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Index of earlier Bulletins
November 25, 2006
This evening, after Bhagawan came for darshan, He enquired about "the drama" from Dr. Michael Goldstein, the Prasanthi Council chairman. The Italian group had been told that their drama would not be staged today, so now that Swami had asked for it, they had to rush to dress up and assemble in the Sai Kulwant Hall. At 5.15, Bhagawan came out of the interview room, and five minutes later, the Italian group started their presentation in which some Argentinian devotees also participated. The 40 minute presentation was on Dante's La Divine Comedia, with a voice-over of the English translation of selected extracts. The participants did an admirable job of presenting the abstract themes with expressive gestures. At the end of the programme, Bhagawan gave some of the members chocolates, and then asked for the rest of the chocolates to be distributed. As prasadam was being distributed, Bhagawan retired for the day with Arati.
November 24, 2006
This morning, Bhagawan did not come for darshan. In ths evening, the Sai Symphony Orchestra presented the 81st Birthday Concert. The programme was presented by 45 musicians from 16 countries. Just like for Gurupoornima, Klaus Maurer conducted and Paul Erhard introduced each piece.
Beginning with a Ganesha bhajan, the Symphony moved on to Tchaikovsky and then played pieces by Haydn, Strauss, Beethoven, Verdi and others, including some where the guitar featured prominently. Bhagawan asked for prasadam to be distributed after the hour-long concert. Coming down from the stage, He had a photo session with the performers before He retired after Arati.
November 23, 2006
The Mandir was filled by devotees from very early in the morning. Thousands of devotees who were not able to enter the hall packed all the approach roads. The Mandir verandah was lined with birthday cakes of different sizes and designs.
At 8.10 am the procession began from Bhagawan's residence - the Anantapur girls' band, the primary school girls' bagpipes, primary school boys chanting vedam, primary school boys' recorders and drums, the Institute band and finally the Vedam group with Poorna Kumbham leading in Bhagawan, dressed in a white robe, in His special Lamborghini open vehicle. After a full round of the hall, Bhagawan reached the Mandir verandah and was greeted by President Abdul Kalam there. At 8.30, Bhagawan sat onstage with the President beside Him. Swami indicated that the President could address the gathering. Dr. Kalam greeted everyone on Bhagawan's 81st Birthday, and presented the Telugu translation of a poem written by him to be read out by Prof. Anil Kumar.
Earth shining in Glory
Our Milky Way is shining, with millions and millions of stars.
Our beloved star Sun, along with eight other planets around.
Orbits the Milky Way, finishes one orbit in two hundred and fifty million years.
Somewhere in the galaxy, echoed a voice in surprise. "See there the Earth shining in glory: how come it got its light?"
A sweet and soft reply comes:
"It is not the mere light, It is the light of knowledge, It is the light of service, It is the light of peace.
Specially radiating from Prasanthi Nilayalam When Earth completes its eightieth orbit Carrying a great soul in its bosom"
After the reading, President Kalam took his leave. The function continued, with All India Sai Organisations President Sri. V. Srinivasan praying for Bhagawan's Birthday message. Bhagawan stood up at 9 o'clock and began His hour long Discourse. Bhagawan spoke about the devotion and love of Mother Eswaramma and Karnam Subbamma. Swami told the students that whatever they did in life, they should never forget God.
After Bhagawan concluded His Discourse with 'Bhajan Bina', He accepted Aarati went into the interview room. Emerging in a few minutes, Swami cut cakes on the verandah and retired to His residence.
In the evening, the Sports programme was to be in the Indoor Stadium, followed by musical performances in Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan arrived at the Sri Sathya Sai Sports Centre at 4.15 pm, resplendent in a yellow robe. As He entered the stadium, a song performed by the students filled the air, and all Swami's students joined in the chorus as Bhagawan alighted from the car and went towards His right, where the Badminton courts were ready for the first match - a forty minute doubles exhibition match between India and Indonesia. India recovered after losing the first game to take the match by two games to one. Bhagawan then moved in His chair to the other half of the stadium which had the basketball court, for the entertaining display by the Harlem Globetrotters.
