Sai Baba Darshan News - Photos & Latest Sai Updates
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Thursday,Sep 02,2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates:
An all Krishna Bhajan session, Gokulam
procession of cows and quadrupeds followed by a scintillating musical session of
special Krishnashtami songs in the immediate presence of the enchating Avatar of
the Age marked the Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, today, in the evening,
in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Emerging at 1758 hrs., Bhagawan moved into the hall blessing
the "Gokulam Procession" of cows and quadrupeds including Sathya Gita, savouring
golden moments of Gokuldham in the Dwapara Yuga. Reminiscing the scene and
actions that happened over 5000 years ago, during the previous age, Prasanthi
was feasting the Advent of the Love Avatar who shepherded men and animals and
the entire creation with His all conquering love.

Moving unto the quadrupeds, Bhagawan spent sometime in the
middle, feeding the 'special guests' for the evening before blessing and
releasing a couple of white pigeons, symbolising universal peace. Earlier,
Bhagawan received at the venue by senior functionaries from Sri Sathya Sai
Bhakta Sahayaka Sangh that runs the Sri Sathya Sai Gokulam along with a
contingent of staffers, students from the Institute and Higher Secondary School.
A band of percussionists from the Institute was also present spicing up the
occasion.

Completing a full round of darshan, Bhagawan spent awhile at
the primary block enticing the enthused innocent bunch of little hearts before
proceeding, moving into the ladies' side. Turning about, Bhagawan came onto the
portico, to get into the bhajan hall for a while.
Emerging through the main entrance, sliding into the lower
portico, Bhagawan spent quite sometime with the State President, Kerala,
flipping through a photo album before proceeding to move onstage at 1840 hrs.,
from the right of Ganesha. Instantly, the bhajan troupe switched over to special
Krishnashtami hyms to the accompaniment of scintillating musical score. As the
songs continued, 'Krishna and Balrama' came onto the stage with a 'potful' of
chocolates seeking blessings from the Lord in physical.

Beginning with the nectarous 'Madhurashtakam', the selected
bunch of talented students presented one after one songs of celestial rhythm
delivering the magical touch of the "Birthday Lord" and His all conquering love.
Ending up with a scintillating hindustani classical in lines of Meera Bhai, at
1915 hrs. Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi.

The Session continued for some more time as the special
percussion band comprising of saxophone, clarinet accompanied by
mridangam was blessed to play to the tune of a couple of bhajans. As
prasadam distribution went on, Bhagawan called "Krishna and Balrama' onstage to
interact with them in detail for sometime. Blessing the "Divine Characters' with
Vibhuti Prasadam and Paadanamaskaar, Bhagawan moved off the dais, retiring to
Yajur Mandiram at 1940 hrs.
Earlier, as He was ushered in, a fleet of children from the
Anantapur Campus and Primary school was awaiting the Lord with special
greetings, seeking blessings on the special occasion. Blessing the children
spending sometime around, gliding past, Bhagawan moved on to bless the Gokulam
Procession. Similarly at the end of His round, He had a bunch of boys, from the
Institute and Primary school seeking similar blessings.

In the evening turned twilight, the Mandir was glittering
under the light and special decorations for the special occasion.The backdrop
for the 'Seat of The Lord' had the enchanting Krishna statue adorning the centre
stage.
Yes, the evening was indeed a 'Krishna Special' in presence
of Sai Krishna....!!!
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Wednesday, Sept 01,
2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: |
Today, the first day of the month of September, in the evening, the focus of
attention was into the closed precincts of Poornachandra Auditorium.
Celebrating the 38th anniversary of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, the main body
that runs the Divine Mission related activities, a programme was organised to
honour members of staff working with various institutions under the Sri Sathya
Sai Central Trust and Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust, this evening in the
Poornachandra Auditorium.
"Sevaamrutham", meaning necter of service, turned out to be a celebration of the
greater boon bestowed upon by the Lord in physical frame. Participated by a
mammoth 1370 staffers, both ladies and gents, that included functionaries,
trustees, administrators and other staff down the ladder, the get-together
turned out to become an explicit reminder of the greater boon bestowed upon by
the Divine!
As the men and women occupied the spacious Poornachandra Auditorium well in
advance of the scheduled hour, video clippings from His Story in the past were
shown illustrating the glory and grandeur of the Sai Divine Saga. Greatness of
the spirit of service in Prasanthi Nilayam was highlighted through some of the
olden day discourses, laying down clear cut rules and regulations for the
staffers to achieve the real purpose of Seva in Ashram.
Flanked by senior functionaries, Bhagawan arrived in the auditorium at 1640
hrs., received by some of the senior functionaries, while the mellifluous tunes
of a popular welcome song in Telugu rendered the hall. Cutting a special cake
for the occasion Bhagawan moved down the dais to assume His seat on the special
dais erected for the occasion.
After a brief pause, Bhagawan moved down the stage blessing some of the senior
women with sarees. Moving towards the gents' side, Bhagawan blessed scores of
senior men, that included Secretary of the Trust and All India President of the
Sai Organisation, with safari pieces.
After the initial round of blessings, programme commenced
with a narration that had many an interspersed 'stories of glory' of the Sai
Mission....and Bhagawan sat onstage with the lucid telugu narrative went on
mesmerising the Divine and the audience equally.
Representing various institutions, three men and a woman spoke in Telugu,
bursting into gratitude to Bhagawan. The programme was organised so
meticulously that every speech was interspersed with thematic songs by the
grateful talented bunch of students working with variuos ashram
institutions. In the meantime, dress materials for other staffers were
blessed by Bhagawan that went for distribution subsequently..
Bringing in the final phase of the glorious session, Bhagawan moved among
the clustered bunches of staffers, granting them close darshan, as bhajans
went on in the background. The session continued with Bhagawan preferred to
sit onstage listening to the bhajans.
Time ticked past to 1822 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. All
the staffers were blessed with a memento, a booklet, safari piece and laddu
prasadam with bounteous Divine Darshan that tops the list!
After Mangala Arathi, Bhagawan moved off at 1825 hrs. blessing the
privileged assembly of Sevaks with abhayahastha.
The programme was organised in response to an earnest prayer by the grateful
students working with both Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Sri Sathya Sai
Sadhana Trust, who are the front runners in upholding His maxim, "My Life is
My Message"!
...And in the mandir, bhajans session went on from the scheduled hour...The
'long wait' ended at 1845 hrs. when Bhagawan emerged from Yajur Mandiram,
ushering into the glittering assembly. Completing a full round, Bhagawan
moved further into the ladies' side, as is His wont these days, before
turning about to come onto the portico. Engaged in conversation with one of
the seniors, Bhagawan glided past the lower verandah to come onstage at 1900
hrs. from the right of Ganesha. Sitting for fifteen minutes, Bhagawan
accepted Mangala Arathi at 1915 hrs. Moving off the dais, Bhagawan got into
the interview room for a brief session before emerging at 1926 hrs. to
retire for the day.
Prasanthi is celebrating Sri Krishna Janmashtami tomorrow and the mandir
wore a festive look with aesthetic decorations in place heralding the
occasion.
In the meantime, a big group of over 1800, comprising of approximately 1400
students with principles, teachers, management committee members, from
various Sathya Sai Schools across India are arriving in the township on a
Prasanthi Pilgrimage. This group is expected to stage programmes in the
coming days. || Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Tuesday, Aug 31, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, this evening, emerging at 1743 hrs., Bhagawan went for a full round
before coming to pause for a while at the primary block watching the children
chanting Vedam. Moving further into the ladies' side, Bhagawan turned about to
ascend the portico. Gliding past, interacting with some, Bhagawan moved onto the
stage at 1800 hrs., from the right of Ganesha, marked by a crescendo in
chanting. Reciprocating to the special attention being given by Bhagawan,
'blossoming buds' from the Primary School often join the chanting, explicitly
showing the progress achieved during their moulding days.
Heralding the 85th year of Advent, the state of West Bengal, taking its turn
came up with a 'twin presentation', a dance programme by Balvikas children
followed by a drama by the youth, this evening in the immediate Divine presence.
As Bhagawan assumed His seat on the dais, the went on for another ten minutes,
before Bhagawan indicating for bhajans to commence. Twenty minutes of bhajans
followed before West Bengal took over the rest of the proceedings.
An announcement on the programme followed after which tiny tots from the West
Bengal Balvikas forayed dancing to patriotic tunes from the collection of
India's first Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
The programme lasted for
half-an-hour, after which, the youth took over to present a drama in " english
on the life of Vivekananda. "Sambhavami Yuge Yuge" was an illustration of the
illustrious spiritual journey of Vivekanandam, who was moulded by his master,
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, to becoming India's 'roaring lion', inspiring
millions upon millions, instilling great national and devotional fervour.
Various scenes from the lives of the 'master and disciple' were depicted,
essentially highlighting the moulding of the great indian spiritual giant.
Upon the end of the forty minute presentation, Bhagawan moved down the dais to
pose for photographs with both the group, youth and the balvikas. Returning
onstage, Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi at 1940 hrs. Blessing the concourse
with abhayahastha, Bhagawan moved off retiring for the day at 1945 hrs.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Monday, Aug 30, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, in the evening, it rained heavily much before Bhagawan made grand His
entry into the Sai Kulwant Hall. As if warming the chilly backdrop, Bhagawan
emerged with a yellow cover on top just after 1750 hrs., coming for a complete
round. Finishing the round, Bhagawan moved a bit further into the ladies' side
before turning about to come onto the portico. Blessing a group of students
working with the Media and Publications Division, blessed to engage in media
coverage, Bhagawan moved further, blessing the African veteran Victor Krishna
Kanu before coming onstage just before 1815 hrs., marked by a crescendo in the
bhajans.
Rains and overcast sky hastened the arrival of twilight that
shone with brilliance under the gleam in Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan sat through
for the next half-an-hour, often seen glancing through the letters from
devotees.
At 1845 hrs. Bhagawan turned to the priest indicating Mangala
Arathi. Before moving off the dais, Bhagawan raised His benedictory palm in
abhayahastha, for both ladies and gents.
Gone are those golden days when He would often pause, during
His darshan rounds, for a while upon crossing the ladies' side, moving His right
palm in the air followed by a writing gesture with His Divine index finger,
then, fix His gaze downward, while lifting His flowing red robe help walking
Himself! Though this inimitable Divine action is not repeated anymore, front
benchers could still see Him moving His palm in typical Sai style, while His
glance remain fixed to "eternity". This evening, just before leaving the dais,
He did it once giving the concourse a glimpse of those reminiscing moments of
yester years, a 'language' that is known only to 'the Gods'. Moving off,
Bhagawan glided into the ladies' side at 1850 hrs. retiring for the day.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Sunday, Aug
29, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates: Today,
on this weekend, fifth and final Sunday for August 2010, Bhagawan
emerged at 1715 hrs. to the holy chants of Vedam, joined en masse by
the tiny tots from Primary School. Finishing a full round, Bhagawan
paused at the tiny tots, watching and listening them chanting the
Vedam 'face to Face' unto Him! After pausing for almost two minutes,
listening to the final strains of the holy chanting, when bhajans
began at the scheduled hour, Bhagawan moved off, gliding further
into the ladies' end. Turning about shortly, Bhagawan came onto the
portico, proceeding for a complete round of the portico, moving
through the lower verandah to the upper one, gliding past to move
into the bhajan hall through the main entrance. Emerging shortly,
Bhagawan moved onstage at 1743 hrs.
