Ashadi Ekadashi Celebrations in the Divine Presence

August 1, 2008

July 13, 2008 – Performance by Mr. Kunal Ganjawalla

As a part of the Ashadi Ekadasi function, the introductory honours had been gifted to Mr. Kunal Ganjawalla and his wife Gayatri Ganjawalla. Swami had agreed to a concert by the artist couple and the whole stage had been set and kept ready for them. Swami came out at about 3:45 p.m. and took a round in the car in the Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami is also called as "Nitya Nootana", which means "the ever new". True to this, no two days are ever similar in the things He does. On July 13, He took the route via the portico from the gents side and then moved to the ladies side again. From there He went back towards Yajur Mandir and via the passage between the Yajur Mandir and the Sai Kulwant Hall, He drove out! He went for a darshan granting ride in Puttaparthi and returned to the Mandir after a few minutes.

This time, He came straight to the portico and then soon onto the stage. He called the artists of the day and asked them to begin. The veda chanting came to a halt and then Mr. Kunal and his group of artists sought His blessings. The first song was on Lord Ganesha, and it was an auspicious beginning. Mr. Kunal and his wife kept alternating between themselves in the songs, and it was a treat not only for the ears, but also for the eyes as Swami's reactions and responses to the songs were so sweet and full of Love. When Mrs. Gayathri began the song "Thumak Chalat Ramachandra" after saying that it reminds her of the beautiful days when Swami would come glidingly walking down for darshan, Swami seemed to get overwhelmed. He began singing along with her! In fact, at one point, when the singer stopped singing to allow the flute to play a piece, Swami continued singing and was apparently surprised as to why the singing had stopped! He looked at the singer and gave vigorous rhythm on His lap indicating her to begin singing. Kunal then sang the song, "Sainath Tere Hazaro Haath" from the movie "Shirdi Ke Sai Baba". Being a very popular song, the members of the audience too began to sing along with him. At the end of that performance, Swami looked at the artists and lipped, "Very very happy!" and that was exactly the feeling shown on the faces of the artists too, for, what can be a greater reward than being able to make the Lord happy. A Meera bhajan followed next and the audience lapped it up as it went through the highs and lows of pitches! As the songs continued, Swami called Kunal and made some enquiries of him. Then taking leave for a few minutes, Swami went into the interview room. He returned soon and sat on the stage. There was another lady artist too who sang the Telugu song, "Oh Rama! Nee Nama Yenta Ruchira" and Swami sat swaying to it and enjoying it. Really, the only tunes the Lord dances to are the tunes of Love from the heart.

Kunal and Gayatri Ganjawalla in concert

"Very, very happy"

Every action of Swami has so much of meaning to some people. It may appear that it means nothing for the world, but it definitely means the world to somebody! Knowing the story in the background sometimes helps one in appreciating the actions He does. And in that day's case, having met the artists and got a chance to interact with them, the writer is able to enjoy and share some of these stories now. Some time back, Swami had appeared in the dream of Kunal's sister and had told her that Gayatri must sing the bhajan "Sri Venkatesha Saishwara" and that evening, very soon she began that bhajan. It appeared as if Swami had been waiting for that bhajan. As soon as it concluded, Swami called Kunal and then starting waving His palm. At this juncture, it is necessary to reveal another part of the story in flashback. As Gayatri put it, "It was our dream that we get married in His presence. It did not happen that way, but He knows every desire in the heart!" Swami created a golden chain and instead of putting around Kunal's neck, gave it to him and told him to tie it around his wife's neck! Then immediately, He materialised a ring and gave it to the wife to put it on the finger of the husband! Both husband and wife broke down. Showers of Grace and showers of tears are often synonymous. And that's what happened on stage as Swami fulfilled a deep desire in the devotees' hearts without them even telling Him their wish, physically. Seeing them in tears, Swami also momentarily was overcome with emotion. He then presented sarees to the ladies and shawls to the gents.

A poignant moment as a "wedding" is conducted.

A long cherished desire finds fruition...

