Kalam pens poem in praise of Sai Baba

Friday November 24 2006 09:43 IST

PUTTAPARTI: President APJ Abdul Kalam penned a poem in Tamil on Sri Satya Sai Baba and read it out on Thursday in the presence of thousands of Sai devotees who gathered here on the occasion of the 81st birthday of Sai Baba.

Immediately after the first citizen completed his poem, a delighted Satya Sai Baba shook hands with him. Kalam’s poetry was translated by Anil Kumar into Telugu.

“I have immense love for Satya Sai Baba. I penned a poem in my mother tongue to greet Sai Baba on his birthday,” said Kalam. The poem was greeted with a loud applause from the audience.

Kalam, who was the chief guest at the function, started his speech by greeting the devotees saying ‘namaskaram’.

Kalam deviated from the routine protocol and squatted on the floor along with other devotees while Sai Baba offered prayers.

Sai Baba reached Sai Kulvant Hall at 8.15 am and made rounds in the hall in a car. Later, Kalam and Baba, seated on the same dais, had a talk for 15 minutes.

Kalam appreciated the efforts of Sai Baba for constructing Sri Satya Sai Centre for Sports in 128 days. With devotional and service activities, Sai Baba became ‘bhagavan’ to devotees, observed Kalam.

In his birthday message, Baba called upon the devotees to recognise that service to man is service to God.

He asked the devotees to try to know the ‘eternal truth’ and not to run after material things. He preached the devotees to come out of the feeling of ‘I and mine’ which was not real.

Sai Baba went down the memory lane and recollected his childhood days. He narrated his childhood pastime and about his friends.

He also recalled the bad propaganda made by some persons about his ‘miracles’ after he reached Puttaparthi. They made such a propaganda out of envy, Sai Baba said.

He announced that a doctor by profession, from California, sold out his entire property worth Rs 40 crore and donated the money to Satya Sai Trust.

Governor I Ramashwar Thakur and several officials and non-officials were present.

sourced: http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?

ID=IEA20061123232142&Page=A&Title=Southern+News+-+Andhra+Pradesh&Topic=0

Kalam calls for convergence of technologies

Updated: 11-23-2006

Hyderabad : President APJ Abdul Kalam stressed the need for introducing courses in the emerging field of convergence of technologies.

Delivering 25th convocational address at Sri Sathya Sai Institue of Higher Learning in Puttaparthi, as a beginning of 81st birthday celebrations of Sri Satya Sai Baba, he said information technology and communication technology have already converged, leading to emergency of information and communication technology and so is the case with bio-informatics.

Now nano-technology is knocking at our doors. It is the field of future. Convergence of bio, nano and info technology can lead to the development of nano-robots, he added. Speaking at length on his concept of `World Knowledge Platform', Kalam said it will make the world a safe, sustainable, peaceful and prospective place to live in. Congratulating the students, he said they imbibed the combination of spirituality and social responsibility as propounded by the Baba.

Sri Satya Sai Baba in his address wanted everyone to believe in truth, peace, non-violence, righteousness and love. Expressing concern over people "buying education" these days, he said there was nothing like God in the universe. "It is the man with all good qualities that makes a God", he said.

An NRI from California, Dr Ram Shetty donated Rs 40 crores to Sri Sathya Sai Trust. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, AP Governor Rameshwar Thakur and former cricketer Kapil Dev were present.

sourced: http://www.andhracafe.com/index.php?m=show&id=12827

I AM: RAHUL SHARMA

I am not into religion but I find karmic theory fascinating. For a while now I have been associated with Tibetan buddhism. I chant Buddhist mantras everyday and it helps me be at one with the world. Even my music is an extension of my religious beliefs and my latest album has tracks which are named after books in Tibetan Buddhism.

I am also a devotee of Satya Sai Baba. I wear a navratana ring given by him and it has helped me ward off many dangers. You might think it is superstition but it's not just blind faith. There have been several occasions in my life when I have experienced the presence of a Higher Power.