As bhajans went on, at 1808 hrs., Bhagawan moved off the dais,
moving into the interview room. ...As Bhagawan remained inside, the
weekend evening was gradually sliding into her pale dark complexion.
...And He emerged...
Emerging at 1825 hrs. Bhagawan moved through the upper portico,
blessing many, before turning about from halfway Sliding into the
lower portico Bhagawan moved further, soon to pick up a senior
devotee to return to the interview room for a brief session.
Returning shortly, Bhagawan came onstage to the "final bhajan" 'subramanyam..subramanyam...'
and soon He called for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi at 1840
hrs., Bhagawan moved off, gliding into the ladies's side at 1845
hrs. retiring for the day.
Over five hundred devotees from neighbouring Himalayam Kingdom,
Nepal, have arrived as a part of Nepal's Prasanthi Pilgrimage 2010.
A total of 1800 are expected to join this ten day's pilgrimage
starting from tomorrow.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Saturday,
Aug 28, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates:
Morning darshan tidings comes yet again with tides of greater
benediction! Granting yet another morning darshan, this morning,
first in 20 days, Bhagawan emerged at 1035 hrs. to come for a full
round. Interacting with some students on His way, Bhagawan came onto
the portico for a brief interaction with a senior devotee from
overseas before moving in, granting him an interview. Emerging yet
again after forty-five minutes, at 1125 hrs., Bhagawan moved onstage
to call for Arathi, before retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 1135 hrs.
On this otherwise sunny day, it drizzled in the nick of time just
before 1645 hrs. when Bhagawan was ready to emerge coming in for
Divine Darshan! Emerging at 1645 hrs. with a yellow umbrella cover
on top, Bhagawan went for a full round before moving into the
interview room in fifteen minutes, calling a senior devotee from
overseas along with a small group in.
Emerging in half-an-hour, at 1730 hrs., Bhagawan glided past the
lower portico, blessing many, to come onstage at 1737 hrs. Bhajans
continued, with The Purusha, Bhagawan sitting onstage, and The
Prakrithi, the nature wearing an overcast costume on top, ever ready
to score a 'natural' background piece. With the beautiful twilight
creeping in, thanks to the overcast sky, soon Bhagawan indicated for
an "aalaap" bhajan. Singing Radha Rani's unsulliled love for her
Beloved Krishna, "Radhika Jeevana..." rendered the air, and with
that, came a downpouring as the 'gates to the heavens turned open'.
With the 'natural music' turned quite obvious, beating up the roof
on top powerfully, at 1800 hrs., Bhagawan blessed Mr. Ajit Poppat
from London to take over the rest of the day's proceedings, with yet
another "Puppet Show".
Delivering an inspirational rhetoric centred around the famous 15th
Chapter verse from The Bhagavad Gita, Mamaivamso jeevaloke
jeevabhuta Sanathanah...., meaning, the eternal Atma in all beings
is a part of My Being, the inspirational speaker dwelled upon the
greater glory of the Lord of present times, who is the inner spark
of Divinity in all. Adding a humorous touch to the plight of present
day man, Mr. Poppat narrated a small story that he learned as a boy,
that is, Born on Monday, Schooling on Tuesday, College on Wednesday,
Marriage on Thursday, Father on Friday, Grandfather on Saturday and
Died on Sunday, depicting the sad plilght of man's mechanised life
style often described by Bhagawan in hindi, Kaana Peena Sona Marna...meaning
eating, drinking, sleeping and dieing. Speaking on the theme, the
speaker had interesting anecodotes from the lives of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa and Mullah Nazeeruddin, the satirical sufi preacher of
fame, while blurting some of his own own experiences at Sai Kutir in
London. Quoting a Mullah Naseeruddin experience, drawing a parallel
to his own, who often gets to speak in His Divine presence, the
speaker said, it is for his own benefit that he is speaking as
Bhagawan is serving a reminder to him to reach his own self.
'Picking the threads' from the Mullah Story, wherein the Mullah, who
started giving inspirational sermons at enthusiastic public request,
after a gradual decline in public response, finally got to address
an almost empty audience, the speker reminded the audience that,
through His own life Bhagawan is teaching us that this is not the
time to preach and teach, rather, this is the time to reach, to
reach out, as exemplified by Him in many of His project activities.
Being the holy month of Ramadan for the Muslims around the world,
Mr. Poppat ended reciting some verses in Urdu as a prayer to Allah,
essentially declaring that "Sab Ka Maalik Ek!"
At 1825 hrs. Bhagawan nodded for Mangala Arathi. Rains that subsided
in between, picked up yet again heralding His "return". Moving off
the dais at 1830 hrs., Bhagawan got into His "Sai Vaahan" retiring
for the day that presented twin darshans.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Friday, Aug 27, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates: This evening, emerging at 1818 hrs.
Bhagawan went for a full round of darshan before getting into the
bhajan hall for a Divine round of inspection. With Bhagawan still
inside, the evening slowly turned pale, bringing in a twilight made
to shine as bright as she could, with glittering lighting in the Sai
Kulwant Hall shone with brilliance, invoking The Lord on to the
dais.
After spending more then ten minutes in, emerging
through the rear entrance, Bhagawan came onstage at 1840 hrs. as
bhajans continued with added fervour.
Bhagawan sat through for the next twenty minutes,
presiding over the bhajans. Accepting Mangala Arathi at 1900 hrs.,
Bhagawan continued to sit watching over prasadam distribution.
Moving off the dais at 1910 hrs., Bhagawan spent next twenty
minutes, ten minutes apiece in interview room and bhajan hall,
before emerging at 1930 hrs. retiring to Yajur Mandiram. || Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Thursday,
Aug 26, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: |
Today, in the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1745 hrs. to come for a
full round of darshan. It was a slow detailed round, wherein,
Bhagawan was seen interacting with many, enroute. Youth from Odisha
(formerly Orissa), who were in costumes also got to interact with
Him. At the primary block, Bhagawan spent a while before completing
the round. Moving into the ladies' end for an 'extra length',
Bhagawan turned about to come onstage at 1810 hrs., from the right
of Ganesha, interacting and blessing many.
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Photo source-sssbpt.org -
pic design layout saibabaofindia.com |
Bhajans began soon as commanded by Bhagawan, much to the surprise of
all. The state of Odisha was ready to stage two presentations, a
short Odissi Dance presentation entitled "Dasavathar" followed by an
offering of gratitude for the "flood of love" of Bhagawan towards
the flood ravaged districts of Odisha in rehabilitating 699
families, building as many "happy homes" along the River Mahanadi,
that ran inspate causing havoc in the year 2008.
Bhajans continued for the next 45 minutes till when Bhagawan nodded
for the programme to commence at 1855 hrs.. An announcement by the
state president followed before internationally acclaimed dance form
in "Odissi" took the centre stage, staging 'Dashavathar'. The
presentation was based on Poet Saint Jayadeva's "Geeta Govindam",
illustrating the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Dasavathar, ending
with the final one "Kalki" representing the present day incarnation
of Bhagawan.
Beginning the next presentation, "A Flood Of Love" with a background
story hatched in the Divine Abode in Kailasha, wherein Lord Shiva
bestows upon a special boon to Mother Parvathi that when He comes
down as Sai Avatar, He will be building houses for the destitutes.
Thus reveals the riveting episode of Odisha's telling tale of Divine
Love of Lord Sri Sathya Sai.
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Photo
source-sssbpt.org - pic design layout saibabaofindia.com |
The forty minute presentation was an enactment of the "Divine
Script" written by Bhagawan in the lives of many hapless in the
state bringing relief in the form of "Sai Premalayam". Presentation
was laced with beautiful songs in Odissa depicting the bond of Love
the state enjoys with Bhagawan.
Upon the end of the presentation, dress materials, safari pieces and
sarees, for men and women, were distributed among the participants.
Moving down the dais, Bhagawan blessed the contingent posing for
group photo sessions.
Returning onstage, Bhagawan interacted with
some of the Youth enquiring as to whether they have received
clothes.
At 2015 hrs. Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi and in next five
minutes He moved off, blessing the concourse with abhayahastha.
Bhagawan spent quite awhile interacting with Santoor Maestro Pandit
Shiv Kumar Sharma and his son Rahul Sharma before getting into the
interview room at 1830 hrs.
Spending next ten minutes in, Bhagawan
emerged at 2040 hrs. to retire to Yajur Mandiram. Prasadam was
distributed to the entire assemblage. || Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Wednesday, Aug 25, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, in the evening, emerging at 1805 hrs., Bhagawan went
for a full round of darshan before moving into the ladies' side, for
an extra length, blessing many. Turning above, Bhagawan moved onto
the portico, to glide through the lower portico, to come onstage at
1825 hrs., from the right of Ganesha.
Once again, the little kids from Easwaramma
English Medium School, who were into enthusiastic Vedam chanting,
won His attention as Bhagawan blessed many of them who were arrayed
to "Greet The Lord"!
Youth from Canada were ready, arrayed in the
front block, 'armed with' musical instruments to sing a session-full
of Love Songs for The Lord in a programme entitled Canadian
Youth Music Programme 2010. The thirty-five minute
programme had six songs, each song comprising of many verses.
Beginning with "Om Gam Ganapathaye..." in dedication to Lord Ganesha,
they continued to sing with "Open the eyes of my heart", a prayer
unto Him hailing Him to be The Light, expressing desire to Serve Him, The
Lord, followed by "My Soul, My Sai", a song in praise of Bhagawan's
all conquering love that is unfailing.
The fourth piece was "We
Believe", a proclamation of the descending awareness of "Unity" with
established faith in Sai, that was followed by the penultimate
piece, "Lord of Peace", a piece ascribing various names unto Him as
He is many in One form, to conclude with the final piece in hindi, a
Qawwali, reiterating our established bond with Sai. The "Choir" was
conducted by Arun Yusuf.
Hearts cried out to high musical tones that lent
the air on this beautiful evening as Youth from Canada sang through
a session that lasted for more than half-an-hour, spelling out their
Love For Sai. Bhajans by the Canadian troupe continued for the next
half-an-hour until Bhagawan nodded for Mangala Arathi at 1935 hrs.
In the meantime, sarees and safari pieces were distributed to the
entire contingent. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the
dais at 1940 hrs. retiring for the day. Prasadam was distributed to
the entire assemblage.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Tuesday, Aug 24, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, in the evening, Bhagawan
emerged at 1730 hrs. to come for a slow, complete round of darshan.
Moving a bit further into the ladies' side, after His complete
round, Bhagawan turned above to come on to the verandah in twenty
minutes before moving into the bhajan hall for a Divine round of
inspection. Emerging at 1800 hrs. through the front entrance,
Bhagawan glided past the upper verandah to come onstage at 1805
hrs., from the right of Ganesha. Heavens opened up marking His grand
entry and Veda chanting got into higher tonal vibrations,
enthusiastically joined by the Primary School children, that
continued upto 1815 hrs. when Bhagawan nodded for the scheduled
Canadian programme to commence.