The Harlem Globetrotters are a band of highly talented basketball players who tour the world as Ambassadors of goodwill. This evening, they played the New York Nationals in a friendly demonstration match. The proceedings opened with the mascot Globie (dressed up in a costume with a globe of the Earth as a head) endearing the audience with his antics. He arranged a musical chairs contest with some primary school boys and made everyone laugh. The Nationals and the Globetrotters then took over, dancing with the basketball as if it were glued to their hands. After a few minutes of demosntrations set to music, the game play began. During timeouts, the players kept up interest by getting some children also involved. First a small girl from the primary school was picked up and had a ball spun on her fingertip, and later a small boy was given a chance to shoot. The players also created humourous interludes, horsing around with a pail of water which finally landed on the referee! Their programme concluded after an hour, and Bhagawan had group photos with them and also presented them with watches. Then Bhagawan left for the Mandir.
Arriving at the Mandir at 6.45 pm, Swami asked the artistes Parveen Sultana and Mandolin Srinivas if they were ready for their programme. First was Begum Parveen Sultana's forty minute Hindustani classical vocal concert. Mandolin Srinivas, once again accompanied by his brother and A. Shivamani, came next. The musical fete concluded at 8.20 with Arati to Bhagawan, bringing the curtain down on Bhagawan's 81st Birthday.
November 22, 2006
Nadaswaram music filled the Sai Kulwant Hall as devotees waited for Bhagawan to appear for morning darshan. Some of the volleyball players were seated in white tracksuits. Volleyball players from India and Sri Lanka, Basketball players from India and Indonesia, along with Olympic athletes and gymnasts from Greece and Switzerland are some of the participants in the inaugural function of the Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Sports this afternoon.
Bhagawan arrived at 8.20 and sat onstage for half an hour listening to the Vedic chants. Then He slowly walked towards the interview room, glancing benignly at all on the way. Bhajans began at nine in the Bhajan Hall, with the UK youth group singers alternating with the regular bhajan singers.
The afternoon programme was the inauguration of the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports, continuing with the 25th Convocation of the Deemed University Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. CCTVs had been arranged in the Sai Kulwant Hall, the Higher Secondary School and the Hill view stadium so that all those who could not be in the Indoor Stadium could witness the events. The Chief guest for the function was the President of India, His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Dignitaries present included Governors of the States of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka along with the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
At 3.30 pm, Bhagawan arrived at the venue accompanied by the President. The Centre for Sports has a domed building at the entrance, commemorating 25 years of the Sathya Sai University. The first event was the inauguration of the Commemorative building by the President, pressing a button and cutting a ribbon. Swami and the President then got into a golf cart and took a round of the Commemorative building, and then entered the stadium, taking a full round there as a special song was played. As Swami and the President approached, distinguished sportsmen and the teams participating in the inaugural functions were introduced - cricketer Kapil Dev, Olympic shooter Rajyavardhan Rathod, Badminton whiz Prakash Padukone, the basketball and volleyball teams and officials. The Institute brass band played as the convocation procession joined the Divine Chancellor.
Bhagawan and the Chief guest went up to take their seats in their special stands above the entrance. After a few words of welcome by the master of ceremonies Sri Sanjay Sahani, Principal of the Brindavan campus of the Institute, as the main guests were garlanded. The Vice-Chancellor then spoke a few words about Dr. and Mrs. Ram Setty who had endowed the indoor stadium. Then Dr. Ram Setty expressed his gratitude to Bhagawan. Sri Kapil Dev, the Wisden Indian cricketer of the century, gave a brief talk, complementing the world class facility built in just 120 days. The function got underway with a 10 minute video presentation by filmmaker Manishankar, "Life is a game". Then the sports events began. First there was a short gymnastics display by the Greek and Swiss athletes. Next was an international volleyball match, India vs Sri Lanka - the second match in Sri Lanka's tour of India. The match, which lasted from 4.30 to 5.10, was speeded up by the new International rule having points scored regardless of which side was serving. India won 25-15, 25-13. The Indonesian and Indian basketball teams offered their pranaams to Bhagawan - their match was slotted for later.
The 25th Convocation of the Institute began at 5.35 after a short break when refreshments were served to all and the students seated themselves in the centre of the stadium in their ceremonial robes and hats. Waiting for Bhagawan to arrive, our irrepressible President took the few moments to interact with the students onstage who were to start the proceedings with Vedam.