Sometimes in my dreams I see an angel-like figure guiding me on the technical aspect of my music and when I work on it in the morning, it almost always makes my composition better.

The other occasion when I have experienced the presence of a Higher Power was in Dubai a few years ago. My friends and I were driving in a Land Cruiser at about 100 miles an hour when because of a tyre burst our car went out of control.

It rammed into the divider and rolled over several times before coming to a stop. The impact was so strong that no one on the road expected us to survive but we managed to surprise them by coming out with not even a scratch.

I believe it was Sai Baba who saved us that night. The connection became all the more strong when I saw a huge picture of Baba in the lobby of the hospital where we were taken by the police. I don't lose hope in times of adversity for I believe in the role of karma.

I also think chanting mantras protects me from all adversities. But at the same time, I believe one has to work really hard to make things happen. No one can just sit back and wait for destiny to play its role.

(As told to Amrita Singh

sourced:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/SUNDAY_SPECIALS/Mind_Over_Matter/

I_AM_RAHUL_SHARMA/articleshow/576717.cms

Why fear when I am here
By Manju Gupta

Lorraine Walshe-Ryan: I am Always with You, Sterling Paperbacks; 180 pp, Rs 100.00

This book has been written by one during the period when she was passing through a traumatic period in her life with her daughter unemployed and marriage having ended in divorce.

After being indoctrinated into the Catholic faith in childhood, the author left for Australia at the age of 23 where she went through ups and downs in her life. Her association with Satya Sai Baba began in April 1997 when she dreamt of him and his giving her vibhuti (blessed ash). Then she also began to see Shirdi Sai Baba both during her waking hours as also in sleep. She made her first trip to Puttaparthi to meet Satya Sai Baba. Once while meditating, she suddenly felt as though her neck was being healed by Baba after she had suffered from pain for some days. It all began with her neck and shoulder becoming hot to the touch. So she mentioned the intensity of the heat to Baba in her meditative state. After this, she felt as though a fool breeze began to blow across her face. She even felt her body levitate and a general feeling of bliss. She had a beautiful darshan of Swami (Satya Sai Baba) in Puttaparthi.

It is experiences like this that the author recounts in this book. She cites an incidence pertaining to the Shirdi Sai Baba during the period when she was reading the Sai Satcharita. In it was given that he had said, “Even if you call upon my bones, they will come to you.” Before retiring for the night, she retorted in her meditative state to Shirdi Sai Baba, “Then let your bones come to me and let me see them.” Next morning she noticed a gaunt, bony, emaciated lady trying to light the arati and this woman looked at the author who was shocked to find her looking just like Shirdi Baba. She was thrilled to see this and concluded that as Shirdi Baba had claimed, he had sent the old lady in ‘bones’ as promised in the book.

In no time, the author began to see Shirdi Baba’s presence in the picture of him kept by her bedside. She even found his eyes blinking at her from the photograph and “I saw this ‘puff of smoke’ (probably from his chillum) which hit my face and I moved my head back.” As a devoted disciple of Satya Sai Baba, she finds vibhuti materialising from his pictures kept everywhere; not only that, the vibhuti starts spurting out of her fingers.

Whatever be the truth or significance of this all, it goes without doubt that the author, who was passing through a phase of intense despair and had even planned on committing suicide on being afflicted with cancer, could find solace by placing faith in both a living and a non-living saint.

Hence this is a book which describes the importance of faith, be it reposed in a living or a supernatural entity.

(Sterling Paperbacks, A-59 Okhla Industrial Area, Phase II, New Delhi-110020.)

sourced: http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=159&page=18

World India

Published: 24/11/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)

President attends Sai Baba's birthday

IANS

Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was amongst the governors, ministers and thousands of others who attended the 81st birthday celebrations of Satya Sai Baba in this town yesterday.

Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country and abroad had lined up outside Prashanti Nilayam in Puttaparthi from Wednesday night to seek Sai Baba's blessings. However, a stampede and police using force to control the crowd marred the celebrations.