As this shower of Love came to a pause, Swami asked Kunal to sing a bhajan

The overwhelmed couple with the overwhelming Lord

.. He started, "Bolo Bolo Sab Mil Bolo" - a bhajan which urges everyone to sing out the name of the Lord. Having witnessed all that happened on the stage, nobody needed any urging, only an excuse was needed, to sing out the divine name! The bhajan had a whole hearted and vociferous following. At the end of that, Swami told the artists that He would come to the centre stage and pose with them for photographs. They were all thrilled and overjoyed. When Swami wants to make you feel special, He goes all out to do so. As the pictures were being taken, Swami looked at the boy shooting the video and told him, "Move your fingers! Don't block the video!" everyone smiled in merriment. Then, Swami spoke to almost every member of the performing troupe. He blessed the prasadam to be distributed to all. Then as aarthi began, He called Prof. Anil Kumar and told him to announce the next day's programme He also blessed a couple of books that the state president of Maharashtra presented to Him. After aarthi, blessing all with abhayahastha, Swami retired to Yajur Mandir.

July 15, 2008 – Ashaadi Ekadasi Celebrations in the Divine Presence

A grand view of the decorated mandir on Aashaadi Ekadasi

The morning of Ashaadi Ekadasi dawned with a dash of colour and a rush of energy in the abode of highest peace. It had been announced the previous evening that the morning programme would begin at 9:00 a.m. At 8:50 a.m., Swami arrived from the Yajur Mandir. The usual Vedic chanting started, but very soon it was replaced by songs that had been especially composed for the occasion of Ashaadi Ekadasi. The song was full of vigour and life, and the audience began to clap rhythmically with it. Specially dressed men stood in the centre blowing conches heralding Swami's entry into the Mandir premises. Swami moved on the chair and went through the Sai Kulwant Hall granting the joy of close darshan on the auspicious morning. Well, any morning when one can have the beautiful darshan of the Lord becomes holy and auspicious! Passing through the students' area, He blessed all the boys holding trays and celebrating birthdays.

Crowds swelled in the Kulwant hall

The Birthday boys are blessed!

From the portico as He came onto the stage, there were many VIPs and MLAs seeking His blessings. He was bestowing smiles on everyone and was radiating joy and peace as He came on the dais. The stage had been decorated very grandly with a beautiful idol of Vitthala adorning the centre. Swami looked at the whole stage and moved to the gents' side corner to light the lamp. A blue gentle wax candle was given to Him and He slowly lit all the six wicks in the lamp and a round of applause rented the hall. The programme began with the arrival of the traditional Varakaris. Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk all the way to the banks of the mighty Chandrabhaga River, to the "mother's home"- Pandharpur and pray to Lord Vitthala. Now, Puttaparthi has become the "mother's home" and dear Sai - the Lord, as the pilgrims conclude their walking pilgrimage in His divine presence on the Ashaadi Ekadasi day. ("Co-incidentally" Pandharpur translates into English as 'white field'!) The dance was the folk type and was marked by the energy and quick movements demanding lot of stamina. Before the dance actually began, a garland of Tulsi leaves and dry fruits were brought to Swami for blessings.

At the Vitthala shrine in the centre

Varakaris' offerings

The dance consisted of many human pyramid formations. Each pyramid that came up was more intricate and tougher to form than the previous one. There was a formation of steps and the lotus formation too. The dance received a lot of appreciation and it was after the dance that the main programme of the morning began.

Ever rising on the path towards God

Dancing on a 'lotus formed by the feet'!

The programme was by the Bal Vikas children from the Pune district of Maharashtra. Entitled "Adhyatma Ramayanam", it was based on the inner significance of the Ramayana as Swami has explained it. The actors who were playing the part of Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva and the squirrel who helps a 'tiny' bit in the bridge building, came up to the stage to offer the card and flowers to Swami. The Lord blessed them and then the enactment began. It began with all the great poets who had written the Ramayana - sage Valmiki, Kamban, Tulsidas, Thyagaraja - arriving to the present where a Bal Vikas teacher is discussing the Ramayana with the children.