As Bhagawan declared the Convocation open, a short animation prepared by the students was shown on the large projection screen. After the Vice-Chancellor's address, the Chief guest gave his 35 minute convocation address at 6.15 pm. As mentioned by him, his convocation address is available on his website five minutes after he concludes! Bhagawan then delivered His 30 minute Benedictory message, in which He exhorted the students to emulate Tenali Ramakrishna and know the inner meaning of the letters, words and phrases they use. As Swami said, the main root words we must learn are just five: Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa. After Bhagawan's Discourse, Sri Mandolin U. Srinivas accompanied by his brother U. Rajesh and the illustrious drummer A. Shivamani gave a half hour concert. The function concluded with the National Anthem at 8.05 and Bhagawan returned to His residence after 10 minutes.
November 21, 2006
Today was an interlude between the programmes so far this week and the programmes coming up tomorrow and the day after. At 8.15 in the morning Bhagawan visited the Indoor stadium, remaining there till 9 and then returning to the Mandir for Bhajans. In the evening He sat outside on the stage area listening to the Vedic chants for half an hour after Darshan at 4. Bhajans were in the Bhajan hall as usual at 5 o'clock.
November 20, 2006
At 8.30 this morning, Bhagawan went for a drive along the road to the airport, taking a look at the flags and other decorations on the way. While returning, He dropped in at the Indoor Stadium for half an hour before returning to the Mandir at 9.30.
In the evening, the annual day of the Eswaramma Women's Welfare Trust was to be celebrated. As Bhagawan's car came into the Sai Kulwant Hall at 3.45 pm, the village drum troupe positioned near the central lotus gate started their loud drumming. Bhagawan went into the interview room and emerged after half an hour to more drumming till He reached the stage area. Then the drumming stopped and the bicycle distribution began. Bhagawan moved down from the stage and sat in the centre of the hall and watched as bicycles were given to economically disadvantaged girls. The next item was a Chakkabhajan dance by small children from the village. Bhagawan called up the smallest boy in the group and gave him a chain. One more village dance followed - by elders this time, dressed in black costumes fringed with peacock feathers. By 4.40, the dances concluded, some of the village women presented short speeches and songs, expressing their gratitude to Bhagawan for all that He has done for them. Mrs. Chetana Raju, the organiser of the function, then announced the distribution of material for mothers and mothers-to-be in the surrounding villages, a thousand of whom had gathered in Bhagawan's presence, symbolically handed over by Bhagawan to representatives from each village. These consisted of water purifiers and bags containing utensils and toys for the children. The doctors who were working for mother and child welfare with the Mobile Hospital were then presented with gifts of grace by Bhagawan.
The next item in the EWWT celebrations was to be a video projected on a large screen in the centre of the hall. But this required the daylight to dim further. So, Bhagawan instructed His students to present their dance. A few days previously, Bhagawan had told the Institute dance group to be ready to dance on the 20th, so they were dressed in costumes ready for the Divine command. Bhagawan came onstage and watched as the boys danced for the next 40 minutes. Praises to Lord Ganesha followed by a Yakshagana presenting the Krishna story, Dashavatara dance and finally a dance on Bhagawan's glory. Swami graciously called up the boys for a group photo. Just before six o'clock, the video began - "The One Sri Sathya Sai." Beginning with the story of creation, the 20 minute film traced Man's fall from his divine origins and his final redemption by Mother Sai's Love. Bhagawan accepted Arati at 6.20 pm and returned to His residence. Prasadam was distributed as the devotees left the Hall.
November 19, 2006
The Sai Kulwant Hall was decked with floral decorations for the Ladies' Day celebrations. Bhagawan came to the Hall at eight o'clock in a procession led by the Primary School Bagpipes band with young girls holding plates with lamps welcoming the Lord chanting Vedam. As Bhagawan entered the Hall, the strains of the song "E Malik Tere Bande Hum" filled the air. Once Bhagawan was seated onstage, the programme began with a Bagpipes display by the Primary School band. Next was a ten minute choir medley by Sai youth from the UK. Two speeches in Telugu and English followed, by Mrs. Vasumathi Bhaskar Rao and Dr. Ronne Marantz respectively. Mrs. Vasumathi is a Mahila Seva dal convener from Andhra Pradesh and spoke about her experiences doing seva shoulder to shoulder with Smt. Easwaramma garu. Dr. Ronne is a member of the international Sri Sathya Sai Education Committee and Principal, Scarsdale Public Schools, New York. She spoke of how her interactions with Swami and His EHV programme helped her to implement value education in her school. It was nearing nine o'clock as these speeches concluded, and Bhagawan asked for Bhajans and prasadam distribution. Accepting Arati from the ladies at 9.15, Bhagawan retired for the morning.
