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| | | Home  Darshan Update & Photos  | | Sri Sathya Sai Baba 85th Birthday - in the media |  | Puttaparti gears up for VVIPs visit | | | | | | Anantapur, Nov. 23: The tiny town of Puttaparthi reverberated with slogans of Jai Sai Ram on the occasion of the 85th birthday celebrations of Sri Satya Sai Baba. The celebrations were held amidst great pomp and gaiety at the Hill View stadium in Puttaparthi of Anantapur district on Tuesday. As expected, thousands of devotees thronged the pilgrim town to witness their spiritual leader's birthday. Clad in white robes, Baba gave darshan to devotees at Prashanthi Nilayam. Later, Satya Sai Trust authorities took Baba out in a golden chariot in a procession along the town streets to the stadium. Speaking on the occasion, the minister for external affairs, Mr S.M. Krishna, hailed Baba for his services. He praised Baba for providing drinking water to tribal areas in West and East Godavari districts and Chennai residents through the Telugu Ganga scheme as well as residents in drought prone villages in the district. He recalled that he came to know about Baba and his services when he noticed Baba's charity centre in Singapore during his visit. The Governor, Mr E.S.L. Narasimhan, said that Baba was a god as he provided basic amenities to the poor free of cost without expecting any reward from them. He said that Baba gave peace and prosperity to the world with his spiritual teachings and humanitarian services. Meanwhile, Satya Sai Baba announced a Vidya Vahini scheme to be initiated in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services. He released a CD, which was handed over by Ratan Tata. The new scheme will provide free education to students, especially in rural areas. It is a customary event for the Satya Sai Trust to announce a scheme for Baba's birthday. The trust authorities announced that mobile medical care vehicles would provide food free cost besides medical care in rural areas. The union minister for power, Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde, union minister of heavy industries, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh, former chief minister, Mr Ashok Chavan and Punjab Governor, Mr Shivraj Patil, were also present.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/24/stories/2010112461570500.htm | | | | SM Krishna, Ratan Tata celebrate Sathya Sai birthday http://www.indiablooms.com/NewsDetailsPage/newsDetails241110v.php | | | | | | | | A host of politicians and thousands of Sai Baba followers celebrate his 85th birthday TCS gives a presentation on 'Satya Sai Vidya Vahini' scheme to be implemented in rural areas
Big occasion:Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan seeking the blessings of Satya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi on Tuesday. Puttaparthi: The 85th birthday of Sri Satya Sai Baba was celebrated with gaiety at the sprawling Hill View Stadium on Tuesday amidst a galaxy of dignitaries and thousands of devotees from various parts the country and abroad. The Baba, dressed in white, arrived at the stadium in a hand pulled golden chariot at around 12 pm. He was greeted by chanting of mantras and music and was given a ceremonial reception at the stadium. The piligrim town of Puttaparthi wore a festive look with thousands of people particularly foreign visitors descending on the pilgrim town. Colourful balloons were tied with 'Happy Birthday to Baba' and a helicopter showered rose petals on the participants as crackers were burst to mark the celebrations. Union Minister for External Affairs S.M. Krishna, Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister Stalin, Maharashtra ex-Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Chennai Mayor Subramanyan, State Tourism Minister J.Geeta Reddy and Chairman of Tata group of companies Ratan Tata were among those who participated in the birthday celebrations. Service motto The Baba announced the launch of a new educational scheme dubbed as 'Satya Sai Vidya Vahini' aimed at disseminating technological knowledge to the poor students particularly in rural areas. TCS, a corporate software firm gave a presentation on the modalities of the scheme. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. S.M. Krishna said love and sacrifice and selfless service were the hallmarks of the Baba's services to the poor . He recalled the services being provided to the people of Andhra Pradesh State including drinking water scheme to hundreds of villages, medical and education schemes. Governor Narasimhan also spoke. Local MLA Palle Raghunath Reddy, DIG Charu Sinha, district SP Manish Kumar Sinha, District Collector B.Janardhan Reddy and Regional Joint Director of Information Pulla Reddy were also present. http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/24/stories/2010112461570500.htm | | |
Image: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. (Photograph copyright Sify.com) | Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said he was deeply impressed by the services rendered by spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba in education, healthcare, water supply and other areas. Addressing the 29th convocation ceremony of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, the Prime Minister said the works undertaken at the institute were an example for others. The convocation of the institute, a deemed university, was part of the 85th birthday celebrations of Baba. Earlier, the Prime Minister met Baba at Prashanti Nilayam, his ashram, and sought his blessings. 
