Om sairam to most dearest Sai family and with Pranams to
our beloved Lord a on His 81st birthday.
Don't know how to and where to start with. The holy land
, Puttaparthi was beautifully decorated to celebrated the Holy occasion of
the birth of its darling SON our Beloved Swamy. To witness this, I should
say at least QUARTER MILLION devotees thronged to this tiny Hamlet of barely
20,000 population. It was a heavy task for every one to accommodate this BIG
number of devotees as we say in Telugu, ISUKA VESTA RALANI ANTHA JANAM (if
you throw sand on the ground. Even the tiny sand particle won't fall on the
ground.. an expression of speech to describe the vast gathering) Many were
of the opinion that the birthday celebrations should have been conducted in
the hill view stadium as the crowd were little too big for Kulwanth hall and
perfect for venues like hill view stadium..
There were so many activities and Swamy had to personally run here and there
as there was change in venues past two days and added to that so many
restrictions to normal devotees by the police.. thanks to the VVIPS for the
inconvenience. Yesterday (Nov.22) Swamy was scheduled to dedicate the New
Sathya Sai International sports center (the indoor stadium) in the presence
of the President of India, His Excellency Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. The roads
leading to Prasanthi were packed. All the buses were halted near the old
M.R.O office and people had to take rickshaw to reach Puttaparthi through
another road, along the banks of Chitravathi river, leaving the main road
open for the VIP visit.
No body except the staff and students were allowed into the new stadium
which had a capacity of 4000. Special passes were distributed to the staff
to enter the premises with in the stipulated time. There were few people who
made unsuccessful attempts to get into the stadium without entry pass.
The security measurements were stringent with reports of various Probable
MISHAPPENINGS in Prasanthi. First VIP to come the stadium premises was
Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, chief minister of Maharashtra and followed by few
other governors. It was 2 pm by then and President of India, was scheduled
to land at 2:30pm and as we all know VIPs in India always come at least
30 mins late and Mr. Kalam's high security plane landed at 3 at Puttaparthi
airport. As soon as the news was passed, the roads were made clear and then
came the convoy. And one would be surprised with the number of cars and vans
. One of my friends counted and they were 60 of them .. just unbelievable.
Dr. Kalam directly went to the ashram and came back to the stadium at 3:30
with Swamy in a white Mecedes Benz.
Swamy was cheerful so also was Dr. Kalam and the programme started with
inauguration of the stadium.
After the volley ball match the 25th convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Deemed
university started. Dr. Kalam in his key note address stressed the need of
Values in education and appreciated Swamy's University's efforts to give
Quality education with Human Values.
Dr. Kalam, an eminent Nuclear scientist by himself, went into technical
details of Bio technology, information technology, Nano Technology.. He was
of the opinion that if these three fields were explored there would be
miracles in medical field.
He being a Professor by profession, requested Swamy to give him a chance to
serve as a professor in Swamy's institute, after his tenure as President of
India, while Swamy looked at him with a sweet smile.
He recalled his father's words to be good and stay away from bad company.
Referring to students, he said, that what Swamy is telling you.. be good and
serve the society.
Swamy rose to deliver His divine discourse Being a chancellor of the
University, Swamy spoke on today's education and also asked students to
choose the path of TRUTH.. Further speaking about education, Swamy said, If
any one asks todays student EMI CHESTUNNAVU (what are you doing) the student
immediately answers, CHADUVU KONTUNNANU ( meaning I am studying and it also
means, I am buying education ). Swamy expressed concern over rapid
commercialization of education. He was of the opinion that education should
be imparted freely and also with a HUMAN touch..
Swamy continued - many people ask me WHO ARE YOU? I tell I and YOU are one
word which should make a meaning on the whole and the letters in the word
should have the same meaning individually. Ramakrishna went home thinking of
such a word.. He couldn't concentrate well in his house, so he says to his wife
that he is going to his brother-in-law's house.. He goes to his brother in
law's house and prefers to stay in the cowshed to get more concentration..
The whole night, he stays there thinking of such a word. Suddenly a cow gets labour pains and delivers a calf. Ramakrishna runs to his brother in law to
give him the news. Brother in law curiously asks EE AVU RA BA VA.. (which
cow was that Brother in law). Instead of giving the answer, Ramakrishna
jumps in joy... . surprised Brother in law asks Ramakrishna as what's wrong
with him.. He says.. I got my answer.
Next day the court is assembled and all other poets, ministers of the
kingdom are eagerly waiting for Ramakrishna's reply to the king difficult
question.. Rama Krishna says King I got the answer and it is EE AVU RA BA
VA ... EE (pronounced as A) in marathi language means COME.. AVU in hindi means
COME.. RA in telugu means COME.. BA in kannada means COME.. VA in tamil,
Aravam, means COME.. Thus king was very happy..
It was around 7:30 pm by then.. and Swamy said, I better close My discourse
now as its getting late and you all are tired. I don't want to trouble you
further He concluded saying.. LEAVE EVERY THING IN GOD'S HAND amidst
cheers from the students, players and other lucky devotees who could make it
to the stadium.
