July2007 Web

...
connecting love to LOVE
Volume 5 Issue 7 www.radiosai.org 1st July 2007

Pranams at the Lotus Feet
D E V E LO P E D BY
Prashanti Nilayam
& S.N. Informatics
Bangalore
mail us for details : [email protected]

Volume 5 Issue 7
1 July 2007
BETWEEN YOU AND US 3
SPIRITUAL BLOSSOMS
SATHYA SAI SPEAKS - THE ETERNAL GURU 5
CONVERSATIONS WITH SAI - Part 34 6
CHINNA KATHA - HOW FAR IS VAIKUNTA? 9
COVER STORY
THE LEGEND OF SAI GEETHA... Unsurpassable and Eternal 11
FEATURE ARTICLES
IN QUEST OF INFINITY - Part 6 35
THE SAI MOVEMENT IN PUERTO RICO 45
HOW TO RAISE CHILDREN WITH DISCIPLINE AND LOVE 58
SERIAL ARTICLES .
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI - Part 31 61
GITA FOR CHILDREN - Part 32 66
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
EFFECTIVE HEALTHCARE SEVA 68
PRASHANTI DIARY
CHRONICLES OF HEAVEN ON EARTH 88
H2H SPECIAL
"HE IS MY SWAMI" - Part 3... Conversation with Mrs. Padma Kasturi 97
Heart2Heart - Radio Sai's e-Journal, July 2007 (Vol. 5, Issue 7) www.radiosai.org 001
Volume 5 Issue 7
1 July 2007
SAI WORLD NEWS

WALK FOR VALUES TOUCHES THE HEART OF TORONTO 104
City revitalizes with the resurgence of values
SWAMI AND ME
AMAZING GRACE IN AFRICA 116
A LIFETIME OF LOVE 119
GET INSPIRED
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION 123
REPENTENCE AND REWARD 125
YOU HAVE COME TO THE WRONG ADDRESS 127
TEST YOUR SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT
MULTI-FAITH QUIZ 128
QUIZ ON HEART 2 HEART 131
PHOTO GALLERY
FASCINATING FACADES... OF THE ULTIMATE 133
HEALING TOUCH
NEW VISION, NEW LIFE 136
YOUR SAY
FEEDBACK FROM OUR READERS 139
SAI INSPIRES
SAI INSPIRES 143
002 Heart2Heart - Radio Sai's e-Journal, July 2007 (Vol. 5, Issue 7) www.radiosai.org
BETWEEN YOU & US
Dear Reader, percent of the truth. Sai Geetha's life is, in fact, a Bible
In the very first month of this year, 2007, we gifted and a Bhagavad Gita for anyone and everyone who is
you a precious cover story on Sai Geetha entitled “Sai on the path to know God, love God, live in God and
Geetha…A Mystifying Tale of Unmatched Love.” finally realize Him. And it is for this reason that we
Many readers wrote back to us deeply touched by have a second cover story on her life, barely six
that article. Seshagiri Rao from Bangalore expressed, months after we had a very comprehensive article on
'It was a trip around heavens, truly an experience of her. That article was to commemorate the new
divine love. As I read through the narration it was a mansion that Bhagavan built for her in November last
continuous stream of tears…”; Sarika from UK wrote, year (2006), but this one is to celebrate her taking
“This article has so much value and inner meaning for permanent residence in that beauty of a building
all…I read it twice over, if only we could be little like which is now a colossus of inspiration for the amateur
her…”; while Latha, a former Sai Student, said, “I am and the seasoned, young and old devotees, alike.
simply overwhelmed…I have no words to express my In fact, six months ago when the building was being
joy and inspiration reading Sai Geetha's tale.” built, Bhagavan in His inimitable style had hinted to
Such is the magic of Sai Geetha. What she achieved Sri Pedda Reddy, the dedicated caretaker of Sai
being an animal, perhaps no man has ever achieved in Geetha, that “we will build a big, beautiful
the current age. And this, mind you, is no permanent building for her.” But none could then
exaggeration; it is actually Bhagavan's own words. In look through the Divine design. Again, when He
a recent discourse to the staff and students of the suddenly decided to return to Puttaparthi from
Institute after the passing away of Sai Geetha, Swami Kodaikanal on May 18, instead of going to Brindavan,
said, “The kind of exalted life Sai Geetha led, no one Bangalore as was His usual practice every year,
has ever lived. She has, in fact, demonstrated how an nobody had even a slightest inkling of what was
ideal life should be led, and it is for this reason that I about to unfold. Such was Swami's Love for Sai
am thinking of her.” Geetha, that on the day she was finally placed to rest
in the special bed made for her in her new home, in
There is so much to learn from this four-footed
spite of the mid-day summer heat, Swami chose to
devotee of the Lord. Just like Swami is not the 5' 3”
remain on the site, by her side, the entire one and half
figure with a red robe and a crown of hair, Sai Geetha
hours till the whole process was complete and done
too was not just a lucky elephant to be brought to the
flawlessly according to His directions. When you read
divine presence or a fortunate pachyderm that
the cover story of this issue, you will know why Sai
befriended Baba. If you thought she was a devotee of
Geetha had captured the Lord's heart like nobody
the Lord, you maybe right, but that is not even ten
BETWEEN YOU & US
before. Not only this, you will be left dazed and dumb- coming. Four years later, they have developed a
founded when you read certain facets of her life model for holistic medical seva which is as
which the world hitherto was unaware of. It is going professional as it can get and a perfect guide to do
to be a journey of revelations that can stir many a effective healthcare seva. It is said that, “It is easy to
sleeping souls. It is not for no reason that Swami understand the Divine as long as you do not try to
always held her out as an example to emulate for all explain Him.” How else can you fathom thousands of
the students and even went to the extent of saying, people from the far away island of Puerto Rico deeply
“If you only remember and ruminate on her love for in love with Sai and dedicated to His mission with all
Swami, it's enough. I will call you close to My heart.” their heart and soul. But for a microscopic minority,
It is said, "To fall in love with God is the greatest of all none have visited Puttaparthi or seen Swami, but they
romances; to seek Him, the greatest adventure; and to feel Him every moment. He is very much with them as
find Him, the greatest human achievement." And with people in Prasanthi Nilayam. Ultimately, as
imagine how easy this whole process can be when Swami says, faith and pure love is all that matters.
you have God, not as an invisible entity inaccessible to And it is this pure love for Swami and His teachings
the senses and left to be felt only through creative that enabled the Sai volunteers from the Sathya Sai
imagination, but as a living, loving persona who can School of Canada to organize a splendid Walk for
be seen, felt, touched and loved just like one would Values that had its impact not only in the downtown
love his mother or father, brother or sister. Life, then, of Toronto City where it was held, but in places as far
becomes an unbelievable blissful dream. You will get as Sweden and Australia.
a real state of this when you read the third and final With love, everything is possible; because where love
part of the article “He is My Swami” which is actually a is, as Swami says, God is. When we become convinced
revealing and reveling conversation with Mrs. Padma with the fact that - “Apart from God every activity is
Kasturi, the daughter of Swami's Biographer, Sri N merely a passing whiff of insignificance” as English
Kasturi. More illustrations of this is in the Swami and mathematician-philosopher Alfred North Whitehead
Me section. The experiences of Ms. Padmini Hundy, a said, then our lives will become a continuous saga of
former student of Swami's college in Anantapur, and bliss and inspiration. We will not need to seek God or
of Sri J Jethwa, a lawyer and a barrister in the Supreme pray for His blessings or long for His love; He will come
court of Australia, are instances of Divine Love and searching for us. And do we need any proof of this
Grace that happen so spontaneously and phenomenon? The beautiful tale sketched in the
nonchalantly that more often than not, we do not cover story says it all.
understand the import and value of what we are Let us make God the raison d'etre of our existence.
blessed with.
Loving Regards,
When Swami told the top rank holders from the
H2H Team.
Sathya Sai School in Alike in 2003 that they should
concentrate on Medicare, they had no clue what was
SPIRITUAL BLOSSOMS
the Guru (the religious or other preceptor). There are
SATHYA SAI SPEAKS eight different types of gurus, who impart spiritual
The Eternal Guru instructions of different kinds. Among these, the really
important guru is "Vihitha Guru", the preceptor who

On July 29th 2007 falls Guru Poornima, the festival
removes the doubts in the minds of the disciples and
celebrating the birth of revered Sage Vyasa and the
reveals to them the process of Self-discovery and Self-
occasion to express our love, reverence and gratitude to
realisation. The guru should destroy the darkness of
our teachers and preceptors. Swami, most often, gives a
ignorance (about one's Reality) and illumine the mind of
revealing discourse on this occasion every year, and let us
the disciple. The illumination must result in the
recapitulate now one such His discourse delivered two
perception of the One Reality that is beyond name and
decades ago in 1987.
form and attributes.
Become Truly Human
By being endowed What Does Vibhuti Signify?
Swami often gives to devotees Vibhuti or Bhasma (the
with the human
sacred ash). Many people smear their foreheads with this
form, men do not
ash. What is the inner significance of this ash? When any
become really
object that has a name and form is completely burnt, it is
h u m a n . T h e
reduced to ashes. The name and form are gone. All things
evolution from
are one and the same in the final state as ashes. When
animal to the human
Vibhuti is given, Swami wants the recipient to understand
being has taken
this Advaitam (basic oneness). The devotee should get rid
millennia. The world
of Ahamkara (ego arising from the feeling of
is peopled today by
separateness) and sense of Mamakara ("mine" and
billions of human
"thine"). These two are based on name and form and
beings. But how many of them display genuine human
when they are destroyed, the underlying unity of the
qualities? Man is still going through birth-pangs of real
Divine can be realised.
humanness. Only when human qualities are manifest can
People constantly talk of Advaita (non-dualism), but
man claim to be truly human. In that humanness there is
hardly live up to their professions in practice. One must
Divinity. It will wear the mantle of Truth. It will be the
practice what one preaches or professes. Today there are
embodiment of Dharma (Righteousness), Prema (Love)
not many gurus who live up to their beliefs or teachings.
and Santhi (Peace). It is only when men display these
Their actions belie their words. No purpose is served by
qualities that they can be regarded as human. If mankind
going in search of gurus. There is a guru in each of us. It is
is able to achieve at least this level of humanness, it would
the Atma (spirit) principle. It is the Eternal Witness
be sufficient.
functioning as Conscience in everyone. With this
Today we are celebrating Gurupoornima. The day is
Conscience as guide, let all actions be done…
usually observed as an occasion for offering worship to
SPIRITUAL BLOSSOMS
Real Freedom
Real freedom exists in submitting to the Will of the Divine
and not acting according to one's caprices and fancies.
What is freedom that people want? Is it to behave like
dogs with no self-restraint? Is it to descend to the level of
the sub-human species? Is it to flee from one's divine
nature and indulge in demonical acts? What kind of
freedom is this?
In this context I shall tell you today the inner meaning of
the different yugas (eras) the Tretha Yuga, the Dwapara
Yuga and the present Kali Yuga.
Experience the Divine in You

In the Tretha Yuga (the time of Lord Rama), the Divine
elements were on one side and the demonical elements
on the other… In the Dwapara Yuga (the time of Lord
Krishna), the divine and the demonic elements - namely,
the Pandavas and the Kauravas, were in the same
kingdom… But today, these divine and demonic forces
are battling in each human being. This is the mark of the
Kali age.
In Tretha Yuga Rama fought the battle in person. In
Dwapara Yuga Krishna played the role of a witness, using demonic forces himself and vanquish them. When this is
others as His instruments. He did not engage in the battle accomplished man's inherent divine nature will manifest
Himself. In Kali Yuga because the two opposing factors itself of its own accord.
are in each individual, the Lord plays the role of a witness Embodiments of love! Realise that no special Sadhana
and as the conscience. Man has to use the power of (spiritual practice) is needed to experience the Divine in
discrimination given to him to fight the evil forces within you. You must get rid yourself of impure thoughts and
him. He has to foster the divine elements in him by his actions. Sanctify every action you do and make it a
own efforts and listening to the voice of his conscience. Sadhana. The Divine is not a created object. It is self-
The freedom to choose has been given to man for this effulgent and present in everyone.
purpose. This freedom is to be used to discriminate

- Divine Discourse in the
between right and wrong, good and evil and to foster
Poornachandra Auditorium on 11-7-1987.
divine qualities. This is the unique feature of the Kali age.
In this age, each individual has to fight against the
CONVERSATIONS WITH SAI - Part 34
ignore the faults of others. But how does one put this into
CONVERSATIONS practice? If one is dealing with a person, the fault must be
WITH SAI - Part 34 taken into account; the fault may ruin the situation.
(Continued from previous issue) SAI: Inside himself, the person is not like that. He knows
he is wrong. If the fault is being expressed, move away
from the person, keep a distance. Then the person will see
Discipline and Conscience
he is wrong and will approach you in repentance.
Ac: What to do with a devotee who is making friction in
a Center? What counts is faith. Faith is of great importance. God
should be installed in every thought and act. There may
SAI: Out. Put them out.
be a person who is the owner of a house. A tenant may be
H (Hislop): Our discipline is very strict in the American taken into the house, and year after year the tenant may
Centers. That is correct. pay the rent. At last, after many years of paying the rent,
SAI: Sai's English has improved? the tenant owns the house.
H: Yes, Swami. It is H: Why would that be?
greatly improved. SAI: The owner might say, "The house is mine." But the
SAI: All is love. All is love. tenant will reply, "No. The house is now mine." That is the
The Russians are law.
rationalists. Faith is of H: Is that the law in this situation?

the greatest importance.
SAI: Yes. It is the same with the Lord. He is the "renter."
Words, words, words;
Your body and mind is the "house." Once you have
reason will not do. Faith
brought Him into the house and installed Him there, in
is from the heart, the
due course, He is the "owner." The house no longer
language of the heart.
belongs to "you." It is now the dwelling of God. It is fully
H: But faith is a gift from "owned" by Him.
God. Man can only have
H: Swami! That is wonderful! That is the way to come to
it if God wills.
the point of "Surrender to the Lord." By keeping Baba in
SAI: Yes, God blesses. Purity helps. Swami is soft as heart and mind, gradually and naturally, there is full
butter, but hard as a diamond. Butter soft, diamond hard. surrender.
Some small freedom I allow; not very much. The end of
SAI: Yes, it comes to be quite naturally. But not everyone
wisdom is freedom. That is the true freedom. Discipline is
is able to do it. Devotion and faith need be very strong.
important. Swami demands strict discipline. Many
foreigners are outside in the village. There man can sit H: But cannot everyone make a start?
beside woman and they can smoke. Inside the Ashram, SAI: Yes, certainly, a start can be made.
Swami does not allow that.
H: May I tell this to our Sai Centers in America?
H: A good small pamphlet explaining the rules of the
SAI: You may tell.
Ashram should be given to everyone. People do not know.
Germans in the round building play loud tape recorders Three Stages of Evolution
because they do not know better.
H: Swami gives three stages of evolution beyond the
SAI: In a room next to Admissions, someone should human: Superhuman, Cosmic, and Absolute. What does
repeat the rules to each newcomer. superhuman mean?
H: An important statement of Swami's is that we should SAI: Superhuman is the stage of complete detachment
SPIRITUAL BLOSSOMS
from Body and World. just spirituality.

