Sports & Cultural Meet - 2009 - A Report

[Guest guest]

 

 

Love All Serve All Help Ever Hurt Never Visit www.srisathyasai.org.in official website of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust , Prasanthi Nilayam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home

 

 

 

 

 

What's New

 

 

 

Archivals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prasanthi Olympics

Annual Sports and Cultural Meet of Sri Sathya Sai University

January 11, 2009

 

Victory

and defeat are the two sides of the same coin. Victory comes out of

defeat and defeat can be turned into victory. These two sides of the

same coin are moments that become synonymous with the game called life.

Perfected under the tutelage of Bhagawan with value oriented education,

the students from Sri Sathya Sai University had in display the greater

spirit of sports with a blend of cultural and ethical presentations on

the 11th January at the Sri Sathya Sai Vidyagiri Stadium on the

occasion of Annual Sports and Cultural Meet – 2009 of the University

attended by a vast concourse of devotees.

Sports

has earned a permanent place in the Prasanthi Calendar that every year

11th January is celebrated as Sports and Cultural Meet in the Divine

presence of Bhagawan, the Divine Chancellor. Over the years, thousands

of parents and numerous devotees from all over the world have witnessed

this January’s spectacle grandeur in Prasanthi Nilayam. Though the

competitive events within each campus completes before the fixture of

this day, this day stands specially marked as a day of great

celebration of sportsmanship, harmony, patience and perseverance, the

finest of qualities that have been heard echoing from the guardian

hills of this spiritual township, reverberating through times to the

Sai Fraternity all over the world. A striking feature of this annual

event is the variations in the programmes from year to year and the

enthusiasm with which the students vie with one another in offering

them at His Lotus Feet to make Him proud and happy.

Braving

chill weather thousands of devotees started streaming into the stadium

from the early hours, well in advance of the scheduled hour of

inauguration. Riot of colours, of course with huge white patches in

between depicting the characteristic prasanthi brand, filled the

galleries, with men and women from various parts of the country and the

world over filling the seats awaiting His Divine arrival.

As

the scheduled hour fast approached, the stadium was abuzz with

enthusiasm as final preparations for the kick-off was gaining momentum.

The vast amphitheatre, well guarded by guardian deities on the hillock

on one side, joined by the hundreds and thousands of spectators on the

other end, was a perfect combine of hues of orderly attraction, as

students from the three campuses took positions, aligned in order to

formally welcome the Divine Chancellor.

Dressed

in shining white, showering His benedictory smile on the vast concourse

of devotees and students, Bhagawan arrived at the Vidyagiri Stadium

just after 8:20 a.m. in a regal procession lead by the University Band.

Preceded by four pairs of motorcyclists, both boys and girls from the

University, Bhagawan was accorded a grand welcome, lead by the Brass

Band from the Anantapur Campus, followed by the Band from Prasanthi

Nilayam Campus for Men. Upon crossing the newly built gigantic arch on

the way to Shanti Vedika, the Anantapur Band offered guard of honour to

the Lord that was followed by the special flag squad with a canopy of

flags representing different houses.

Upon

alighting at the dais, Bhagawan was received by the Vice Chancellor of

the University, Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, followed by the Registrar of

the University, Principals and Wardens from the three campuses and

other officials. Joining scores of dignitaries on the dais, Bhagawan

lit the lamp formally inaugurating the Meet.Dressed in a disciplined,

distinguished fashion, marching past Shantivedika, the dais, saluting

the Divine Chancellor is one of the highest privileges bestowed upon

the students of Sathya Sai University. This march past used to be an

orderly attraction of this sporting extravaganza wherein hundreds and

thousands of students representing the three campuses, Prasanthi

Nilayam and Brindavan for men and Anantapur for women and the higher

secondary and primary wings of the school dressed in special uniforms

marching past the dais saluting the Divine Chancellor. As different

houses from the campus moved in distinctive squads, the squad leader

dips the flag saluting the Chancellor, followed by the entire squad

turning their heads to the right as a mark of respect to the

Chancellor, resuming their march once they pass the dais.

