| Tuesday, Sept 28, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: South Africans owned a Prasanthi evening! Camping in Prasanthi on a ten days' pilgrimage, this evening, the South Africans presented a musical dance drama entitled "Ubuntu", meaning I am because you are, you are because I am, calling on the country's story of unity in diversity. | 
Photo source: sssbpt.org - Image graphic layout - saibabaofindia.com "SBOI" | To a lit, colourful Sai Kulwant Hall that had, apart from the thousands, a congregation of 2400 from South Africa, this evening, Bhagawan came in just after 1900 hrs. (7:00) and deviating from the regular practice, Bhagawan was welcomed with bhajans that commenced at His arrival. A full round | 
Photo source: sssbpt.org - Image graphic layout - saibabaofindia.com "SBOI" | of darshan ensued, that saw His bounty of blessings upon the thousands, before Bhagawan came onstage at 1915 hrs. (7:15). Soon bhajans came to a close and an announcement on the South Afican production for the evening was made. Presented by 356 students from the four Sathya Sai Schools in South Africa along with SSE and Balvikas children, the presentation turned out to become a delectable visual treat, amply showing the rich cultural variety of the nation. Essaying the beautiful story of Unity in Diversity, the fifty | 
Photo source: sssbpt.org - Image graphic layout - saibabaofindia.com "SBOI" | minute presentation ran through the historical time of evolution of the nation beginning from immigration of the tribals, the Europeans and the Indians to the dark days of apartheid leading to Mahatma Gandhi's South African struggle followed by the Father of the Nation, Nelson Mandela's heroics winning democracy for the nation. Presenting the unique theme with the aid of the 'Big Five' of South African Jungles, elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard, engaging in conversation with a tribal chief, the production unraveled the evolutionary struggle through eleven musical pieces including national anthems and folk medleys. Dance sequences by children donning thematic traditional costumes and makeups matching the storyline, to the background score of African Beats, lit the colourful evening to greater musical heights charging up the entire surroundings on the beautiful evening turned twilight in the Divine Presence. Bhagawan sat through the entire session glued on to the presentation through and through. | 
Photo source: sssbpt.org - Image graphic layout - saibabaofindia.com "SBOI" | Crediting the emergence of democratic South Africa to the Divine Blessings of Bhagawan, graceful children concluded the presentation with an African Medley followed by a South African Victory Song! What the Sai Kulwant Hall witnessed was the struggle of the South Africans, raising into a democracy, progressing to nurture human values. South African pride went raising to its hoods, as the united Voice of South Africa was heard ehoing "My South Africa, Our South Africa". Children holding the colourful National Flag was seen waving the same intermittently while swaying to the beats and tunes on traditional instruments. Even as the children converged in the front block for the final song, greater blessing was on their way. Upon the end of the presentation, Bhagawan moved down the dais and spent next fifteen minutes with the children, as the entire lot of participating children got to come unto Bhagawan receiving laddu prasadam from the Divine hands. Bhagawan blessed the entire crew with group photographs as well. Bliss of being in the close proximity with their Beloved Swami was seen on many a face; lit up faces were bore testimony to this. A physically challenged boy who was on a wheel chair got himself transferred on to his limp legs, moving unto him 'dancing'...and lo! what a sight! one should see the bright sunshine on the little one's face that shone with brilliance on a glitzy nightfall! Indeed, Bhagawan was giving Himself, reciprocating to the South African Love! | 
Photo source: sssbpt.org - Image graphic layout - saibabaofindia.com "SBOI" | South Africans children literally came and conquered The Divine! ...with their dazzling colourful display of love, devotion and dedication. A couple of songs by the musical troupe followed after which Bhagawan called for Mangala Arathi. As He sat on, gesticulating to children, at first, indicating to go and have food, followed by another one, to go...wipe their faces and have food, the innocent bunch burst into crowd cheers, rejoicing every bit of His immediate presence. Blessing the concourse, Bhagawan left the dais, gliding into the ladies' side, retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 2050 hrs. (8:50). |
