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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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In early 2011, Bhagawan blessed that the Summer Course be re-initiated in a similar format over a period of two-and-a-half days for all internal stakeholders of the Institute – students, teachers, scholars and staff. It is now an annual event at SSSIHL in the beginning of each academic year.

Format of the Summer Course

The morning sessions of the event consist of talks by teachers and research scholars of the Institute. Typically, they entail key insights and lessons from the ancient Indian scriptures (such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana), spiritual figures and concepts. The sessions also feature a short video show on Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

In the afternoons, students and teachers from all four campuses have breakout sessions where they discuss teachings and lessons from Bhagawan’s discourses. Key moral messages from these are creatively presented on the final day before the valediction. This year, the theme was Bhaja Govindam, based on the 1972 Summer Course discourses that Bhagawan delivered.

The evening sessions on the first two days of the event consists of a music programme by students of individual campuses, along with Vedam chanting and Bhajans in the Mandir.

Given below is a daily report of the entire event.

Day 1 – Friday, 8 June 2012

Morning Session:

(Four Talks and a Video Presentation)

The SSSIHL Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality 2012 commenced at 8:30 a.m. at the Poornachandra auditorium by invoking Bhagawan’s blessings through the chanting of vedic hymns by the students of SSSIHL.

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Following the welcome address delivered by Sri Srinivas Srirangarajan, the Controller of Examinations, SSSIHL, the Vice-Chancellor of the Institute, Prof. J. Shashidhara Prasad delivered the welcome note, in which he stressed the importance of imbibing the values systems propounded by the Bharatiya culture, and putting into practice the teachings we have received from Indian scriptures and from Bhagawan Himself.

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The first speaker for the day was Sri S. Sai Giridhar, Doctoral Research Scholar, Dept. of Chemistry. Sri Sai Giridhar spoke on the topic ‘Ramayana: The key to be near and dear to God’. The speaker narrated how in 2007 in Kodaikanal, Bhagawan expounded the qualities of five particular characters in Ramayana that made them very dear to Sri Rama. These included mother Kausalya, for her innate divinity; Vaidehi, for a mind tuned totally to the divinity of the Atman; Ahalya, for her patience, perseverance and willingness to be transformed; Hanuman, for his constant integrated awareness; and Bharata for his supreme devotion to the Lord.

The second speaker, Dr. Raghunath Sarma, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, spoke on the topic: ‘Insights from Mahabharata’. He brought forth the inner meaning of several anecdotes from the great epic, and urged each one to develop faith, whilst surrendering entirely to the will of God.

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The two talks were followed by a video presentation, reminiscing the days in which Bhagawan walked the Sai Kulwant hall and granted Divine Darshan to devotees.

This was followed by the third talk of the day by Dr. Sanjay Mahalingam, Senior Systems Administrator, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, who spoke on ‘Vedas: The Breath of God’. Dr. Mahalingam reminded everyone that the Vedas are not mere books, but the very essence of reality – both the physical and metaphysical – that envelopes space and creation. He also added that the Vedas are accessible to each one of us, for they spring forth from within us. The only sadhana that one needs to undertake to unravel these mysteries is to develop silence. A silent mind is tuned to the Cosmic Consciousness and as Bhagawan often reminded us, it is only in the ‘depths of silence that the voice of God can be heard’.

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The last speaker for the day was Dr. N. Siva Kumar, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Commerce, SSSIHL. Dr. Siva Kumar spoke on the topic ‘Lessons for Life from the Upanishads’. Dr. Kumar delved deeply on the etymology of the Sanskrit word ‘Upanishad’, explaining that the word is a combination of three root-words: ‘Upa’ meaning near, ‘ni’ meaning down, and ‘shad’ meaning sit. He further explained that the way to wisdom and knowledge was to be near to the Guru (signified by the first word ‘upa’), accept the teachings with humility (signified by ‘ni’), and maintain equanimity and stability under all circumstances (‘shad’). He concluded his talk by offering a prayer to Bhagawan to take each one of us from ignorance to wisdom, from untruth to Truth.

Afternoon and Evening Sessions:

(Study Circle, Mandir– Vedam, Bhajans & Music Programme and Parayanam Sessions)

The post-lunch session comprised of a Study Circle consisting of discussions on the Discourses given by Bhagawan during the Summer Course held at Brindavan, Whitefield in 1973. They were based on the significance of Sri Adi Sankara’s Bhaja Govindam.