As

the leader dipped the flag saluting Bhagawan, the Chancellor of the

Institute, the students turned their heads to the right as a mark of

respect to Bhagawan, and resumed their march straight after passing the

stage. Every group did likewise, all marching in fine order. The first

to approach the dais was the tiny tots, boys and girls separate, from

the Primary School, followed by the Higher Secondary Wing, both girls

and boys, joined by the Anantapur Campus, Girls from the Sathya Sai

Junior College, Anantapur, while students of the Brindavan and

Prasanthi Nilayam campuses brought up the rear.

The

University Flag was hoisted by Bhagawan followed by lighting the

"Olympic" torch. Symbolically signifying the greater harmony, love and

peace, Bhagawan released two white pigeons and let loose a bunch of

colourful balloons which floated up into the air. The "Olympic" torch

was carried by relays of pairs of runners to the top of Vidyagiri Hill

where the "Olympic" flame was lit. The urn on the hill was guarded by

two students in shining red and white uniforms, who received the torch

from the games mascot Lion that moved through a connecting string

covering the hillock.

Then

began a programme of exhibition items by students of the participating

campuses, which revealed not only their proficiency in sporting events

but their capacity to innovate and produce remarkable ensembles calling

for superb team work and high aesthetic imagination.

First

to perform was the Prasanthi Nilayam campus along with the higher

secondary school, Prasanthi Nilayam. Paying obeisance to the Divine

Chancellor, motivation imparted by Bhagawan, they rode a huge golden

eagle to the dais, symbolically signifying invisible force that lifts

man into souring heights in life, the power of vision. …and they had

set eagle heights for their allotted session in the Divine Presence.

With

a steady mind and a healthy body no task is daunting, seems to be the

message the higher secondary students had in store beginning their

display. Dressed in colourful combination, set in a three-tier stage,

these little children had a set of yoga postures exhibiting complete

control and coordination of body and mind. Next two come was a set of

trampolinists vying to conquer greater heights, in a rare skill of

artistry in action leaping over two giant automobiles, all with

successful attempts. Twenty colourful riders on electric scootys,

crossing each other with four simultaneous scissor crossing, each

linked with one another to form a interleaving pattern of colour

combine was the item next aptly termed “auto traumaticsâ€. Displaying

different patterns with magnificent balance, riding skills with unity

in diversity adding a flavour for aesthetic sense, these riders became

painters using their vehicles as brushes to paint beautiful colour

combination of greater unity in the vast canvas of Vidyagiri

amphitheatre. Synchronised ballet in the air with moon walkers daring

dare devilry at 40 ft height on two giant rotating wheels was a

breathtaking spectacle that came next. With the wheels gaining

momentum, these moon walkers crossed hurdles one after one, displaying

agility, bending to their knees, stretching their muscles, and finally

almost being swept off their feet, exhibiting remarkable control of

body and mind. “Rhythm of Lifeâ€, a fusion music display by an ensemble

of innovated musicians using innocuously mundane items from daily lives

to produce rhythmic beats with amazing synchronisation was the next

attraction to follow. Progress in life could be a slow process, but

perseverance places one on the pedestal of glory and this was the

message in practical demonstration when a group of students attempted

to ascend on multiple foot ladders, fully unsupported, with amazing

balance, greater concentration and agility. What followed was an array

of gymnastic display with stunning feats on mobile platforms, with

circular motion on rolling wheels. Placing God at the centre of our

lives all the ups and downs turn into a jolly play, the wheelers were

seemingly reminding the spectators. Motor Bikes and devilry was not new

to the meet as every year one or other campus comes up with innovative

display on the moving wheels. The bikers from Prasanthi ignited their

sparks paying obeisance to the Lord subsequently presenting a stunning

display of amazing control and co-ordination. Synchronised ramp jump,

gearing up with speed from opposing direction, amazing combinations

symbolising co-operation and co-ordination in life all were on display

before the curtain was down for the wonderful 50 minute offering by the

Prasanthi Nilayam campus.