Something may be
H: Are there entities, individuals, in the Cosmic stage?
said or done at this
stage to benefit SAI: No. No individuals. More similar to currents of
humanity and the spiritual power.
world, but the

Swami Bestows Full Liberation
Superhuman is no
H: Well, the Absolute is Swami. That is understood.
longer a part of the
When Swami says He will confer liberation at death, what
world of men nor
does that mean?
involved in the
interests of men.
H: Are there such people now?
SAI: Oh, yes.
H: Are they those people in the Himalayan Mountains

who can be invisible and do the extraordinary things we
hear about?
SAI: No. Those individuals are still seeking liberation. But

it is temporary.
H: Temporary, Swami! That is awful! To get liberation and

then lose it!
SAI: There are three kinds of liberation. It is experienced

in one type of Samadhi. Then, a person who is engaged in
Sadhana can suddenly - like a flash of lightening - have a
clear vision of the Truth, but it fades and ordinary life
resumes. Liberation cannot be permanent without total
surrender.
H: Then, if not the people in the Himalayas, who are the

Superhumans?
SAI: (Naming half a dozen or so of the ancient sages)

SAI: It means that birth is finished with, there is no more
These people were totally above human and worldly life,
birth again.
although for the benefit of others, they would give
certain advice and engage in certain actions. H: But Swami, there is this temporary liberation that was
mentioned. Maybe it is that kind?
H: But that was long ago. Are there Superhumans in this
day and age? SAI: No, it is not like that. Sai gives total, final, liberation.
SAI: Oh, yes, there are. But today, outwardly, they live in H: Could there be the ending of individuality, too?
Society and outwardly cannot be recognized. SAI: There could be.
H: What is the Cosmic stage? H: Individuality is a nuisance.
SAI: No body, no mind. Both have disappeared. Body, SAI: Yes, individuality is a nuisance.
feelings, mind, intelligence are no longer there. Just love,
CONVERSATIONS WITH SAI - Part 34
H: One of Swami's statements is not understood. Swami

has said that man is born with a dual gift from God -
Discrimination and Conscience. And that because of
conscience, everyone knows right from wrong; for, if he
were to do wrong, his conscience would trouble him.
SAI: Yes, that is the case.
H: But people point out, Swami, that people of one

religion kill people of another religion, and they do it
because their conscience tells them it is right to do it.
SAI: It is not that way. When such things occur, it is

because the individual has surrendered his judgment to
someone else, or to an idea propagated by someone. If
the person were to reject ideas and rely upon himself, his
conscience, even though deeply buried, would be there
to prompt the person; for Conscience is God, Resident in
the person. strong wind comes up and blows away the husks, leaving
H: Throughout the world, crime is growing rapidly. But in only the sound kernels. In these times, many devotees will
America, there is doubt about how to deal with criminals. fall away from Sai, leaving only those devotees whose
How should criminals be dealt with? faith is sound and solid. Have not you yourself noted a
change? In the early years Sai came to your room to talk
SAI: There must be punishment. In areas of the Middle
with you. Now, you come to the veranda each day and Sai
East, for example, if a person commits the crime of theft,
does not even stop and speak with you. Such changes
the hand is cut off. When a person commits a crime,
occur in the different stages of the Avatar.
punishment must follow.
H: Swami has said that the entire world will know of His
The Stages in the Life of the Avatar presence. At this time only a relatively few people know of
H: Swami, people are thinking that after His 60th Sai. As of now only local individuals represent Him, and
Birthday, Bhagavan Baba will step away from contact they do not draw the attention of people of substance
with the world and that His devotees will no longer have and importance throughout the world.
access to Him.
SAI: Sai does not look at status and worldly importance.
SAI: No, not at all. Sai is not separating from the world, He looks at the heart.
nor will He separate from His devotees. The course of an
H: Yes, Swami, but it is the leaders in society who tend
Avatar goes invariably through the same stages. It is the
arouse the attention and interest of the general
same for every Avatar at all times. The first 16 years are
population.
characterized by constant leelas. Then leelas and
teachings up to age 45. From age 45 to age 60, the SAI: Sai does not force such things. He will be in body for
emphasis is almost wholly on teaching. At age 60, there is many more years. What you refer to will develop
a very big change. naturally. Devotees of world stature, able to speak of Sai,
will be present when the time is correct for them.
H: How, Swami?
(Sai listed some things I should not repeat, but then...) (To be continued)
SAI: After age 60, Sai will directly give added strength to
the minds of those persons who are actively working with
Him. Now is starting a time of change. It is just as when a
SPIRITUAL BLOSSOMS
learned Pundit did not know the distance. He was
CHINNA KATHA nonplussed. Nor did any of the other scholars in the
How Far Is Vaikunta?
A Little Story From Bhagavan Palace know.
But the servant who was fanning the King from behind
Provided your intellect is sharp and free from prejudices
the throne offered to furnish the answer, if his
and predilections, the reality will reveal itself to you in a
impertinence be pardoned. The Pundit was shocked at his
flash, for it is quite a simple thing. Only, it must be capable
effrontery, but the Maharaja allowed him to speak.
of seeing the problem in its basic essence, apart from all
“Your Majesty! Vaikunta is as far as the cry of the elephant
the jumble of irrelevancies.
could be heard,” he said. Yes, when the anguish of a
Once a very learned Pundit was holding forth, in a very
devotee's heart is expressed as a cry or a groan or a sigh,
pedantic manner, the story of Gajendramoksha from the
the Lord is only as far away as that sound can reach. He is
Bhagavatha, before the Maharaja in his Durbar Hall, and a
always on the alert to listen to the cry of His children. His
large gathering of courtiers. He described how the Lord,
Residence, Vaikunta, is within hearing distance of every
on hearing the agonised call for succour from the
cry, from every grief-stricken heart.
elephant held by the jaws of the monstrous crocodile,
hurried from Heaven (Vaikunta) without stopping even to
collect His insignia and weapons, without even
intimating to His Consort where He was going nor on
what mission.
That illiterate servant knew in a flash the Omnipresence
and the Compassion of the Lord.
- Illustrations: S B Sai Krishna, SSSU
Suddenly the Maharaja interrupted him with the
question, “Tell me, Pundit, how far is this Vaikunta?” The
COVER STORY
THE LEGEND OF
SAI GEETHA...
Unsurpassable and Eternal
“From the beginning there was an intimate

relationship between Me and Sai Geetha. And this
was a purely inner relationship.”
As Swami said these poignant words in a private session
to the students and staff of His University on June 7,
2007, the silence that dawned in the Institute auditorium
was too deep and dense, absolutely impenetrable.
“When I mention about Sai Geetha, do not think I am
emotional,” said Swami, His voice unsteady,
overpowered with intense feelings. Looking at the Lord's
eyes oozing with overwhelming emotions, everybody's
heart plunged; it was as if the fragile organ had become
too heavy to beat and given away, creating a crater deep
within that was subsuming every cell of their being into it.
A s e v e r y o n e
expectantly awaited
with bated breath the Mother and Child - The Immortal Bond
next diamond of divine
trap elephants by digging big pits and covering them
revelation, Swami, in a
superficially with grass. They beat drums and made loud
very soft but steady
noise to chase the pachyderms. The poor animals came in
tone, continued,
herds and many fell inside, but one survived. She was
“When I mention
motherless, and crying. She stopped taking food. Utterly
about Sai Geetha, I
helpless, she did not know what to do.” The moment
am not deeply grief-
Swami came to know of her, He immediately accepted
stricken. In fact, I
her. The Divine Mother was as if waiting for Her precious
have no sorrows. I am
child. “I applied honey to my finger,” Swami said, “and
never worried. I am
Fondling His Baby put it in her mouth and she went on sipping in the
not remorseful at all.
honey. Later, I fed her milk through a feeding bottle,
It is only Vatsalyam Supreme Maternal Love.” It is the
and from then on she forgot about her mother…I
kind of spontaneous undiluted love that a mother has for
christened her Sai Geetha.” The child was now
her new one, who is so pure, so innocent, completely
baptized, so to say; she was reborn anew as the Divine's
dependent only on her mother, seeking nothing but her
most special child. She was hardly two-feet in height then
lap and on whose face you can verily see the pristine
and Swami recalls, “She used to follow me everywhere.
image of God. As a child grows and becomes strong, and
Be it kitchen, dinning hall, bhajan hall, living room or even
intelligent, the god-like purity slowly diminishes and
bathroom. She grew completely under my care.”
diluted with reasoning love looses spontaneity, but with
Sai Geetha it was exactly the opposite. Truly, she was the young Swami's bundle of joy. During
the early sixties when Swami's agility would baffle
'Sai Geetha' is Born…Anew devotees and only one with athletic sinews could match
When she first came to Prasanthi Nilayam, she was only a
step with Him when He walked, be it to the Chitravathi
few weeks old. “Decades ago, when I was returning from
sands or a whirlwind tour inside the ashram, spending
Bangalore,” Swami said in the same discourse, “There
time with Sai Geetha was perhaps the Avatar's favourite
was a Khedda operation in the nearby forest wherein they
COVER STORY
pastime those days.
The Blissful Twosome

“She was half of Swami's height,” recalls Sri
Chidambaram Krishnan who was a regular visitor to the
Ashram in 1960s and enjoyed many years of divine
proximity. “She was so small that Swami could take her
easily in His car!” he reminiscences. Swami Himself
mentioned in the recent discourse that she indeed
travelled with Him in the back seat of His car. Sai Geetha
wanted to be every moment with Swami just like an
infant who cannot bear separation from her mother even
for a second. And Swami enjoyed it too. The little one The relaxing bath...
stayed under a big tree just next to Swami's bedroom
then and Swami could see her from His window all the
time. Whenever she was hungry, she would just look up
and shout, “Ahh!” and many times Swami would come
down and do everything needed to make her
comfortable.
Water games with her warden
was the most exciting part of their stay in Prasanthi.”

Sai Geetha's routine those days was tightly intertwined
with Swami's. A totality of nobility that she was right from
childhood, the first thing the tiny elephant would do
every morning is to go around the Mandir nine times!
Next, she would prostrate in front of the shining white
idol of Lord Ganesha (that used to be there those days) in
front of Prasanthi Mandir and then wait for Swami. The
moment door opens and she sees Swami, she would
kneel and offer salutations at His feet and then more
often than not make a peculiar pleasant sound asking
Swami to pat her seeking His love and blessings.
Subsequently, Swami would feed her with plantains and
Side by side - here and hereafter... other fruits, and then stand beside her and allow only
children, not adults, to feed her. Many tiny-tots would be
“Every morning and evening, one would find Swami with
waiting for this opportunity and would be thrilled when
her,” Sri Chidambaram recalls. “She would be highly
she would accept their bananas under Swami's constant
obedient to Swami! When Swami would call her, she
supervision. Meals over with her Mom, now Sai Geetha
would immediately jump to Him and then He would
would head towards River Chitravati to play in the sands
be either standing beside or playing with her - waving
and then jump into the river for a refreshing dip,
her trunk, petting her and patting her, and on some
accompanied by a young eight-year-old caretaker.
days He would run, and then take great delight in
seeing the little four-footed one take her tiny leaps Love of Sand and Care of Sai
The elephant calf would joyfully play in the Chitravati
and cutely jump and hop to catch up with Him. It was
sands, throwing mud all over her body. And soon a 'ball
an enthralling sight undoubtedly; for the devotees, it
LEGEND OF SAI GEETHA... Unsurpassable and Eternal
Sai Geetha's 'indiscipline' Swami,