Image: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. (Photograph copyright Sify.com) Addressing the 29th convocation ceremony, the Prime Minister said he was all praise for the work done by the super specialty medical centres to general hospitals as well as the mobile medical vans that take medical care to the poorer sections of society. 'I am deeply impressed by the work undertaken here to help the people of surrounding 731 villages that are in drought prone districts of Andhra Pradesh. Another scheme has provided reliable water supply to the east and west Godavari districts.' Stressing the need for value-based education to youth, the Prime Minister said Satya Sai Institute was breaking new grounds. 
Image: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. (Photograph copyright Sify.com) Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Stalin, former chief minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan and prominent personalities attended the convocation. This pilgrim town is decked up for Baba's birthday celebrations on Tuesday. Devotees from different parts of the country and abroad have gathered in large numbers to seek the blessings of the spiritual leader. Source:http://sify.com/news/manmohan-seeks-sai-baba-s-blessings-imagegallery-national-klwtWjefhdc.html | | | | | | The Hindu President Pratibha Patil with Satya Sai Baba, Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L.Narasimhan (left) and Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil at Puttaparthi on Friday. Photo: R.V.S. Prasad Bring women-related issues to forefront, Pratibha tells women's representatives President Pratibha Devisingh Patil said here on Friday that women should be actively drawn into the planning and development process, especially at the grassroots level in the rural areas. "The 1.2 million women representatives in the elected bodies in villages and towns should focus on bringing women-related issues to the forefront for their progress and overall improvement in the standards of living, besides opening more avenues of employment and productive work in the rural areas," the President said while addressing the Women's Day celebrations at Prashanti Nilayam. Significant day Ms. Patil was here to participate in the 85th birthday celebrations of Sri Satya Sai Baba. Governors E.S.L. Narasimhan (Andhra Pradesh) and Shivraj Patil (Punjab) and State Minister for Information and Public Relations J. Geetha Reddy were present. In her 10-minute address, the President remarked that the day was significant as it was the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, a brave person and the only woman Prime Minister India had. Acknowledging that women had reached high positions, she referred to the constraints and difficulties they faced. "Efforts to empower women through education, awareness and opportunities should continue," she said. Right to education On education as a tool of empowerment, Ms. Patil said the right to free and compulsory education and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan should ensure that every child between six and 14 years received education. She said: "Educated women can be the voices in the fight against social evils like female foeticide, child marriage, dowry, addictions, discrimination and biases." Stressing the need for giving full attention to the health sector, the President said access to and affordability of healthcare should be accomplished. "A sustained approach is required towards developing a strong health infrastructure by involving the government, private sector, voluntary organisations," she observed. Partnerships crucial The President said diversification of the rural economy hinged on the changes in agriculture and the emerging opportunities in the non-farm sector. She backed linkages between the corporate world and the farm sector. Partnerships could also be evolved for marketing, research, micro-credit and skill building of men and women, among others, she added. Chetana Raju, member, Sri Satya Sai Easwaramma Women's Welfare Trust and Mallika Srinivasan, vice-chairperson, Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE), spoke. Dr. Hema Reddy, practising paediatrician in the U.S., proposed a vote of thanks http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article898924.ece | | | President to celebrate Sathya Sai Baba's 85th birthday India Blooms News Service Puttaparthi, (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 13 (IBNS) Millions of devotees worldwide will be joining in celebration to commemorate the 85th birthday of godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi Ashram in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh on Nov 23. The celebrations will be marked by the presence of his devotees, and important dignitaries like President Pratibha Patil , who would also be gracing the Women's Day function on Nov 19.
Sathya Sai Baba's birthday celebration starts from Nov 15 at Puttaparthi .
Renowned sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will start off the proceedings in the evening followed by a Carnatic Vocal Recital by Abhishek Raghuram.
On Nov 16 evening, following bhajans in the morning, 'Saxophone Chakravarthy' Kadri Gopalanath will perform to enthrall the millions gathered in tribute to Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The evening will round off by fusion genius and santoor artist Rahul Sharma.