The

Eternal in elements was the central theme of the dazzling colourful

display by the Anantarpur Campus organised on the backdrop of a

gigantic Shivalinga and the holy mountain Kailasa. Through dance

sequences starting with Lord Shiva’s exquisite celestial one, The

Thandava, intertwining with commentary in between, the girls had in

display the story of emergence of creation, the boundless cosmic

universe. From the Thandava emerged the primal energy which in turn

created the primordial sound, the Omkara. The Panchamahabhutas, the

five elements had its origin from this primal energy and the emergence

and their greater significance were displayed through colourful dancing

combinations in the backdrop of the eternal, celestial Thandava. How

man has leapt from the olden age to the modern day civilisation and how

he could survive harmoniously with proper utilisation of elements

gifted to him by mother nature were aptly displayed with colourful

aesthetic combination on moving vehicles coupled with yogic postures,

thematically relevant to each item, driving home the greater message of

save earth, save life.

 

Beauty and grace, strength and valour, dexterity and sense of balance,

discipline and devotion – the hallmark of students of Sathya Sai, were

on display when the Brindavan campus took the centre stage with s

veritable display showcasing synchronization of body and mind titled Sareera Maadhyam Kalu Dharma Saadhakam, meaning body is gifted to follow the path of righteousness.

 

Starting off with a dragon dance - a traditional dance in Chinese

culture, the show moved on to lion dance, a rhythmic rhapsody that

symbolises driving away inner evils in man. Displaying grit and

determination coupled with daredevilry and aesthetic flavour ably

assisted by a balanced mind, these colourful Lions from Brindavan

danced to the tunes of lively beats offering obeisance to Bhagawan

followed by breathtaking feats of pillar crossover on the jongs

(special platforms) with amazing dexterity and perfection. Where the

dragon’s pursuit of the pearl was symbolizing humanity’s untiring

pursuit for perfection in life, wisdom, the Lions had unity and

co-operation that brings success in societal entity. The last item to

come was an array of martial arts, popular in the south Indian state of

Kerala, especially Kalarippayattu, which is regarded as mother of all

martial art forms. These gritty boys with valour, dedication and

determination made this formidable task appeared a much easy one.

Ankathari, an advanced Kalarippayattu form, normally meant for war

training, involving metal weapons, sword and shield, and requires

greater concentration was exhibited by these students with much limited

training for a short time. This martial art that is aimed at developing

strength, flexibility, balance and stamina includes jumps, low stances

on the floor, brick breaking, circular sequences and kicks with the art

of defence was exhibited with élan to the delight of Bhagawan and the

audience. It is not physical prowess alone, it is physical prowess

coupled with presence of mind that makes a warrior who can win the

tough battles in life, said these martial artistes with their

exhibition on this wondrous morning.

In

the evening the stage was set for the grand finale and it was a scene

of pageantry of colours with tiny tots from the Sri Sathya Sai Primary

School ready with their stock of presentations. A beautiful backdrop

with a galaxy of stars and planets and Bhagawan at its centre on the

globe with the lettering Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu formed the setting for the dazzling display, eagerly awaited, in the evening session..

Bhagawan

arrived at the stadium at 4.20 p.m. preceded by a convoy of escort

motorbikes. As Bhagawan neared the dais, the students of Primary School

offered a unique welcome to Bhagawan, parading somersault and acrobatic

feats. Upon ascending the dais Bhagawan was offered a bouquet of love

and devotion by the tiny tots from the Primary School. Chanting the

name of Sai exonerates one from all sins and frees one from the cycle

of rebirths was the message these tiny tots seemingly conveying through

their beginning dance presentation. What followed was a riot of colours

in the form of dances, balancing acts, floor exercises and gymnastics

by the boys and girls students of the school to the tune of lilting

music and songs. Little skaters from the school deserves a special

mention as they crossed hurdles with ease and even jumped over a

motorbike on their skates, before ending up with a basketball game,

something which is not ordinary for their age group, but is achieved

with faith, love and dedication to Bhagawan. There was also a

delectable show of gymnastics on a semicircular structure. With their

costumes sparkling against the setting sun, a group of girl students

had in display undulating dance movements, and to add to the glitter

they had rose-hued semicircular hand fans, a delectable feast to the

aesthetically sentimental human eyes. The programme concluded with a

grand formation of all the students holding aloft the lettering “Sai

Maa we are Your loving children ever and ever foreverâ€. At 5.25 p.m..

Arati was offered to Bhagawan that marked the culmination of the Sports

and Cultural Meet 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get rid of Add-Ons in your email ID. Get yourname. Sign up now!