the all-knowing Mother, would
reprimand him for his mistake and
then comfort His darling daughter.
Sai Geetha, even after she was few
years old and could retaliate to any
ill-treatment meted to her
irresponsibly by her caretaker,
would never do so. All she would do
is to go to her Sai Maa to seek
shelter.
Geetha -
Her favourite playmates - Small children I have won the game! Sai's All Time Favourite
“Those were golden days,” recalls
game' would begin with the young boy who was her Sri Chidambaram. “There was no 'Darshan'; it was only
trainer too. He would throw the ball and Sai Geetha interviews! Swami would give interview to each and
would then run to bring the ball back in her trunk. But on everyone. On non-festival days devotees would be very
occasions, when she would be in real freaky mood, few sometimes not even ten! and whoever comes early
instead of bringing the ball back she would run away with and sits first, would be called in first and then all would go
the ball! The young playmate-cum-trainer-cum-in-charge in, one after another, in the serial order of their sitting.
would have to chase a few yards to catch up with her. The Sometimes, the same person would get continuous
'little warden' instead of enjoying the game and the interviews for days; at the same time, if Swami wanted to
beauty of the moment, unfortunately, small that he was, avoid, He would skip a person too. But during festival
would get upset with the 'indiscipline' of his ward and occasions, when hundreds would gather, Swami would
would punish her with a stick, sometimes even pulling call everyone in. In fact, if anyone did not get interview on
and dragging her by her trunk. Sai Geetha then was very the normal days, he would show up in a festival day and
tiny and weighed only a few kilos. sure enough he would get an interview.” Devotees those
But the story does not end here. Devotees who are days indeed were extremely lucky, but the luckiest of all
witness to all this would come and report at the highest was Swami's favourite pet; because Swami gave her every
level. “Swami! That boy threw
Sai Geetha inside the sand!”
And then Swami would
invariably say, “Go! Bring that
boy here, he should be
punished.” When the boy
arrives and seeking pardon says,
“In future, I will not do this,”
Swami would let him go. But
notorious that he was, he
would again beat Sai Geetha
some other day. And then Sai
Geetha would come running to
Mandir and seek out for Swami
wherever He was, be it
interview room or Bhajan Hall or
living room. The mahout
running behind her would soon
appear there and without The Master marches on... Always in His direction...
asking start complaining about
COVER STORY
little spare time He had. Just like in the morning, He She would love the festival days, not because she would
would pet and feed her again in the afternoon and she be adorned on those occasions with ornaments, instead
would be waiting to touch His feet and be fondled by her heart would be leaping with joy with the thought that
Him. It was like she got two special interviews everyday she will get more time of her Swami that day.
apart from many other personal sessions with Swami.
Sai Geetha -
For the ashramites then, Sai Geetha was an eternal source Destined to Dazzle Divine Processions
of joy. Being the cutest kid of the ashram, everyone In fact, only after Sai Geetha came, did Puttaparthi
wanted to pet and fondle her. “In fact, in her first six processions really acquire their charismatic character. Sri
months,” says Sri Chidambaram, “anybody could take her Chidambaram recalls that in the late fifties and early
out and play with her. She never would harm anyone. And sixties before Sai Geetha arrived, whenever Swami used
Swami too allowed others to touch and caress her. She to see elephants being part of the welcome ceremonies
was for everyone and Swami too those days, was so during His visits to many towns in Tamil Nadu, He used to
accessible. We could sleep in the Mandir portico itself and be delighted. So much so that in December 10, 1958, ten
sometimes even inside the interview room too! I cannot days before visiting Surandai, (a vibrant town in Western
ever forget those halcyon days.” Tamil Nadu in the district of Tirunelveli) Swami, describing
At the same time, living in the Ashram those days was no to select devotees the grand welcome awaiting Him, said,
walk in the park; it was easily most challenging. There was “The people of Surandai are very devout. Though it is
no water; a family would have to stay under the shade of a small village, they have arranged for an elephant
a tree and get not more than three to four buckets of ride!” Sri Venkatraman, who along with his cousin, had
water for the whole day. There were very few houses, in invited Swami to make the visit, says, “It was such a
fact, they were actually just rooms one single room magnificent welcome in my native village…it remains as
without a bathroom and a hole in the wall for a window the most memorable day of my life.” Again, two years
and to add to this, there was no electricity. After dusk, later, when Swami visited Udumalapet (a lively town in
everywhere it would just be dark. Sometimes, even the Coimbatore district, Western Tamil Nadu), the
snakes would enter to sleep under the mudpot in the reception there was one of unparalleled grandeur and
room, however would never do any harm. “But whatever gaiety, because there were three elephants in the
it may be, Swami was very loving,” recalls Sri procession.
Chidambaram. “Anybody could go and
shout out to Swami in front of His room.
'Swami, I want to go home. Please bless
me'. And Swami would more often than
not oblige and speak very softly too. It is
purely because of His love that in spite
of so many hardships people would love
to come and stay in Puttaparthi. We
used to walk inside the ashram without
slippers on and would be pricked many
times with thorns. On one occasion
even Sai Geetha was hurt by a thorn.
Being a baby, her feet then were still
tender and she cried out in pain. A
devotee nearby went and removed the
painful prickle from her feet and she
cooperated with him completely. She
was like family in the ashram. Everybody
loved her and wanted to play with her.” Just before Rajadhiraja -
Sai Geetha came... The King of kings
While all this is true, Sai Geetha
Sai's attention was (At Surandai,
belonged only to her Swami and was on elephants Tamil Nadu, 1958)
her best only when she was with Him.
A kingly reception... (At Ooty,1961) During the 43rd Birthday Celebrations

of the Lord, 1968
The Cosmic Monrach! (At Udumalapet, 1960)

The leader of every festival procession!
Swami was seated blissfully on the elephant in the middle
the one who always led the procession in Prasanthi
and on either side there was one elephant on whom were
Nilayam. She was marching, as early as 1964! The pundits
seated two persons holding richly decorated umbrellas.
during Dasara celebrations that year walked behind the
Sri Bala Pattabi, who had only dreamt of offering such a
'little champion'. And from then on, she became the
rousing welcome to Swami in his home town, was too
permanent fixture of all major celebrations in the divine
overcome with emotion and speechless when Swami
presence. The very sight of her, be it during Birthday or
descended from the elephant, patted him affectionately
Shivarathri or Krishnastami or the Sportsmeet, would
and asked, “Are you happy now that your long
gladden the hearts of devotees. Faces would light up,
cherished desire has come true?” Few months later,
smiles bloom instantaneously and some would even
when Swami visited Nilgiris, the sylvan town located
burst into a song. This is what came out of the heart of Mr.
amidst the eponymous mountain range, tens of
David Gersten during Krishna Janmastami in 1989 (see
thousands villagers had gathered there, and Swami
David's poem next page).
sitting gracefully on an elegant elephant was a darshan
that simply sent devotees to ecstasy. Swami, smiling all Her Only Medicine - His Word and Love
Purely it was because of such perfect love in her heart,
the time, was accepting garlands from people and the
that Swami was most concerned about her all the time.
whole session with mellifluous bhajans going on in the
When she was 15 years old and on one occasion was bed-
background went on for two hours. Every act of the
ridden because of fever and pain in her thigh, Swami
divine is according to a definite plan and His sudden
appointed a veterinary doctor to look after her. But when
fascination for elephants in that period was no ordinary
the doctor's administrations did no good, Swami stopped
event; it was truly a patent precursor, an amazing
antecedent of events that were to unfold in His Master all medications and said, “She will get better. She will
plan. get up.” And sure enough, slowly she started regaining
strength and was back to her lively self again. For all the
And once Sai Geetha arrived, Swami wanted none else for
festivals that fell during those months, the procession
His procession. Even when she was a little baby she was
went on sans Sai Geetha; Swami wanted no other
COVER STORY
Geetha is Decked Out…

Geetha is decked out
A golden broach adorns her head,
yes it does
Her toenails are painted bright yellow
And bangles are on all her legs
She's set for the party,
a great Puttaparthi
She's here as Krishna Sai's guest
Millions of people come see her
each year
And all of them fail the test
Her heart is filled with a greater love
Than most of us can ever claim
Her love has no words
Her love has no questions
Her love has no borders,
desires or chains
During the Birthday Procession... ...1986 at Prashanti Nilayam
Geetha is holding
A flute that she twirls in her trunk,
yes she is
She sways to the songs in the air
We smile until we get drunk
When she reaches Baba,
oh Krishna Sai Baba
She falls on her knees
to the ground
And the love begins thundering
out of her heart
It's the loudest silence around
Her heart is filled with
a greater love
Than most of us can ever claim
Her love has no words
Her love has no questions
Her love has no borders,
desires or chains
The Permanent Member of all Bedecked like a Princess...
Prashanti Celebrations... So beautiful!
elephant to take her place in her absence. the medicines to be stopped. He said, 'She will be
Similarly in 1996, when her eye ball became red without alright' and just by His word she was cured. She was
any apparent injury, her caretaker Sri Pedda Reddy was a able to see clearly again with both her eyes.”
worried man. “I was very scared,” he recalls. “I took her Swami and Sai Geetha -
immediately to the Poornachandra Auditorium where An Intimate Inner Bond
Swami was residing then. Swami asked the Pathology Swami's care for Sai Geetha was always comprehensive
Department of the Super Specialty Hospital to do relevant and complete. During the days when Swami used to feed
tests. It was disturbing to see her like that. I could not her morning and evening, He used to allow devotees to
contain myself. I was crying in front of Swami and He offer her plantains only; He alone would feed her with rice
continuously was consoling me, 'Do not cry.' Later, an and chakrapongal (a sweet delicacy made of rice and
ophthalmic Surgeon prescribed some eye drops but it jaggery) which would be cooked in His interior kitchen.
had no immediate results, and then Swami asked for all Sai Geetha always wanted Swami to feed her in her
Always longed to fed by her lord.... Sai loved to feed and fondle Her...
...but only directly in the mouth ...On every occasion
mouth, while from others she would accept only in were flapping excitedly and her eyes were overcome with
her trunk. And everybody was witness to this just the emotion as Swami stood right beside her and fed her with
previous year (2006) during Dasara celebrations. Sai apples and bananas right inside her mouth, just like a
Charan, a MBA student of Swami's University, recalls: mother would do for her dear child. It was a perfect
“I vividly remember that day. It was Vijaya Dasami Day, mother-child relationship.”
the last day of Dasara 2006. I had the opportunity to Which is Bigger - One or Twenty-five?
accompany Sai Geetha along with Sri Pedda Reddy to It is this unmatched love that existed between them and
Mandir. Once we reached Sai Kulwant Hall, Sai Geetha's the utmost care that Swami took while raising her right
eyes were always focused on Swami's residence. When from when she was a baby of only few weeks that Sai
Swami finally came near her in His wheel-sofa and was Geetha grew to become a strong and majestic being. Sri
about to feed her with some fruits, I noticed some saliva
dripping from her trunk. I immediately took two white
napkins and covered Swami's feet and robe. But no
sooner had I done that, Swami commanded me to
take the napkins away. And the moment I did that, I
saw Sai Geetha's trunk gently caressing Swami's feet.
The saliva dropping from her mouth did not bother
Swami one bit. She was hungry for His love. It was so
palpable. Later, when Swami held out fruits for her and
asked her to take them in her trunk as He was sitting on
the sofa, she refused flatly every time. Swami, then,
looked at me and said, 'She will take fruits from me, only
when I feed her in the mouth.' And then, He got up! And
That royal gait! - In the Senior Boys'
you could see Sai Geetha was in ecstasy; her huge ears Hostel compound at Prashanti Nilayam
COVER STORY
N Siva Kumar, a lecturer at Swami's University and a

former student, recalls that years ago when two
professional circus elephants had been brought to
Prasanthi Nilayam for the Annual Sportsmeet of the
Institute, the two pachyderms looked so puny and
pitiable compared to Sai Geetha who was standing
majestically next to them. A fascinating incident that
happened in 1988, in the words of Sri N Siva Kumar is this:
“I was studying for my MBA degree at Prasanthi Nilayam
then. We used to have evening games on specified days
during the week, and whenever we went to the ground
we used to regularly see Sai Geetha. We were informed by
the person in-charge that Swami had instructed to take
Sai Geetha to the ground for walks everyday so that she
may have some exercise. On earlier occasions, the
caretaker would have a tyre with him and sometimes
would roll it on the ground and Sai Geetha would run to
fetch it. This was how he gave her exercise. But that
particular day, it was something very different. Her
caretaker had come to the stadium with a huge rope in his
hand. When we went near him he informed us that on With students of Swami's University
Swami's instructions he has planned for a tug of war
exercise between Sai Geetha and the students. We were the ground, she would behave like she was one among
all excited! While about 25 of us lined up on one side, the them. Sri Pedda Reddy says, “She would be really excited
other end of the rope was tied to Sai Geetha's leg. when I would take her to the primary school. She loved
Standing behind her colossal form, we held the rope, being surrounded by the little kids and would give herself
tightly. Our job was to stop Sai Geetha from walking away to them. She would begin to play joyfully with the little
from us. Once we were in position, and said, 'Yes, ones.” Arnab, Prithvee and Kannan, three Higher
ready', her caretaker prompted Sai Geetha to move Secondary School students, who were eye-witness to this
forward, and she started moving! We tried our best to during their primary school days, going down the
memory lane say, “It was a bright Sunday morning. We
restrain her by pulling the rope, but Sai Geetha
had just finished our breakfast and were on our way to
continued to walk! It was as if she were taking a stroll
the playground to start a glorious day, and what a
in the park, effortlessly pulling all of us with her. It
pleasant surprise it was to see Sai Geetha there. Soon
seemed like she did not feel that 25 students were
everybody gathered around her including our
actually pulling her in the opposite direction. It was a
headmistress and warden. She was so free and playful
great revelation to us of her strength. Similarly, on
with us.
another occasion, when she had come to Mandir and
Swami was feeding her with fruits, we saw that He was Our fears vanished after we spent few seconds with her.
giving her whole coconuts along with the outer shell and We started petting and feeding her with juicy fruits. And
not the white core alone. We were befuddled. Swami while this was going on, a few of us moved away and
then turned towards us and said, 'Her teeth are so strong. started our game of football. Arnab kicked the ball hard
She can break the coconuts inside her mouth and eat only and it landed right in front of her feet. The ball was now
the kernel. The shells will be thrown out later'”. under her control, she was staring at it, and we were
worried about our fate if she decided to stamp on the
Sports and Students - Sai Geetha's Other Joys
ball. But no, she did not trample it, but started picking it
Such was the physical prowess of Sai Geetha. But the
up with her trunk…it looked as if she was trying to put it
conscientious Geetha would never make a careless
in her mouth. Perturbed, we started screaming. But to
display of her strength, though aware of it all the time.
our excitement, Sai Geetha next put the ball down
And when she was with Swami's students, especially on
and gave it a mild kick. The ball landed right in front of
body or tossed the ball. She made