Nov 17 morning will witness a Mass Marriage Program followed by a Carnatic Vocal recital by Sikkil Gurucharan. The program will culminate with a flute recital by India's ace flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar.
On Nov 18 morning, there will be a grand Rathotsavam, followed by a cultural presentation by students of the Sri Sathya Sai Primary School in the evening while Nov 19 will be commemorated as the Women's Day and the Nov 20 evening will host a World Conference Session of the Sri Sathya Sai Overseas Organisations.
On Nov 21 evening, students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning will present a drama. This will be followed by their 29th Convocation ceremony the following morning with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gracing the occasion.
The festival will culminate on Nov 23 morning with birthday celebration of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium and conclude in the evening with Prema Pravaham, a special concert by Swami's students glorifying His Mission and Message for humanity. | | | Anantapur, Nov. 18: The stage is set to celebrate Satya Sai Baba's 85th birthday in grandeur at Prashanti Nilayam in Puttaparti. Officials are making elaborate arrangements for devotees and visiting dignitaries across the world.
It is customary for the Satya Sai Trust to celebrate Baba's birthday with great pomp every five years.
Town streets are beautifully decorated with paintings and life-size images of Baba. Thousands of devotees have already descended on the town and lodged at restaurants to witness the celebrations.
Trust authorities arranged several traditional and folk exhibition stalls and hundreds of artists are readying to perform cultural programmes till the birthday celebrations culminate on November 23. The authorities arranged mass feeding camps for visitors.
President Pratibha Patil will visit the town for Baba's darshan and participate in several programmes. She is likely to address a gathering at a meeting to be held on the occasion of Women's Day.
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, will participate in Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning's 29th convocation ceremony on November 22.
Police beefed up security and deployed additional forces at the airport and other public places to prevent any untoward incident. They have been checking vehicles and regulating the crowd into Prashanti Nilayam.
According to Trust authorities, elaborate arrangements are being made to accommodate a million devotees with all facilities including drinking water and food.
Delegates from more than 150 nations will be present here, and the Trust is readying to host a world conference with all Satya Sai Baba's overseas organisations on November 20.
The celebrations will culminate with Satya Sai's spiritual message during the Prema Pravaham programme at the Hill View Stadium on November 23 evening. | | http://www.deccanchronicle.com/anantapur/puttaparti-gears-vvips-visit-334 | | | | | | | | | | | | Ratan Tata participated in the 85th birthday celebrations | PUTTAPARTHI (AP): Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata participated in the 85th birthday celebrations of Sathya Sai Baba here, where 85 couples entered into wedlock at a mass marriage ceremony.
The mass wedding was held yesterday as part of the ongoing birthday celebrations of the spiritual leader , a press release said. Sai Baba, who will celebrates his 85th birthday on November 23, blessed the couples, the release issued today said. | | http://economictimes.indiatimes.com | | | | | | | | | | | | | President to celebrate Sathya Sai Baba's 85th birthday
Puttaparthi, (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 13 : Millions of devotees worldwide will be joining in celebration to commemorate the 85th birthday of godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi Ashram in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh on Nov 23.
The celebrations will be marked by the presence of his devotees, and important dignitaries like President Pratibha Patil , who would also be gracing the Women's Day function on Nov 19.
Sathya Sai Baba's birthday celebration starts from Nov 15 at Puttaparthi .
Renowned sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will start off the proceedings in the evening followed by a Carnatic Vocal Recital by Abhishek Raghuram.
On Nov 16 evening, following bhajans in the morning, 'Saxophone Chakravarthy' Kadri Gopalanath will perform to enthrall the millions gathered in tribute to Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The evening will round off by fusion genius and santoor artist Rahul Sharma.
Nov 17 morning will witness a Mass Marriage Program followed by a Carnatic Vocal recital by Sikkil Gurucharan. The program will culminate with a flute recital by India's ace flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar.
On Nov 18 morning, there will be a grand Rathotsavam, followed by a cultural presentation by students of the Sri Sathya Sai Primary School in the evening while Nov 19 will be commemorated as the Women's Day and the Nov 20 evening will host a World Conference Session of the Sri Sathya Sai Overseas Organisations.
On Nov 21 evening, students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning will present a drama. This will be followed by their 29th Convocation ceremony the following morning with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gracing the occasion.