Initial invocations by seniors from the
Organisation was followed by SSE children that went on for some time
before the programme commenced at 1820 hrs.
With a collaborative and unified effort linking
up all regions in the country, SSE children from far-flung Canada
presented a unique programme entitled "A Life of Sai Ideals".
A young school boy who gets excited seeing the
school Olympics expresses his desire to participate in the winter
Olympics, but raised his own doubts about accomplishing the same,
being physically challenged. Encouraging the boy to pursue his lofty
ambitions, his parents narrate six true stories instilling fresh
hopes in the boy.
Presenting six inspirational true stories,
exhibiting six Sai Ideals, the presentation brought to light the
Truth about Sathya Sai and His Life Teaching, that, essentially all
are living embodiments of Love, possessing highest innate potential.
Six inspirational stories include the story of
legendary Terry Fox, who in 1980, with one leg having been amputated
embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for
cancer research and the epochal Walk For Values movement in many
western countries.
The forty minutes' presentation came to a close
at 1900 hrs. with a group song. A pause ensued upon which Bhagawan
moved down the dais to pose with the participating children who
exhibited remarkable discipline. Upon returning onstage, all the 235
participating children were given away safari pieces and sarees,
boys and girls respectively, as a Divine gift. Bhagawan asked the
group to sing Bhajans that continued for fifteen minutes before
Bhagawan called for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi Bhagawan
amused the children gesticulating them to "go, eat and sleep"...and
the children burst into laughter enjoying every bit of His Divine
attention! As He was moving off the dais, He repeated the same yet
again, and these lovely children went bursting yet again, making
merry of His Divine gesture!
"Sai Vaahan" was ready for The Lord as the
overcast sky offered enough of rains during the session; Bhagawan
opted to move past gliding towards the ladies' end and the entire
ladies' side rejoiced His greater benevolence with rounds of
applause. It was 1940 hrs. when Bhagawan moved down the western
aisle gliding into the ladies' end retiring for the day.
Earlier, while making His round of darshan,
Bhagawan interacted with quite a few from the group and blessed the
the entire group with His Divine benedictory glance. A special
mention has to be made about the participating children who arrayed
in disciplined order posing for a snap with The Divine!
Over thousand Canadians are participating in this
Parthi Pilgrimage 2010 that ends on 26th August. Tomorrow the
Canadians are expected to present a Choir in the Divine presence.
God is Love and indeed every human
being has the spark of that love towards this God in human
frame!...and thus every one of them enjoys every bit of His actions
during these Prasanthi Sessions!
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Monday, August 23,2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: |
Onam marks the "Home Coming" of erstwhile ruler Mahabali, visiting
Kerala once in a year, reminiscing his good olden days in the land
known as "God's Own Country".... When thousands from the state have
flocked to the "God Owned Country" celebrating Onam in the Divine
Presence, this day, 23 Aug became yet another festive Kerala day in
Prasanthi Nilayam in His immediate Divine presence.
...And on this expectant auspicious evening, The Lord made His grand
entry at 1710 hrs., escorted by auspicious tunes of Panchavadyam, a
temple associated art form of music with an orchestra of five
instruments, that was preceded by a group of band girls from Sri
Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth, Sri Sailam, Vedam and nadaswaram boys apart
from girls with Thalappoli, who stood on either side at the ladies'
end, welcoming The Lord!
Completing a full round Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side
before turning above to come onstage at 1725 hrs. Proceedings began
in the next five minutes with the State President making an
announcement on the Inter Collegiate and School Level Essay Writing
Competition held in the state by the Organisation attended by over
15000 participants. Gold Medalists, Kum. Anjani Hariharan and Kum.
Sukanya, from each of the category, were introduced to the audience
who came onstage to receive the medals from the Divine hands.
Bringing in the essence of Kerala's cultural and spiritual heritage,
combining art forms from the length and breadth of the state, a
group of 99 Balvikas children presented a unique programme entitled
"Keraleeyam" that ran for twenty minutes. To the background scores
of medley of songs in vernacular malayalam, these coloufully attired
children danced forth depicting stories of the glory of Adi Shankara
to Parashurama, to the story of Prahlada and Narasimha Avatar
finally talking about the 'home coming' of Emperor Mahabali. Singing
folklore Onam songs they danced heralding the arrival of harvest and
the festival of onam depicting the golden olden days of the Emperor.
Depicting scenes from the minority Chrstian and Muslim population,
the presentatiion culminated with a song hailing the glory of the
Avatar of the Age, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Popular art forms,
namely, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, Oppana, Kavadiattam, Vanchippattu
etc. were depicted illustrating the illustriuos cultural state.
"Margadhara", a dance drama presentation by the Balvikas children
from the state followed, that depicted the illustrious story of 'Balatapaswi',
child ascetic Dhruva and his pious, virtuous mother, both of whom
were rewarded by the greater heaven to become eternal stars for
their surrender and highest devotion to God.
Beginning with a Kailasha scene wherein Nandeeshwara informs of the
entry of a "new star" into the gates of Kailasha, The Lord reveals
the illustrious story of Mother Suneeti to a growingly anxious
Mother Parvathi, explaining the virtue and devotion of Suniti and
her son Dhruva.
The epical story of Suruchi vs. Suniti, the jealous and wicked vs.
the virtuous and godly was well depicted through flashback scenes
beginning at King Uttanapada's royal court. Great affection and
understanding between the two little brothers, Suruchi's demeaning
attempt at Suniti aided well by a slandering woman, Suniti's
righteous approach bearing all sufferings at the hands of Suruchi
with composure were depicted before the climax scene wherein the
Little Dhruva was insulted by Suruchi, who dragged the little prince
out of the King's lap calling him unworthy. A desolated little
Dhruva was comforted by his mother, who advised him to meditate on
Lord Maha Vishnu, who would accomodate him on His Divine Lap, the
Highest Abode! ...and thus began the highest penance that shook the
three worlds finally bringing the great good to him and his mother,
ascencion to the Highest Kingdom of Godhood!
The scene comes back to Kailasa where a wonderstruck Mother Parvathi
pays 'salutatiions' to the newly ascending star, Suniti, who was
conferred upon to be an eternal star, guiding mothers till eternity,
while Dhruva was ascended to the heavens to be shone forth as
Eternal Pole Star. The drama was unique with its humorous touch in
dialogue delivery and enacting. Participating children have
undergone hectic preparations before the final show and the make up
for the presentation started as early as at 0800 hrs. this morning.
Bhagawan had moved off the stage for a short while and was back in
time for the final scene wherein Lord Vishnu was conferring the boon
on to the little lad. Upon the end of the one hour presentation, as
per His command, safari pieces and sarees were given away to the
participants. Soon it was Mangala Arathi time and as the Arathi song
was being sung, Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose with the tiny
tots for the day's evening session. A couple of boys were blessed
with materialised Vibhuti prasadam.
Returning onstage, Bhagawan asked for an encore of "Samastha
Lokaaha...." before blessing the concourse with
abhayahastha...Moving off the dais, Bhagawan retired for the day at
1925 hrs. bringing curtains down on this year's episode of
auspicious Onam! Special prasadam brought from Kerala was
distributed to the capacity audience.
Malayalee contingent of students from both Brindavan and Anantapur
Campus have also joined Prasanthi Nilayam celebrating their chosen
festivity along with thousands of devotees from Kerala and other
parts of the world.
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|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Sunday, Aug
22, 2010- Sai News & Photo Updates: |
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Festive Kerala's festival of great significance, Onam, has
come once again to the precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam. When the
state of Kerala has come in a joyful mood to celebrate Onam in His
Divine presence, today, in the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1735
hrs. to the tunes of Nadaswaram and Vedic incantations. Coming for a
slow, complete round, Bhagawan moved through the primary school
block, pausing for a while before moving further into the ladies'
side. Turning above shortly, Bhagawan came onto the portico, moving
on to the stage at 1755 hrs. from the right of Ganesha.
Preceding the Thiruvonam Day, that is 23 Aug, this evening the
Youth from the state presented a dance drama entitled "Bharata, The
Embodiment of Supreme Love", a depiction of Bharata's selfless and
unsullied love for Sri Ramachandra. Showcasing Ramayana scenes
leading upto Lord Rama's exile, Dasaratha's demise, Bharata's sorrow
and anguish followed by his meeting up with Lord Rama in the
Dandakaryana Forest, the drama comes to the climax scene when Lord
Hanuman brings the great good news of Lord Rama's return to His
Kingdom after vanquishing the Ravana clan.
Presented with great emotional touch aided by superb dialogue
delivery, the one hour presentation had an array of melodious songs,
thematically entwined, helping the flow of the illustrious epical
story.
At an age when sibling rivalry gets even to the supreme court for
settlement, aeons ago, a great Divine brother had set the finest
example of selfless love and sacrifice for His Beloved Brother and
Lord Sri Ramachandra...Kerala brought one of the most chosen theme
that the Lord of Puttaparthi ever cherishes, presenting it
celebrating the advent of Onam 2010.
After the one hour presentation, a ten minutes pause ensued upon
which Bhagawan moved down the dais to spend long fifteen minutes
among the crew of boys. It was a session between Lord and His
children; every individual member got his dues with Padanamaskar
followed Laddu Prasadam from the Divine Hands. Returning onstage
Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi after which He spoke to the State
President, Prof. Mukundan, for a while before sending Safari suits
for the participants. ...And before leaving the dais His benedictory
palm went up not once, not twice, more times blessing the vast
concourse, both ladies and gents and finally to the blessed drama
crew seated right in front of the Lord!
At 1935 hrs. Bhagawan moved off the stage and as He was gliding
past auspicious sounds of Panchavadyam rendered the air, singing
"farewell" to The Lord after a most beautiful evening of
celebration. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.
Mandir was decorated with typical Kerala themes parading all over.
Colourful parasols and flower buntings were seen all over while the
stage had a beautiful backdrop of the sanctorum sanctorum of a
typical Kerala temple with two hanging lamps, already lit, hanging
from either side. Bhagawan had a detailed look at the backdrop
before assuming The Seat of The Lord!
Tomorrow, August 23, is Thiruvonam in Prasanthi Nilayam and all over
Kerala! ...the day when the subjects in the state believed to be
welcoming their erstwhile ruler, Emperor Mahabali.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Saturday,
Aug 21, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, another day with overcast sky and slight drizzle at the
'appointed hour', Bhagawan emerged at 1710 hrs. with a yellow
umbrella cover on top coming in granting yet another glorious Divine
Darshan! A slow, full round ensued with Bhagawan spending a while at
the front block interacting with a group of students before casting
His special glance upon the Easwaramma English Medium children who
were into enthusiastic Vedam chanting. After blessing flocks of
children with 'cards', Bhagawan moved onto the portico to get into
the interview room at 1725 hrs. Bhajans commenced at the appointed
hour.
Emerging just after 1740 hrs., Bhagawan came onstage at 1743 hrs.
from the left of Ganesha. Soon, a team of MBA faculties led by Prof.