us run for the ball, but never
kicked or threw the ball directly at
us. My fear for these big animals
disappeared; I saw only love and
truly fell in love with her.”
“On another occasion,” recalls Sri N
Siva Kumar, “the students of Alike
and Muddenahalli (Swami's schools
in Karnataka) had come to
Puttaparthi for a function. Oranges
had been distributed as prasadam
and each student had received the
juicy fruit. Few minutes later, Sai
Geetha came to Mandir and Swami
blessed her too and then went into
the interview room. The students of
Alike and Muddenahalli, who were
seated close to Sai Geetha, were at a
With a few members of the Radio Sai Team
slightly higher plane, and by mistake
us. We now knew for sure she wanted to play. And one of the oranges of a student
thus, the game began. We would pass the ball to her slipped out of his hand and rolled towards Sai Geetha.
and she would thrust it back to us or kick it high or She immediately lapped up the orange by her trunk and
sometimes even would lift it with her trunk and fling it in put it in her mouth. Watching this, other students got
the air. It was so amazing. She was like one among us and excited. They wanted to have fun. So, they started
we played for a full five minutes. We loved her so much.” intentionally rolling their oranges towards her, and she
If this was fascinating football with Sai Geetha, here's too played game and accepted one after another. It went
how she reveled in basketball too. Ms. Lene Sanchez on for sometime till it became uncontrollable when
Crispin from Denmark recalls, “It was my first trip to several students started simultaneously rolling their
Swami for Christmas in 1995 and I went to see Sai Geetha oranges towards Geetha. Then a teacher appeared on the
one evening. There were 5-6 people like me who waited scene and the whole drama stopped. Sai Geetha was too
to join her on her walk. Once out of her premises, Sai happy to see the kids excited and the students of course
Geetha crossed the street and went to the stadium where had their fun to the fill.”
few students were busy on the basketball court. Sai In Sync with Sai Every Moment
Geetha went near them, grabbed the ball and threw it Yes, Sai Geetha was playful;
into the basket. Next, she caught hold of the ball, pushed no one who spent time with
it to the nearest student and lo, the game began. It ended her ever returned without a
up with Sai Geetha scoring and grabbing the ball. Now, smile on their face or a
the ball again in her possession, she motioned as if she pleasant feeling in their
was about to toss the ball, but instead of throwing the heart. She spread happiness
ball she placed it in her 'armpit' between her foreleg and naturally and was physically
her body and started walking around as if pretending to very powerful too. But these
look for the ball! So amusing she was. We all laughed our were only additional facets
heart out. It was so sweet; the sun was shining in her eyes. of her magnificent
After a few rounds, she placed it down and gave a nice personality; they were not
kick. And then, it was a game of football that began. She what distinguished her from
was absolutely captivating, but the salient trait that I other members in her genre.
noticed about her was this: she was constantly aware What was unique about her, The cameraman's
delight!
of her power and was careful when she moved her
COVER STORY
was from Puttaparthi. But

before we realized, we saw His
car entering the stadium from
the Higher Secondary School
gate. Sai Geetha then was on
the other end at the crossing of
primary school building (in front
of the present Chaitanya Jyothi
museum). And as soon as she
spotted the 'car', she gave out a
loud trumpet! She was
euphoric. It was tough for her
care-taker to control or stop her.
To our surprise she escaped and
started running towards the car.
What followed next just made
me standstill and watch with
wonder. There was Bhagavan's
A sight for the Gods to watch! Communication - Heart to heart car coming up the stadium and
the mighty Sai Geetha was
in the words of a devotee, Sri Subhas Malghan, is that
running from the opposite direction towards the car. The
“she simply returned in abundance all the love that
next instant I saw Swami's vehicle stop and He rushed out
Swami gave her.” Her focus on Swami was absolute and
of the car. Now Bhagavan was running from one side
all times. In fact, “She was our 'alarm clock',” says Sri
and Sai Geetha from another. Even today when I recall
Abhimanyu Kaul, a former student of Swami's Institute.
that moment I get goose bumps. They met and what a
“It remains a mystery how she would come to know
sight it was to watch! Her expressions were
about Bhagavan's presence each and every time.
uncontrollable. She literally hugged Bhagavan. Her
Whenever we heard her trumpet we would run out of
trunk was all over Him, and Swami was actually
the hostel, and for almost every time we would find
standing in between her front two legs and the trunk
Bhagavan. One incident which happened in the mid-
eighties is very vivid in my mind.
Bhagavan was in Brindavan in
those days and in His physical
absence we would have
compulsory sports time in the
evenings. It was during that
time when Sai Geetha also
would come to the stadium for
her evening walks. We would
normally go and say 'sai ram'
and she would lovingly respond
by raising her trunk.
One such evening when we
were playing and she was also
busy taking her stroll, suddenly
came the news that Bhagavan
was coming! It was absolutely
unexpected. We did not know A joke shared-Privately! Yes, I know what you mean!
where and how far Bhagavan
and holding and caressing her. It took almost 10-15

minutes for Bhagavan to pacify her. Slowly we students
too came close to the scene, and we heard that Swami
was constantly saying something to her and patting her
very lovingly. He also then fed her some fruits, and we saw
her saliva all over Bhagavan's robe; but He was least
concerned. It was with lot of persuasion that Sai Geetha
let Him go. What an episode of divine romance it was that
I was blessed to watch!
“I remember, Bhagavan once asked us, 'Do you know
why I have kept Sai Geetha in front of your hostel?' We
just kept quiet and then Swami said, 'so that you can
learn what true devotion is. If you all can get even an
iota of her love for Me your life would be sanctified.'”
How many devotees have we heard of Swami Himself
exalting their devotion, except ideals from mythologies?
In the last eighty years, thousands have enjoyed His love,
His Grace and His proximity, but has Swami ever singled
one particular person out and said, 'Emulate him. I want
you all to be like Him'? But when it came to Sai Geetha, on
every occasion possible Swami would laud her
supremely-focused love and goad others to take
Lord Shiva and His Nandi
inspiration from her. On one occasion, when His robe was
wet with Sai Geetha's urine as she could not contain her sevadals waiting at her gate were making noise and
emotions seeing Swami on the road and the boys were indulging in loud talk, she would pluck small shrubs
hesitant to go near because of the pool she had created and throw at them, asking them in her own way to
around her, Swami looked at the boys and went to the maintain silence. In fact, she was one who enforced
extent of saying, “If you drink a cup of her urine, maybe discipline in the area,” recalls Sri Pedda Reddy. “And
you will get a fraction of her devotion.” during processions, she was most disciplined. She would
never be in a hurry or disturb anybody. Not even on one
The Saint Called 'Sai Geetha'
Sri Pedda Reddy, who served Swami's dearest devotee as occasion, has she stepped on anybody inadvertently. Only
her caretaker for more than two decades, says, “She was when she sees Swami, she would be excited, but even
no animal or an ordinary pet of Swami; she was then on formal occasions, she would behave very
indubitably a great soul. She had come only to enjoy intelligently. Her eyes would only be searching for Swami
proximity with the Divine.” How else can we explain Sai while walking with all the paraphernalia.”
Geetha waiting eagerly every morning after her bath for Sai Geetha's goal was only one and just like an ascetic, she
Pedda Reddy to apply Thripundraka, the three horizontal wanted no company except of her beloved. We know
lines using Vibhuti on her forehead, generally drawn by how when she was sent to the forest many years ago to
devotees of Lord Shiva. “Not only this, the moment I bear a child, she just did not allow any male elephant to
would apply vibhuti, she would open her mouth and come near her. Narrating that revealing incident recently
ask for a huge chunk. Till I satisfied her, she would not to the boys in the Institute Auditorium, Swami said, “She
close her mouth; it would just be wide open. Now, no was taken forcefully in a lorry with chains tied to her feet.
normal elephant will like to eat ashes, but for her it was In the forest, if any male elephants came near her, she
very precious,” says Sri Pedda Reddy. would shout. She wanted to get out of there and started
running. With blood on her feet, she reached Brindavan
Another very salient fact which distinguished her not only
and tapped on the door in the night. Mr. Ram Brahman,
from others in her species but also from general devotees
the care-taker of the Brindavan ashram, who was
is that she loved silence the most. “She always wanted
sleeping next to the door, was terrified. He came to me
her dwelling area to be quiet just like an ashram. If the
COVER STORY
and said, 'Swami, maybe England, says, “In 1998 I took my daughter Charlotte,
some naxalites who at the time was 17 years old, on her first visit to
(miscreants) are here.' But Swami. It was a magical time for Charlotte who although
I told him, 'No. There are completely blind was aware of Swami's presence
no naxalites here and everywhere. I took her to visit Sai Geetha and Charlotte
called out “Geetha!”'. The was completely overwhelmed by the love of Sai Geetha
response came in the for Swami and His love for her. We were allowed into the
form of a big trumpet. compound and Charlotte fed Sai Geetha with a fruit and
Having come dragging this beautiful animal gently took the fruit from her hand
herself on the road all and nudged her with her trunk. This sweet act brought
alone the whole night tears to Charlotte's eyes. She can never ever forget that
from the forest, the poor experience.”
soul had injuries all over Mrs. Meera James, another devotee from London, says,
h e r b o d y. S h e w a s “During my short trip to Prasanthi in August 2006 which I
determined, strong- made in memory of my eight-year old daughter who
minded and always had In His arms...
passed away unexpectedly, I used to take walks with Sai
one-pointed attention. That was her life. The kind of Geetha almost every other day. Not having come to terms
exalted life she led, no one has ever lived.” And then with the sudden tragedy, these walks with her helped me
Swami made the profound declaration again, “She was a find answers to her sudden death. In fact, it was one of
shuddha Brahmachari - a celibate to perfection.” the highlights of my stay in Prasanthi and I will treasure
Conferring Comfort - Just by Her Presence these walks forever in my heart.”
It is this purity of her personality that gave her all the “One of the first times I visited the Ashram, the departure
beauty and bestowed peace and joy to anybody who was from the ashram was exceptionally hard,” recalls Ms.
in her proximity. Ms Susan Hardwick, a devotee from Anita Ricka, a devotee from New Mexico, USA. “I had just
started my return journey and my heart was crushed
having to leave Swami and the Ashram. Sitting in the taxi,
I noticed Sai Geetha on her morning walk, and my heart
sang when I saw her. I asked the cab driver to just slow
down a little and I cried out in silent despair. I greeted her
with folded palms, behind the car's window-glass and
turned to look at her for as long as I could, sending her all
my love and longing. To my surprise and joy, the sweet
Sai Geetha lifted her trunk in a greeting, and I felt as if
she was saying to me: 'Don't worry, He is always with
you, and so am I. I greet you and love you too.' So once
again I cried, but this time it was tears of joy, and my
A great solace to many devotees... journey home was just a bit easier. This may not seem
much like a great experience to many but to me it was
huge. The way she responded to my love and longing was
very special and stirring.”
Ms. Sally Kimball from Denver, Colorado, says, “This
happened in 1985, during my second trip to Swami. I was
walking back after listening to a discourse Swami gave to
His students and on the way I stopped to see Sai Geetha. I
touched her and felt such love radiating from her. I looked
into her eyes and our eyes met. I remember thinking as if I
was looking deep into a human's eyes as I continued to
...And loved by all - young and old look deep within her. Sri Reddy told us if we said 'Sai Ram',
The world in her company...
That comforting touch... You are Mine... And I am yours...

