Sai Darshan News: March 30-31, 2008 - Sai Students

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March 31, 2008 The students have completed their examinations and their summer vacations start today. The time of the year is a very different one from the way things generally move on in Puttaparthi. The people, both, within and outside the Prashanti compound are bustling with activity. Outside, the guessing game as to Swami's plans for the summer is on and many versions of many stories are doing the rounds. The shop owners are using all their forecasting methods to predict the crowd strength and therefore the stocks to be ordered and also of probable dates to have a temporary stop to their establishments. Inside the compound wall too the guessing game is on. The students are planning their itenerary in such a manner that either if they are blessed by Swami in a special manner if and when He leaves for Kodaikanal, or if they have to leave for their hometowns, then in both scenarios they get maximum joy and satisfaction!

All the inmates and residents are having their own preparations for the scorching summer looming large.In these conditions, the students of the Mirpuri College of Music had come prepared to Mandir with their gratitude programme. Swami arrived at 5.50 pm. Swami completed the darshan round and then and after a round of the verandah in His chair, He moved to the stage and sat listening to the Vedas being chanted. Soon, He asked for the programme to commence. Usually when the students of the school or Institute put up a gratitude programme, the general format is that they speak out their feelings which are supported by the songs that they sing. Today it was a simple reversal. All the feelings were expressed in songs and tunes and they were supported by the few words that they spoke!The fifty minute programme had Hindustani and Carnatic songs as well a sitar recital. A wide range of ragas were explored. The harmonium, keyboard, tabla, mridangam and other

instruments were used to beautiful impact. The sitar recital was also well orchestrated and it picked up gusto and beauty as it progressed. As the programme concluded, Swami blessed the items brought up to Him by the students before accepting Arati and returning to His residence at seven o'clock.Click here to view pictures of the programme. March 30, 2008 The academic year has reached its fag end in the Educational institutions and it's time when bags are being packed for the summer vacation. As everyone else, the students too would like to end the year on a beautiful note and what "note" can be more enthralling and satisfying than the one that is filled with the Lord's melody and Love! The students of the X class from the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School had been permitted by Swami to put up a small programme in His

presence and they were in high spirits at the prospects of putting up something in front of their dear Lord!So, this evening, the Bhajans did not begin at five o'clock, and a back-drop was put up in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall, with the title of the drama "Follow the Master". Swami arrived for darshan at 5.20 pm. He completed a full round and as He came out of the car in the mandir portico, He went into the Bhajan Hall to interact with the students in costumes there. This is a unique gift that Swami bestows on the students. Whenever there is a programme to be put up in Kulwant hall, the students get ready with their costumes in the bhajan hall. Swami comes to the "green room" if may use the term and interacts with the actors. He asks them about the roles they are about to play, scrutinizes the costumes and makes observations on the make up and theme of the programme. On many occasions, Swami has also made modifications in the dialogues to be spoken in the

presentations and the students have in the short span of 15-20 minutes incorporated the changes too! Many times, these interactions assume an importance greater than that of the actual drama itself for usually, while the drama carries powerful messages for all, this little drama behind the drama, carries a lot of profundity and significance for the lives of the students. Swami spent a few precious moments with all in the bhajan hall and then told the students to go out and begin their programme as soon as they were ready.The programme got underway just after 5.35, with Swami coming onstage. The storyline was based on the true experiences of four students on how Swami had guided them in various circumstances of their student lives. One of them brings about a change in the mindset and attitude of his "hooligan" friends by sheer dint of his self confidence and Swami's teachings. The story of Nachiketa was woven into this story of transformation and it depicted the

direction that life must take. One student brings in love for one's parents in a lazy and callous friend. Another helps a pickpocket reform himself and gets him a job to support his ailing mother. The drama had songs interspersed aptly.After the hour long drama, Swami Blessed the participants with group photographs. The bonus round came when Swami walked down from the stage for another set of group photographs! Then He also had a group photograph with the school teachers. When all the teachers stood by Swami, a thrill of joy ran through the students who were overwhelmed by the sheer sight itself. They burst out clapping. Swami then slowly moved back towards the car. The boys shouted out, "We Love You Swami!" Swami turned back and and seemed to ask how much they loved Him. They shouted louder, "We love you". He turned back completely. A resounding third shout, "SWAMI WE LOVE YOU". Swami looked at them smiled and said, "Sing something". The students sang one Bhajan

and Swami sat enjoying it. He seems to love the Love that comes in a musical form!! Swami then accepted Arati and returned to His residence just before seven o'clock. Click here to view pictures of the programme. Source: http://www.saistudents.org/alumni/home/news.php