A few people were injured when police caned the crowd, getting impatient at the delay in getting a glimpse of the famous guru. People were also disappointed that VIPs were being given preference.

Amongst the dignitaries were Andhra Pradesh Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Karnataka Governor T.N. Chaturvedi and several state ministers.

Abdul Kalam, who had arrived in Puttaparthi on Wednesday, called on Sai Baba at his abode. He lauded the social service rendered by various organisations run by Satya Sai Trust.

The president had on Wednesday evening inaugurated the Sri Satyasai International Centre for Sports Indoor Stadium built at a cost of Rs200 million and participated in the silver jubilee convocation of the Satya Sai Deemed University.

He spent the night at Prashanti Nilayam and returned to New Delhi after attending the birthday celebrations.

sourced: http://www.gulfnews.com/world/India/10084741.html

‘Encourage children to study Vedas’

Saturday November 25 2006 12:33 IST
BHADRAVATI: Elevation of soul is the essence of spiritual knowledge, said Maheshwari of Mysore.

Addressing devotees at Sri Sathya Sai Service Center on Thursday on the occasion of 81st birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, she said that diminishing social values were the major cause of social unrest. Parents should encourage children to study Vedas and inculcate moral culture.

Vedas preach acquisition of knowledge, analysis of same intellectually, reproducing this knowledge for the welfare of society through higher discipline. If we follow the doctrine of Pancha Maha Yagna the morale of society can certainly be boosted, she advocated. She also performed Rudra Homa on Thursday afternoon.

MLA B K Sangameshwar said that parents must educate their children well since it was the greatest treasure that they could pass on. The social scenario was worsening due to tarnished human relations. Education alone can bring about the anticipated positive results. Sri Sathya Sai Organisations were rendering yeomen service in the form of imparting quality education blended with spiritual foundation and also service mindedness.

K B D Beeraiah, state convener of Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisations, said that God never expects offerings of flowers that would dry up, fruits that would rot and added that God is beyond such physical forms of worshiping.

God anticipates us to be compassionate to others and to be afraid of the results of sin. Sri Sathya Sai Baba has been preaching since his incarnation to ‘love all, serve all and help ever, hurt never’. His preaching contains the truth and nothing else, he proclaimed.

He called upon the devotees to abide by the divine edification of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Baba, the living Godin India.

Women’s Day was celebrated as part of Baba’s birthday on Nov 19 at Bilikivillage and a veterinary camp was also held. Blood donation camp was held on November 21.

Sai devotees participated in these programmes actively.

City municipality president Y Renukamma, Councillor Vimalabai, taluk convener of Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisations B Chilurappa and others were present.

Youth wing leader Prabhakar Beeraiah compered the programme

sourced: http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEK20061125021202&Topic=0&Title=Southern%20News%20-%20Karnataka&Page=K

Sai b’day gives them a new life

Friday November 24 2006 10:21 IST
 

T'PURAM: For Liza and Sudhesh from Alappad, the 81st birthday of Sathya Sai Baba turned out to be the dawn of a new life. The community marriage organised by the Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust - Kerala at Saigramam, Chembakamangalam, near Thonnakkal, on Thursday gave a ray of hope to five other couples too, two of them from the tsunami-hit areas.

In a simple but solemn ceremony at the special venue at Saigramam, these couples tied the knot in the presence of VIPs.

The chanting of Vedas by students of Sainikethan, the orphanage at Saigramam, added charm to the function. The trust provided the wedding dress and gold to the couples. Inaugurating the public meeting, District Collector N.Ayyappan said that the act of the orphanage trust was an example of dedication and desire to serve the underprivileged in the society. He wished the trust all success and support in its future endeavors. Trust acting chairperson Subhadra Nair presided over the function.

Airport director K Natarajan, architect Sankar, Elizabeth Antony, Capart member Balagopal, Intelligence Deputy Commissioner V Murukeshkumar, trust advisory committee chairperson J Lalithambika, executive director Anandakumar and trust member K Sushil Nair spoke.

In the evening, there was a musical programme led by M G Sreekumar at VJT Hall, followed by a public meeting.