The discussion was on four Discourses: an Anchor Discourse entitled ‘The ladder that enables an ignorant person to become a liberated soul’, and three Auxiliary Discourses, namely, ‘Human life is sacred – Do not waste it’, ‘The Present is the most sacred of all time’, and ‘God is known by a thousand different names.’

Students from all four campuses of SSSIHL were divided into several groups numbering 20-22, with each group consisting of 3 sub-groups. There were elaborate discussions between the students and the teachers/facilitators. The students showed active participation by coming up with relevant quotations, anecdotes, poems, etc. These not only provided an impetus to the enthusiasm and energy of the youth, but also served the purpose of driving home the meaningful lessons of life that the Discourses promoted.

The Anchor Discourse highlights the comparison of the Bhaja Govindam to a ladder that helps us reach our destination. The lowest step is the stage of the Moodhamati or the ignorant one, with the highest step represents the Muktamati or the liberated one. Between these two are the twenty-nine steps or verses of the Bhaja Govindam, which, on deeper understanding, dispel our ignorance. In the Discourse, Bhagawan stresses on the continuous utterance of the Lord’s Name so that when the end is near, we may leave the body with the Holy Name.

Sankara, on his travels all over India, came across a Moodhamati, a foolish Brahmin, who was busy trying to master the rules of Grammar in order to earn his livelihood to provide for his family. At that time, Sankara cautioned him, saying that when one’s death is drawing close, the rules of Grammar will not help him achieve liberation from birth and death. The only way by which man may attain liberation is by worshipping Govinda.

The students supplemented this with a Chinna Katha narrated by Bhagawan. A man gave his sons the names of the Lord so that he may utter the holy name in his last moments. But, on his deathbed, he failed to do so as his worldly concerns overpowered the thought of the Lord.

The first auxiliary Discourse reflects on the rarity and sacredness of human birth that is attained after accumulating many good deeds in previous lives. To justify this gift from God, we should recognise that the same divine Atma exists in all, thus dispelling our ignorance. Just being born as a human is not enough. One has to strive to transform oneself from an ignorant person to a Paramahamsa, and the easiest way to do this is to be in Satsanga, that is, good company.

In the second auxiliary discourse, Bhagawan urges students to make the best use of the present, as it is the most sacred of all time. Upon enquiry from the participating students as to how they would make optimum use of their time, a large number of them said that service to one’s parents and chanting the Lord’s Name are the most fruitful. They also cited the examples of Pundarika and Prahlada who devoted their time to service and namasmarana (chanting the name of God), respectively. The peak of motivation and zeal was seen when the students came up with relevant stories to make the understanding of the values beneficial.

In the third Auxiliary Discourse, Bhagawan clarifies the concept of positive thinking. It is said, ‘Yad Bhavam, Tad Bhavati.’ Every person views an object from his or her perspective. The appearance of the world conforms to the colour of the glasses worn. If green spectacles make the world appear green, red ones make it appear red. Optimistic thinking enables one to acknowledge only the good in the world. So, it is we who make the world around us what it is.

Bhagawan reiterates the need to understand that all the forms of God are one and the same. Furthermore, many of us believe in God if our desires get fulfilled, but lose faith when our life goes contrary to our wishes. The various groups of students agreed that it is important to be equal-minded at all times, and that personal considerations should not be the basis for understanding the truth about God.

The four Discourses made us realise that it is ego that veils clear thinking. Ravana had mastered all the Shastras (scriptures). There was no science unknown to him. In fact, Bhagawan said that Ravana was the greatest scientist ever. But, unfortunately, his ego overpowered him so much so that he failed to recognise the divinity in Lord Rama.

The whole session resulted in endowing the students with values that they can practice in daily life. The Summer Course has, thus, been an enriching experience for the academic year 2012-13 as it leaves the students with value-laden minds, prayerful hearts, and energy channelised towards the welfare of society.

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After a tea break, students assembled in the Sai Kulwant Hall by 5 pm. Following Vedam Chanting, there was a summary presentation by students after which, there was a music programme by the students of the Brindavan campus of the University.

After Dinner, the four campuses met separately and continued the much sought after Satsanga, talking about individual experiences with Bhagawan.

Day 2 – Saturday, 9 June 2012

Morning Session:

(Three Talks, a Quiz and a Video Presentation)

The first talk this morning was delivered by Dr. R. Sai Sathish, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Chemistry. Dr. Sathish spoke on the subject, “Insights from the Srimad Bhagavatham.” He began by saying that it is important to first answer the questions – ‘What is Bhagavatham?’ and ‘How did it come into existence?’

