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The day that is special in the history of His Story, the day that marks the advent of His Divine Advent, 23 November had a glittering outing today here in Prasanthi Nilayam.
In the morning, the venue, Sai Kulwant Hall was gorgeously decorated with fresh flowers and cloth hanging. The Chief Guest for the day was Hon'ble Governor of Tripura Dr. D.Y. Patil.
Commencing the proceedings, students from SSSIHL offered a bouquet of three songs that included a carnatic classical piece Gajavadana Karuna Sadana, followed by Jai Jai Sai Ram to conclude with Sai We Love You.
Next to come was a classic Carnatic Concert by the famous duo, Malladi Brothers. Singing their evergreen classical, familiar to Prasanthi, Bhagavanudu Puttina Panduga, they continued with Nee Namame Madhuram Sai and Namostu Sathya Sai Sayine Maha Prasanthi Dayine.
Delivering his welcome address, Sri TKK Bhagawat, Member, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust said that Bhagawan devoted His entire life to transform devotees so that we become spiritually uplifted. Today is a day of introspection for all to know how far we have progressed spiritually.
Touching upon the activities of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri Bhagavat reiterated the Trust's resolve to go ahead with Bhagawan's mission stating that all the educational institutions, hospitals and the organisational activities are going on smoothly as before and all these institutions are run on a charitable basis without charging a single pie from the recipient.
Trust's new initiatives announced during the Birthday includes two enhancement schemes, a water project in the villages of Puttapathi and Bukkapatnam Mandals with an approximate cost of Rs. 75 Crores and an additional 300 houses for the flood affected victims of Odisha.
Subsequently, the 2nd annual report of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and annual report of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning were released by the Hon'ble Governor of Tripura.
The next speaker to address was Mr. Phil Gosselin, Zonal Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations – North America. He is the chairman of Zone 1 of International Organisation, which comprises English-speaking countries.
Mr Gosselin recounted the Birthday celebrations during the 1970's when Bhagawan would Himself unfurl the Prasanthi Flag atop the Mandir. Continuing with his recountal, Gosselin remembered how Bhagawan would then accept garlands from devotees, most lovingly. Outlining the activities of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – Overseas he made a reference to various areas being covered, like serving the disabled children in Belarus, Sathya Sai Education in Human Values Schools in Ecuador, dental camps and various other medical camps ranging from Laos to various parts of the world.
Narrating a personal interaction with Bhagawan, Mr Gosselin said, Bhagawan shared with the audience the Oneness of humanity. Once He materialised a cross for them in the interview room and said that Swami is beyond all religions. Bhagawan's language is the language of the heart. The erudite speaker said that Swami is not restricted by time and space. He is present everywhere and all the worldly scriptures has been reanimated by Him.
"Sathya Sambhashanam", a book that contains the beautiful messages of Bhagawan in original, in His own handwriting and the translation, was released by the Governor next.
Dr. D.Y. Patil, the Governor of Tripura then addressed the audience. Dr. Patil is a doyen in the field of education who has established various educational institutions including Dr D.Y. Patil University.
Paying his obeisance to Bhagawan, the Governor with all modesty said that whatever he achieved in his life, the credit goes to Bhagawan, as he was just an instrument. Death of ego is real life said the Governor declaring that Bhagawan is his Father and Guru. Commenting on the exemplary discipline being exhibited by Bhagawan's students, the Governor said, …there are about 96 – 97 thousand students studying in his educational institutions, but he cannot find the same discipline the students exhibit in Parthi. Service to humanity is service to God said the Governor concluding his speech.
Divine benedictory discourse followed. Every living creature aspires for happiness, peace and bliss. But only one in a million, one in a thousand continues in this pursuit. The simpletons are drowned in fleeting pleasures. They think that life is food, raiment and shelter. Sraddhavan Labhate Jnanam (one with steadfast faith attains wisdom). To accomplish any task, Sraddha is essential. Sraddha is strong, unwavering faith. There is no pure love in humans, they are full of selfishness, echoed Bhagawan. Outwardly they look and behave like good people, but their hearts are polluted with bad thoughts and desires.
Bhagawan said, people say that they want to come for the Birthday Celebration, but they are not able to get leave. As a result, they have to lie to their authorities and take sick lie. It is better not to come here than uttering a lie for this purpose. Follow the path of Truth. Bhagawan does not desire for this Birthday celebration, everyday is a festival for Him. Follow Sathya and Dharma, Bhagawan declared. The Divine Discourse concluded with the song, "Sathya Dharmamu Santhi Premalato."
Final programme of the morning was a Band display by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School, boys and girls followed by the students of Anantapur and Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. The singer duo Malladi Brothers were felicitated by the Chief Guest.
Cakes by the students and overseas devotees were offered to Bhagawan for blessings.
There was an announcement that sumptuous lunch would be served to devotees behind the North Blocks in the Ashram after the morning programme. After a few Bhajans, Arati was offered at 11 hrs.
Adding to the glory of the day there was a cool drizzle during the morning session, as if heaven would not want to pay 'pranams' to the Mighty Lord.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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