The Ramayana characters offer their salutations

The students hear the Ramayana - enraptured

The whole story of Ramayana was weaved by these great saints and the various landmark events were depicted on stage. The narration starts with a joyous dance at the prospect of Rama being made the king of Ayodhya. Then the queen Kaikeyi, under the influence of her maid Manthara, tells Dasharatha to banish Rama into exile for 14 years and asks for the coronation of Bharatha. Everyone is shocked and worried, except Rama, the epitome of calm and composure. Sita and Lakshmana follow Rama to the forest. In the forest, the episode of Sita being kidnapped by Ravana was depicted after she is enticed by her desire for a golden deer. It was brought out powerfully that in life too, once Kama (desire) overpowers, Rama (God) leaves! Sita pining for the golden deer ends up getting the golden city (lanka) itself, but in the process loses Rama. She is sad and despondent. Stated another way, as long as the Rama tattwa (spirit of Godliness) exists, Ravana tattwa (the negatives) cannot enter. The special smoke and lighting effects as Ravana tries to cross the famous "Lakshman Rekha" were good.

The great "Ramayana Poets" ensemble!

The court of emperor Dasharatha...

The drama then went on to depict how the Eagle king Jatayu fights valiantly to help Sita and in the process loses his own life. That act of bravery and selfless love wins Jatayu the supreme merit of having his last rites performed by Rama himself - a merit that even the great Dasharatha was not fortunate enough to be blessed with, though he was Rama's father. Rama and Lakshmana then meet Hanuman and Sugriva. Vali, who stands for body attachment, is slain by Rama and then the search for Sita begins. Hanuman meets Mother Sita after crossing the Indian Ocean. Hanuman's flight across the ocean was also creatively depicted. There he gives courage to Sita and strikes terror in the hearts of all the demons at Lanka. He returns triumphantly and very soon the bridge to Lanka is built. The episode of the squirrel contributing a few grains of sand to the bridge was also shown. The special message was very clear. The world judges a person by the fruits or the results the person produces. God judges not and He sees only the efforts made. Efforts, not results, please Him! The drama concluded with the coronation of Rama and a grand dance to celebrate that. The inner significance as stated by Swami, and brought out by the drama, was this:

The great Jatayu dies for the Lord....

....while Hanuman lives for Him!

Rama is the Indweller in every Body. He is the Atma-Rama, the Rama (Source of Bliss) in every individual. His blessings up surging from that inner Spring can confer peace and bliss. He is the very embodiment of Dharma, of all the codes of morality that hold mankind together in love and unity. The Ramayana, the Rama story, teaches two lessons: the value of detachment and the need to become aware of the Divine in every being. Faith in God and detachment from objective pursuits are the keys for human liberation. Give up sense-objects; you gain Rama. Sita gave up the luxuries of Ayodhya and so, she could be with Rama, in the period of 'exile'. When she cast longing eyes on the golden deer and craved for it, she lost the presence of Rama. Renunciation leads to joy; attachment brings about grief. Be in the world, but, not of it. The brothers, comrades, companions and collaborators of Rama are each of them examples of persons saturated with Dharma. Dasaratha is the representative of the merely physical, with the ten senses. The three Gunas - Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas - are the three Queens. The four goals of life - the Purusharthas - are the four Sons. Lakshmana is the Intellect; Sugriva is Viveka or Discrimination. Vali is Despair. Hanuman is the embodiment of Courage. The Bridge is built over the Ocean of Delusion. The three demon chiefs are personifications of the Rajasic (Ravana), Thamasic (Kumbhakarna) and the Sathwic qualities (Vibhishana). Sita is Brahmajnana or the Awareness of the Universal Absolute, which the Individual must acquire and regain, undergoing travails in the crucible of life. Make your heart pure and strong, contemplating the grandeur of the Ramayana. Be established in the faith that Rama is the reality of your existence.