The Bhagavatham fills one with devotion, wisdom and detachment, and instills in us the urge for liberation. Beginning with Bhakti (devotion), the Bhagavatham culminates in the idea of Mukti (liberation). It is the repository of the experiences relating to God and the godly.

The Bhagavatham came into existence as a result of Sage Veda Vyasa’s attempt (on the advice of Sage Narada) to cleanse his mind of the preoccupations with Prakriti (creation); and to focus on the Purusha (the One without attributes). When we contemplate on the good within, the same good gets projected outside as well.

The Bhagavatham begins with the dialogue between Sage Suka and Emperor Parikshit who is cursed to die in seven days. Sage Suka counsels Parikshit on how to face death, the ultimate test of life. The speaker affirmed that, despite his noble birth, Parikshit got carried away by his anger and brought the curse of Shringi upon him.

During the seven days that King Parikshit spent in the company of Sage Suka, he was constantly immersed in the Bhagavatham. Therefore, at the end, he gained amanaska, freedom from the desires of the mind.

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The second speaker of the morning session was Sri. KM Ganesh, Doctoral Research Scholar, Dept. of Chemistry. Sri Ganesh spoke on the topic, “Lessons from the Bhagawad Gita.” He delved into the meaning of Sanathana Dharma, which represents the imperishable, eternal truth.

The speaker said that the Bhagavad Gita is a textbook of sadhana, which prescribes different types of yoga. However, the practice of the teachings is more important than the teachings themselves, he said. In this manner, sadhana brings us closer to God. In the initial stages of sadhana, we may face certain difficulties,however, with persistence, we will find greater ease in doing sadhana.  If the mind remains in the Divine Presence, that is, focused on God, the chaos that surrounds us constantly will cease to affect us.

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Towards the end of his talk, Sri Ganesh spoke about the Gita’s message regarding the need for detachment and surrender, and the importance of choosing right from wrong.

This was followed by a special video show that was a compilation of select excerpts from Bhagawan’s Discourses. Although Bhagawan speaks in public, He reaches out to each and everyone at a personal level. In the five video clips presented, Bhagawan, through familiar analogies, explains how the mind can be disciplined, how one may atone for one’s sins, experience the highest love, and control one’s anger.

The third speaker of the morning session was Ms. U. Suma, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Commerce. Ms. Suma began her very interesting and illustrative presentation on ‘The Law of Karma’ by saying that Karma refers to both the action and the consequences of action. Therefore, she compared it to a boomerang. Every action that commit to, generates a force of energy that returns to us in equal measure.

The stored Karma that is worked out by an individual, in life after life, is called Sanchita Karma; whereas the Karmic consequences from past lives that affect us in the present are called Prarabdha Karma; and the present Karma which is bound to affect the future is Aagaami Karma.

The speaker emphasized that, unlike common belief, the theory of Karma is built on a great deal of positivity. It is the pathway to evolution. The Law of Karma empowers us with choice. We have a choice to deal with Prarabdha Karma by bearing it stoically, transmuting it or transcending it.

But, the best solution to avoid all the effects of Karma is to engage in Nishkama Karma, in which, the individual renounces the fruits of the action, and not the action itself. This may lead to perfect action that arises from objectivity and balance.The speaker took the example of True Art to explain this point. True Art requires objectivity; that is, drawing what one sees and not what one knows. It also demands a holistic vision. The same is true about life.

In the concluding part of the talk, Ms. Suma answered some of the questions of skeptics; questions such as ‘Why do bad things happen to good people?’, ‘Doesn’t the belief in the Law of Karma make one passive?’, and ‘Is there a way out of the Karmic cycle?’

For the last question, as to whether there is a way out of the Karmic cycle, Ms. Rao referred to Bhagawan’s Discourse in which He says, “Even a mountain of sin can be wiped out by winning the grace of the Divine.” Grace can nullify Karmic effects.

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The morning session ended with an enterprising Inter-Campus Quiz Programme conducted by Dr. Shashank Shah, Post Doctoral Fellow, Dept. of Management Studies and his team. The Quiz consisted of 7 rounds: the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, the Bhagavatham, the Shad Darshanas and the Bhaja Govindam, a Visual Round on Bhagawan’s Life, an Audio Round on Bhagawan’s Discourses, and, finally, the last round on Bhagawan’s Life and Message. The Quiz generated a lot of interest, and there was active participation from the audience as well.