US Rao, Principal, SSSIHL, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus moved unto
Bhagawan seeking blessings on the occasion of 25th Anniversary of
School of Business Management and Finance (SBMF) in Prasanthi
Nilayam. Conferring blessings upon them, Bhagawan also blessed some
of their publishing endeavours. A new release entitled Value Based
Business & Management, a compilation of 45 articles on the subject
published in various national and international magazines was
blessed and released apart from blessing a doctoral thesis on
Corporate Stake holder Management.
Even as bhajans continued, nature was playing her best as if engaged
in a rejoicing mood. With dark clouds scudding across the sky
sending off occasional thunderous roaring accompanied by
intermittent flash lightning, the evening was falling off fast
bringing in an early twilight.
Bhajans picked up to greater momentum and soon the heavens opened
up, beating up the roof heavily, storming with thunderous
roaring...Bhagawan, the ever nonchalant sweet Lord He is, sat
through, intermittently glancing through the letters and the
assembly, while blessing some boys in between with Vibhuti packets,
thrown unto them in His most inimitable style.
At 1822 hrs. Bhagawan looked at the priest indicating for Mangala
Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, there was a huge silence and nature,
with her ever exuberant musical shower filling the gap, was readying
herself to escort The Lord back unto His 'Abode'. After blessing the
concourse with abhayahastha, Bhagawan moved off the stage to get
into His "Sai Vaahan", moving past the hall at 1835 hrs. bringing
curtains down on a beautiful Saturday evening. Prasadam was
distributed to the entire assemblage. |
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|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Friday, Aug
20, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: The sky was
overcast and it rained during the day and in the evening. Auspicious
it is, this Friday being Varalakshmi Vratam Day, the main seat of
the Lord had a decorated idol of Goddess Varalakshmi adorning the
centre stage. Adding to the festive flavour, floral buntings were in
place with the main stage shining in grandeur and elegance.
Varalakshmi Vratam is performed by married Hindu women on the Friday
before the full moon day during the month of Sravana (August),
popular in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and in some
parts of Orissa and Maharashtra.
In the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1715 hrs. to the holy chants of
Vedam. Escorted by classical nadaswaram rendering, Bhagawan moved
through the concourse before completing a full round to come onto
the portico. Gliding past the lower portico, listening to many,
Bhagawan came onstage at 1730 hrs., from the right of Ganesha.
Upon coming onstage Bhagawan lit the lamp sanctifying and blessing
the occasion. Further proceedings began in next five minutes with a
specially designated priest taking over, as Bhagawan sat onstage as
'Sai Varalakshmi',. Speaking on the significance of the ritual
conducted in the immediate Divine presence, the priest went on
extolling The Lord, calling Him to be Lord Dakshinamurthy in
physical form.
With His presence, Prasanthi is verily the Kailasha
and Vaikunta, announced the priest talking on the significance of
the ritual in Prasanthi NIlayam. Rituals began with Lakshmi Puja and
Shodashopachara Puja followed by related rituals including Sai
Ashotathara Shata Namaavali.
Twenty-five minutes of rituals ended with three jaikars by the
priest that was well received and reciprocated by the capacity
audience with devotional vigour. There were a thousand hand raised
hailing "victory" to The Lord of Puttaparthi!
A carnatic musical offering by Ms. Bhagyalakshmi of Chennai followed
that lasted for fifty minutes. Beginning with Ganesha Vandanam, the
artiste went on singing for the next fifty minutes before Bhagawan
nodded for Mangala Arathi, at 1850 hrs. Moving off the dais,
Bhagawan glided into the ladies' end, at 1855 hrs. retiring for the
day. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.
Kerala's Onam contingent with two drama presentations along with a
musical offering is gearing up for their turn on Aug 22 and 23. The
visiting Canadian group is equally engaged in hectic rehearsal
sessions awaiting their turn to perform in the immediate Divine
presence. The Canadians are expected to stay until the 26th August. |
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|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Thursday, Aug
19, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
Even as the last strains of epochal
Vedam chanting filled the air, Prasanthi was gearing up for the Holy
Thursday's Holy Darshan!...and there He emerged to the final
strains of the incantations, at 1726 hrs. Gliding past the vast
concourse of devotees, casting His benedictory glance upon many,
accepting a few letters in between,, Bhagawan moved towards the
Primary block granting them special attention before ascending the
portico, moving into the bhajan hall. Emerging through the rear
entrance in a couple of minutes, Bhagawan came onstage at 1745 hrs.
marked by a crescendo in bhajans.
Presiding over for the next forty-five minutes,
Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi just after 1830 hrs. Moving off the
dais after a brief pause, Bhagawan blessed some devotees enroute,
before gliding into the ladies' side at 1840 hrs., retiring for the
day. || Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Wednesday, Aug 18, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
Emerging at the stroke of 1800 hrs. "The Lord in Orange Robe" wafted
through the vast concourse with His benedictory physical glance
falling on many a blessed one who dotted the spacious Sai Kulwant
Hall on this blessed evening. Completing a full round of darshan,
Bhagawan moved through the lower portico, blessing the visiting
Canadian group in-charge enquiring on their schedule, before coming
onstage at 1820 hrs.
As bhajans prolonged beyond the daylight, crossing the twilight,
with Bhagawan glittering as the crest jewel adoring the
centre-stage, what ensued was a sumptuous feast of Divine Darshan
enjoyed every bit by the blessed assembly.
At 1910 hrs. Bhagawan turned to the priest indicating for Mangala
Arathi, after exactly 100 minutes of bhajans. Upon accepting Arathi,
blessing the concourse with abhayahastha, Bhagawan moved off,
interacting with many enroute, before gliding into the ladies' side
at 1922 hrs. retiring for the day. Prasadam was distributed to the
entire assemblage.
The group from Kerala, belonging to "Sai Rehabilitation Programme"
for cardio patients blessed with the Healing Touch of Bhagawan
through Bhagawan's Medicare Mission was also present as a separate
group, with many of them feasting their first darshan of the
Saviour. The group of 700, that comprises of 150 Muslims, is in
Parthi at the exclusive expressive desire of many of these muslim
beneficiaries who wanted to meet the "Baba". Being Ramadan season,
the group is expected to Ramadan Namaz offering in a separate place
in the ashram and the group had come with meticulously planning,
bringing paraphernalia related to this offering.
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Tuesday,
Aug 17, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, in the evening, upon emerging at 1705 hrs. to the holy chants
of Vedam, Bhagawan glided through the concourse of devotees,
completing a full round, before coming onto the portico to move into
the bhajan hall. Exiting soon, Bhagawan came onstage at 1720 hrs. as
Vedic incantations continued for the next five minutes before
bhajans commenced five minutes ahead of the scheduled hour.
The Lord was in His gracious benevolent mood and He had "His Picks"
during the session that ensued. Picking up two of the boys working
in the ashram, Bhagawan interacted with them for a while before
blessing the boys with Vibhuti Prasadam. ...After a pause another
boy followed, blessed by Vibhuti prasadam. Calling and conversing
with one of the faculty members from the Institute, Bhagawan adorned
him with a materialised golden chain blessing him profusely.
With Bhagawan sitting onstage, the session continued until
Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi at 1818 hrs. Leaving the dais after
blessing the packed audience with His abhayahastha, Bhagawan spent
sometime conversing and blessings some devotees including some
students before retiring for the day at 1830 hrs., bringing curtains
down on this blessed Tuesday. Prasadam was distributed to the entire
assemblage.
Canada has come with a full strength of around 1200 and would be in
Prasanthi for ten days. Kerala contingent of devotees started
arriving ahead of Onam festivity; a group of 240 belonging to "Sai
Neethi", a Forum of Lawyers has also joined the Onam contingent.
Seven hundred 'pilgrims' including 300 patients who have been
benefitted by the Medicare Mission of Bhagawan and subsequently
rehabilitated under the "Sai Rehabilitation Programme" are expected
for a "Hrudaya Sangamam" in the Divine presence on 18 Aug. This
seven hundred includes 150 Muslims whose lives have been touched by
the Divine Benevolence of Bhagawan!!! "Hrudaya Sanghamam",
counseling and reunion programme, normally organised at various
district centres in Kerala is scheduled in Prasanthi Nilayam this
time at the special insistence of a group of Muslim beneficiaries
from Malappuram and Kozhikode districts of Kerala, who were eager to
meet the "source of inspiration" behind the free Medicare at the
twin super speciality hospitals run by Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. |
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|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Monday, Aug
16, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: After a
"week full" of cultural programmes, today, on this cloudy evening
without any special schedule, Bhagawan emerged at 1735 hrs.
delivering week's first darshan. A full round ensued upon which
coming onto the portico, Bhagawan glided past the lower portico,
blessing many, before coming onstage at 1750 hrs., from the right of
Ganesha.
Bhajans that commenced at the scheduled hour continued till 1835
hrs. when Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi.
After the bhajans and Arathi, as the Universal Prayer, "Samastha
Lokaaha..." was on, Bhagawan, The Lord of Supreme Benevolence, was
in a playful mood with His students and started throwing Vibhuti
packets unto the the front block of students, mainly Bhajan and
Vedam boys.
Four of them got a packet each and the 'foursome' was blessed
with Padanamaskar... Soon HE asked for an encore of "Samastha
Lokaaha...". A brief conversation with one of the leading bhajan
singers followed before Bhagawan moving off the dais at 1840 hrs.
Interacting with some seniors followed by a couple of students
Bhagawan glided into the ladies' side at 1845 hrs. retiring to Yajur
Mandiram.
With "Region 94" devotees from Arabian Gulf and the Middle East are
set to retreat in a couple of days, another huge group, from Canada,
is expected and the inflow has already begun with the arrival of
small contingents. ...And adding to Prasanthi's festive glory comes
the Kerala festival Onam, scheduled for 23rd August. Groups of
devotees from "God's Own Country" are expected to arrive in the
coming days. This evening, Sai Kulwant Hall had a packed audience
enjoying the bliss of the "darshan cum bhajan" session. |
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|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Sun, Aug 15,
2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: The strings that
pulled on the previous evening emitting strains of Divine Romance
continued to emanate soulful tunes and in response came a 'Divine
Call' for yet another 'bonding' between The Lord and His children
resulting an indoor session in favour of "Prema Bandhan" that lasted
for ninety long minutes.
Today, in the evening, emerging at 1635 hrs. to the chants of Vedam,
Bhagawan drifted through the multitudes, pausing in between,
blessing many including primary children, before completing the
round to go for another half round encircling the ladies' end.
Taking a detour and reaching the portico, Bhagawan glided past the
lower portico to get into the bhajan hall at 1505 hrs. through the
rear entrance.
As if continuing from where they had left on the previous evening, a
closed door session ensued, wherein Bhagawan spent next ninety
minutes with the 1996 batch of students and their immediate family
members. Prof. G Venkataraman who addressed the group in the Divine
presence spoke about the evolution of Parthi, between then and now,
elaborating on the various service activities taken up by Bhagawan
as a part of His Divine Mission. Professor's speech was followed by
an Inspirational Divine Discourse wherein Bhagawan stressed highly
on the importance of harmonious living in families. Citing various
illustrious characters, namely the couple in the lores, Nala and
Damayanthi, Bhagawan highlighted on the greater importance of living
with understanding in families, especially between husband and wife.