Forever and ever!
she would respond and she did too curling up her trunk. I once in 2-3 months her love for Swami remained
was deeply moved by her presence and the gentleness of absolutely unchanged. In fact, she only longed more and
such a large elephant. And about the time I was to leave, I more for His attention and grace. “Though initially, it was
heard a commotion. Everybody was expecting Swami's more of a mother-child relationship, later it blossomed
car to come that way. I waited for the chance and noticed into pure love and devotion. It was like the bond between
Sai Geetha rocking back and forth in great anticipation God and a devotee,” says Sri Pedda Reddy. “She had
she knew He was coming. I hoped He would stop and visit always so much reverence in her eyes when she
Sai Geetha, unfortunately, that was not to happen nor did looked at Swami; she wouldn't even blink if Swami
He even wave to her. As the car passed, He was actually was next to her. If Swami fed her, she would be
looking the other way. And then when I turned to look at thrilled. She knew the value of what she was getting.”
her, the disappointment that shadowed her being was And perhaps it is for this reason that she would always be
heart-breaking. I watched tears roll down her radiant face moving her mouth and trunk when alone. While others
and could feel how much she loved her Swami. She was thought, she was thirsty or looking for something, Pedda
focused on Him so intently. I realized she had more Reddy says, she would actually be chanting something all
devotion in her heart than most of us present there. She the time.
taught me what unconditional love and devotion is.” When a new mahout came to assist Sri Pedda Reddy in
Her Every Cell and Every Second… serving Sai Geetha a few years ago, Sai Geetha refused to
Sai Suffused accept his service, till Swami personally blessed the new
Come what may, Sai Geetha's love for Swami was like an person in Mandir. Though she was not a witness to Swami
eternal flame, ever resplendent. Nothing could ever creating Vibhuti and giving the new assistant during
reduce its brilliance or vigor. Even though Swami spent darshan, she somehow 'knew' when Swami blessed him.
lesser and lesser time with her as years passed from Just like Hanuman who did not want even one pearl from
spending four-five sessions a day in the early years to the beautiful necklace that Mother Sita gifted him
seeing her only during major festival days, which was because none of them were vibrating with the name of
COVER STORY
she was in fact, an

enlightened soul. Who
would believe that Sai
Geetha actually foretold
her death to Sri Pedda
Reddy the previous
evening? She, in fact, did
and Swami Himself
confirmed this in a recent
discourse. On 21st
evening itself, she had
communicated to Sri
Pedda Reddy that she
wants to 'go'. It is
The Grand Sai Geetha Palace Bedecked for the occasion
because of many such
'moments of revelations'
Lord Rama, she too wanted only those things to touch her
that Sri Pedda Reddy was personally party too that he
which were filled with the blessings of Sai.
asserts, “Sai Geetha was actually a gyani - a being of
She 'Knew' What Was Coming! all-knowing wisdom.”
So attuned she was to the Lord at any moment of time
“She knew what was coming most of the time,” he
that she could 'sense' Swami's arrival much before anyone
continues. “When Swami left for Kodaikanal on April 26,
else. Once when Swami started His car from Bangalore,
she stopped the car on the road. Swami blessed her
Sai Geetha immediately 'knew' Her beloved was coming,
profusely but her happiness was very short-lived. The
says Pedda Reddy. It is for this reason that Sai Geetha was
moment Swami's car moved away, she trumpeted loudly
no pet elephant or just an ordinary devotee of the Lord;
The Lord arrives for her 'Griha Pravesham' The refreshing morning bath
The first foot steps in the new house Enjoying the moment
the site of her Samadhi. In fact, she could communicate

all her feelings to Sri Pedda Reddy. And she did this only
with Pedda Reddy and none else. With others she
behaved just like an ordinary elephant, but when alone
with her favourite caretaker whom she treated like her
father, she would reveal her heart out. If a person
assisting Pedda Reddy in taking care of Sai Geetha had
harmed her, she would wait for a time when Pedda Reddy
was alone and then would go near him and 'tell' him
about the episode. “I would then enquire with the
assistants and they would confess that they had beaten
her. She was out-of-this-world, a very noble soul
With her dear care taker belonging to a higher plane,” Sri Pedda Reddy reveals.
Sai Geetha - Announcing Her 'Freedom'

“For fifteen days before her death, she was as if on a
vow. She didn't care about food at all, and would
want me by her side always,” says Sri Pedda Reddy.
“And two days before her passing away, that is on
May 20, she broke open the chain tied to her legs, and
walked to the garden and started playing on the
sands in the middle of the night. I welded the chain the
next day and put around her legs again as was the usual
practice in the nights, but she released herself out of it a
second time on May 21. But this time, it was in the early
Sai Geetha and the dedicated Sri Pedda Reddy morning at 5.30, perhaps she was trying to break open
the whole night. When I came to see her around 8 o clock,
3-4 times lamenting Swami's departure. She 'knew' she was on the sands again just like the previous day.
Swami was going to Kodaikanal and will not be available
“It was surprising because she never did this before. She
surely for few weeks. It took me several minutes to
would go out and play only if I had forgotten to chain her
console her. She kept on saying, 'Swami is gone'. It was
in the evening. Moreover, she was weak as she had
extremely difficult to get her out of depression. Though
virtually stopped food for nearly two weeks except taking
Swami had nicely blessed her while leaving for
few ragi (finger millet) balls with lot of persuasion, and
Kodaikanal, on the day He returned to Puttaparthi on May
even prior to this for five months she was suffering from
18, He was not smiling at all. He was just staring at her. It
some kind of stomach disorder and would not eat well at
was a look of concern and she was very subdued too. It
all. Various expert vets tried many medications, including
was very unusual. I never understood the reason then.”
antibiotic injections. More than Rs. 50,000 was spent on
Previously, during the inauguration of her new and her, still her problem remained and as days progressed
beautiful concrete building complete with ornate she only ate lesser and lesser. In the last week, her intake
cravings and magnificent colours, (which happened few was close to nothing.
days before Swami's Birthday in 2006), she was actually
“One day before her final crossover, I noticed that her
disinclined to go inside even though Swami was sitting
front left leg was giving her pain and she was limping. I
inside, which is extremely unusual. She went in only when
thought maybe some stone or twig accidentally was
I goaded her into it. Even after that, everyday she would
stuck in there which was hurting her. She was restless and
be uninterested to go into the new house. One would
not steady in one place like other days.
think that it was because she did not like the cement and
concrete and would rather stay in the sand and grass, but Sai Geetha …An Enigma till the End
“On May 22, the final fateful day, I came at 8.30 in the
the reality was she was completely aware of all the
morning and took her for bath. Even during bathing she
happenings, now and future and therefore, was never
was normal and I forgot about the stone in the leg as she
comfortable in that structure which would be in future
COVER STORY
didn't complain of any due to technical problems, so we asked for a crane from
discomfiture. But Bangalore and as it was coming it developed some
suddenly as I was problems, and lost some time in repair. Later, the vehicle's
pouring water on her, she tyre burst and by the time the crane finally arrived, it was
raised her front left leg very late.”
showing signs of pain. I Superficially, one may wonder, why did the Divine not
asked her to lift her leg - intervene? How could there be so many obstacles for His
generally she would be dear devotee? But the wise know that everything actually
able to hold the leg for happens according to divine design, though it is very
sometime when she lifts - difficult to accept and understand at that particular point
but on that day she was in time. But it becomes clear later when one goes over the
unable to hold the leg at whole event in a peaceful state of mind. Same it was with
all; immediately she kept On her legs for Sai Geetha too. Sri Pedda Reddy continues:
it down. Keen to remove the last 18 months...
“Up to 12.30 in the afternoon she was trying to get up
the cause of her pain on
and by that time she was exhausted. The legs, which
the foot, I asked her again to lift and hold her leg but her
had not bent for over one and half years, were giving
leg gave away immediately. This happened one more
her lot of pain. I could see that she was silently tolerating
time and finally when she lifted her leg for the fourth
the hardship; she did not want to shout. There were tears
time, she just sat down with a jerk. Now I could see the
in her eyes. We started giving her calcium injections and
lower part of her leg but there was nothing wrong visible
saline for strength; about 10-12 bottles of the sterile
there; no stick, or stone or mark of any injury. It is
solution went into her, but nothing seemed to help. She,
probably only internal pain, I said to myself.
then, slowly started to drop her head; it had become too
“For one and half years Sai Geetha had not sat down, she heavy for her, she was unable to move it either. And then
was always on her legs day and night. Even during the her breathing slowed down. She lay in this condition for
night, she used to sleep standing on her legs or an hour or so and then at about six she bid a peaceful
sometimes leaning on the wall. In this scenario, when she adieu and immediately, Swami was informed.”
sat suddenly after more than eighteen months, her limbs
refused to cooperate with her; she was unable to get up.
“I sent word for a crane to help her to stand.
Unfortunately, none were near by, and it took some time
for the poclain to arrive. We tied a rope to the rear side of
Sai Geetha and tried to pull, but the machine was unable
to lift the elephant. Sai Geetha was six tonnes and the
tonnage of the hydraulic motor was only two. The higher
capacity crane was 100 kms away; we telephoned them
and asked then to start. They could not start immediately
Lord Vishnu arrives ...
How did the Lord react that evening when He physically

received this message, we do not know. But what we do
know is that at about 8 pm, Swami sent a ball of payasam
(a sweet dish) specially prepared in His kitchen to Sri
Pedda Reddy with instructions that it be fed to Sai
Geetha. The 50-year old caretaker had never disobeyed
Swami in his life but now he was in a critical dilemma.
How to feed a dead elephant? The doctors had confirmed
The last moments... that her pulse has stopped. With prayer on his lips, and
no other solution in sight, Sri Pedda Reddy poured the

prasadam into her mouth and gently covered her face
again with the white cloth. To this day, it remains a
mystery to Sri Reddy how the semi-solid offering
went inside. There was no sign of it being dropped or
slipped from her mouth onto the ground till the next
morning.
On Swami's instructions, the whole night was spent
digging a huge pit in the centre of the new building that
Swami had built for her six months ago. Cranes and
earthmovers worked continuously, and by early morning
the massive14 by 10 feet hole was ready. The final communion...
“When Swami arrived at 7.30 in the morning to the site, I
could not contain myself. I was crying,” says an emotional
Pedda Reddy. “And Swami lowered the window-glass and
caught hold of my hand. He was very emotional too. It
was like we both shared the same intensity of feeling.
Then He told me to open the car door and His chair came
down. He went as close as possible to Sai Geetha, took
Vibhuti and smeared all over her head. For a couple of
minutes, He was there, pressing her head with His
fingers, stroking her trunk, applying vibhuti on her
face and limbs. He lovingly then moved His fingers
over her eyes. In fact, He asked me to open her eyes The silent communication...
which I did. Though it was fifteen hours since she had
passed away 'clinically', her body was still supple and
flexible. It was like she was sleeping. Normally, two hours
after life passes away, a dead body would become very
stiff, but Sai Geetha that morning had no stiffness, the
trunk was bending easily and her eye seemed to be
looking at Swami.”
“Go happily, peacefully”

In fact, Swami confirmed this in His discourse to the
students a few days later. He said, “The other day Sai
Geetha discarded her body. But I pointed out to her,
“Geetha, look here. I am constructing a Mandir for Gajendra Moksha!
you. She opened her eyes and saw me, but she was
very weak. What else she could do? She only shed
tears. When the end came and she was going, I said,
“So, you are going. Ok, go happily, peacefully.” One
cannot but recollect at this point the final moments of
Swami's foster mother Mrs. Subbamma. Though
medically she was declared 'dead', a peculiar glow on her
face made everybody nervous to take her to the
cremation ground and the wise men of Bukkapatnam
said, “The bird has not flown yet!” Three full days had
passed since the first announcement of her death by the
The last words - "Go Happily, Peacefully! "
time Swami came to her deathbed after attending a
COVER STORY
The specially prepared pit Preparations according to Divine Directions
Meticulously arranged items A befitting bed for the

for the base of the pit beloved of the Lord
function in Tirupati. But the moment Swami called out, completely and Swami had bid her final farewell, He
“Subbamma”, “Subbamma”, just twice, she opened her turned His attention to the huge pit dug inside her new
eyes! And her hand was next stroking Swami's hand building. Sri Pedda Reddy recalls,
lovingly. Swami then put His fingers to her lips and she “He saw the pit and then asked me to come to the Mandir
opened her mouth a little, and from the cupped palm of to take Sai Geetha's dress. He also instructed me how to
Swami next flowed holy water into her mouth and she drape the sequined body blanket on her body and also
joined the ranks of the Released! Sai Geetha's merger was instructed all the materials that should be put in the pit
no different, though everything was not so apparent to before lowering Sai Geetha's body into it.”
the ordinary onlooker. After Sai Geetha was satisfied
The Princess laid to rest... Bedecked for her last journey
A Splendid Farewell by the Divine Himself of the compound where the pit was dug. Swami followed
According to His directions, the bottom of the pit was the progress of the job every second sitting in His car. The
first covered with sand. This was followed by coconut crane was big and could not enter the building. It was
leaves, then Banana leaves, other small plants that Sai nearly one hour since Swami had arrived and the
Geetha used to relish and finally fresh green grass that scorching summer heat was draining everyone's energy.
she loved the most. It was a multi-layered huge bed with Sri Pedda Reddy went to Swami and said, “Swami, it is
all that Sai Geetha relished. But that was not all. On top of very hot here and moving her is taking lot of time too.
this was poured rice - many bags of them - followed by You may please return to Mandir.” But Swami's reply
flowers, turmeric powder and vermillion. Once was an instantaneous, “No. I will wait till the end,” He
everything was completed as per His divine direction, Sri said. After 90 minutes of tough maneuvering with the
Pedda Reddy returned to the Mandir and Swami then machine, Sai Geetha was finally placed on the bed
asked him to open the jewels of Sai Geetha that He always specially created and Swami, whose eyes were overcome
kept in His residence. Along with the dress, Swami also with emotion as He saw His most precious devotee for the
selected some of the jewels that she should be adorned last time, blessed her again. More turmeric and vermillion
with while putting her to rest at her Samadhi site. And was offered. Lots of garlands were spread on her body
then handing over a pair of silk clothes to Sri Pedda Reddy, including a big one which Swami asked senior members
He said, “You should do all these tasks. Shower and then of the Trust to place on her, and finally she was covered
wear this new silk dress and be ready, I will come there.” with mud. Only then, did Swami return to His residence.
Just as He had promised, Swami was at the site at 10.45
am. Efforts were on with the help of a crane to lift the
6000 kg body of Sai Geetha and move it to the other end
The Samadhi of Sai Geetha...
Auspicious Offerings of vermillion,

turmeric, vibhuti...
...A temple of unmatched love
The beautiful building that was her home six months ago
was now her Samadhi. When we asked Sri Pedda Reddy,
“Did you think that the eye-catching elegant structure
A life fragrant
like the camphor in the arati... that Swami built for her would be her Samadhi one day?”
COVER STORY
The Lord arrives... ...for the 11th day ritual
Directing the care taker... All rituals done as per divine command
He said, “Yes, even while this new building was being repeatedly to visit Brindavan at least for a few weeks. In
constructed, given the carvings and ornamentation that the 108 names of the Lord, one line exalts him as “Om Sri
went into making it, I thought maybe one day this would Sai Bhaktha Paradheenaya Namah” which means, “We
be her Samadhi. I remember, after her old shed was salute the Lord who is actually under the control of His
demolished, Swami one day came to me with a plan, devotee.” Just like Hanuman was one, Meerabai was one,
called me near and said, 'See this, we will make a Sai Geetha was one demonstrating to man the power
beautiful, big and permanent building for her.' Still, I and the pinnacle of pure love. And as Lord Rama laid the
never realized at that point that 'permanent' actually dedicated Jatayu to rest on His lap and Himself performed
meant 'Samadhi'; I only thought of it as her final house all the funeral rites, Swami too treated Sai Geetha just as
from where she will never have to shift again in the His very own. He was there every second directing every
future.” act in her last moments. Not only that, on the 11th day
after her burial, He visited the site again and asked Sri
Sai Geetha -
Pedda Reddy to place bananas, apples, ragi balls and
Ever-fresh in Sai's Heart
Swami had planned every little detail meticulously much sweets on the Samadhi and then directed for all these to
in advance for His dearest devotee. And this year, the Lord be distributed to few poor people and also to feed all the
suddenly changed his plans to return to Puttaparthi from cows in the Gokulam. It is a tradition in many houses in
Kodaikanal on May 18, instead of going to Brindavan as India to serve the poor in the name of the deceased on the
was his usual practice every year, and everyone wondered 11th day after death and here Swami was Himself doing
the reason behind the unexpected divine decision until it this for Sai Geetha. Truly, no other being ever captured
all became very clear in a matter of four days. For Swami, Swami's heart to the extent this elephant-devotee did. “If
Sai Geetha was more important than all the hundreds of Swami is 'Love in Action',” says Sri Raja Reddy, a very
devotees that prayed to Him to extend His stay in senior Sai devotee, “Sai Geetha was 'Devotion in
Kodaikanal for few more days or the thousands of Action.'”
devotees from Bangalore who pleaded with Him
As one who had seen Sai Geetha when she arrived at the Ashram as a tiny
infant nearly five decades ago and observed her grow into a majestic and
magnificent devotee, Sri Raja Reddy in his 'Ode to Sai Geetha' says:
An Ode to Sai Geetha