Afternoon and Evening Sessions:

(Study Circle, Mandir – Vedam, Bhajans & Music Programme and Parayanam Sessions)

In the afternoon, the respective campuses engaged themselves in campus-wise study circles based upon the four discourses of Bhagawan described earlier. The discussions on the first day were concluded today by presentations by the students in the form of skits and one act plays, which helped absorb many insights into the great Indian Culture and the spiritual aspects of many a great Epics in the most coherent form.

The students felt that in today’s materialistic world, there is a general notion that spirituality is a completely different path that one has to walk only at a later stage in his/her life (when one has achieved all the worldly things possible). The question that then arose was that, ‘why not have a similar strategy for sleeping, eating and other such activities of our daily lives’? They deciphered that just like we cannot compartmentalize these activities, in the same way, spiritual and the worldly activities have to go together in perfect unison in one’s life. They felt grateful that the Summer Course was helping them understand the practicality of spirituality.

The students felt that the motto of our University, “Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara”– Speak the Truth and follow Righteousness is nothing but practising of Human Values which form the basis of a spiritual life.

Quintessence of Swami’s message in the Four Summer Course Discourses:

In the Four discourses that were discussed by students, Swami has highlighted some of the most illuminating and profound messages of Bhaja Govindam composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The main ones include:

• Though all are striving to reach the top, they should be aware of what they are aiming for on the top. And it is only after we have decided our goal, that we can decide the course of our actions that would be fit for our aspirations.
• Today, the world is full of ignorant people who instead of understanding their real goal, i.e., the Creator – God, are trying to distinguish between the Creator and His creation. We know that we cannot comprehend creation, but still we forget The Creator, the very source, and instead analyze creation and take pride and pleasure in re-modifying, re-designing, and re-shaping the creation of the Lord, and that is the biggest mistake.
• The steps of the Ladder that Swami highlights for our upliftment are to develop confidence in our own self and then question our very existence, which will lead us to the Inner Truth.
• But the problem that Swami stresses is that we are stuck up in the dilemma of the past (which is gone) and future (which is uncertain and cannot be predicted). Rather, we should think of present, which is with us. Swami says, “Duty is God”. If each one of us does the duty allotted to us in the most rightful manner, rooted in the present time and with the awareness of the presence of Supreme Being, we would lead a meaningful and successful life.
• Man has divided God according to his convenience and now gets confused with the different names and forms of God, and is now getting entangled into petty worldly things and arguments, thus forgetting his real goal, i.e. God.

All students felt that we should be grateful to Bhagawan, Who, out of His immense love for us, has created avenues for us to understand and experiment different aspects of life. The students of Bhagawan should emerge as Beacons Of Light for the world with a continuous thought of the welfare of humanity with the feeling of “Samastha Lokaha, Sukhino Bhavantu” (May all the beings in all the worlds be happy).

After tea, the evening session followed the same pattern as the previous day (Day 1). All students assembled in the Sai Kulwant Hall by 5 pm. Following Vedam Chanting, there was a summary presentation by students. This evening, the music performance was by the students of Anantapur Campus of the University.

After Dinner, the four campuses met separately and shared their personal experiences with Bhagawan with one another.

Day 3 – Sunday, 10 June 2012

Morning Session:

(Five Talks, a Global Presentation, a Video Presentation and the Valedictory Session)

The proceedings of the third and final day of the Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality began with Veda chanting from the Holy Scriptures by students of the Institute at 8:30 am in the Poornachandra Auditorium at Prasanthi Nilayam.

Sri Amey Deshpande, Doctoral Research Scholar, Dept. of Management Studies was the first speaker of the day who spoke on the topic, “Sai Avatar – The fountain-head of Indian Culture & Spirituality”. He began with defining culture as told by Swami. Swami defines culture as the process of refinement and also says, “The end of culture is perfection.” Several masters and saints that have graced humanity from time to time have shaped culture. Once in a while, the Lord Himself comes down to earth to show us the meaning of culture and point us in the right direction.

He briefly elaborated on the five points that can be taken as the fundamental points of the Sanathana Dharma, which has shaped Indian culture and help us shape our refinement process. These include: Yadbhavam tad bhavati, vasudhaivakutumbakam, yogahakarmasukaushalam, sarve karma bhagvatprithyartham and sarvamkhalvidam brahma. He gave anecdotes from Bhagawan’s own life epitomising each one of these points. Each of those episodes highlighted how Bhagawan is the fountainhead of Indian culture.