The programme continued further with music programme by Mandolin Srinivas
with his Brother and Shivamani's drums There were thousands waiting out side
the stadium having no idea as what was happening inside the stadium. As the
programme was a very lengthy one there was some restlessness amongst waiting
devotees who thought Swamy come out in a hour or two.
There was live telecast of the programme in Doordarshan channel and also
there were Televisions placed in Kulwanth hall.. Kulwanth hall was jam
packed and probably its for the first time that any body is having Swamy's
virtual darshan sitting in Kulwanth hall.
There were long queues every where.. be it near the food, near the stadium,
telephone, and even walking on the road. There were so many devotees inside
the ashram that there was no place even to stand. Some of them barely slept
a hour of two. Seeing the vast crowd, I thought 3am is the BEST time to come
for darshan where there will be very few devotees and we can easily get into
the Kulwanth hall.. I was out side the Ganesh Gate at 3:10 am only to be
surprised to see the line started from the Ganesh Gate through the
fruit stall area up to General hospital. I was shocked and thought.. O Swamy!
Any luck today? at least let me in the ashram compound..
With no other option, I joined the queue near the General Hospital and the
queues were moving very slowly. 2 feet for every 20 minutes. There was so
much commotion.. Every where you would find just people..people.. some where
still sleeping on the floors of the bus station. At 4am I was near the auto
rickshaw stand. Close enough to the Ganesh Gate but a LONG way this
particular morning. I was praying to Swamy. And there was man next to me
chanting Vedas, I thought, what an opportunity! Praise the glory of the Lord
early morning, on His birthday.. I joined him and chanted the Vedas in my
mind
There were loud shouts and vigils by the police to control the
uncontrollable crowds. Around 5 am I saw my self just next to the Ganesh Gate I
thought there would hardly be a line or two inside and it will be a smooth
sail once we get in BUT No As I entered the gate I see crowd all over
there was no place to stand.. The space next to Ganesha was full and there
were people up the hill and behind Ganesha.. I was wondering how and why the
police let us in Very slowly.. I went back to Ganesha.. and from there
started the pushing and pulling routine
The crowd were just going mad.. it was jam packed. Many
unhappy faces were seen outside the hall clinging to the wall..Exactly at
8:10am there was some activity near Swamy's residence signaling the Swamy's
arrival.
Swamy's special golf car with open seat in the front and driver behind was
brought.. there were musical bands waiting for Swamy .. first two girls from
Anantapur campus went to Swamy and took His blessings and they slowly
marched into Kulwanth hall.. Band from Primary school followed them and
behind them were primary school boys wearing white shirts and dhoti chanting
Vedas...The boys from Prasanthi Nilayam campus followed them.. and behind
all of them was the birthday (boy) our beloved Swamy, clad in Pure white
robe.with His sweet nectarine smile. Enters the Kulwanth hall as all the
devotees raise their hands, clap, chant SAIRAM loudly.
Swamy looks at every one the car was bit slow, brother Sathyajit, who has
the reputation of being a devoted friendly driver, drives the car slowly
giving enough time for Swamy to look at every one and to the devotees to
enjoy the blissful form to heart's content...Swamy comes to the half way and
we were eagerly waiting for a close darshan and definitely not for a right
turn to the dias Swamy's car comes straight as the car comes closer and
closer the view gets better and better. Tears flow down my eyes as if my
tears were more eager to see Swamy than me I rub my tearful eyes to enhance
colour, brightness and contrast of my eyes
Swamy had enough time to look at both sides bless all of us. His face glowing
like an apple Smiling joyfully like a child when it gets a new dress and
special attention on his/her birthday. The devotees waiting outside chant
sairam. Sairam.. bit loudly and Swamy with His sweet smile reciprocates waves
His hands making equal number of devotees waiting outside jump in joy.
Swamy's special car now gets in front of the dias. Another VIP
sitting next to him offers a cushion and he even refused the cushion.. the
devotees many of them watching this in closed circuit TVs once again
applauds his simplicity.. The President's security turn back and see their
BOSS sitting on the floor with blank faces..they run here and there suddenly
another student comes running and offers a chair to him and the President
say NO..
Swamy slowly walked on the dias as two students were holding Him. His (body)
walk showing some discomfort of the previous days hectic schedule. Very
slowly He sits on the Big chair kept at the center of the dias another chair
was brought and placed next to Him.. He signals, the President, to sit next
to Him.. when the BIG BOSS offers, the poor President had to accept it With
a smile.. President sits next to Swamy holding Swamy's hands he speaks to
Swamy.. Both of them went into deep conversation.. leaving us wondered as
what the topic would be.. but our hearts were full seeing the Head of the
country speaking to the Head of this universe.. what ever may be they would
be speaking about our welfare..
After about 5 minutes.. Swamy asks President Kalam to speak with blessings
from Swamy, he starts I am very thrilled to be here.. I have been to
Puttaparthi many times before.. and Its always a pleasure being here in the
immediate presence of Swamiji. I see perfection here.. Perfection in speech
and also in action.. In 2002 Swamy declared that He would supply water (to
Chennai) and He did it.. He always declares His future projects and by next
year, He sees that its finished.. the stadium which was inaugurated
yesterday is a beautiful one
He further added.. I have written a poem on Swamy yesterday and want to
offer it on this occasion. Taking permission from Swamy, the president hands
over the copy of the poem in Telugu to Prof.Anil Kumar and Prof.Anil Kumar
reads it out..
