagawan revealed that the contents of the book could not be found anywhere else, including in the prevalent Bible. Many unknown, unheard, untold stories of birth related to Jesus was revealed by Bhagawan in this Divine discourse.

It is not open to all to understand the ways of the Lord. To know about God one has to develop Godly feelings. In this book, there are bookmark threads which distinguish every faith by a shloka relating to it. There is one page which contains the shloka from the Bhagavat Gita in which Krishna exhorts Arjuna to give up all beliefs and take sole refuge in Him and assured Arjuna that thereafter he will absolve Arjuna of all the sins.

The essence of all creeds is one and the same thing. Man’s primary duty is to surrender to God. “Surrender” means attaining the state in which the devotee feels he is one with God. This feeling arises out of the conviction that the same divinity is present in all. Bodies of human beings are varied like bulbs, but the current passing through them is the same. The colour of the bulbs or their wattage may vary. But the current activating them is the same.

Divinity is One…Ekoham Bahusyam…this book contains the Truth that God is only One, present in everyone. Never follow the differences basing on the differences of the body; there is no scope of conflicts; it is the body attachment that is responsible for conflicts…do not follow the body, do not follow the mind, follow the conscience, said Bhagawan referring to the contents given in the materialized miniature version of Bible.

Two bhajans that followed the Divine Discourse Hari Bhajana Bina…and Love is My form…came like a soothing balm to the audience that felt the absence of His physical form.

Prof. Anil Kumar made the concluding remarks, thanking the speakers, and paying gratitude to Bhagawan for making Christmas a grant success.

The session ended with Mangala Arathi.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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