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Following this, the next speaker, Dr. T Ravi Kumar, Associate Prof., Dept. of Chemistry, and Warden, Brindavan Campus, SSSIHL spoke on the topic ‘Indian Culture and Spirituality: Insights from the life of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba‘. At the outset, the speaker hailed Bhagawan as Bharatha Bhagya Vidhatha – the term by which a former West Indies Cricket Captain described Him. He then listed the various definitions of culture that are current and remarked that nothing captures the essence of culture as Bhagawan’s own definition, which is, ‘Culture is concern for others‘.  The speaker – who has had the privilege of close proximity to Bhagawan for over three decades – then delighted the audience by narrating a number of personal anecdotes highlighting the concern Bhagawan has for all those who come in contact with Him.

The gathering was then treated to a collection of video clippings of Bhagawan Baba from the old days. The collage – beamed to devotees on His 85^th Birthday on 23 November 2010 – was in the form of three devotional songs composed in poetry form, sung by His students. From Darshan in various parts across India to the colossal socio-economic projects, to His tender Love and concern for each devotee and humanity at large, the video clips elicited a stream of wonderful memories in everyone’s hearts.

The third talk of the day – a hard act to follow after a moving video presentation of Swami – was by Dr. (Ms.) P L Rani, Asst. Professor, Dept. of English Language & Literature. Given the tough assignment of simplifying the complex topic of The Eightfold Path of Patanjali Yoga Sutra, she began her exposition with an explanation of the three key terms ‘Patanjali’, ‘Yoga’ and ‘Sutra’. The speaker began with the sutra that defines yoga as yogahchittavrittinirodhah – yoga is that which helps to still the mind. Briefly touching upon the different kinds of thought-waves that cause fluctuations of the mind, she dwelt at great length, quoting the relevant sutras, on the practice of ashtanga yoga as a means to achieve this.

Moral restraint, regular practices, right posture, regulation of breathing, withdrawal of senses from the outer world, attentiveness, meditation and supreme contemplation, which form the eight steps, were explained from a practical perspective with the aid of audio clippings of Bhagawan’s discourses on the same topic. The highlight of the talk came when the speaker, very imaginatively, delved on how the practice of the ashtanga yoga is so subtly embedded in the divinely and carefully designed routine of SSSIHL students’ lives in the hostel and on the Campuses. Indeed, the audience seemed enthused by the happy feeling that the integral system of education at the Institute is akin to the practice of the tenets of the ashtanga yoga in its very essence.

The final speakers of the day were two alumni of the Institute. The intent was to help current students get a glimpse on how graduates of SSSIHL have consistently put into practice the invaluable teachings of the Revered Founder Chancellor and how the integral education system of the Institute has positively shaped their inner and outer lives.

Both students spoke on the topics, an ideal Sai Student and his/her role in society.

First up was Mrs. Mahima Kapoor. She recollected how she was very determined be called a “Sai Student” and it is only after graduation she realised how that tag comes with a fair bit of responsibility. She said that the disciplined and tough routine of the hostel and college, though bitter and frustrating at times, has directly impacted her daily life in a positive way. Ten years on, she realised how the strict rules have helped her deal with complex and challenging situations in her adult life – both personally and professionally. She described in particular a couple of moral situations in her professional life where she had the courage to follow the truth and be honest at all times.

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The next speaker was an alumnus from the early days of the Institute, Sri Daman Hejmadi. He fondly recollected how in his days, students would ask Swami for every small doubt they had. He briefly described how the ‘life skills’ that students of SSSIHL learn are very different from the transient skills that are acquired in one’s professional life. The dictum, Education is for life, and not for a living that Swami often elaborated upon and what all students learn during their time, had helped him in a myriad of ways. Some of these, he said include cooking, waking up early at 5 am, simple living (vs. luxurious living), and general resourcefulness that the Self Reliance activities of the Sri Sathya Sai Hostel teaches students.

He then gave examples from his professional life as to how the lesson of Life is a game, play it that he learnt during his time as a student has helped him be generous, create win-win situations and maintain equanimity in good times and difficult ones. He ended his talk with a personal example of how Bhagawan had directly guided him in His physical form in the United States and asked him to move back to India.