"Vote of Thanks", more appropriately, 'expression of Gratitude to
Bhagawan' followed before winding up the long, 'illustrious' session
between The Lord and His 'properties'.
...And outside, in the Sai Kulwant Hall, as "the wait' continued
with a jam-packed assembly awaiting The Lord, the nature was
wielding her magical spell with the rare combo of overcast sky with
an advancing twilight with her dark tinge setting a perfect backdrop
for The Lord to emerge as His students were to celebrate the glory
of Mother India, celebrating 64th National Independence Day in in
His immediate Divine presence. The backdrop has to be dark for
Mother India to be shone forth...and, adding to the celebrating
mood, heavens opened up, pouring her share of joy.
...And came the Lord!...emerging at 1845 hrs., Bhagawan glided
through the lower portico to come onstage at 1850 hrs. and the stage
was ready for the drama "Swarajya Gatha" by the senior post graduate
students of SSSIHL.
Invoking blessings ensued before Bhagawan's Voice "Khanda
Kandanthara..." rendered the air marking the beginning of the
presentation. "Swarajya Gatha" was centred around the freedom
struggle involving Bharat's first mass leader, Bal Gangadhar Tilak,
lived during the period 1856-1920. Tilak's ideals to spread national
unity and religious harmony through various religious festivals
promoting "Swarajya", standing united against the British, set the
backdrop for the presentation before the story advanced into Tilak's
undying passion for Mother India and winning her freedom from the
British. The man who proclaimed "Swarajya is my birthright and I
shall have it" finally got arrested by the British who sent him to
jail for a long six year imprisonment. His evolution in the jail,
where he turned contemplative, getting deep into the 'Geeta Rahasya'
and Karma Yoga, still madly possessed with his undying passion for
his Mother India was illustrated with the help of Mahabharat scenes
depicting Abhimanyu, who embraces the risk of getting into the
Padmavyooha in the name of moral duty to win the battle.
Subsequent scenes depicted Tilak's state of depression, at not
finding a sustained way forward to win his dream Swarajya, after he
was freed form the jail, his meeting up with Sai Baba of Shirdi and
Baba's precious words of advice to him. Mother India is in the safe
hands of God assured the Lord of Shirdi advising Tilak to find his
own swarajya first.
The presentation was packed with powerful dialogue delivery. At the
time of his arrest by the British, he said: "Swarajya is the
foundation and not anything raised to have a prosperous future; a
foundation never comes down; may be an edifice that is raised on the
foundation will come down, but another one will soon rise in its
place and it is just a matter of time", retorted Tilak countering
the British.
The one hour presentation ended with a melodious group song on the
glory of Bharat, Mother India, to the tune of "Sundaram Bharatham
Sumadhuram..." The presentation was interwoven with melodious and
colorful dance and song sequences. An innovative idea, a revolving
automated stage, done indigenously by the students from the hostel
won special attention from Bhagawan.
Moving down the dais, Bhagawan posed for group photo session
involving entire crew. Bhagawan chose to spend some time in the
middle interacting with the group. The Abhimanyu cast won His
special blessings as Bhagawan materialised a golden chain with a
Ganesha pendant for the cast. Returning onto the stage, Bhagawan
spent quite sometime interacting with various casts. Bhagawan was
seemed to be amused with the two boys acted as Draupadi and Subhadra.
Interacting with them, Bhagawan, upon presenting them safari pieces
gave away an additional presentation, a saree each, to the delight
and amusement of all. Entire drama crew got safari pieces as a token
of His love and blessing. This Divine Interactive Session continued
till 2020 hrs. until Bhagawan nodded for Mangala Arathi. Upon
accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais. Interacting with many
enroute, Bahgawan glided into the ladies' side at 2025 hrs. retiring
to Yajur Mandiram bringing curtains down on this glorious evening of
64th National Independence Day!
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Saturday,
Aug 14, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates:
God is bound by nothing but love...The Bond of Love that 'pulls the
strings' singing pure selfless love unto Him is what God seeks from
every human.
Bonding in the name of love for "Swami", a group of over
seventy-five students from the SSSIHL batch of 1996 assembled along
with their immediate family in Prasanthi Nilayam, in a programme
entitled "Prema Bandhan".
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photo source: sssbpt.org - layout - photo design : saibabaofindia.com |
Emerging quite early at 1630 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan,
upon completing a full round of darshan moved into the bhajan hall
for a fifty minute closed door session with the old students and
families. Before completing the round, Bhagawan spent ample time
blessing flocks of Easwaramma English Medium children who were
craning to have His attention with various4 greeting cards.
Inside the bhajan hall, cutting a special cake on the occasion,
Bhagawan moved through the rows, blessing many. Half-an-hour into
the session the group burst into a string of love-filled songs,
evoking nostalgic memoirs of their student days in the hallowed
portals. Bhagawan materialised a golden chain for one of the
students interacting and blessing his immediate family members.
Winding up the fifty minute session Bhagawan emerged to come onstage
at 1735 hrs. As per His Divine Command, the batch of 1996 along with
'their' relatives also moved out, moving into the front block to
feast another round of close darshan.
Earlier, in the morning, the group had the special
privilege of leading the morning bhajans along with the Prasanthi
bhajan group.
Bhajans that commenced at the scheduled hour continued till 1805
hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting
Arathi, moving off the dais, Bhagawan interacted with many on His
way, before gliding into the ladies' side to retire to Yajur
Mandiram, at 1815 hrs. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat was seen seeking
Divine Blessings as Bhagawan passed by.
Earlier, in the morning, Bhagawan had emerged at 1030 hrs. to go for
a "Divine Safari" outside the Prasanthi gates, before returning to
the Mandir to accept Mangala Arathi, retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Friday,
August 13, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: |
Today, in the evening, emerging at 1740 hrs. to the chants of Vedam,
Bhagawan went for a full round of darshan. Towards the end of the
round, Bhagawan paused for a while at the ladies' side, interacting
with some before coming onto the portico. Gliding through the lower
portico, Bhagawan blessed some 'organisational' officials before
coming onstage at 1805 hrs.; as He was gliding past Bhagawan was
seen 'repeating' the Vedic incantations as was rendered by the Vedam
group.
Coming onstage, as the Vedic incantations went on, Bhagawan blessed
the organisers and some of the participants from the UAE who were
set to stage a cultural presentation.
The programme titled, "Prema Tarangini", meaning Ocean of Love, was
a loving offering by the Balvikas children from Gulf and Middle East
Region, The UAE comprising eight centres, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah,
Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
As Veda chanting ended at 1810 hrs. an official introduction on the
programme followed afterwhich children took over the proceedings.
Starting with Sainatha Ashatakam, they went on singing another five
hymns for the next 25 minutes before the seniors took over for the
next half-an-hour singing melodious bhajans. At the end of the
children programme Bhagawan blessed one little blossoming bud with
Vibhuti Prasadam followed by another one with a materialised golden
chain. Subsequently Bhagawan called the boy once again onstage
presenting him an 'instant' photo print of the same.
At 1910 hrs. Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting
Arathi, Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose for a and the bhajan
troupe. 107 seven children from eight centres participated in the
evening's presentation.
Moving off the dais at 1920 hrs. Bhagawan went into the interview
room to spend next fifteen minutes in before emerging to retire at
1935 hrs.
This blessed evening in Prasanthi was made more beautiful by the
surge of wave of love from the other end of Arabic Ocean. These tiny
tots had a unique prayer unto Bhagawan, praying for the welfare of
children all over the globe. These wave of prayers was sure to have
reached The Lord!
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Thursday,
August 12, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: On this holy Thursday, that as well marks the second day of the Holy
Month of Ramadan for the Muslims around the world, the visiting
"Region 94" devotees from The United Arab Emirates got a befitting
benediction from Bhagawan to stage the first of their programmes in
the immediate Divine presence.
Responding to Bhagawan's call to serve the humanity, "Region 94"
organised a programme of distribution of "implements that could earn
a living" for selected beneficiaries from villages around
Puttaparthi.
Earlier, in the evening, emerging at 1730 hrs. to the chants of
Vedam, Bhagawan went for a full round of darshan, pausing in
between, before completing the round in fifteen minutes. Glancing at
the Primary Children, Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side
for a full length before turning above to come onto the portico.
Blessing some faculties from SSSIHL, Bhagawan moved on to come
onstage at 1750 hrs. Before assuming His original seat onstage,
Bhagawan chose to interact with some of the representatives from the
UAE who were seated at the university block.
Proceedings for the evening began with the officials seeking Divine
blessings for the commencement of the distribution programme. An
emotional introductory speech by one of the regional representatives
followed before Prof. Anil Kumar took over the proceedings. Speaking
on the uniqueness of the service endeavours of Sathya Sai Seva
Organisations, Prof. Anil Kumar explained the 'guidelines' for the
beneficiaries. Implements, namely, solar lamps, sewing machines,
tricycles, water filters and mixers were distributed to over 85 of
beneficiaries with Bhagawan watching over the proceedings.
As the beneficiaries retreated with grateful thanks to the
'presiding deity' in physical, the stage was being set for a songs
presentation by devotees from Turkey. The programme was entitled
"Divine Songs From Turkey" . Starting with three Omkars followed by
a Ganesha Bhajan, the troupe sang almost a dozen songs for the next
fifty minutes before winding up with a melodious number with an
infectious refrain "Sai Ram Baba..., Om Sai Ram".
It was time for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan
asked for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...". A pause ensued and
Bhagawan asked for clothes to be brought for presentation. The
troupe of more than forty members was blessed with sarees and safari
pieces, ladies and gents respectively. At 1920 hrs. after completing
the distribution, Bhagawan asked for one more Mangala Arathi that
was followed by the third "Samastha Lokaaha...." for the evening.
Soon Bhagawan moved off, blessing some devotees enroute, retiring
for the day at 1925 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire
assemblage.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Wednesday, Aug 11, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
During most of the day the sky was overcast
and setting the stage for "His entry" came cooling showers just
before the scheduled end of the Veda chanting.
Bhagawan emerged at 1741 hrs. with an yellow umbrella cover on top,
well received by the multitudes that went into spontaneous applause,
an act of rejoicing watching His special 'colourful' entry.
Veda chanting got a fillip with ' Little Hearts' from Primary School
and Easwaramma English Medium School joining en masse with verve and
enthusiasm. ...And as Bhagawan was moving past, the drizzle turned
into lashing rains banging the roof atop with thud lending a natural
background score to His Divine Darshan. Completing a full round of
darshan Bhagawan came onstage at 1758 hrs. and soon blessings
followed signaling further proceedings for the session.
As announced during the previous evening, the Youth from Delhi & NCR
(National Capital Region) were to stage a dance drama titled 'Guru
Kripa'. The presentation was based on the life of illustrious Sufi
Saint, Bulleh Shah, lived during 17th-18th century, highlighting
Guru's importance in one's life.
Bringing a modern day scene wherein a youth of the day with
overpowering ego forgets social ethics and behavioural norms, the
presentation takes the help of the illustrious life of the Sufi
saint to enlighten the youth of the greater importance of Guru
Bhakthi. His remorseful father narrates the story of the Saint in an
attempt to bring his son back into the right track. Bulleh Shah,
against much opposition from his family and society in general,
stood by his devotion to his guru, Inayat Shah Quadri, a lower cast,
declaring firmly that he would forgo his family and worldly life,
but not his "Sai", who was his revered guru.