The Sathya Sai Seva Samithis in the city also

sourced:

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEO20061124000007&Page=O&Title=Thiruvananthapuram&Topic=0

Kalam greets Sai Baba on his birthday, pens poem in Tamil
Friday November 24 2006 00:00 IST

PUTTAPARTHI: President APJ Abdul Kalam penned a poem in Tamil on Puttaparthi Sri Satya Sai Baba and read out on Thursday in the presence of thousands of Sai devotees who gathered here on the occasion of 81st birthday of Sai Baba.

Immediately after the first citizen completed his poem, delighted Satya Sai Baba shook hands with him. Kalam's poetry was translated by Anil Kumar into Telugu.

“I have immense love towards Satya Sai Baba. I penned a poem in my mother tongue to greet Sai Baba on his birthday,” said Kalam.

Kalam, who was the chief guest at the birthday function, started his speech by greeting the devotees saying namaskaram. Devotees were enchanted with the Kalam's poetry and expressed happiness with louder claps.

Kalam deviated from the routine protocol and seated on the floor along with other devotees while Sai Baba offering prayers.

Sai Baba reached Sai Kulvant hall at 8.15 am and made rounds in the hall seated in a car. Later, Kalam and Baba, seated on the same dais, had a discussion for 15 minutes.

Kalam appreciated the efforts of Sai Baba for constructing Sri Satya Sai Centre for Sports in 128 days. With devotional and service activities, Sai Baba became bhagavan for devotees, observed Kalam.

In his birthday message , Baba called upon the devotees to recognise that service to man was service to divine. Baba asked the devotees to try to know the `eternal truth' and not to run after the material things. He preached the devotees to come out of the feeling of ‘I and mine’ which was not real.

DOWN THE MEMORY LANE:

Sai Baba went down the memory lane and recollected his childhood days. He narrated his childhood pastime and about his friends.

He also recalled the bad propaganda made by some persons about his ‘miracles’ after he reached Puttaparthi. They made such a propaganda out of envy, Sai Baba said.

Baba announced that a doctor by profession, from California, sold out his entire property worth Rs 40 crore and donated the money to Satya Sai Trust.

AP Governor I Ramashwar Thakur and Several officials and non-officials were present.


Source: http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEA20061123232142&Page=A&Title=

Southern+News+%2D+Andhra+Pradesh&Topic=0&

New technologies will make life better, says President

Staff Reporter

Addressed students of Sri Satya Sai Institute

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Nano technology is knocking at our doors"
Hailsvalue-based education offered by Satya Sai institutions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PUTTAPARTHI: Emergence and development of new technologies can make human habitats disease-free, happy, more intelligent, increase longevity and human capabilities in the years to come, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said here on Wednesday.

Addressing students of Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning on its 25th convocation in the newly constructed Sri Satya Sai Centre International Centre for Sports, he said convergence of bio-nano-info technologies could lead to the development of nano robots. When injected into patients, the nano robots would diagnose and deliver the treatment exclusively in the affected areas.

The information and communication technologies had already converged into info communication technology and combined with biotechnology, it transformed into bio-informatics. Now, the nano technology was knocking at our doors and it would replace microelectronics in the future. This would have tremendous application potential in the areas of medicine, electronics and material science, the President told the gathering.

He told the students that during his visit to Singapore, Philippines and Republic of Korea earlier this year, he had put forward the concept of World Knowledge Platform. The platform would take up missions in areas like energy, water, healthcare, food and others. He hailed the value-based education offered by Satya Sai institutions that combined spirituality and social responsibility. The President interacted with a few students minutes before the commencement of the convocation

sourced: http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/23/stories/2006112305800600.htm

Why Sai Baba is 'politically' correct

Pallavi Ghosh
CNN-IBN

Posted Thursday , November 23, 2006 at 21:28
Updated Thursday , November 23, 2006 at 23:35

New Delhi: One of the interesting aspects about Sathya Sai Baba is the number of high officials and ministers who are his devotees. The list of his followers extends from politicians to ministers including former Prime Minister P V Narasimha rao, jurists P N Bhagwati, Chandrababu Naidu, Former Air chiefs and President A P J Abdul Kalam who were all present at the celebrations of Baba’s 81st birthday.