As the drama concluded, all the participants came into a final mass gathering. 143 girls and 81 boys formed a huge mass of children in all colours and forms! Swami was very happy and blessed all of them. The Ramayana is such a powerful story that one does not need a fantastic script or great acting skills. The story simply narrated, in itself inspires and brings feelings of devotion and love from within. It is small wonder then that Swami holds the Ramayana so dear to His heart. He told all the children that He would come down for group photos. The sight of so many children sitting around Him must be seen to be believed! He called the little squirrel and spoke to 'it' asking his name and place! Even in this age, the Lord seemed to be appreciating the efforts rather than the size of the role played! Swami created a chain for the boy who played the role of Rama in the forest.

Hundreds gather for the group photo...

A gold chain for "Lord Rama"

He then told all the children to come and sit close so that good pictures could be taken. Then He moved to the front where He called for Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, and posed for pictures with them. Then He asked one of the photographers, "Call Pattabhi Rama also." So the crowned and decked Rama, Lakshmana and Sita too came and were blessed with photos with Him. After the photo session, Swami said that He would stand up and bless all. As Swami rose, there was an uproarious applause. Swami beamed and blessed all. Then slowly, He walked up the way on to the stage.

The four bothers with Sita and Urmila with Sai

"I will stand with you"

As He sat on the stage, He called the main organiser and spoke to him about the children - how they had practiced, how they had put in the efforts and how many days it had taken. Swami was told that everything had come out so wonderfully because of His Grace alone. Swami spoke quite a lot and it was very evident that He was very happy. He called Sita onstage and asked, "Are you a boy?" The boy blushed and the redness on his face traveled very soon to His face too! He asked his name and patted him on the cheeks. He blessed the prasadam that was to be distributed and, in fact, He himself distributed it to some of the actors who were nearby. Then aarthi was taken and Swami raised both His hands in loving benediction to all the children. In between all this, He also granted interviews to some people and the artists of the previous day's programme. It was about 11:10 a.m. when He finally retired for the morning.

He distributes sweets to the actors

Mahamangala Aarthi on Aashaadi morn

In the afternoon, Swami arrived at about 4:30 p.m. He moved through the ladies side on the chair and then cut through the central stage area and went straight to the interview room. At 5:00 p.m., He came out and sat on the stage. After a short while of Veda chanting, He raised His hand to signal it to a stop. A musical dance ballet entitled, "Tripura Rahasyam" was to be presented in the divine presence by the Balvikas students and Gurus of the Mumbai organisation. The lead actors and dancers came on stage and presented Swami with the card and flowers, and sought His blessings for the success of the programme. Swami blessed them and the programme began.

"May the program blossom well"

He accepts a clove!

The "Tripura Rahasyam" literally means, "beyond the trinity". It is the greatest among the works of Sri Ramana Maharshi expounding the traditional teachings where a steadily self-aware Sadguru imparts knowledge about inner perception, enabling the disciple to share the same state. For his part, however, the disciple must be eager, have full zeal to know and have unqualified faith in the Guru's guidance. The programme began with a dance for the veneration of Goddess Sri Tripura. The goddess, regarded as the pure unsullied intelligence, manifests in ten forms then. Each form was welcomed with the appropriate musical chants. Covering the entire aspects of the manifest and the unmanifest, the ten forms are very interesting, at least from an academic point of view. They are - Dhoomaavathi, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Tripura Bhairavi, Maha Kali, Tara, Matangi, Chinnamastha, Bagala Mukhi and Kamalathmika.

This knowledge had been first imparted by Lord Dattatreya, considered as the ultimate Guru, an embodiment of the holy trinity, to the great sage Parashurama. The great knowledge was imparted through parables. The story of princess Hemalekha's sound advice to the prince Hemachuda was depicted very creatively. The fickle mind, thoughts, the senses and the vices were all "humanized" and built up as a single family with the relationships between them subtly hinting towards the actual relationships existing as they arise in humans. There are heavy conflicts within the family and this ruins the intellect, and ultimately makes one ignorant. And ignorance is the root cause of all the problems. Another story of the brothers Rukmangada and Hemangada was also depicted. They use wisdom to save themselves from being devoured by the demon of doubt.