Still not convinced, the egotist finally learns his lesson when his
discarded teacher pardoned him, despite all the insults meted out to
him, saving his former student from the embarrassment of going
behind the bars.
The fifty minute presentation was intertwined with melodious and
meaningful songs in folk Punjabi language, the language used during
the times of Bulleh Shah. The presentation ended with a group song,
in typical sufi tongue, in praise of "Sai".
Upon the end of the presentation, Bhagawan called the fakir cast
onstage and blessed him with a materialised golden chain.
Subsequently Bhagawan moved down the stage for a group photo
session. It was 1855 hrs. and as indicated by Bhagawan lead bhajan
pair burst open with "Allaho Akbar.." A pause ensued as Bhagawan sat
through and soon ."Sri Raghavam..." followed and the session
continued from there...with an array of bhajans.... In the meantime
an 'instant photo print of the materialisation came. The cast was
called onstage once again and Bhagawan made over the same to the
youth, a bonus blessing for the blessed youth.
After the drama presentation, 'His drama' was unfolding. Bhagawan
asked for the backroom assistants also to come forward to join the
drama cast in the front block...Soon He moved down the dais once
again!...for yet another photo session!!
Returning onstage in five minutes Bhagawan sat through... still more
to come?!?
Lord's compassion was filling and fulfilling...Bhagawan was seen
giving instructions to the State President, Delhi & NCR...and soon
the drama cast in small groups marched onto the stage for yet
another "Momentous Moment" with The Divine!!!
These post programme sessions often turn out to be 'open class
rooms'. Tales that tags the tails of such sessions are great eye
openers for man to learn and imbibe.
It was 1930 hrs. and Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi. Upon
accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat for a while and before leaving the
dais He blessed the concourse with Abhayahastha. Leaving off,
enroute, Bhagawan profusely blessed Lakhwinder
Wadali, the Sufi singer who mesmerised the audience with his
scintillating sufi rendering on the previous evening. Interacting
with the singer, Bhagawan gave him 'fistfuls' of Vibhuti prasadam, a
sign of His all conquering Love!!! As He was gliding into the
ladies' side, there came an 'instant' print of the group photo
session...Presenting the same to the State President, Bhagawan moved
off, retiring for the day, bringing curtains down on another
eventful evening.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Tuesday,
Aug 10, 2010:- Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, in the evening, emerging at 1700 hrs. to the chants of Vedam,
Bhagawan went for a lengthy round of darshan before showing up
onstage at 1720 hrs., marked by 'heightened' chanting.
The evening was earmarked for Delhi & NCR to stage a cultural
offering, a Sufi & Folk Song presentation by popular North Indian
Sufi Singer Lakhwinder Wadali and troupe. Sufi rendering is an off
shoot of Sufism, which in turn promotes religious harmony was in
fact the best offering to the Great Master who is the greatest
proponent of religious harmony. Sufi songs reflect the pure state of
one's mind and are focussed on one's love towards God.
As Vedic chants continued, Mr. Jatinder Cheema, State President,
Delhi & NCR, as per the command of Bhagawan presented a prelude to
the programme introducing the singer to the august assembly.
Profusely thanking Bhagawan for His nine days' North Indian sojourn
in April, Mr. Cheema called the evening's presentation as an
offering of gratitude for Bhagawan's greater benevolence that took
Him to Delhi and Shimla. Introducing the singer, he made a mention
of the singer's father, Padmashree Ustad Puran Chand Walia, who had
the blessed opportunity to sing in Bhagawan's Divine presence 37
years ago, in Moga, Punjab.
Commencing the programme, the blessed singer, singing from the depth
of his heart to the heights of exalted heavens, rendering high
pitched numbers reverberating the packed 'amphitheatre' in
Prasanthi, took the entire audience with his special 'twists and
turns', typical of sufi style, complete with meaning, to the
accompaniment of high beat music, resulting an electrifying musical
evening.
The singing was so alluring that the verve in the air was
catching up with the packed assembly tuning rapt attention onto the
stage. Among the numbers included Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's popular
Sufi Qawwali, Dama Dam Mast Kalandhar...enjoyed by one and all.
An hour passed by when the singer was into his fifth number and at
the end of the same Bhagawan moved off, asking the singer to
continue. As he continued to make merry of the life opportunity
bestowed upon, the twilight's shadow was soon catching up engulfing
Prasanthi, and adding to this splendour arrived The Lord, in fifteen
minutes, onstage at 1655 hrs. ...and the hall literally turned lit
with His re-entry as the tempo was soon building up before the final
whistle. The singer, by now into his seventh number was repeatedly
singing "Aaja Mahi...Aaja Mahi.."; bringing a sudden twist pausing
the song He addressed The Lord: "Sai jab chale gayethe tho hamara
man nahi lag raha tha...tho hum aapke jaane ke baad ye sab kahne
lagi..." Loye Loye Aaja Mahi, meaning, when Bhagawan moved off, he
was feeling odd (in the absence) and was repeatedly invoking Him,
calling out Aaja Mahi..Aaja Mahi)...The tune was melodious and
mesmerising and the love of the devotee was expressive in these
lines, in a most catching tune, enticing the audience...and the
singer continued ending the electrifying musical extravaganza to a
grand finale. It lasted for ninety long minutes.
Bhagawan called the singer unto Him to felicitate him by draping a
shawl over him before blessing the whole troupe with safari pieces.
It was 1910 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon
accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat on and the session continued. The
artiste on the Tabla who was vibrant with his 'hand-finger-tabla'
combo won special acclaim as Bhagawan made a typical gesture
indicating rhythmic beat of Tabla on his fingertips and as the
artiste moved towards Bhagawan to receive his share of blessings,
'crowd' went into raptures in special appreciation.
Next to come was an emerald ring for the singer and subsequently
Bhagawan asked the State President to announce about the next
evening's programme. Delhi Youth would be staging a drama entitiled
"Guru Krupa" as per the announcement made. Time clock ticked to 1922
hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for another Mangala Arathi. Upon
accepting Arathi, after blessing the concourse with abhayahastha,
Bhagawan sat for a while gesticulating the students and the youth to
go and have food. They burst into 'silent' laughters enjoying every
bit of His Love and concern! A short interaction with a bhajan
singer ensued before Bhagawan went for the the 'final move' to
retire to Yajur Mandiram at 1930 hrs.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Monday, Aug 9, 2010
-Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, in the evening that had no
'special' schedule, Bhagawan emerged at 1725 hrs. to come
for a slow, 'detailed' round of darshan. Coming onto the portico,
Bhagawan blessed Team Vidya Vahini before proceeding to come
onstage, past 1745 hrs., from the right of Ganesha. Before assuming
His original seat, Bhagawan paused for a while facing the university
block, casting His Divine benedictory glance.
With no special programme scheduled for the
evening it was 'soulful' bhajans that ensued after four days passed
with noughts, and the capacity audience enjoyed every bit of the
session with Bhagawan sitting through for seventy five minutes.
As bhajans went on, forty minutes into the
session, there was a pause as Bhagawan called one of the lead bhajan
singing duo unto the dais, conversing and blessing the pair. Session
continued with bhajans taking the lead. Another singer got to get
His attention, and this time Bhagawan blessed the boy with a golden
chain. It was 1833 hrs. and Bhagawan nodded for Mangala Arathi. As
Arathi was on simultaneously blessed prasadam distribution also went
on. A minute's pause ensued after the Arathi and Bhagawan asked for
an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...".
When human minds 'declared' the session over,
Bhagawan had other plans and He sat through, glancing upon the boys
and it was obvious that The Lord was in a mood to continue. As He
was browsing through it was apparent that Bhagawan was ready for
'His Pick' and the boys in the front block got alerted and sat glued
to the beauteous form. ...And the vast concourse was enjoying this
Divine play involving The Lord and His 'properties'. One of the boys
working with the Digital Studio got His attention followed by a
faculty from Brindavan....and He called the senior lead singer
followed by the singing pair once again...another pair followed and
time clock was inching forward...it was about to be 1900 hrs. and
Bhagawan indicated that it was time to move.
...And He moved off, taking a right turn, coming
onto the lower verandah from the right of Ganesha, to move on
retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Sunday, Aug 8, 2010:- Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, in the evening, emerging
quite early at 1555 hrs., Bhagawan went for a half-round
before taking a detour through the middle path to come onto the
portico, not before pausing for a while at the primary block amusing
the tiny tots, who enhanced the Veda chanting, joining en masse.
State Chief Minister Mr. K.Rosaiah along with
another two ministers were awaiting Bhagawan in the Mandir. Blessing
the Chief Minister with a twenty minute interview, Bhagawan spent
next fifty minutes in before emerging at 1655 hrs., to move into the
bhajan hall. Exiting from the bhajan hall Bhagawan came onstage at
1700 hrs., from the left of Ganesha commencing the proceedings for
the day.
Birthday benedictions to students followed before
the West Indian troupe moved onto the dais seeking invocatory
blessings for its scheduled cultural presentation.
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Photo source:
sssbpt.org - design layout: saibabaofindia.com
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Continuing with the ongoing series of cultural
presentations by visiting overseas groups, a group of nations from
the Caribbean Islands presented a musical offering of West Indies
Love, entitled Unity in Diversity. The island
nations participated included Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados,
Guyana etc. Over 240 devotees from the above island nations have
joined in this pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam.
Veda chanting ceased at 1710 hrs. before the the
Island Nations' offering of Love blossomed in the form of a small
stint of Vedam. Continuing from there they presented an array of
seven songs, fast numbers, accompanied by scintillating music. The
first song was the famous Harry Belafonte composition, "Island in
the Sun", an illustration of daily life and living in the island
nation. Next number to follow was "One Love, One Heart" of Bob
Marley, on the Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God. Third one
"Oh Children of Noble and Ancient Culture" 'spoke about' the story
of ancestral Indian migration of 'great labour' into the island
lantion, building the 'new home' adhering to Dharma, that was carried
from India. Four more songs followed, all sounding Love for the Lord
before the Balvikas children and the Young Adults took over with a
unique music extravaganza, an instrumental on Steel pan.
Tassa drums or Steel pans are claimed to have
originated in the Caribbean islands, known as the traditional or
Indigenous musical instrument of the island nation made purely out
of used oil barrels.
Playing on the tassa drums, this group of
children, tuned to the finger baton of the conductor, created a west
Indian canvas on the waning hour of the day, showcasing the rarest
of the culture of the island nation, as a loving offering at the
Lotus Feet of Bhagawan. Both the offerings were conducted by Rana
Mohip from Trinidad and Tobago.
Earlier, introducing the programme, a mention was
made of the humanitarian services rendered by the island nations
during the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti early this year.