"Personalities like him create hope in the minds ordinary persons. This is something that we should respect," Tourism Minister Ambika Soni said.

Former Lok Sabha speaker Manohar Joshi says Sai Baba has showered him with spiritual security. "He has been doing lots of social work. All the money that comes to him from the devotees goes for the welfare of the people," Joshi said.

Dalit leader Ramdas Athawle who isn't really a Manuwadi doesn't mind Sai Baba's presence in the Hindu pantheon. "He is respected by people and his fame is growing by each passing year. Believing him is not about religion but about spiritual faith," he said.

In Parliament, the divine blessings of Sathya Sai are certainly wafting over many political heads. Ministers, president and justices of the Supreme Court have all beaten the track to get Baba’s divine blessings on his birthday.

sourced: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/why-sai-baba-is-politically-correct/26897-3.html

Clean conscience key to meeting social responsibilities: Kalam

Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh), Nov.23 (ANI): President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam has said that every individual should have a clean and clear conscience while discharging his responsibilities in and for society.

Addressing the 25th convocation of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning on Wednesday evening, Dr. Kalam lauded the institute for shaping not just graduates, but human beings with great value systems, all of which were drawn from "our civilization and heritage".

Recalling Sai Baba's oft-repeated message that "True divinity is a combination of spirituality and social obligations", Dr. Kalam said these two components would ensure that an individual remained a life-long learner.

Commending the 418 students graduating from the institute this year, he said they had a uniqueness about them, which other graduates did not have.

"For me, it is indeed a birth of a truth that the graduates of this institute with the education edifice grounded in the value system of this divine campus will always shine as life long learners. You are blessed with a divine environment which flows from our civilization heritage creating a value system that you will cherish throughout your life," Kalam said.

Examples to substantiate the above view existed in the past as well as the present, Kalam said.

He said that the purpose of human life was beautifully described in the "Bhagawat Gita", as well as in the incidents in the lives of people living in the present. For instance, he said, Lord Krishna showed Arjuna two scenes of Vrindavan -- one where the whole garden was blossoming with beautiful flowers and fragrance and the flowers were attracting honeybee, and the second where all the flowers which had blossomed in the morning had now fallen on the ground.

Lord Krishna's message to Arjuna then was "Try to be like the flower, unassuming despite all its qualities".

In the modern context, Kalam said quality leadership was the need of the hour. This involved showing respect, and hearing and solving problems at the right time. Enhancing performance and productivity also required a humane, patient and ethical dealing of people, Kalam said.

Secondly, he said there was a need to maintain a high standard of ethics

Showing faith and giving encouragement to people working with or under you was another prerequisite for success and well-being, said Kalam, adding that the indomitable spirit of the human being had the blessing of the Almighty.

In conclusion, he called for encouraging the convergence of technologies, and for the promotion of a "World Knowledge Platform" with the objective of integrating the core competencies of partner countries.

"This platform will enable joint design, development, cost effective production and marketing of the knowledge products in various domains based on the core competence of partner nations to international market," Kalam said.

The various missions of the World Knowledge Platform, he said should include:

1. Energy: exploration, storage, production and conversion

2. Water: treatment, sustainable use, efficiency in use and minimal utilization for maximum use, desalination

3. Healthcare: Diagnosis, drug delivery system, life long care.

4. Food: preservation, storage and distribution

5. Knowledge products: Hardware, Software and Networking Products and user interfaces.

6. Automobile: Hardware and embedded software integration, assistance in transport system through GPS.

7. Healthcare: Gene Characterization, Stem Cell research and molecule to drug towards the diagnostic and treatment of the diseases like Cancer and Diabetics.