The festival will culminate on Nov 23 morning with birthday celebration
of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium and conclude in the evening with Prema Pravaham, a special concert by Swami's students glorifying His Mission and Message for humanity. | | http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-83318.html | | | | | | | | | | Exhibition on Sathya Sai projects India Blooms News Service Puttaparthi, Nov 17 (IBNS) Torrential rain did not deter the celebrations and festivities that continued in full swing, as to thousands of devotees thronged Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh to celebrate godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 85th birthday. 
An exhibition on Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated Programme (SSSVIP) for development of Indian villages was inaugurated at Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports (Indoor Stadium), Puttaparthi on Tuesday to commemorate his birthday.
The exhibits reveal the eight categories of service activities that are in progress in the 1388 villages adopted by the Sathya Sai Organization under this project.
The services are categorized as Individual Care, Employment Care, Educational Care Activities, Medical Care Activities, Spiritual and Cultural Activities, Agricultural Care Activities, Social Care Activities and Infrastructure Care Activities.
Native art forms, culture and traditions also have been displayed.
Model villages have been erected with one pavilion per state.
Pavilions also exist one for the All India Technology Support Group and one for overseas activities respectively. The exhibition is open to all the public.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba visited the exhibition Tuesday evening. He also gifted traditional wedding clothes to the 85 blessed brides and grooms on the eve of the mass wedding ceremony. | | http://www.indiablooms.com/LifestyleDetailsPage/lifestyleDetails171110a.php | | | | | | | | | | | | Sathya Sai truly outstanding: Ratan Tata India Blooms News Service Puttaparthi, Nov 18 (IBNS) Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has appreciated godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba for his humanitarian services.
 "Sri Sathya Sai Baba is a truly outstanding humanitarian. The Sai Trust's facilities, including the Sai University and the Institute of Higher Medical Sciences are most impressive and I am overwhelmed by the quality and professionalism of the staff," Tata said.
"These institutions are a standing tribute to the Swami's vision and attention to detail. He has given so much. The world needs his kindness and service to humanity," he added.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, as 85 brides and grooms tied knots with the blessings of Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi ashram in Andhra Pradesh.
The marriage ceremony was organized by The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust to celebrate the 85th birthday of the godman.
The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust was founded by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, as a public charitable trust in 1972.
Most of the couples were from the various neighbouring villages. It was a beautiful vision to see each of 85 grooms tie the Mangalasutra around their brides neck to a mark of their union.
The evening was marked with performance by Ronu Majumdar, India's ace flutist; followed by Sikkil Gurucharan, a carnatic vocalist. It was Sikkil's first performance before Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Prasanthi Nilayam. | | http://www.indiablooms.com/LifestyleDetailsPage/lifestyleDetails181110b.php | | | | | | | | | | President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will take part in the 85th birthday celebrations of Satya Sai Baba | | | 17th Nov, 2010: President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will take part in the 85th birthday celebrations of Satya Sai Baba beginning from Wednesday at Puttaparthi in Anantapur district.
According to statement, President Patil would participate in a seminar on November 19th, and spend a few hours at Prashanti Nilayam in Puttaparthi, where Sai Baba would pay tributes to his mother Eswaramma.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will visit Puttaparthi on November 22nd to address the 29th convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University. The Prime Minister will spend 3 hours at Prashanthi Nilayam.
Prashanthi Nilayam has already been geared up to celebrate Sai Baba's birthday on November 23rd. Thousands Sai devotees from different parts of the country and abroad would visit Puttaparthi town to seek his blessings.
On the occasion of his birthday, Sai Baba will bless the devotees and address them at Hilllview stadium. | | http://www.fullhyderabad.com/hyderabad-news/pratibha-patil-manmohan-singh-to-visit-satya-sai-baba-2547 | | | | | | | | | | Amjad Ali Khan plays for Sathya Sai India Blooms News Service Puttaparthi, Nov 16 (IBNS) Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, accompanied by his sons Ayan and Aman, performed on the occasion of godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 85th birthday at Puttaparthi ashmram in Andhra Pradesh on Monday.
Khan's recital was followed by young Carnatic vocalist Abhishek Raghuram's performance in the evening.