The ten aspects of the Mother Goddess

Lord Dattatreya - the greatest among Gurus

By way of these parables, in dreams and visions, Lord Dattatreya resolves the doubts of Manav - the representative of humanity. Everything begins with Virakti (disgust of material possessions) leading to Vairagya (detachment) which finally leads to Viveka (discrimination). But for all this, the Grace of the Lord is paramount. The programme concluded with the manifestation of the Devi in all her glory and grandeur on the chariot when all the sages viz. Sanaka, Vasishta, Pulasthya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Athri, Angiras, Prachetasa, Narada, Cyavana, Vamadeva, Vishwamitra, Goutama, Sukra, Parashara, Vyasa, Kanva, Kashyapa, Daksha, Sumanthu, Shanka, Likhita and Devala, and the Gods of the trinity pray for her! As the final song began, Swami called the protagonist and created a golden chain for him. In the meantime, everyone came into the final formation and Swami said that He would move down and bless the children with group photos.

The joy of proximity to Him

"Manav" receives a chain besides the enlightenment

Swami went down and like bees swarming around sources of nectar, the children came all over Swami. Swami was so happy! He went through the children and posed for pictures twice or thrice. He also spoke to many of them and took letters from many more. He even asked the names of some of the children. He saw 'Hemalekha' and asked 'her', "Where is your husband?" much to the merriment of everyone around. Once again, for the second time that day, He rose from the chair and holding on to the children, posed for group photos. He moved back onto the stage and as He sat there, He kept selecting boys to come up and pose with Him. He picked similarly costumed people to come up and it was such a beautiful photo shootout! A "demon" told Swami that He wanted to go on stage to pose with Him. Swami told him to put on his crown and then come on the stage! After a very joy filled and eventful session, Swami asked for bhajans to begin. After a while He went into the interview room. Soon, He came out, received Aarthi and retired to Yajur Mandir at about 6:40 p.m.

Symmetry as chosen by the Lord

The "demon" in his moment of crowning glory

July 15, 2008 – Concert by Mr. Kailash Kher

On the evening of July 15, Swami had agreed for a concert by Mr. Kailash Kher, a singer famous for his quick and exciting numbers especially on Sufi mysticism. A "blue carpet" welcome had been arranged for him on the stage. Swami arrived to Sai Kulwant Hall at about 4:25 p.m. on the chair. He took the detour to the stage after the ladies side. All the accompanying artists were already on stage. Most of them were in white kurta and pyjamas. A few, however, were in jeans and t-shirts. Obviously, it was their first trip to Puttaparthi, and the first time ever they would be seeing Swami. Swami came on the stage and sat by the artists. Though a little of a fantasy, it would be interesting to make this narrative as one of the artists on stage would probably have seen it! Here it goes anyway!

A private moment with the Lord

"Swami comes on stage and all eyes rivet to Him. He sits simply and yet with an unseen kind of elegance. All the people in front are dressed in white and they are all (or at least most of them) holding folded papers and seem to be pleading with their eyes for him to take! He calls a few of them and takes their notes. Oh! Those are letters that have been written to Him and He opens a few of them and reads through.

The others He simply stores on His lap or gives them to the aides by His side. Chants are going on and everyone seems to know them. Amazing! All of a sudden, Swami, as everyone seems to call Him, calls a Caucasian boy and speaks a while with him. Anyone coming even within metres of His ambience suddenly seems to have joy and peace blossoming on the face. Swami speaks very little and whatever little He speaks, everyone around eagerly laps it up. He then turns back and leaves the stage."

Swami sat for a while and then moved into the interview room. He went around for darshan rounds in the Bhajan Hall and the portico. The artists too went to the portico. Swami, then, came on stage. It was then about 5:20 p.m. He was smiling gently and watched on as the artists came and took their positions on stage. Mr. Kailash Kher was the last to arrive and he went ahead and offered a rose to Swami. Swami blessed him and told him to begin. Now, let our fantasized onstage 'artist-reporter' take over.