Collective Presentation by students from all campuses

The end of the Summer Course 2012 was nearing, but not before a Global Presentation by all the students of all four campuses, as well as the XI and XII Standard (Boys and Girls wings), Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School. This creative extravaganza, was in essence, a presentation of the collective learning of the key moral and life lessons from Swami’s discourses deliberated upon during the Study Circle sessions conducted by all campuses and the school students during the course of the Summer Course.

It was presented in two parts – first by the girls of the Anantapur Campus and XI and XII Standard (Girls wing) girls, followed by the boys from the school and all the men’s campuses.

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Surrender to God (and taking refuge in His feet – literally the key theme of the Summer Course 2012 – Bhaja Govindam), the importance of spiritual inquiry, how material life is a prop to reach the higher goals of life, and the fact that God has embedded permanent gems of ideals in an impermanent body (for us to discover the higher purpose of our lives); these were some of the subtle but powerful lessons highlighted by the women students during their narrative.

The men’s students started their presentation with a skit based on a popular analogy that Bhagawan often narrated about the attitudes between Duryodhana (who sees bad in all people except himself) and Dharmaraja (who cannot see anything but good in people except himself) when asked by Krishna to find one good person (to Duryodhana) and bad person (to Dharmaraja). This was in the Dwapara Yuga.

The skit then highlighted how in the current Kali Yuga, negativity in men has multiplied manifold (full of fault-finding in others).

Other skits included moral dilemmas between friends in a professional situation and the enduring dedication of Hanuman (in the scripture Ramayana) to do anything to be close to Lord Rama.

Lastly, a satire from the fictional life of a man called Bhola (unlearned, foolish but extremely sincere) highlighted the universal message of our Lord Sai that God is everywhere and in everyone.

Felicitations – A moment of thanksgiving:

Each year, senior faculty members (often after decades of dedicated service) retire and new faculty members take their place, whilst others are promoted. The Academic Year 2012/13 was no different.

Dr. Naren Ramji, Registrar, SSSIHL presided over the ceremony and reminded everyone of the main quality Bhagawan has taught us all by His own personal example – that of gratitude.

The two main outgoing faculty members felicitated for their outstanding service and contribution for thirty-three long years to SSSIHL and Bhagawan’s mission were Prof. G Balachandran, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Humanities and Prof. S. Krupanidhi, Dean of Sciences.

This was followed by the announcement of new faculty members who joined SSSIHL during the current academic year and current members of the fraternity who have been promoted to higher designations in their respective departments.

Valedictory Session:

The Valediction to the SSSIHL Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality 2012 was led by Dr. (Ms.) TR Rajeshwari, Associate Prof., Dept. of Commerce. Drawing parallels to how Michelangelo sculpted beautiful pieces of art from masses of rock, Ms. Rajeshwari echoed,  that Swami expects us to chisel out the negative gross matter (ignorance) and bring out the good virtues within us, which are already there.

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Ms. Rajeshwari reminded everyone how the system of education at SSSIHL provides the platform to shape students’ lives in accordance to Bhagawan’s teachings and help them evolve, and make the correct choices in life. This however necessitates that we are empty (from inside), open to learning and have readiness with the correct attitude.

Along with thanking various factions for making the event successful, the speaker concluded in recapping how the three-day event had served as a wonderful reminder to the fortune that all the students, teachers and staff have, of being part of this unique institution and prayed that all of them endeavour of being worthy of His tremendous, unconditional Love.

II Samasta Lokaha Sukhino Bhavantu II

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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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Sri.S.G.Chalam the State President of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, Andhra Pradesh introduced the project while stressing on the active role of the Sai Youth in the four phases of the project: Village identification, plan and design, implementation and hand over. Two Sai youth members Sri Sai Prashanth and Sri Siva Kaladhar then took the podium and alternatively in Telugu and English provided various details about the project along with experiences of the volunteers when they could see the visible hand of Bhagawan helping them face threats and cross obstacles.

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The video presentation highlighted the various words of inspiration from Bhagawan, the acute need of drinking water in various remote areas of Andhra Pradesh and the projects undertaken by them to fulfil the need. The programme concluded with a song and dance presentation, ‘Sathya Yugam Sai Yugam‘. All participants were gifted clothes and prasadam was distributed to the gathering.

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The Sunday Programme came to an auspicious conclusion with the Bhajan ‘Manasa Bhaja Re Guru Charanam’ in Bhagawan’s divine voice.

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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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