This fifteen minute offering was followed by a
couple of bhajans by the troupe before Bhagawan called for Mangala
Arathi at 1755 hrs. Upon accepting Arathi, blessing prasadam for
distribution, Bhagawan moved off the dais into the interview room. A
minute later He emerged to glide into the ladies side, and as He was
on the move, it started raining outside. His Divine Chariot came
rushing awaiting the Lord, parked just inside the entrance point from
the Yajur Mandiram. Bhagawan glided past, once again, opting out the
car, retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
The weekend session that began quite early, just
before 1600 hrs., ended in two hours. at 1800 hrs. A big contingent of 'green scarved' men and women
devotees numbering over 1200 from Region 94 of Sri Sathya Sai
Organisations, from the United Arab Emirates, have arrived Prasanthi
commencing its ten days' pilgrimage.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Saturday, Aug 7, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
This morning, making an early entry
at 0733 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a
quick round of darshan before getting into the interview room at
0740 hrs. With Vedic chants continuing, Bhagawan spent next more
than half-an-hour inside granting interview to some Italian
devotees. In the meanwhile bhajans commenced at the scheduled hour,
at 0900.
Emerging at 0915 hrs. Bhagawan glided through the
upper portico, conversing and blessing some, before 'turning above'
from half way stage, to come onstage, via doctors' block, past 0920
hrs. A crescendo in bhajans marked His grand entry and the happiness
of the multitude was evident from the extra smile lit on many a face
present.
Soon it was time for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi,
Bhagawan moved off the dais to glide into the ladies' end, at 0925
hrs., moving slowly, blessing many, towards Yajur Mandiram.
Bhagawan was onstage just for five minutes, but
that was enough for this multitude to get charged awaiting their
next blessed opportunity.
This evening,
emerging at 1754 hrs. to the holy Vedic incantations,
Bhagawan wafted among the multitude, slowly, glancing upon many and
blessing before completing a full round. Men and women seated from
Northern European countries and the tiny tots from Easwaramma
English Medium School earned special attention as Bhagawan spent
quite sometime attending to these groups.
Coming onstage in sixteen minutes, at 1710 hrs.,
Bhagawan sat on, watching over, listening to the Vedic incantations
enhanced by the tiny tots from Easwaramma English Medium School.
Taking their turn, Northern European
Choir comprising of 12 countries from European Zone 7 of
Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Overseas was blessed by Bhagawan to
stage a Choir programme entitled ALL ARE ONE.
Participating countries were Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark,
The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,
Poland and Sweden. Over three hundred men and women from these
countries have joined this pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam lasting
for ten days.
While the Veda chanting continued some of the men
from the group got special attention from Bhagawan as He chose to
interact with them. Familiar figure during Christmas Choir and
singer of repute, Gisela Sebastian from Germany won special Divine
attention as Bhagawan materialised a golden chain for the blessed
artiste, well received with roar of applause.
Veda chanting ceased at 1735 hrs. and following
initial invocation and an announcement on the scheduled programme by
the programme co-ordinator, the choristers began their 'journey'
with a piece of Indian incantation, Ganesha Prarthana, invoking Lord
Ganesha.
Continuing with the Indian tongue, this all
'European Choir' sang two more pieces, one from The Bhagavad Gita
followed by " Bhumi Mangalam" before switching over to its comfort
zone, English and some regional languages, namely, German,
Lithuanian and French.
Accompanied by fine piece of music, generating
harmonious rhythm, at time fitting synchronised clapping, more of
Indian style, the choristers produced a musical evening of
dedication and devotion to the delight of the evening's capacity
audience. The Choir was ably conducted by Ms. Alma Badings from The
Netherlands, a familiar face in Prasanthi during X-Mas Children
Choir, with Ms. Gisela Sebastian leading 'the singing' from the
front, laying extra hands on the keys of harmonium.
Musical pieces for the evening included
Hallelujah from Handel's Messiah, Ode to Joy, a customised Beethoven
classic etc. Many hymns had interesting refrains, direct prayers
unto Him and some of them were quite noteworthy for the manner in
which they were produced, which were typical, loud, fast and quite
abrupt erupting greater enthusiasm and joy. Final pieces were one on
"Unity" followed by a "Wishing Happy Days" to The Dearest Lord.
Fifty minutes' programme was followed by twenty
minutes' bhajans by the choristers. As they began to sing, Bhagawan
blessed singer Gisela Sebastian with a print of her blessed snap
with Bhagawan, materialiasing the chain. Prasadam got sanctified by
His touch and as the distribution went on, after 5-6 bhajans, sung
with elan suffused with devotion, Bhagawan called for Mangala
Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan spent another five minutes
onstage, glancing at the choristers, blessing two of the men,
including the youngster who was on the harmonium, before leaving the
dais at 1855 hrs.
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New Photo slides updated today:
A Mandolin Serenade in
Prasanthi Nilayam 5th Aug 2010
"...Bhagawan
has always been engaged in encouraging art and music by
blessing many an artist to perform in the ultimate
Divine presence. …And for these artistes performing in
this ultimate court of excellence is the best of the
boons that could ever come by.
Joining this list of
artistes was Mandolin Maestro U. Srinivas. The little
lad whose musical prowess made him a child prodigy, who
weaved carnatic musical magic on his chosen instrument
to become a maestro in the art, Mandolin U Srinivas,
along with his sibling U Rajesh were blessed by Bhagawan
to present a musical serenade on the evening of 5 Aug in
the immediate Divine presence. The duo was assisted by
two in-house men, Sai Dutta on Mridangam and Nishikant
Barodekar on Tabla, both faculties from the Sri Sathya
Sai Mirpuri College of Music, Prasanthi Nilayam...."
Photo slides |
Moving off the dais, Bhagawan interacted with
many before drifting into the bhajan hall for a round of inspection.
Spending ten minutes inside, Bhagawan emerged yet again and The
Divine Chariot, His car was ready. Opting out the car as Bhagawan
glided towards the ladies'' side, a loud cheer emanated from the
section, a natural expression of greater joy at getting one more
close darshan. Time clock showed 1910 hrs. when Bhagawan left the
portico gliding towards Yajur Mandiram, bringing curtains down on
this blessed Saturday.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Friday, Aug 6, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, this evening, with the holy
chants of Vedam reverberating in the air,
Bhagawan emerged at 1645 hrs.
to come for a slow, full round of darshan that took nearly fifteen
minutes. Coming onstage at 1700 hrs., from the right of Ganesha, as
Bhagawan settled, Veda chanting ceased in next five minutes giving
way to the evening's cultural presentation by Team UK.
After initial invocation by the officials seeking
blessings before the presentation, Dana Gillespie, well known
western vocalist of the popular London Blues Band presented the
programme to the audience in her booming voice.
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Large size photos
UK Choir
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The UK had two programmes of twenty minutes
duration in store. The first programme was a Children Choir
participated by around 200 SSE children, both boys and girls, from
different part of the Kingdom. Producing six songs, sung in Voice of
Unity, ably conducted by Zita Starkie with Richard Braithwaite
strumming the guitar, the choir had many little hands strumming
various instruments that were in proportion to their 'size'. The six
hymns included, All You Need is Love...from the Beatles by
George Harrison, ..., My Sweet Lord..., Lord's Command,
a Scottish number, Day by Day...to end up with Lord of
the Dance...
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Evening's cultural presentation
by Team UK

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The Children presentation was followed by the
National Youth Choir of the United Kingdom. The presentation
entitled "All is One" was unique, conducted by Dana
Gillespie on the ladies' side with Tim Cross for the gents. Starting
with "The Seed is Sown...", they continued with some interesting
numbers including one from the Upanishads, another one of more than
hundred years old, still relevant in the present time, ...singing
"Amazing Grace..." symbolic of Bhagawan's grace that brought them
unto Prasanthi Nilayam, to end up with a medley of Hindi songs from
the 1940's joined by the entire UK contingent, en masse.
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Children Choir participated by around 200 SSE children

Photo source:
sssbpt.org - design layout: saibabaofindia.com
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A couple of bhajans by the UK troupe followed as
directed by Bhagawan. Time clock ticked to 1900 hrs. and Bhagawan
called for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, a lengthy pause
ensued and prasadam distribution was on. Calling the three
conductors, Bhagawan materialised Vibhuti prasadam for the trio
while blessing them with interaction. After ten minute pause,
Bhagawan indicated for bhajans by the UK contingent. Two bhajans
followed after which second Arathi was offered. Upon accepting the
same Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1925 hrs., to retire to Yajur
Mandiram in His car.
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Dana Gillespie-Zita Starkie-Richard Braithwaite-Tim
Cross

Photo source:
sssbpt.org - design layout: saibabaofindia.com
click to
enlarge |
Earlier while gliding past during His darshan
round, Bhagawan was quite 'attentive' at the UK block, glancing
over, blessing the contingent including the tiny tots who were
seated in the front block.
An approximate number of over 1500 from the
United Kingdom have joined this pilgrimage that would last
tomorrow....And a strong contingent of over 1200 from the United
Arab Emirates would be reaching the day after.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Thursday, Aug 5, 2010: - Sai News & Photo Updates:
With Bhagawan amidst us, every day,
every moment is auspicious; still, Holy Thursday assumes a special
significance in Prasanthi and thus the title ‘The Auspicious Day’.
Today, on this
auspicious Thursday evening, emerging at 1705 hrs. to the
chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a slow round of darshan before
ascending the portico in fifteen minutes.
The Lord who had long ago declared ‘Fostering the
Vedas’ as one of His prime mission goals seemed to be explicitly
doing the same; Bhagawan spent awhile at the primary block watching
‘little buds’ blossoming breathing Vedic air. As He made His
presence, the children got into a crescendo, ‘chanting to the
heavens’ fully immersed in His presence.
Gliding through the lower portico, blessing the
mandolin duo, U Srinivas and U Rajesh, Bhagawan came onstage at 1725
hrs. Vedam chanting ceased in next five minutes and something
special was in the offing.
This time it was to be a Mandolin Serenade!
Carnatic music was to flow from the mouth of the tiny brittle
instrument called Mandolin! The little lad whose musical genius made
him a child prodigy, who weaved carnatic musical magic on his chosen
instrument, who went on to become a maestro in the art, Mandolin U
Srinivas, alongwith his sibling Mandolin U Rajesh, was to perform
onstage in the Divine presence.
As the duo took Bhagawan's blessings, music
flowed asserting her oneness with Him, as if emphatically
reiterating the saying, "Music is Divine". Playing selected Carnatic
collections, ably assisted by 'in-house' men on Tabla and Mridangam,
the duo presented a fitting tribute to some of the past Masters of
Carnatic Music, dedicating the presentation to the Master Musician
whose greater benevolence played host to the evening's musical
serenade.
Starting with Vatapi Ganapatim of
Muthuswami Dikshitar the duo went on playing Endaro
Mahanubhavulu, Telisi Rama, Rama Nannu Brovara,
all compositions of Saint Thyagaraja , Raghuvamsa Sudha
of Patnam Subramaniam Iyer to end with Venkatachala Nilayam
Vaikunta Puravasam of Saint Purandara Dasa.The duo has been
awaiting ‘their’ turn during the past few days, praying fervently
for His Divine approval.
The stage was perfect with the semblance of Music
and the Divine, inviting attention riveted onstage. It is rightly
said, Music is Divine! When music starts flowing time stands still.
An hour passed by and it was music all over with its serene façade
charming the enchanting Divine and the blessed assembly on this
blessed ‘the auspicious Thursday’.