"Kailash began with his usual panache and style with his uniquely soulful, raw, high-pitched voice. The song was Allah Ke Bande. Normally people go gaga and start swaying and dancing the minute he begins. Here it was different. There was that excitement on the faces, but none would give expression to it through their bodily movements. And all that calm as Kailash was storming seemed to arise from the other presence on stage - Baba! He was clapping His hand on His lap rhythmically, and that beat seemed to control the clapping and rhythm of the entire hall. Kailash was in his usual elements and he moved over to faster songs and kept urging the people to join him. But these people instinctively are so loyal to Baba that nothing seemed to excite them out of the decent squatting posture they had all adopted."

Swami was amused at times seeing the raw enthusiasm that Mr. Kher embodied. Mr. Kher suddenly narrated what had happened in the morning. "Today I am fortunate to be in Guruji's presence. I arrived late last evening and was sleeping in the morning. Guruji asked here in Mandir to the organisers, 'Where is Kailash?' Later when I confirmed this, I realized that He had asked exactly the question at the same time when I had opened my eyes in my room. That was a miracle for me and I realize that I was sleeping in Guruji's lap and He woke me up!" There was a loud cheer from the crowd.

Kailash lets his heart take over.....

....and He lets His heart get taken over!

"As Kailash spoke that, I was touched and what would have surprised me anywhere else, but not here, was that people now seemed aroused and excited! He then continued with other songs and providing the music for him today was turning out to be a unique sort of experience."

It was an interesting evolution that was going on at the stage. Mr. Kher who had begun with addressing Him as Guruji was now calling Him Swamiji. The second song he sang was " Om se kar lo preet pyaar se". Inspired by his father and by the earthy, energetic strains of legendary Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash Kher has also been completely influenced by Sufism. He dedicated a few Sufi songs to Swami and was all energy as he sang out. In fact, during one of the songs, he even got up and lifted the mike with the stand to his face and sang out aloud! That energy was infectious and everyone was clapping hard for the songs and some even started gently swaying to the tunes. "Teri bin nahi lagta", followed suit soon. In between the songs, he did something very sweet and good.

Energy and excitement abounds on stage

He introduced all the members of his band - 'Kailasa' and spoke highly of their skills and talents. He had everyone applauding for the members of his team, a very noble leadership trait indeed.

"The people received us very warmly as Kailash introduced us to them. Kailash did everything and built a rapport with the crowd. But still I could not help noticing the fact that in spite of him suddenly rising in middle of the concert and clapping vigorously, the crowd maintained a reserved excitement. Loud clapping was the only way they vented their enthusiasm. On the left, Swamiji was smiling always. He kept tapping His lap all the while and encouraging Kailash to sing more! There is something very magical about Baba! Before another Sufi song Kailash said boldly that it was a great fortune to be in the presence of almighty God and he would sing a song of the Atma to the Paramatma!"

After a very touching Sufi song calling out to the Lord, Swami called out for Kailash Kher to come to Him. Waving His right palm, He brought a gold ring and put it on the singer's finger. Then as he kissed His knee in supplication, He created a gold chain and put it around his neck. A few loving words and many sweet smiles were exchanged between the Lord and His Sufi devotee. Mr. Kher went back and started another song. He said, "Swami is Lord Shiva. I now sing a song on Lord Shiva." At the end of it, Swami called all the artists and presented them with shawls of honour. By now, most of them fell at His feet and sought blessings. Swami was all smiles and He spoke to almost all of them. As Swami was looking around apparently for bhajans/songs by boys, Kailash Kher made a request, "One last song Swamiji! This is for those people who are mad like me. So now at least, please do not hold yourself. Go on let loose!"

A ring from the Lord...

....to be soon followed by a chain!

"As Kailash sang with all energy, I was sure that a part of the crowd at least will be on its feet. But no! Swami's presence is The Presence. He has a magical effect on everyone and I can myself feel it and it is so thrilling. The song concludes and the crowd jumps up with joy finally. But wait a minute! They are shouting, "Jai Bolo Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki - Jai" Simply amazing! And Swamiji sits calm and composed on the stage. A faint flicker of a smile lights up His lips as He tells everyone to remain calm!"

