The New Year was ushered in with joy and festivities at Prasanthi Nilayam in the Divine Presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. On the morning of 1^st January, thousands began the New Year in the most auspicious manner by feasting their eyes on the beautiful Form of Bhagawan as He went around Sai Kulwant Hall granting Divine Darshan. After listening to the intoning of Vedic chants for some time, Bhagawan blessed the Institute Brass Band to perform on this occasion. Their programme consisted of a variety of pieces ranging from Western Classical tunes to bhajans. After this, a bouquet of songs was presented by the students of Bhagawan’s educational institutions. They kept the audience enthralled for close to half an hour by rendering melodious songs in different languages. At the end of the programme, Bhagawan graciously cut the cakes prepared by the students.

The afternoon session witnessed a musical offering by the “Sri Sathya Sai Students”, the alumni association of the men’s campuses of the University and School. The programme marked the commencement of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Each song was accompanied by a small commentary in Telugu that beautifully captured the feelings of love and gratitude the students have for their Chancellor and Lord, and the memories of the glorious days they spent as students in Bhagawan’s care. These feelings had earlier been expressed in the form of Grama Seva and medical camp conducted on 30th and 31st December in Puleru village, about 45 kms from Prasanthi Nilayam. The medical camp offered consultation in general medicine and ophthalmology, and diabetes screening at the village.

During the evening programme, Bhagawan also blessed and released CDs and cassettes of Bhajans rendered by the alumni, entitled ‘A Bridge Across Time’. At 6 p.m., Bhagawan was offered Arati, and Prasadam was distributed to everyone.

Thus, the New Year began on an auspicious note, with the promise of enjoying more and more of Bhagawan’s Divine Love and Benediction during the year.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New year!