8. Traditional medicine: Herbal and natural products, sharing experiences with modern bio products.

Kalam said that only a virtuous and courageous person could use the instrument of conscience to further his or her goals in life, and therefore, everyone should develop this ability. (ANI)

sourced: http://www.dailyindia.com/show/85182.php/Clean-conscience-key-to-meeting-social-responsibilities:-Kalam

India News
Kalam amongst thousands to attend Sai Baba's birthday

Nov 23, 2006, 11:15 GMT

Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 23 (IANS) President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was amongst the governors, ministers and thousands of others who attended the 81st birthday celebrations of Satya Sai Baba, worshipped as god by many, in this town Thursday.

Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country and abroad had lined up outside Prashanti Nilayam in Puttaparthi, 500 km from here, from Wednesday night to seek Sai Baba's blessings. However, a stampede and police using force to control the crowd marred the celebrations.

A few people were injured when police caned the crowd, getting impatient at the delay in getting a glimpse of the famous guru. People were also disappointed that VIPs were being given preference in getting a 'darshan'.

Amongst the dignitaries at hand were Andhra Pradesh Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Karnataka Governor T.N. Chaturvedi and several state ministers.

Kalam, who had arrived in Puttaparthi on Wednesday, called on Sai Baba at his abode. He lauded the social service rendered by various organisations run by Satya Sai Trust.

The president had Wednesday evening inaugurated the Sri Satyasai International Centre for Sports Indoor Stadium built at a cost of Rs.200 million and participated in the silver jubilee convocation of the Satya Sai Deemed University.

He spent the night at Prashanti Nilayam and returned to New Delhi after attending the birthday celebrations.

Sai Baba, who claims to be a reincarnation of a Hindu god, preaches love, understanding and universal brotherhood. In the last few decades, he has built a vast empire worth billions -- transforming the small village of Puttaparthi, his birthplace, into a modern town with a state of the art airport and the best of education and health facilities.

Sai Baba, who was born on Nov 23, 1926, had declared at 15 years that he was no ordinary human being but had come to earth to fulfil the wishes of the saints and sages. His original name was Satyanarayana, which was later changed to Satya Sai Baba.

He used to perform miracles like producing gold out of thin air, but stopped about a decade ago after a controversy when rationalists challenged him to perform the miracles in their presence and accused him of cheating people.

The trust and various organisations formed by him have a presence in 160 countries. His devotees include heads of states, eminent politicians, army generals, judges, filmstars and sportspersons.

sourced:

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/india/article_1225430.php/

Kalam_amongst_thousands_to_attend_Sai_Babas_birthday

Kalam attends Sai Baba's birthday

CNN-IBN

Posted Thursday , November 23, 2006 at 16:57
Updated Thursday , November 23, 2006 at 23:36

Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh): President APJ Abdul Kalam was amongst the governors, ministers and thousands of others who attended the 81st birthday celebrations of Sathya Sai Baba, worshipped as god by many, in the small town of Puttaparthi of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday.

The godman who claims to be a reincarnation of Sai Baba has been popular since the sixties. He was known for materializing flowers, vibhuti and other things from thin air for his devotees.

His followers believe he has the powers to heal and can find out what his disciples are thinking - wherever they are.

Sathya Sai Baba was born as Satyanarayan Raju in 1926 in a village in Andhra Pradesh. He says he's been possessed by the spirit of Shirdi Sai baba since an early age.

Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country and abroad lined up outside Prashanti Nilayam in Puttaparthi, from Wednesday night to seek Sai Baba's blessings.

Amongst the dignitaries at hand were Andhra Pradesh Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Karnataka Governor TN Chaturvedi and several state ministers.

Kalam, who had arrived in Puttaparthi on Wednesday, called on Sai Baba at his abode. He lauded the social service rendered by various organisations run by Satya Sai Trust.

The president also inaugurated the Sri Satyasai International Centre for Sports Indoor Stadium built at a cost of Rs 200 million on Wednesday.

sourced: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/kalam-attends-sai-babas-birthday/26864-3.html

Kalam for Puttaparthi today
Staff Reporter

To be chief guest at convocation of Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---Dr. Kalam to participate in Sai Baba's birthday fete
---Karnataka Governor, Maharashtra Chief Minister also coming
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

FOR SPORTS LOVERS: A view of the newly constructed indoor sports complex at Puttaparthi.