Swami blessed the prasadam to be distributed and aarthi was taken. Kailash Kher went up to Swami and bending down, kissed His feet. He also performed the Aarthi to Swami. At the end of the aarthi, people began shouting Jaijaikars to Swami. Swami told them to calm down and blessing everyone, retired to Yajur Mandir at about 7:05 p.m.

Kailash Kher waves the Aarthi to Swami

The artiste kisses those tender Lotus Feet

July 16, 2008 – Mobile Van Inauguration and Concert by Pandit Phalguni Mitra

A small surprise awaits...

There was a mobile medicare van parked in front of the Yajur Mandir at about 8:30 a.m. It was part of the ongoing efforts by the Mumbai Sai Organisation to provide better medical facilities in inaccessible areas. They had over ten such vans to serve as a mobile dispensary and a preliminary diagnostic 'vehicle'! A novel idea, first initiated by the Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (SSSO), Tamil Nadu, had been implemented by Maharashtra too. About 4-5 hospitals had agreed to give treatment free of cost to the tune of 1 hospital bed to the SSSO, Mumbai, as a philanthropic measure and the medical vans would find the suffering and needy and be instrumental in providing them help, health and hope. The Sai Organisation would pay for the post operative care! It is a very good example, indeed, of society serving society.

At about 9:10 a.m., Swami came out of Yajur Mandir. He seemed to be a little surprised when He saw the vehicle standing on the left! He went close to it and the people there explained to Him about the concept and utility of the vehicle. These vans had been given away by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a special ceremony held a few weeks ago in Mumbai. The vehicle had all the items and utilities required for the doctor to engage in primary health care.

Swami saw the vehicle through the front door and then again went to the rear and peered through that door. He inquired about the procedure in which it would be operated. Blessing everyone who had assembled there in connection with the van, Swami proceeded to the Sai Kulwant Hall to grant darshan. The bhajans, which start daily at 9 a.m., were already on. At 9:30 a.m., He received aarthi and then returned to Yajur Mandir.

Swami listens with rapt attention

Giving the van a thorough look through

In the evening there was a concert scheduled to be performed by Mr. Falguni Mitra. A foremost exponent of Dhrupad, the authentic and respected form of Hindusthani Classical music, Pandit Falguni Mitra was initiated into music by his father, Sangeetacharya Pandit Shib Mitra at the tender age of four and a half. Swami arrived for darshan and after taking a detour on the ladies side, moved to the portico. He then took a round in the Bhajan Hall and after a visit to the interview room, came on stage for the programme.

All the artists bowed down to Swami and sought His blessings. The programme on this day was entirely a different flavour compared to the one the previous day. While the performance on July 15 thrilled with its pace and pitch, on July 16 it was a unique blend of power and profundity! The concert began with Ganesha Vandana and was followed by a wonderful piece in raag Bhimpalas. Gifted with a deep, melodious voice, Mr. Falguni Mitra has inspired a reformation to the unique art-form of Dhrupad singing through successful innovations in its melodic structure and rhythmic variations. True to his reputation, he sang a song on the "colour-play", as he put it, of the gopikas and gopalas of Brindavan with Krishna, in that famed style. He slowly weaved his melodies and one really needed a highly refined and cultured mind to appreciate this higher form of music. He sang a song on the victorious return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and capped up the performance with an excellent rendering of the song, "Chalo Man Ganga Jamuna Teer." Swami too sang along with him for parts of the song.

Falguni Mitra - ecstatic in concert

The sign of Grace and blessings

At the end of it, Swami materialised a ring for the Pandit and gifted him a shawl. His wife, who was on the harmonium, received a saree from Swami. The other members of the team too were similarly blessed with shawls. Finally, Swami posed with them for group photos and after that was over, He lovingly blessed the esteemed artist and his wife by placing His hand on their heads. Aarthi was then performed after which Swami retired.