What followed was honouring of the artistes. The duo was felicitated
and draped with Shawls by Bhagawan. Accompanists on table and
mridangam were also blessed by Bhagawan. Bhagawn blessed the
'foursome' with clothes as well.
As is seen these days, Bhagawan often brings His
'special brand' concluding such sessions in style. A short bhajan
session ensued, producing two scintillating aalaap bhajans
on Lord Sri Rama, Sri Raghavam and Allaho Akbar
before Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi,
Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1900 hrs. to get into His car,
retiring for the day at 1905 hrs.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Wednesday, August 4, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, this evening, 'lighting and lifting' thousands assembled in
the Sai Kulwant Hall that was almost filled to capacity Bhagawan
emerged at 1720 hrs. to the holy chants of Vedam. Coming into the
hall, Bhagawan glided through quite slow, blessing many before
completing a fifteen minute round of darshan. In the meantime
Bhajans had begun at the scheduled hour at 1730. Upon ascending the
portico Bhagawan moved straight into the interview room. Emerging in
five minutes, Bhagawan glided through the rows of men seated in the
upper verandah to turn about from the half way point returning to
the interview room.
A brief pause ensued after which Bhagawan came onstage at 1755 hrs.
from the right of Ganesha. Many young entrepreneurs and business men
from corporate conglomerate were seen vying for an opportunity to
have His attention and Bhagawan was seen accepting letters from some
of them.
A blissful bhajans session ensued as Bhagawan sat through the next
more than half-an-hour. At 1830 hrs. Bhagawan indicated for Mangala
Arathi, and upon leaving the dais, blessing some on His way,
Bhagawan got into His car retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 1840 hrs.
The surge of devotees' continues in Prasanthi with many groups, big
and small, joining the floating 'crowd' of devotees. Apart from a
big contingent from the UK, scheduled to stay until 7 Aug, a mini
group of over 300 from North Europe and another one from the West
Indies are also camping awaiting their turn. Keeping the ball
rolling, the UK contingent would be followed by another big group
from The United Arab Emirates, reaching Prasanthi on 8 Aug.
The three day workshop of "Innovation and Leadership..." at Sri
Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning concluded this evening with
concluding remarks and vote of thanks by students and faculties from
the Institute. The final session on Innovation in the Social Sector
was attended by Ms. Prerana Langa, VP - Strategy and Communication,
ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, PS Gunasekharan, Founder and
CEO of YouSee and Ramanjith Singh, CEO, KAG.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
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Tuesday, August 3, 2010:- Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, in the evening, coming out in His car at 1718 hrs., Bhagawan
came onstage, via doctors' block, at 1725 hrs. after a full round of
darshan.
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The evening was earmarked for the state of
Haryana and Chandigarh to echo its voice of gratitude to Bhagawan in
His immediate Divine presence.
The state that is considered as the cradle of
ancient civilisation is credited with playing host to the epic
Mahabharata War, where blossomed Lord's eternal message, The
Bhagavad Gita.
...And the evening presentation by the Sai Youth
from the state had an interesting episode from the epic. The
presentation entitled 'Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara' was a pointer
towards the present day plight of the youth, living in utter
confusion, being enticed by the influence of hollow western
materialism. Bringing flashback from the epic Mahabharata, adapting
the Yaksha - Yudhishtira conversation, the presentation in Hindi
made an attempt to offer a viable solution to the perturbed youth of
the day.
Winning the heart of the disarrayed youth, the
Sai Youth introduced their present day task, as assigned by
Bhagawan, thus introducing the 'Lord Walking on Earth' to the
confused lot. Convinced of the mighty mission set in motion by
Bhagawan, the youth sung in unison a melodious song echoing that
"life with Sai is meaningful", bringing curtains down on the
half-an-hour presentation.
Earlier, this short play was preceded by a Bal
Vikas presentation entitled "Hari Ka Haryana" . The presentation, a
music dance ballet was a depiction of the vibrant Haryanvi culture.
At the end of the half-an-hour colourful programme, after presenting
various facets of the rich culture of the state, the children
declared that they are beholden to Bhagawan, now and forever,
claiming 'themselves' to be the "Voice of Grateful Haryana".
As Bhagawan had moved off the dais towards the
end of the second presentation, a ten minutes pause ensued before
Bhagawan came onstage at 1845 hrs. 'Presentation ceremony' continued
with boys and girls receiving sarees and safari pieces. At 1850
hrs., at the end of the 'presentation ceremony', Bhagawan moved down
the dais to pose with the group for a 'snap with the Divine', boys
and girls separately. Upon returning onstage Bhagawan indicated for
Mangala Arathi.
A brief pause ensued after which, as ordained by
Bhagawan, lead bhajan singer burst open in his melodious voice
singing the famous Bhadrachala Ramdas composition, "O Raamaa Nee
Naamam Entha Ruchi Raa, Emi Ruchi Raa Raamaa - O Raamaa", meaning O
Sri Rama, how tasty is Your Name, O Rama, Your Name is so tasty!,
sung with elan lighting up the final moments of the day's session.
Time ticked away to 1910 hrs. and Bhagawan
indicated for another Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan paused
for a while, looking at the children seated in the front block,
asking them to go and have food. Children greeted the Divine gesture
with applause and Bhagawan moved off. Leaving the dais, Bhagawan
boarded His car at 1916 hrs. retiring to Yajur Mandiram. Prasadam
was distributed to the entire assemblage.
Earlier, before coming in for the day's darshan,
Bhagawan moved out of Yajur Mandiram in the car, to Poornachandra
side for a Divine round of inspection.
...And on Day - 2 of the "Innovation on
Leadership" workshop at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
Learning, discussions on three diverse topics, "Innovation - Some
Additional Perspective", "Innovation for Growth - PSU/Manufacturing
Sector", "Innovation - A Policy Perspective" etc., were held during
the pre and post lunch sessions. During the first session held in
the morning, one of the familiar names from telecommunication
industry, Mr. Sam Pitroda, well known for his revolutionary ideas in
the field, currently serving as Advisor to the Prime Minister of
India on Public Information, Infrastructure and Innovations, also
joined the deliberations on the subject 'Action plan for a decade of
Innovation', via video teleconference.
|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
||
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Monday, August
2, 2010:- Sai News & Photo Updates: Today, this
evening, a brief pause ensued, after the regular one hour Vedic
chants, before Bhagawan emerged at 1740 hrs. to a fresh round of
Vedic chants. Coming for a complete round of darshan. Bhagawan moved
through the pathway, quite slow, blessing many, including a strong
600 plus contingent from Southern Europe, scheduled to sing in the
evening. As Bhagawan came onto the portico, He was greeted with Rose
by some of the prominent names in Indian Business Industry,
including N.Chandrasekharan, CEO, Tata Consultancy Service and
Jagdish Capoor, Chairman, HDFC Bank.
Gliding past the lower portico, coming onstage at 1805 hrs., from
the right of Ganesha, Bhagawan blessed the officials from Choir
group to commence the programme.
Yes, the spirit of celebration continues in Prasanthi. Celebrating
the Divine proximity men and women from Region 6, of Sathya Sai Seva
Organisations - Overseas, comprising of ten countries, namely,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Macedonia,
Serbia, Slovenia and Switzerland joined together to present a "Unity
in Diversity' concert, singing an array of songs in English, French,
Italian, Swiss, Spanish and Greek ending with a closing refrain
"Love All Serve All".
This en masse devotional rendering in varied tongue had the
accompaniment of fine piece of music scored by different hands on
different instruments. At the end of the forty minute session,
special Italian prasadam was blessed by Bhagawan and, as the
choristers continued with bhajans, this prasadam was distributed to
the Choir members.
Bhajans in Indian tongue, emerged from over 600
vocal cords with Bhagawan presiding over the session crowning the
dais, literally lit the waning twilight inducing great devotional
fervour.
Accepting Mangala Arathi after three bhajans, Bhagawan moved off the
dais to get into His car at 1915 hrs., retiring for the day.
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Click here to view Photo gallery |
Now, from Prasanthi Mandir to the hallowed portals of Sri Sathya Sai
Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam.
A high-profile Management Development Programme on the theme
“Innovation and Leadership in Business, Government and Community” is
being held in the Multimedia Room of the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
under the auspices of School of Business Management of Sri Sathya
Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam.
The programme got underway this morning with Dr. R. Chidambaram,
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, lighting
the lamp, officially inaugurating the programme in presence of
scores of other distinguished participants and University officials.
Prominent names, apart from Dr. R.Chidambaram, participating in the
three day programme are Sharad C. Bhargava, Senior VP, L & T, N.
Chandrasekharan, CEO, Tata Consultancy Services, Jagdish Capoor,
Chairman, HDFC Bank, V. Raja, President & CEO, GE Healthcare, India,
RC Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., Robert Naylor,
Former CIO, US Small Business Administration, Dr. JS Sarma,
Chairman, TRAI, Sam Ganga, Senior VP, Digital Management, Ramnathan
V Guha, Distinguished Scientist, Google and Krishna Mikkilineni,
President, Honeywell Technology Solutions etc. |
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Sunday, August 1,2010:
- Sai News & Photo Updates:
Today, in the weekend
evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1805 hrs. to come for a full
round of darshan. Completing the round, pausing for a while at the
primary block, Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side bringing
an extra smile on many a face with His 'extra darshan'. After moving
a full length, Bhgawan returned moving towards the portico.
Upon coming onto the portico, Bhagawan moved
through to come onstage just before 1830 hrs., from the right of
Ganesha, marked by a crescendo in bhajans.
As bhajans went on, birthday boys took their turn
to receive special benedictions. Daylight's 'descending beauty',
twilight, brings greater charm,
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Dr. R Chidambaram Principal scientific advisor to the
Govt. of India seeks Divine blessings 01-08-2010 |
adding splendour to Prasanthi's
'amphitheatre', projecting the Mighty Divine Persona on the centre
stage, illuminating thousands of hearts and minds elevating the
souls. ...And the capacity audience on this weekend session had it
in full measure.
Time ticked away to 1855 hrs. and Bhagawan
indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved
into the interview room. Coming out in five minutes, Bhagawan moved
past the upper portico, casting His benedictory glance upon many,
granting another round of 'extra darshan'. Moving down, Bhagawan
glided through the lower portico, retiring for the day at 1915 hrs.
|| Samastha
Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu || |
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Sai
News Archive
2010:
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Text & photo source-copyrights: Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust -
sssbpt.org - Radiosai.org Prasanthi Diary -
Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org . | Web layout - Photo design : saibabaofindia.com
"SBOI" | |
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| Acknowledgement - Source: photos, text etc. Our most humble thanks to all our Sai friends and fellow devotees for Sai Baba photos & textual matter, particularly to www. sssbpt.org - www. radiosai ,Heart2Heart Team (Prasanthi Diary) , Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation for darshans & photo material and all the other official & public domain sources - Also, Various Sai Baba groups ,Forums & individuals etc. In addition, submitted articles, Darshan account, photos & Sai news by respective Sai devotees from all over the globe & SBOI group members to Group Saibabaofindia & www.Saibabaofindia.com website. Submit Sai news & Photos: mail to: saibabaofindia@yahoo.com - |
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