Small you came, Big you became.
Big both in body & spirit
But, big in body, small in ego,
It is not for nothing
Sai named you “ SAI GITA”
For you have a MESSAGE
Apt for this AGE
Discipline and Devotion
Duty, Discrimination
Along with Determination
Your performance based upon
Rain or Shine,
You led the Procession
Good & Gorgeous
With gong on either side
Calm Majesty,
Spectacular but silent;
Spotting Swami in the crowd
In bubbling devotion you bowed!
Once duty performed
Back in your dear Abode
Receding back into Reticence!
For years and for decades
This went on and on !
You emulated Bhagavan
To make your life a Message
While Sai's Life is Love in Action
Sai Gita's Life, Devotion in Action
Your message, mute but eloquent,
Silent eloquence but elephantine
We miss you Sai Gita
For in your absence
Missing is intense
As being, sans air or water
Aeons ago, it was Gajendra Moksha
Then by Sai Vishnu
Now it is Gajarani Moksha
Given by Sai Krishna
With this as our solace,
A happy smile's on our face.
COVER STORY
The Qatar Bal Vikas children offer their tribute
Tiny tots from the Canada School... ...Express their love for Dear Sai Geeta
We love you... ...And miss you too
Paying her own special tribute to Sai Geetha, Ms. Jullie Chaudhuri, a devotee from
Pune, India, writes:
A Tribute to Sai Geetha
The Master, the Lord of the Universe
Had tears in His Lotus eyes?
Everything we have experienced of Him
That He has allowed us to,
This act defies…
Yet, it is so,
Emotions did flow,
And what did this tremendous flow show?
To what did it open the door?
Lessons to be learned,
So much to be discerned,
Lessons of kindness, tolerance, compassion,
Acceptance, purity, reciprocation,
And above all, a lesson saturated with love…
For Sai Geetha to live, this expansive love
Was more than enough…
She was a gift from the animal kingdom
To the Lord of the Universe in human form,
Her story unfolded to show,
Specially for Him was she born…
Her life, her focus, her core,
Her everything was Swami, Swami, Swami
And this is a lesson for the rest of humanity…
A lesson of an ideal relationship
between Creator and Creation,
Of what to choose, and what to shun,
No other attraction,
And specially no distraction,
Complete absorption,
Reaching a pinnacle of devotion,
A bond so touching,
And a reciprocation so fulfilling…
What we humans couldn't do,
This monumental example,
With matchless devotion as her clue,
This grand soul did bring glory
to the animal kingdom,
And did us all stun…
For, she did win the heart of the Lord,
And, brought tears in the eyes
of our Living God,
To wake us up, A clarion call,
A supreme lesson for us all,
Her life, her love, her devotion,
A lesson for us all,
When Bhagwan came as Shri Ram,
He performed the last rites
to highlight the glory of Jatayu,
And from the self-same divine hands,
Of this, His present Avataric form,
Sai Geetha got her befitting due, and a divine adieu…
COVER STORY
Together we are free, Together we are bound; I in you and you in Me...
Sai Geetha - close to My heart. You do not have to do anything

A Monumental Ideal and Inspiration else.”
Ms. Smruti Rath, a devotee from Bangalore, says, “Love Just like every act of Swami, be it the Hospitals or the
neither dies, nor it ends, and Sai Geetha taught us how Water Projects or the Institute, are models for the whole
true love lives, even when life comes to an end.” The world to replicate, the Legend of Sai Geetha too is the
homage the Sai community paid to Sai Geetha world unfolding of yet another powerful and profound mission
over, be it special Sai spiritual meetings from Kerala to manifested by the Will of the Divine to help and guide
Kashmir in India or special programs complete with mankind to scale blissful heights in the spiritual realm,
powerpoint presentations and performances by small which are very much attainable, and discover the heaven
kids in Malaysia or the poor feeding done on the 11th day of lasting peace, joy and happiness.
of her passing by the Sai Youth in Hyderabad or a big card
created by the Bal Vikas children of Qatar honouring her – Heart2Heart Team
or the several cute drawings that the small kids of the
Sathya Sai School of Canada sketched in her memory or
for that matter, the innumerable ways each Sai devotee Dear reader, how did you like this cover story? What sort
remembered in reverence this exalted devotee of the Lord of impact did it have on you? Also, was it too long? What
every act, small or big, only went to show the indelible other suggestions do you have for future cover stories?
impact this elephant-devotee of the Lord had made in the Please tell us at [email protected]. Thank you so much for
hearts and minds of thousands of devotees from your time.
California to Canberra without ever speaking a word.
Be like Sai Geetha

and You will be Mine - Swami
Towards the end of His discourse to the students in the
first moral class session of the Institute, Swami, after
speaking for nearly 15 minutes on Sai Geetha said, “If
you can only remember and ruminate on the intense
love that Sai Geetha had for Swami and develop such
sacred and noble thoughts, I will Myself take you
FEATURE ARTICLES
SN2006GY
QUEST FOR INFINITY
Part 6
By Prof. G Venkataraman
Loving Sai Ram and greetings again. I am sorry there was

a break in presenting this series but then you know there
was a good reason for it! In my last article, I dealt with
Black Holes, prior to which I discussed White Dwarf and
Super Nova explosions. When I was away in Kodai during NGC 1260 NUCLEUS
May, I read in the papers that astronomers have
discovered an explosion that appears to be the “mother Sn 2006gy captured by the Chandra Telescope
of them all”.
SN 2006gy occurred in a distant galaxy [NGC 1260]
Brightest Stellar Explosion Ever approximately 238 million light years away. Therefore,
The discovery is based on extended observations made
due to the time it took light from the supernova to reach
using the Chandra orbiting x-ray observatory and several
the Earth, the event occurred about 238 million years
ground based telescopes operating in various
ago. Preliminary indications are that it was an unusually
wavelength regions. This supernova named SN 2006gy, is
high-energy supernova of a very large star, around 150
the brightest and most energetic stellar explosion ever
solar masses. That is a real wow! The energy released by
recorded and may be a long-sought new type of
the explosion has been estimated as ten times more than
explosion. Seen below is an artist's illustration that shows
the typical supernova explosion. The supernova's light
what SN 2006gy may have looked like if viewed at a close
brightened for about 70 days after discovery, until
distance.
roughly the beginning of December 2006, and has been
The fireworks-like
slowly decreasing since then.
material in white
Although the SN 2006gy supernova is intrinsically about
shows the explosion
ten times as luminous as compared to SN 1987 A, which
of an extremely
was bright enough to be seen by the naked eye
massive star. This
[concerning which I have already discussed], SN 2006gy
debris is pushing
was more than 1,400 times as far away as SN 1987A, and
back two lobes of
too far away to be seen without a telescope. Currently,
cool, red gas that
astrophysicists are busy theorizing what could have
were expelled in a
caused such a massive explosion, of a magnitude hitherto
large eruption from
unknown.
The Supernova the star before it
So much for the new excitement; let me now go back to
exploded. The
the main trend of my earlier instalments. You will recall
green, blue and yellow regions in these lobes shows
that thus far we have had 1) a look at what makes up the
where gas is being heated in a shock front as the
Universe, 2) the birth and death of different types of stars
explosion material crashes into it and pushes it
and the types of corpses they lead to. There are many
backwards. Most of the optical light generated by the
more details I could give about the Universe and its
supernova is thought to come from debris that has been
makeup but right now, that would take us too far off our
heated by radioactivity, but some likely comes from the
main course. So, at this point I would like to pause and
shocked gas. The lobes can be seen in the image captured
pose the question that many have asked themselves
by the Chandra telescope [see below].
FEATURE ARTICLES
before, which is: “Where did it all begin and what was the is a very important point.
baby Universe like? How did it grow thereafter to its
Journey into the Microcosm
present vast size?” Since the Universe is a physical entity, Let us try to understand this last remark. In astronomy, we
it is obvious that a large part of the answer to the deal with very large scales of distances that are measured
question just posed would have to come from Physics. So in light years. As for the time scale, a few hundred
let us take a small detour and delve a bit into Physics. thousand years is no big deal, considering that stars live
Physics to Understand Physical Universe for millions of years. Come down to earth and in normal
Right from the time he life, distances we encounter range from kilometres to
appeared on Earth, man millimetres and may be a bit less, like the thickness of a
has been busy gathering hair. As for time, it ranges from years to minutes to
bits and pieces of seconds and may be fractions of a second like a
information about the millisecond or one thousandth of a second. Looking
world around him and through a microscope, we can begin to see bacteria and
putting it all together to things like that which are much smaller [and therefore
make some sense. This has require a microscope].
been a long and arduous In this way, let us suppose we
process, and not always go down to the level of
easy. Take for example, the molecules. Here I must pause
Sir Isaac Newton famous discovery of and mention an important
Archimedes. Today even a fact. Although ancient Greeks
school kid knows what this principle is. Compared to the and Hindus as well as Arabs
highly complicated things relating to the Universe that are credited with proposing
we now know about, Archimedes Principle certainly the idea of atoms being the
might not appear to be any big deal. But it certainly was, building blocks of matter, the
at least at the time it was discovered. Same is the case idea gained scientific currency
with Newton's famous three laws of mechanics which only in the 19th century, from
once again are very familiar to high school kids. That does chemists to start with. In fact, Physicist
not mean that Newton's discovery is trivial; on the strangely enough, until late Ludwig Boltzmann
contrary, Chandra rates Newton even higher compared to 19th century, many physicists
Einstein, in terms of achievement! Which is saying did not believe in the atomic theory of matter. One
something! physicist who suffered on account of this prejudice was
So what is the point I am really trying to make? Simply Ludwig Boltzmann of Austria. Boltzmann developed
this; over the last few centuries, we have been gradually what is called the Kinetic Theory of Heat, the essential
getting a better and clearer picture of the structure of idea of which is that heat really boils down to the random
matter; by structure, I mean, how matter is built up. motion of the atoms and molecules in the body
During Newton's time, the generally accepted view was concerned. The greater the velocities with these tiny
that matter is continuous and homogenous, that is to say objects fly, the greater is the temperature of the body.
it is not made up of discrete building blocks. The theories Boltzmann developed this theory in great detail, and the
of physics developed at that time reflect this view. This theory is extensively used to this day by heat engineers.
does not mean that those theories are wrong or are too Unfortunately, at the time it was proposed, a well-known
naïve. In fact, theories of elasticity, etc., whose physicist named Ostwald strongly opposed it, as a result
foundations were laid during those days are still used by of which Boltzmann was ignored by many. Feeling utterly
engineers. In other words, when we deal with Nature, we frustrated, Boltmann later committed suicide by jumping
have to do so at several scales of length and time; this into the Adriatic Sea off Trieste, a coastal town in Italy.
QUEST FOR INFINITY - Part 6
Ironically, just a couple of years or so