The Veda chanting began at 4:30pm. It w as at about 6:45pm that Sai Baba arrived for 'darshan' as the bhajan singing went on.
Giant LED screens and televisions ensured that everyone in the hall have a close darshan.
"It was a spiritual experience," said Khan after his performance.
The evening concluded around 8:20pm with 'aarti' and Sai Baba graciously distributed 'prasadam' to those present. | | | | | | | Puttaparti town hit by poor civic amenities | | | | Anantapur, Nov. 15: For all the tall claims by ministers and officials to provide basic amenities in the world famous spiritual centre of Puttaparti, roads and the drainage system in the town have been in bad shape for many years, besides rampant encroachments posing a problem to dwellers and devotees. Thousands of devotees throng this small pilgrim town for Satya Sai Baba's darshan every day. The authorities have been taking steps to beautify the town in the wake of Sai Baba's 85th birthday to be celebrated on November 23. President Ms Pratiba Patil will visit the town on November 19 and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will participate in Satya Sai University's convocation ceremony on November 22. Chief ministers from seven states and six governors will visit the town. While the authorities are making temporary arrangements for the visit of notable persons from 150 nations, problems of long-pending basic amenities haunt the dwellers. Almost all internal roads are ruined and drains are waterlogged across the town. Though the government announced that Rs 53 crore would be utilised for roads and drainage restoration works, nothing substantial has been done so far. Rainwater often enters shops and residences due to the poor drainage system. According to sources, the officials failed to utilise Rs 53 crore for basic amenities except for Rs 2 crore works so far. The government promised to construct a bypass road for easy accessibility to the town and a four-lane road from Enumulapalli to Puttaparti. But the promises have remained confined to foundation stones. Sewage treatment is in shambles though civic authorities renovated it with Rs 1 crore last year. Residents are concerned as unhygienic conditions prevail at the municipal compost yard. The government assured that it would provide boating facilities for devotees in Enumulapalli tank, but this has not materialised yet. Dwellers urge the government to take up roads and drainage system restoration works before Baba's birthday, else it would give a bad impression to the visiting dignitaries. | | http://www.deccanchronicle.com/anantapur/puttaparti-town-hit-poor-civic-amenities-418 | | | | | | | | | | Puttaparthi, the abode of Sri Satya Sai Baba, on Monday witnessed a beautiful symphony of sound and spirit as thousands of devotees from across the world, important dignitaries and well renowned artists gathered to join the 85th birthday of the renowned spiritual guru. The Festival of Divine Love commenced with a soul stirring performance by Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan accompanied by his sons, Ayan and Aman; followed by the dynamic Carnatic vocalist Abhishek Raghuram later in the evening. Image: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan performing at
Sathya Sai Baba's birthday celebration The Veda chanting began at 4:30pm on Monday, and it was at about 6:45pm that Swami arrived for darshan as the bhajan singing went on. The proceedings of the day was a heartwarming experience for all at Puttaparthi and a joyous occasion for everyone as the maestro, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan himself stated, "It was a spiritual experience." The musical performances heightened the emotions of all present and the purity of sound was soul touching as the renowned artists mesmerised the gathering with their talent.
Image: Sai Baba surrounded by thousands of devotees at
his birthday celebrations at Puttaparthi All in all it was a musical feast for all gathered. The presence of Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba seem to have inspired the artists to give one of their most memorable performances. Shri Satya Sai Baba was born in a remote village called Puttaparthi in Ananthapur District of Andhra Pradesh in India on November 23, 1926 to the pious couple Ratnakaram Pedda Venkama Raju and Eswaramma.
Image: Sai Baba's birthday decoration Baba was named Satyanarayana Raju. Young Raju was exemplary to others through his behaviour. Even as a child, His spiritual inclination and contemplative nature set him apart from other children of his age, and he was known as 'Guru' and "Brahmajnani' (knower of Brahman or Godhead) among his peers and others in the village. However, he made the historic declaration of his Avatarhood, (divinity incarnate in human form') on October 20, 1940. The world at large started learning of his divine phenomenon and the holy mission started unfolding. Image: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, sons Aayan and
Amaan receiving blessings from Satya Sai Baba Sri Satya Sai Baba is revered and worshipped across the continents by millions of people for his teachings of value oriented life and for his innumerable projects in education, medical care and fulfillment of social needs.
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