ANANTAPUR: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will arrive at Puttaparthi in the district on Wednesday afternoon on a two-day visit to the spiritual town in a special aircraft. He will leave for New Delhi on Thursday morning.

According to officials, the President will be the chief guest at the 25th convocation of Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, a deemed university, on Wednesday and will also inaugurate a modern indoor sports complex before the convocation.

He will participate in the 81st birthday celebration of Satya Saibaba the next day morning. Dr. Kalam will stay put in Sri Sai Sreenivasa guest house in Prashanti Nilayam.

Minister to receive him


Minister for Panchayat Raj and Endowments J.C. Diwakar Reddy will receive and see off the President on behalf of the State Government.

Governor of Karnataka T.N. Chaturvedi will also participate in the inauguration of sports complex and convocation along with the President. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh is also arriving at Puttaparthi on a two-day visit.

Heavy security


Meanwhile, the police have arranged a heavy security for the President's visit. Special check posts have been set up in K. Nagepalli road, Mamillakunta circle and Ganesh circle.

They have intensified vehicle checking and have also kept a special vigil on the areas surrounding Puttaparthi including the hillocks.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/22/stories/2006112209150500.htm

Kalam to inaugurate indoor stadium
Wednesday November 22 2006 10:18 IST
 

ANANTAPUR: A large number of VVIPs are reaching Puttaparti to participate in the 81st birthday celebrations of Satya Sai Baba on Wednesday.

President APJ Abdul Kalam is expected to participate in the celebrations Panchayat Raj and Endowments Minister JC Diwakar Reddy will receive him on behalf of the Chief Minister.

Apart from the President Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Karnataka Governor TN Chaturvedi and State Tourism Minister J Geeta Reddy are expected to participate in the birthday celebrations.

By Wednesday Puttaparthi is expected to be overflowing with devotees of Sai Baba from all over. The district administration and the Satya Sai Central Trust are making arrangements to accommodate the pilgrim rush.

Anantapur Range DIG N Jayarami Reddy, SP Stephen Ravindra and Collector D Kadmiel are camping in Puttaparti supervising the arrangements.

There is a heavy deployment of police force and mobile checkposts have been set up on the roads leading to Puttaparti.

The security at the newly built indoor stadium has been beefed up. The President is expected to reach Puttaparti on Wednesday afternoon.

He will inaugurate Sri Satyasai International Centre for Sports Indoor Stadium built at a cost of Rs 20 crore at the Satya Sai Deemed University.

He will also declare open a sports meet. He will participate in the Silver Jubilee Convocation of the Satya Sai Deemed University.

The President is expected to spend the night at Puttaparti and leave for Delhi on Thursday morning.

sourced:

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEA20061121235656&Page=A&Title=Southern+News+-+Andhra+Pradesh&Topic=0

Baba birthday celebrations begin with Rathotsavam
Sunday November 19 2006 10:56 IST

HINDUPUR: The Rathotsavam of Sri Venugopala Swamy was performed on a grand scale on Saturday at Puttaparthi, marking the week-long birthday celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The caparisoned elephant Sai Geetha piloted the temple-car (ratham) procession.

Sonorous chanting of hymns and ‘nama keerthan’ by thousands of devotees who thronged from various corners of the world to participate in the celebrations added to the spiritual ambience. The entire town wore a festive look with green festoons.

On the occasion, Sri Sai Baba inaugurated the new ‘gaja sala’. Sathya Sai Central Trust member Chakravarthy, Ratnakar, PUDA chairman Kota Sathyam and others were present.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Home Sivaraj Patil had the darshan of the Baba on Saturday.

Link:http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEA20061119003505&Topic=0&Title=Southern%20News%20-%20Andhra%20Pradesh&Page=A

President to visit Puttaparti