later, Einstein, in a monumental
paper, gave a powerful justification
for the atomic theory of matter by
explaining a baffling phenomenon
called Brownian motion. This theory
was soon verified and thereafter the
atomic theory of matter gained
rapid currency amongst physicists.
Incidentally, Trieste is where the
Pakistani physicist Abdus Salam later
established an internationally British Scientist J. J Thomson Physicist Niels Bohr
of Cambridge of Denmark
famous centre for Theoretical
Physics; that story comes a bit later. atom. Around 1910 or so, Niels Bohr of Denmark tried to
OK, we are now down to the level of atoms, whose imagine a model for atomic structure and develop a
-8
dimension is typically 10 cm or one hundredth of one theory for spectral lines emitted by atoms when they emit
millionth of a centimetre that is small, is it not? Well, wait radiation. Where structure was concerned, Bohr said that
and soon you would encounter distances that are still the atom was like a mini solar system with a tiny atomic
smaller. Once physicists [and of course chemists who nucleus at the centre [rather like our Sun] and electrons
came first!] accepted the atomic theory of matter, it was going round it in circular orbits. In the Bohr model, all the
universally realised that though matter might appear positive charge of the atom was locked up in a tiny region
continues to us in our daily experience, it is pretty grainy called the atomic nucleus or just nucleus for short. The
when one comes down to the level of atoms. As far as electrons that carried the negative charge whirled around
time scales are concerned, time intervals like 10-12 seconds the nucleus like the planets. Clearly, Bohr was mimicking
[i.e., one millionth of one millionth of a second!] are what the solar system and there was nothing wrong in that.
one usually deals with. Scientists often make models, based on examples
Atoms write their signatures through what are called presented by Nature itself.
spectral lines. The word spectral lines need not stump After imagining all this, Bohr then wanted to describe the
you. When energy is pumped into an atom [there are motion of the electrons, calculate their energies and so
many ways of doing this], it becomes excited. This forth. For doing this, one needed a theory of mechanics
excitation energy is subsequently got rid off by the atom and all that one had then was Newton's theory for
and it does this usually be emitting light at specific describing the behaviour of moving bodies, [modified by
wavelengths. Spectral lines are just signatures of the light Einstein to include relativity, if the objects moved real
emitted by an atom while de-exciting. Study of atomic fast, that is to say at speeds close to that of light].
spectra is thus of vital importance in many branches of The very first useful and working model of the atom
modern activity, ranging from basic physics and was due to Neils Bohr. In the Bohr model, the atom is
chemistry all the way to forensic science. like a mini solar system, with the atomic nucleus in the
Until 1900, people imagined atoms were like hard billiard centre and the electrons going round the nucleus in
balls, but when J. J Thomson of Cambridge discovered circular orbit. In the simplest atom, namely hydrogen,
around that time that he could chip an atom and squeeze the nucleus is just a single proton and there is thus
electrons out of them, people realised that atoms had only one electron going round the nucleus. [The
their own internal structure. It seemed as if atoms were number of electrons is always the same as the number
made up of electrons that were negatively charged and of protons - that is the way Nature maintains electrical
that positive charge was tucked in somewhere within the
FEATURE ARTICLES
When Bohr completed his

electron electron theory of atoms, he
found it simply did not
neutron
work. It seemed pretty
proton proton clear to Bohr that
somehow, he had to
Bohr model for Hydrogen Bohr model for Helium bring in new ideas
sparked off by the
radiation
German physicist Max
Planck. In 1900, Planck
German Physicist showed that unless one

Max Planck blessed light [and indeed
all of electromagnetic radiation] with a quantum nature,
Electron in an excited state Electron jumping to a lowerstate
with emission of radiation there were many important facts concerning radiation
that simply could not be explained. At that point, people
simply knew that there was this quantum aspect out
there but very little else. And now when Bohr failed to
explain atomic spectra using Newton's classical
mechanics and hit a roadblock, he reached out for his
pipe and murmured, “Ah ha! When we are talking of
spectra, we are dealing with light. Since light has a
mysterious quantum aspect to it [that's what Max Planck
says], unless I somehow smuggle in this quantum aspect
into my theory, it is not going to work!”
Spectrum
Birth of Quantum Mechanics
Since many inter-orbital transitions are possible, Bohr did just that and in 1913, came out with his now
every atom has a unique spectrum
famous Bohr model of the atom, and it was an instant
breakthrough. Sure, Bohr's model left a lot of things
balance!] Normally, the electron moves in the lowest unexplained, but it certainly was a big leap forward. One
orbit but it if the electron is given some energy thing led to another and by 1928, one had what is now
[physicists say excitation], then the electron moves called quantum mechanics which has since become the
into an outer orbit. Obviously, it has plenty of them to standard grammar of physics at the microscopic level.
choose from. Physicists said, “Listen, whatever it is that you deal with at
microscopic distances, you better use quantum
The farther the orbit, the greater is the energy of the
mechanics to do that.” So where physicists were
electron in the excited state. Atoms do not like to be in an
concerned, quantum mechanics became their new Veda,
excited state; so what they do is to get rid of the excess
and the Rishis who discovered this were Erwin
energy by emitting radiation, which then allows the
Schrodinger of Austria, Werner Heisenberg of Germany
electron to settle down into its lowest state, rightfully
and Paul Dirac of England. I should not forget Prince de
called the ground state. Thus, radiation emitted by atoms
Broglie of France who in 1924, preceding the trio just
and the energy levels available to the atom are intimately
mentioned, made the radical suggestion that if light had
connected. This is a great boon to physicists who can, by
a dual nature representing its quantum nature, then so
studying the spectrum of the emitted radiation, literally
does matter! In other words, not only radiation but
finger print the atom this is rather like DNA finger
matter too was quantum in nature, an aspect that reveals
printing, so common these days.
itself mostly on small scales of distance. That is why it was destruction they produced left everyone stunned. Japan
missed till the twentieth century. surrendered quickly and the war was over.
OK, so by 1930, physicists had a mechanics for describing Return of Quantum Electrodynamics
the behaviour of moving charges right down to the In America, physicists eagerly returned to their academic
quantum level. There was still some dust around that had ivory tower and suddenly, quantum electrodynamics
to be cleared but physicists developed new interests and became very attractive. Some very precise experiments
started becoming curious about the nature of the atomic were performed, and those results simply could not be
nucleus. This opened up an entirely new vista that we explained using the Dirac version of quantum
now call nuclear physics. Thus, in a manner of speaking, electrodynamics [QED] which till then was thought to be
the period 1930 to 1939 saw the rapid growth of nuclear the end all. A Version 2.0 was needed but it was not easy
physics, with quantum electrodynamics as developed to find. However, three young people, Feynman and
by Dirac in 1928, put aside for the moment. Some people Schwinger in America and Tomanaga in Japan
realised that Dirac's quantum electrodynamics was independently discovered this version, and it made great
incomplete but no one knew how to fix it. Besides, waves. This new, improved version [that almost sounds
nuclear physics seemed so much more inviting! like a toothpaste ad but this version of QED deserved all
1939, World War II broke out. America was not in the war the adjectives one could use!] was put to one test after
yet, but Europe was in the thick of it. A good many another and it explained experimental results with
European scientists of Jewish origin had fled from hitherto unimaginable precision. I mean they would do a
Germany and other countries under Hitler's domination, very precise experiment, yielding a result accurate to
and many of them took refuge in America. In 1939, Hahn seven or eight places of decimals. QED calculations would
and Meitner in Germany had discovered nuclear fission give the same answer. In fact, they would give to more
and while nuclear fission was good physics, physicists in decimal places, forcing experimenters to improve their
France and European scientists who had taken refuge in accuracy. So for some time, it was experiment and theory
America realised that fission could be made the basis for each trying to outdo the other. QED was so successful,
an entirely new type of bomb with unimaginable power that Feynman described it a Jewel of Physics.
of devastation. That led to the secret atomic bomb After a while, physicists said, “OK, QED is great but let us
project culminating in the development of the atomic move on and turn our attention to the mysteries inside
bomb by America in early 1945. Meanwhile of course, the nucleus more carefully.” Thus from 1954 or so to say
America itself became involved in the war, when the 1970, a lot of attention was given to nuclear physics. The
Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour. In August 1945, two first question asked was: “What on earth is the nucleus
atoms bombs were dropped over Japan, and the exactly?” Bohr said it is a small entity with positive charge
and Rutherford in Cambridge had
not only determined the size to be
around 10-12 cm or so, but also
figured out that the nucleus was
made up of protons and neutrons.
From then on, it was one question
after another, almost endlessly.
When one question got answered,
another popped up that is the way
it is in science which is why many
head for science; it gives a high
non-stop, without drugs that is!
So where was Physics, say around
FEATURE ARTICLES
the seventies? That can be summarised as follows:

!· Physicists realised that the physics of matter revolves
around two basic entities. 1) Basic building blocks,
and 2) forces via which these building blocks interact
with each other.
!· Bulk matter is obtained when the basic building blocks

are put together according to some rules; it is rather
like building a building using say bricks.
!· There are four basic forces in Nature. They are: 1) The

gravitational force, 2) the electromagnetic force, 3)
the [so-called] weak force, and 4) the strong force.
!· Each of these forces operates in its own way. Also, they

are of different strengths. Further, each force comes
into its own on some scale of length.
The figure on top right shows the relative strengths of

the four forces on a distance scale of about 10-20 cm. I
have chosen this scale of length because outside the
nucleus, the strong force does not operate; so also the
weak force. Gravity and electromagnetic forces on
the other hand, operate all the way to the edge of the
Universe! They are thus long-range forces, as
compared to the other two which operate only on a
very short range. An important caveat regarding the
relative strength of the four forces. Suppose one goes
to very small scales of length, like say 10-40 cm. This is
an incredibly small distance, too small to be
imagined! Yet, physicists do consider such small
centimetres long. Cut it in the middle. We would then get
distances, because that is important when we
two pieces each 5 cm long. Take one piece and cut that;
consider matters like the Big Bang. And you know
this time the pieces would be 2.5 cm. Keep doing this on
what? At those unimaginably small distance, gravity
and on. As you do so, the pieces would get thinner and
which otherwise seems like a puny fellow becomes a
thinner and thinner. In principle, there should be no limit,
goliath! That story would come later.
because since matter is supposed to be continuous, the
Mystifying Story of Matter slices cut can be indefinitely thin. Suppose now matter is
I am sure all this must be rather mystifying and so let me made up of atoms that are like infinitely hard spheres;
add several explanatory notes and comments, starting that is to say an individual atom simply cannot be cut. If
with the so-called building blocks. Actually, here the the above slicing process is gone through, then in this
views have changed quite a bit over the last few centuries. case, one would eventually come to a slice that is one
At the time of Newton when the atomic theory of matter atom layer thick; that is the limit and one cannot under
simply did not exist, there was no question of building the assumption of an indestructible atom, go any further.
blocks of matter. This has an important implication.
As I told you, by the beginning of the 20th century,
Let us suppose that matter is continuous. Take a piece of physicists not only knew that matter was made up of
matter like iron rod, say 1 cm diameter and 10 atoms but also that electrons could be knocked off
atoms; that meant