Bhagawan arrived for evening darshan at 3.10 pm. After a few moments onstage, Swami went into the interview room. From there, a large number of sarees were brought out and kept near the front part of the stage. It was to be yet another saree distribution. Bhagawan came onstage at 3.20, and a small girl from the Primary school dressed for their dance programme later in the evening went up to Him and gave Him a card. Bhagawan responded by giving her a chain! Then the saree distribution began. Bhagawan was seated near the steps leading down from the stage, and the ladies came up one by one and collected sarees from Him. This went on for the next 45 minutes. Then Swami stood up and gave some sarees. Later He sat again and continued. Finally, after an hour, He left that spot and went to the centre of the stage, indicating the Primary School children to begin their dance. After the picturesque dance by the girls, some of whom were really tiny tots, Bhagawan came down from the stage and gave group photos to all of them, including the students in the band that performed in the morning. When Bhagawan came back onstage, the Priya sisters went up to Bhagawan for His blessings for their concert. The Carnatic vocals of the sisters Shanmukhapriya and Haripriya wafted in the Sai Kulwant Hall for the next hour. Bhagawan went into the interview room halfway through, and when He returned at six o'clock, He asked for the Arati. Just as the Arati was drawing to a close, students brought prasadam for Bhagawan's blessings, and the distribution began. Swami continued to sit onstage for the distribution, leafing through a photo album presented by Dr. Voleti Choudhary of the SSSIHMS. After fifteen minutes, Swami entered His car and left for Yajur Mandiram.
November 18, 2006
This morning, Bhagawan came for Darshan at 7.30 am. The procession with Sai Gita, Bhagawan's elephant, was waiting at the front gate of the Sai Kulwant Hall for the Rathotsavam. As Swami's car reached her, He paused, fed her with apples from the car, and then continued on His darshan round. Swami's car came to the Verandah and He alighted, went to the stage area and sat there for ten minutes listening to the Vedic chants and the Panchavadyam by the students along with the village band. Then He came to the interview room and later came into the Bhajan Hall where the palanquins with the Rama-Lakshmana-Sita-Hanuman and Krishna idols were kept ready decorated with flowers. The Vedam group sat chanting in the Bhajan Hall in orange dhoties. The priest brought the ceremonial thread to be blessed by Bhagawan, and then adorned Sita devi with it, waving camphor in front of the palanquins. This marked the beginning of the procession, and the Vedam group led them out with the palanquins hefted by specially trained Sevadals from Hyderabad, followed by the Bhajan group. Bhagawan sat on His chair and went to the Gopuram gate to see off the procession which goes to the Pedda Venkappa Raju Kalyanamantapam and returns with the idols lifted atop the ceremonial temple car (Ratham). Bhagawan returned to the interview room till the procession returned a few minutes after nine o'clock. The Bhajan group members started singing into the mics once the Rama statue was kept back in the Bhajan Hall. Bhagawan came to the Bhajan Hall soon after, sat for a few Bhajans, accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 9.45.
Sai Gita's new residence, located next to the Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre (Planetarium), was being inaugurated today. The Planetarium grounds were decorated with buntings and flower arrangements. Bhagawan arrived at 10.40 and alighted right next to Sai Gita who was standing at the entrance of her new building. After feeding her, Swami went in His chair into the building and sat there while some people connected with the construction like the contractor and so on presented Him with bouquets. A priest did a puja, broke a cocout in front of Sai Gita, and some of the elders also broke coconuts. Bhagawan blessed clothes and food prasadam for the workers who did the construction and were now sitting in the garden area, and also sent watches to be distributed to them. Sai Gita was then invited inside her new abode, and Swami fed her again with apples and sugarcane. Bhagawan finally left at 11.10 accepting Arati and blessing some ladies who were seated near the entrance.
The evening session was to have a Russian programme of songs and some chairs with mics were kept in the centre of the Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan arrived in the Sai Kulwant Hall and proceeded to the stage area. After a few minutes, He called up the organisers who began the programme at 4.10 pm. The rare traditional instrument psaltery was used for the programme, which featured an eleven-year old soprano along with other singers, an accordion and guitars. Bhagawan enjoyed the 40 minute programme including the boy's rendering of the catchy "Kalinka". He blessed them with group photographs, after which He asked for Bhajans to be sung in the Sai Kulwant Hall itself. At 5.30, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
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