It was 9 am by then and President Kalam, raises form his chair and takes
leave from Swamy. Swamy gave padanamasmar to all the security personnel as
each one left with the President
Later it was announced that Swamy would delver His much awaited Birthday
Divine Discourse. The discourse table was brought and Swamy looks at every
one and slowly raises from His seat as the boys hold Him After adjusting the
mikes and after the boys were settled down, Swamy's melodious voice was heard
Swamy started with a telugu poem - a very good one
Talli Garbhamu nundi janminchu nappudu
(WHEN YOU ARE BORN FROM YOUR MOTHER’S WOMB)
Kanta mala levi kana ravu
(YOU DON’T FIND ANY GARLAND AROUND YOUR NECK)
Manchi muthya pu sarul Machukanu Levu
(YOU ALSO DON’T FIND A GARLAND OF PEARLS)
Rathnala haramul ranjillaga ledu
(NEITHER THERE IS A GARLAND STUDDED WITH PRECIOUS STONES)
Kovedikapu mala Kuda ledu
(NOR THERE IS A GOLDEN CHAIN)
Kaladu
(THERE EXISTS)
Kaladokka mala mee K anta mandu
(THER EXISTS ONE GARLAND AROUND YOU)
Purva Janmalu Ponduga Pondu Parachi
(LISTING ALL YOUR PAST KARMAS IN PREVIOUS LIVES)
Brahma mee kichi pampenu Baruvu mala
(THE HEAVY GARLAND GIFTED TO YOU BY BRAHMA (THE CREATOR)
Karma Lanniyu Cherchina kanatamala
(THE GARLAND LISTING ALL YOUR PAST ACTIONS)
Embodiments of Love, Students, Boys and girls,
The main reason for unrest in today’s world is Greed.
Never crave for wordly things and spoil your lives.. LESS LUGGAGE,MORE
COMFORT…Keep the divine name always in your hearts.. its God who is the doer
and he is your TRUE friend…He is all pervasive.. He is present from micro
organisms to Macro organisms…
The mother of this body is Eswaramma… Her name originally, was not Eswaramma…
Just before my birth she was named Eswaramma, meaning Mother of Eswaramma..
She used to feel proud of her name and used to say, I
am IN FACT mother of lord Eswara…
She was a devoted woman… Always had God’s name in her
heart…She was also very caring..
Another person is Karanam Subbamma… She knew My mood.. Any devotees coming
to Puttaparthi, in those days stayed at her house..
She used to cook for them and take care of their wellbeing and also about
Me…She is a virtuous woman
Today’s men are craving for worly education with out morals.. What for is
all your education when you don’t have even one HUMAN quality… I would ask
you for only one thing.. Give up worldly desires… Don’t crave for
materialistic possessions.. its your noble qualities which comes with after
you are gone.. You don’t bring anything when you are born.. nor you take any
thing when you leave your body.. then what for all these wants and desires?…
Its only God, whom your should crave for.. He is Permanent….
Students, you should not waste your time always in reading.. read what you
are supposed to. Do service to society.. you are part of the society and its
your duty to offer your help to the society..
Respect your parents.. They are living God amidst you… Later Swamy
recollected His school days…Right from My school days I used to say this to
my friends… respect your elders.. I used to materialize so many things to
them and all were surprised as from where Raju, brings all this stuff.. In
those days.. I didn’t even have a Penny (naya paisa)….. One dayI left My
school bag in the class room and went out…. All the boys wanted to check if
I had hidden anything in the bag.. they couldn’t even find a small pin in
the bag…]
(by then Swamy was leaning more on His right and His BODY seemed to be in
bit discomfort …)
He sat on His chair and continued His discourse.. His voice further
minimized and was barely audible and more over.. there was lot of
disturbance from people outside….
After another 30 minutes talk… Swamy ended His Birthday Discourse with Hari
Bhajan Bhajan….
Prasadams were distributed and the morning programme came to an end with
Arathi….
Like last year, In the evening Swamy wore a Yellow robe
and swamy drove into the indoor stadium to witness a friendly match between
India and Indonesia.. and later followed the Basket ball by Globe totters
(?)....
Swamy came back to Kulwanth hall around 6:45 and there was a musical
programme by Mrs.Sultana.. Mr.Mandolin Srinivas and Shivamani...
It was 8:30 by the time Swamy retired to His Physical
Abode after a Long day's HECTIC Schedule..
Thus Ended our Sweet Lord's Sweet Birthday another LANDMARK in the TENURE of
this Avatar...... Another Deadline for us to take an Oath to transform
ourselves into TRUE HUMANS
With Humble Pranams at the Lotus Feet our Our beloved Lord...
Jai Sai Ram
Satish Naik -
Posted by ....Satish Naik on 24.11.2006
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