Online
Source:
http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Service_Activitieshtm
SERVICE TO MAN IS SERVICE TO GOD
distribution of sewing machines and wet-grinding machines to the poor
“Love for God must manifest itself as love
for human beings and express itself as service.” |
– Bhagawan Baba |
The Sai sojourn on earth has been an illustration of
immeasurable magnanimity and incalculable compassion. Emulating lessons
from Bhagawan’s life, the staff of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
Learning, Anantapur Campus for Women, offered at the Divine Lotus Feet,
a service program, on 24th morning, on the occasion of the 80th year of
Bhagawan’s Advent. Bhagawan very graciously permitted distribution of
sewing machines and wet-grinding machines to 84 women who had only a
meagre means of sustenance.
The function began with Bhagawan blessing items like
photographs, blouse pieces, spools of threads etc., that were also part
of the tokens of Bhagawan’s love that the beneficiaries were to receive.
The girl students then melodiously invoked the grace of Lord Ganesha.
Following this, each of the 84 fortunate women chosen to receive the
gift as a means of livelihood, offered their grateful pranams
to Bhagawan while lilting music and commentary were on.
51 women from in and around Anantapur, 11 from
Puttaparthi and 1 each from Cheyedu and Hindupur were among the
beneficiaries who received sewing machines. Interestingly, 30 of them
had already received a short course of training in tailoring at
Anantapur. The 19 women who received wet grinding machines were either
aged or physically disabled hence could not operate sewing machines. Smt.
Bhoodevi of Enumulapalli village received provisions to start a Shanty
Shop to earn her livelihood. The dedicated sevadal members of Anantapur
assisted in carrying the heavy machines to and from the Mandir,
the venue of the function. What, ensued was a soulful musical rendering
of ‘Sai Katha’ – the Story of Sai, - string of songs that glorified the
Sai sojourn on earth, by the girl students of the Anantapur Campus.
Bhagawan oversaw the distribution of prasadam while bhajans
were on, and retired to His Abode by around 10. a.m., leaving the throng
of devotees visibly inspired and touched. |