LATEST PHOTOS & UPDATE - 22ND SEP. 2008

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Sai Baba Photos & darshan news updates - 22nd - 21st September 2008

Props had risen up in the marble blocks of the Sai Kulwant hall. Little boys holding flags stood in front of them to welcome Swami. That is almost a penance these children do. Every time when there is a programme by the children from a district in Andhra Pradesh, the basic stage framework is almost the same and it inevitably has children holding banners and flags, standing and waiting for the Lord's arrival. At 4:00pm, the regular daily Vedam classes began. It was around 4:25pm when Swami came out for the darshan rounds. Swami moved through in His natural sweet and graceful manner. As He passed by the props, He seemed to carefully study every bit of it. His eye for detail and perfection has not changed one bit. Today also happened to be the concluding day of the Cardiac conference being held in the Super Specialities hospital. This conference held in collaboration with the Indian Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons

boasted of the best surgeons in the world giving live demonstrations.. Notable among them was Dr.Valluvan Jeevanandam. A few words about the man will not be out of place here. Dr. Jeevanandam has a special interest in treating patients traditionally considered inoperable. He has repaired damaged hearts in several patients awaiting transplant, enabling those patients to forgo transplantation. He also has successfully performed transplants involving patients who do not fit the standard criteria for transplant. Dr. Jeevanandam is a pioneer in the field of mechanical circulatory assist devices. In October 2000, he was the first surgeon in the world to successfully implant the CardioVad, a revolutionary, permanent circulatory assist device that boosts heart function in patients with severe heart failure who are not candidates for transplant. And most importantly he feels that the future of health care is in the way Swami's hospitals function.

In his own words, "After being given the privilege and honor of working at the SSSIHMS many times, my answer to all questions is unequivocal - not only is patient care absolutely superb, but this institution is unmatched by any other in the world. If my experiences are any indication, SSSIHMS is truly a Temple of Healing. Not only is there treatment for the patient, but there is also the 'Presence' of the Caregiver as well. Everyday now, I spiritually give Him my patients and He takes care of them - I am an extension of His Hands and just do the duty that Swami has put me on this earth for." All the participants had seated in front and Swami blessed them accepting letters and speaking a few words - words which mean the world to the recipient - to some of them. It was a wonderful sight. Great surgeons and 'aspiring-to-be-great-surgeons' taking the blessings of Dhanvantari Himself! Swami moved on to the stage where the other

surgeons too sought and received His blessings. Swami then sat on the stage and presided over the classes. After the completion, Swami asked for the drama to be staged. The coordinators came up to Swami and offered flowers and the details of the programme. Swami blessed the district president with a gold chain. It all happened so simply that the president was just dumbstruck. With a sweet smile, Swami put the chain to his neck and blessed him by placing His hand over his head. Then minister Ms.Gita Reddy and another lady moved to the stage and offered the program at His lotus feet. Swami accepted groundnuts that they offered and quickly popped one into His outh too. That act was followed by a gentle smile which was actually a reflection of all the smiles that beamed at His act. Swami blessed a marble Shivalingam and silver padukas that were brought for His blessings. All the office bearers made most of the opportunity as they fell at His

feet joyfully. Then after a brief introduction, the programme began.

The drama, based on real life incidents, centred around a young man, Bheeshma who has been inspired by Swami's Love and teachings. He acts as the center of serenity, peace and harmony in his village. Being young in age, he still displays admirable maturity and conscientious thinking. He inspires the children of the village to go Godward. He wins the respect of the elders and inspires them to work together and build a much needed bridge without any external help. When some of the foreign-resident members of the village arrive there with ideas of constructing factories to exploit the natural resources, he transforms them to construct a school and hospital instead. Having done all this, he says that he has to move on and share the wonderful Love he has received from Swami with people in all other villages too. The drama had its share of dances. Little boys and girls performed with sweet synchronisation and devoted

dexterity to highlight the points the 'hero' of the drama was making. The grand finale song was the theme song shall we say and its first line was "Sai Rama Nauka". The dance featured a boat being rowed by the hero and the lilting melody was one that would transport the listeners to a traditional sleepy village. The tune itself was so relaxing and refreshing. The drama concluded and all the participants came forward into the final formation. Swami called out for a little boy and patting him asked, "Whats your name?" He replied, "Aravind." Swami smiled and blessing him, told him to return to his place in the formation. Swami then moved down and sat amidst all the children. He told them to come close and cluster. When that was done, a beautiful group picture was the result. As Swami moved up the stage, HE granted permission for a music programme too. The time was already 6:05 pm and it was indeed an act of Grace

that Swami decided to shower love on the singers. Since it was a programme that Swami scheduled on the spot, the singers and artistes had a difficult time trying to move ahead and tune their instruments. Then, Swami so understandingly went into the interview room for 5 minutes! That gave them sufficient time to arrange everything and get ready. Immediately, Swami came out, a smile dancing on His beautiful lips. The performers - a vocalist, violinist, keyboard player, a tablist and chorus singers among the ladies comprised the team. After they sang two songs, Swami blessed them and promised another opportunity the next day. It had already got quite late and Swami recieved Aarthi after blessing the prasadam to be distributed to one and all. There was a plethora of Aarthis performed today and that was also a wonderful sight. Camphor and the holy fire was being waved from all sides. The fact here is that anything

done in the Lord's presence becomes so wonderful because He is the source of all that wonder and grandeur! Swami asked them, one by one, to place the Aarthi plates down and then retired to Yajur Mandiram.