Divine Energy Flows Through His Instruments...

July 17, 2008

Divine Energy Flows Through His Instruments Extraordinary Educators Inspire Exemplary Pupils

An alumnus of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Mr. A. Raghavendra is currently Vice President, ABN AMRO Bank N. V. in Bangalore. When asked what he cherishes the most from his time when he was a student at Swami’s school, he is prompt to respond, “We had an environment that was pure and unsullied. We could easily concentrate on our academics, and at the same time do wonders in extra-curricular activities.

"More importantly, we had a dedicated band of teachers who left an indelible impression upon us at that impressionable age by the sheer power of their personal example. I still remember one particular day when I was in grade X. Our Board examinations were going on, and therefore, our room was not swept for two days. Each one of us was hard pressed for time, and the room, as a consequence, had become very dirty.

"That day, our hostel teacher, who was living in a room adjacent to ours, quietly came into our room when a very few of us were present. Without speaking a word or bothering any of us even a little, he picked up the broom, swept the room clean corner to corner, and left silently as if nothing had happened. This was in 1988, but it flashes in my memory and inspires me whenever I think of the school.”

Teachers Serve Sai in His Students

The teacher had no qualms putting oil on the feet of the student and left only when the student felt better

Another alumnus of the school, Chaitanya Juluru, similarly goes down memory lane recalling his lasting impression of the school, says, “I was then in my XI grade. Extreme weakness and ill-health had confined me to the bed. All the symptoms pointed towards malaria.

"My body was shivering with cold and fever, even though I had covered myself completely with sleeping bags and blankets. When my hostel teacher noticed my condition, he returned with an oil bottle in his hand and started applying oil to my feet.

"I desisted because I felt embarrassed; the teacher was almost 3 times my age. I felt I was being disrespectful to allow my respected teacher to touch my feet, but he had no qualms about it. He did it with much love, and sure enough, my shivering ceased and I felt better.

"A day later, by Swami’s grace, the malaria test too proved negative. But what touched me the most is what the teacher did which under normal circumstances, only my parents or brother would have done.”

Teachers the Most Inspiring Role Models

The teacher silently swept the room of the students without a word when the boys had examinations going on

Instances like this are innumerable. Ask any student of Swami’s school and he will have a number of stories of how his teacher, without a second thought, cleaned the vomit on the corridor when his sick classmate threw up unexpectedly one day, or how he fed him with his own hands three times a day when his hands were hurt, or how he took extra classes everyday for only one student who needed more attention, or how he paid a boy’s hostel fees once he knew about his poor financial condition, and so on.

“In the school I witnessed a set of individuals who practiced what they preached,” says Mr. Surya Prakash Pati, an alumnus of the school currently pursuing his Ph. D in Management in IIT-Lucknow.

He further adds, “The teachers were live definitions of the words ‘love’, ‘sacrifice’ and ‘dedication’. They followed the same rules that we, as students, complied with. I am really proud that I had them in my life. I cannot explain in words how they have molded me.”

Reforming Students At Source, Never By Force

On one occasion when a student was leaving the school upon completion of his studies, he bowed down with reverence and gratitude, and touched his teacher’s feet. His parents had come to take him, but he was in tears.

He came to the school as an uncontrollable child but returned as an examplary student

The teacher consoled him saying “Swami will always be with you… you are never going to miss anything…do not worry…”. His sorrow, however, was very deep. It was then that his parents revealed to the teacher their son’s real story.

“Before joining Swami’s school, he had been absolutely uncontrollable,” the father said. “On many occasions, he would just go out of the house and return very late in the night. When we questioned him, he would carelessly say ‘How does it bother you?’

"And it is the same boy, who now touches our feet when he is home, and never leaves anywhere without our permission. When we see our son now, we feel so fortunate. We do not know how to express our gratitude to Swami and this wonderful school.”

Another parent, Mr. Krishna Sundararajoo from Singapore, says, “When my son, Saishreyas, joined this School for grade XI, initially he used to ask me to bring lot of goodies and other items whenever I visited him. But now, he does not ask; he is happy with whatever I bring for him during Sunday visits. When he returns home during holidays, he gives talks at various Sai centres and willingly shares his ennobling experiences. And many people tell me he is matured not only spiritually, but also has become worldly-wise. His help in the house and respect to the parents and elders is exemplary.”

Beacons of Sai Light Guide Parents

Boys come to Swami’s School as tiny buds and within a span of two years or more, they bloom into fragrant blossoms, spreading the fragrance of love wherever they go. The students on many occasions have become change-agents who have brought sweeping changes, not only in their family but also in their work place, and society at large. For instance, after completing his education in Swami’s School and subsequently in the Institute, one alumnus joined a non-profit organization which worked for rural upliftment for a salary that was half or less than what his counterparts were being paid elsewhere.

There are occasions when small children of the school have actually reunited their parents. Citing one case, Mr. Venkateswarlu, the Mathematics teacher who also stays in the hostel along with the boys, says, “This boy was at the same time in grade X. As I used to interact with him frequently and ask him about his welfare, just as I do with every student, one day he revealed to me that his parents were actually not living together. ‘When I go to mother, my father gets upset, and vice versa.’

Sharing more he said, ‘My parents separated over difference of opinion as to which school my younger brother should go.’ I encouraged the boy saying since he is under Swami’s care, the Lord would surely take care. ‘Write letters to Swami as well as to your parents,’ I advised. When you write to them explain that they are correct in their viewpoints, but they would be doing more good to your brother if they stayed together than otherwiseRam ChuganiKobe, Japanrgcjp