that the atom could
be broken up; in
turn that meant
that one must now
start looking for
building blocks that
are smaller than the
atom.
The atom, as I told you earlier, is made up of a central
atomic nucleus and a whole bunch of electrons
orbiting around it. Can the nucleus be broken up?
That was possible; so that meant that something
smaller than the nucleus was required for making an leptons [which are supposed to be light compared to
atom, apart from electrons of course. What was the quarks]. While there are many leptons and quarks,
nucleus made up of? That, physicists found, was made up only a few of them dominate as far as physical matter
of protons and neutrons. Does that mean all matter, from is concerned. That is to say, atoms are made up of
the ant and the elephant all the way to galaxies are made electrons [which represents just one member of the
up of just electrons, protons and neutrons? Do these lepton family] while the atomic nucleus is made up of
three particle types constitute the basic building blocks of neutrons and protons which can be put together with
matter? Not quite, for the proton and the neutron had just up and down quarks. However, this does not
internal structure of their own! mean that the no so visible leptons and quarks have
no role to play. On the contrary, without them we
Unearthing the Twosome -
cannot explain many physical phenomena.
Leptons and Quarks
It was a hard grind finding all this, but by 1950, physics
had become a big arena with hundreds if not thousands
of physicists working all over the world. So a lot of
information started piling up, rather quickly, one must
mention, and by 1970 or so, one could sort of say: “Well
you know what? We now can be sure what the basic
building blocks of matter are, and list them.” This was
done, and it was found that the building blocks were of
two fundamental categories; one of them was called
leptons and the other was called quarks. Leptons meant
light particles and the electron was identified as a
member of the lepton family. As for quarks, it is
You might say all this is fine but what is the big deal. Well
combinations of them that make up the neutron and the
it is a big deal and to appreciate that, just go back to
proton. In other words, one can now really say: “I don't
chemistry, which I guess must be somewhat familiar to
care if it is an ant or the Statue of Liberty. It is all made up
you. Chemistry deals with all kinds of chemicals,
of electrons and quarks that's it!”
chemicals that make up drugs, plastics, pesticides and
This next figure shows the basic building blocks of
what not. Every single chemical, no matter what it is, is
matter as we know them today. There are essentially
made up of molecules. So are the biological cells; our
two baskets, one containing what are called the
heart, lungs, liver you name it are all made of bio-
quarks, and the other containing what are called
FEATURE ARTICLES
molecules. And every molecule, whatever it is, is made up electromagnetic force as well as a gravitational force.
of atoms. And every atom is made up of electrons and However, the gravitational force acting between the two
quarks. In short, name the most complicated chemical on is so small [about one part in 1 followed by may be 40
earth, and one can describe how it all put together with zeros!], that the gravitational force between the electron
just leptons and quarks that is the big deal; you need to and the proton is completely ignored, as was done by
remember only two basic ingredient types, that is all. Niels Bohr when he developed the theory of the hydrogen
Scientists like to think of things and entities in terms of atom.
building blocks. They always say: “Listen; first make it In contrast to the gravitational force, information about
simple, and then develop the theory. This way, you can the electromagnetic force came in bits and pieces due to
deal with even complicated things step by step, one step the investigation of many physicists over a period of time.
at a time.” May sound simple but in practice, as one goes But in due course, one had a complete understanding of
deeper and deeper into the atom, both theory and it.
experiment become quite challenging and difficult. This is What now about the so-called weak and the strong
the game for the big boys! But a lot of big boys did get in force? Where do they operate and why are they so
there and did wonders; no wonder many of them picked named? The answers to all those questions is simple.
up the coved Nobel! Firstly, both these forces, the weak as well the strong,
The Fundamental Forces operate only when the distances between the concerned
So much for the building blocks. What about the forces particles are very small? How small is small? Around 10-13
via which this basic building blocks operate? In the cm and less! In other words, consideration of the weak
beginning, discovery of forces came about quite and the strong force play an important role in nuclear
independently; it is only after say 1950 that the study of physics and the physics of elementary particles in general,
the basic forces and the building blocks started going that is of leptons and quarks. The discovery of the weak
hand in hand. Well, how many different kinds of basic force was made during intensive studies on radioactivity,
forces do we have and what do we know about them? and the man who formally introduced it was Enrico Fermi
The basic forces have already been enumerated; there are [then of Italy], later to build the world's first atomic
four of them. Historically, the first to be discovered was reactor as also the first atom bomb! To put it in
the gravitational force. As you perhaps know, Newton perspective I should perhaps say that a study of leptons is
made that discovery, and it was an important moment in impossible without bringing the weak force into the
history. Newton said matter attracts matter, always. It picture.
does not matter if the piece of matter is big or small; a big I turn finally to the strong force. The idea for this came
stone thrown upwards is attracted by the earth and falls; when people began to pay serious attention to the
so does a small stone. You may say a feather does not fall structure of the atomic nucleus. I think it was Heisenberg
easily as compared to say a ball with the same mass. Well, who first asked himself the question: “Suppose I look at
the force of attraction depends only on 1) the masses of an atomic nucleus made up of many protons and
the two objects concerned and 2) the distance separating
them. Feather falls softly because of the atmosphere,
which acts like a cushion. Take that same feather to the
Moon [where there is no air] and drop it there; you will
find the feather and the ball with the same mass would
fall at the same rate.
From the gravitational force, we turn next to the
electromagnetic force which operates between any two
charged particles. Thus, since the electron and the proton
both carry electrical charge, there is between the two, an Nobel Laureate Heisenberg
neutrons. Nature has huddled them all together and second question, the consensus is: “When the Universe
packed them into a very tiny space. But then, the protons was born, there was actually one Universal Force. But
all carry positive charge and so must repel each other almost within a second after birth, this one Universal
heavily. As for the neutrons, since they are electrically Primordial Force split into four, to facilitate the further
neutral, they act like silent spectators so to speak. How evolution of the Universe. The history of the Universe
come the nucleus is held together? Why does it not come from that moment of separation has been governed by
apart and the constituent particles all fly off?” After four and only four fundamental forces.
thinking about it, Heisenberg finally decided that some This figure below schematically, how the four
“strong force” held the nucleus together! This force fundamental forces were all born from one
clearly acted within the nucleus and Heisenberg reasoned primordial force that existed right at the beginning of
that both protons and neutrons respond to the strong space-time, that is, when our Universe was born
force. All that was a long time ago, around the mid- [about 13.8 billion years ago]. In about a trillionth of
thirties. Yes, things were pretty vague, but since then one second after the Big Bang, one force became four,
enormous progress has been made and now physicists and that is the way it has been ever since! It is
know a lot about the strong force. amazing, is it not?! By the way, even in the world of
You are perhaps wondering: “What is this man up to? We physics, we have one becoming many!
are supposed to be talking
about Infinity, which obviously
must be something
unimaginably huge; and here
is all this chat about the
infinitesimal! Has he gone
bananas?” I assure I have not!
You see God, the quintessence
of Infinity, reveals Himself
everywhere, from the
infinitesimal to the Infinite.
Right now, I am trying to take
you to the microcosm of the
physical Universe just to
A small corollary: We often find physicists and chemists
highlight how even in respect of the Universe, the micro
talking of all kinds of forces like the forces of surface
and the macrocosm are intimately intertwined. With that
tension, elastic forces and so on. All these are derived
caveat, let me proceed.
forces that operate within a certain context; they are not
Two questions arise at this point: “Why only four
fundamental in the sense they do not determine the way
fundamental forces? Why not more?” This is question
leptons and quarks behave. Please keep that in mind. The
number one. Second question: “Are these forces
derived forces are not unphysical but they are relevant
completely unrelated to each other or is there some
only in limited context; our concern is with the Universe as
connection? If so, what is that connection?” These are the
a whole and in that context only the four forces I have
two questions that would concern us next.
listed above are pertinent. Hope that is clear.
Let us start with the first of the two questions above.
Understanding 'the small' is Unavoidable
After a lot of intense debate, physicists are generally You might still say: “All this is fine, but I am still not clear
agreed that there are only four fundamental forces and why this digression from the Universe into nuclear
no more. For a while there was a flutter about a fifth force physics, particle physics and all that.” Point well taken,
but that whisper has since died down. As regards the
FEATURE ARTICLES
and maybe I should say something to address that Baby Universe was like so,” they would reply, “Is that so?
concern of yours before taking leave. You see, the reason We will go out and check and get back.” They then go out
why I am currently insisting on talking about all this is to and look into the sky and they have amazing tools now to
give you some idea of physics at very small distances. do that, and when they are finished, they would report,
When I say very small distances, I mean incredibly small “Mister, we have bad news for you. Your hypothesis
-40
distances like 10 cm and things like that! about the Baby Universe is not quite ok. These are things
we found out there. If the Universe had been like what
you say then, it follows it should have been like this now;
but it ain't!” Thanks to this sort of constant chat back and
forth, our picture of the Universe has become slowly
sharpened all the way back say about 10-10 seconds. This
has happened in just about twenty years or so; amazing it
is not? Of course the story is far from complete because
that last bit, from 10-10 to say 10-50 seconds is going to be
very, very tough. But people are getting smarter and
smarter all the time, and may be in fifty years time we
would know about a still smaller Baby than we do now,
that is if we have not screwed up the world further with
The very beginning...
conflict, wars, global warming and all that!
Thirty or forty years ago, few physicists bothered about
I should call a halt, but before I do so, I want you to reflect
such matters but in the context of not only the ultimate of
on the following:
particle physics but also in the context of early cosmology,
such considerations have become both vital and
! The rate at which Science is progressing is absolutely
breathtaking.
inescapable. If we want to know something about the
actual birth of the Universe and its early history, that is to ! Fifty and odd years ago when I got out of college, no
say when it was around 10-30 seconds old [no, I am not one could even dream we have got where we are now;
crazy!], then the kind of physics that I am trying to thrust but we are. That's how astonishing progress has been.
on you becomes unavoidable. Once upon a time, the ! All this shows the amazing power with which God has
entire Universe had a radius of only that size! No, I am not blessed humans.
kidding; it is absolutely a fact; we have plenty of ! However, how much of this power is man actually
incontrovertible scientific evidence to support that view. using to solve the problems of mankind?
Physics on such incredibly small scales of length and time
! Is man at least grateful to God for the gifts conferred?
[this is called Planck scale after Max Planck who drew
! Is man ready to spare even one minute per day for
attention to their importance], is expected to be vastly
God? And yet these days, he is barely away from his
different from what we are used to at the present time,
Blackberry! Sometimes I wonder whether he takes his
and on the scales we are accustomed to explore in. In
shower holding the Blackberry!
short, if we want to know something about the Baby
Universe, then we had better start paying attention to God does not care what man does. However, He does care
such issues. about helping man and guiding man. He comes down to
advice and act as a guidepost. As Swami says, the
You may say: “Hey, wait a minute! Why at all do we want
guidepost tells the traveller in which direction he or she
to know about the Baby Universe? In any case, I am not
should go. It does not go with the traveller! Think about
too sure I would believe all that you might say; it was so
it! All the best till we meet again! Jai Sai Ram!
long ago!” Good point, but you see, today's
astrophysicists are so smart, if you tell them, “Look the
THE SAI MOVEMENT IN PUERTO RICO
States), any American can freely step into this island
THE SAI MOVEMENT without a visa. From July 25, 1898, when it was invaded
by the United States during the Spanish-American war,
IN PUERTO RICO
the President of United States has been the Head of the
State, though the territory has its own Executive,
Pristine Puerto Rico Legislature and Judiciary, the Governor and the legislators
It seems it is like the Garden of Eden. Surrounded by sea being elected by popular vote every four years.
on all sides, dotted with lovely waterfalls, blessed with When Christopher
miles upon miles of white sand beaches, endowed with Columbus arrived in
unbelievable rainforests, covered with captivating Puerto Rico during his
mountain ranges, awash with more than 50 rivers, and to second voyage on
add to all this soul-soothing magic, a cool and warm November 19, 1493, he
climate all the year around - Puerto Rico is, truly, a surreal found the Ta í n o s
beauty blessed by the divine in bounty. This tropical island (Amerindians)
which is actually the top of a submerged mountain crest inhabiting the island
is a pristine paradise of nature where warmth of its which they had named
people is equaled only by the sunshine that graces its " B o r i k é n " o r
shores. Though only 170 kms by 60 kms, every facet of "Borinquen". But he
nature's beauty blooms in this most sought after named the island San
Christopher Columbus
Caribbean island. It is one of the rarest places on earth Juan Bautista, in honor
where the Atlantic Ocean reaches its greatest depth, of Saint John the Baptist. Later, the island took the name
27,992 feet, known as the Milwaukee Deep, in a chasm of Puerto Rico, (which means 'rich port' in Spanish) while
about forty-five miles north of this island, and in the the capital was named San Juan. In 1508, Spanish
South, only a short distance away, the Caribbean Sea conquistador Juan Ponce de León became the island's first
reaches a depth of 12,000 feet. An exciting area of nearly governor to take office. Earlier, the island was occupied
3500 square miles which includes its three small satellite by prehistoric people called Ortoiroids who are believed
islands, Vieques, Culeha, and Mona, Puerto Rico is always to be first human settlers of the Caribbean, originated
a dream vacation for many Americans next door and from the Orinoco valley in South America. But after
nature-lovers worldover. Spanish colonization in the 15th century, the Tainos who
A Much Coveted Island were flourishing till then, soon dwindled in the island
Being an unincorporated self-governing territory of because of harsh working conditions enforced by the
United States, and located about 200 kilometres off the Spanish conquerors as well as diseases brought by them.
south coast of Florida (the nearest to the mainland United The Spanish rulers then introduced African slaves to
augment the workforce. In time, this port city evolved
into what is now San Juan, the Capital city, and the
republic island Puerto Rico. Because of its strategic
location in the Caribbean, especially from a navel
standpoint, the officials of the Spanish crown always
thought of it as the strongest foothold of Spain in
America, and to safeguard it from imminent threats from
European enemies, built various formidable forts and
walls, such as La Fortaleza, El Morro and San Juan
Cathedral which are now national treasures of the island;
the first two in fact being 'World Heritage Sites'.
The island of Puerto Rico in Central America
FEATURE ARTICLES
Puerto Rico - Prosperous and Progressive

During the early nineteenth century, because of
constitutional reforms, the economy and population of
the island saw a surge with hundreds of Corsican, French,
Lebanese, Chinese, and Portuguese families, along with
large numbers of immigrants from Spain and former
Spanish colonies in South America, arriving in Puerto
Rico. The local character of the island expanded. There
were other settlers too which included Irish, Scots,
Germans, Italians, and thousands who were granted land
from Spain during the Royal Decree of Graces of 1815 San Juan with the fort del Morro
which allowed European Catholics to settle in the island
with a certain amount of free land. This mass immigration
during the 19th century helped the population grow
from 155,000 in 1800 to almost a million at the close of
the century; now it is roughly four million. Thanks to its
rich fertile soil as well as its small size, Puerto Rico today
has one of the highest population densities in the world
at 446 people per square km while it is only 31 in the
United States.
Old San Juan...beautiful colonial past
country forte. Even now, at least five million tourists

mostly from United States visit this island every year,
contributing nearly 2 billion dollars to its economy.
From some of America's best un-crowded beaches with
breathtaking sunsets to beautiful biosphere reserves,
from mesmerizing mountains to amazing old-world
architecture, from best seafood restaurants to
spectacular surfing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding,
parasailing and Scuba diving experiences - not to forget
the golf courses. Puerto Rico, for many, is the star-
attraction of the Caribbean with the charm of an island
Puerto Rico's pride...
and at the same time with conveniences and roads that
best un-crowded beaches on Earth
one would find in the United States. Another big plus for
After the United States granted the right to
this tropical island is the climate, which is neither too cold
democratically elect the Governor of Puerto Rico in 1947
nor hot, and is always warm with an average temperature
and draft their own constitution in 1952, the island
of 82.4 °F (28 °C). But what has made Puerto Rico a
experienced rapid industrialization, thanks to the new
preferred choice for millions today, is not its warm
deal (Operation Bootstrap) offered by America. Taking
weather but the warm hearts of its people. Best known by
advantage of the tax exemptions, factories flourished and
speaking using lively hand and facial gestures, Puerto
slowly Puerto Rico's economy transformed from being
Ricans are very cordial and genuine in their
agricultural-based to manufacturing. It became the
communication, especially to strangers. Though Spanish
leading exporter of US prescription drugs, electronic and
is the primary language, English is taught as a second
other machinery, chemicals, raw and refined sugar, and
language in schools from elementary levels to high
sugar products. And added to this was tourism, the
school.
The Port of San Juan, View of mountain range from El Yunque

epicentre of the island's life and economy
The Governor's Mansion El Castillo San Felipe del Morro Fort

in San Juan, the capital city
Nearly half of its population (that is two million) lives in

the capital city of San Juan, which is also the largest city.
Apart from being the island's most important seaport and
manufacturing and financial hub, this historical city is the
home to many picturesque colonial buildings and
extraordinary forts. It is also a major sports and cultural
centre too having played host to mega sport events like
Pan American Games and World Baseball Classic
tournaments.
El Castillo de San Cristobal Fort
Puerto Rico - A Pot-pourri of People
With a mix of four cultures, African (from the slaves),
Taíno (Amerindians), Spanish, and, more recently, North
American, Puerto Rico is not a complex society but a
lovely blend, which is very tolerant, radiant and resilient.
From Africans, they have obtained the 'bomba and plena',
a type of vibrant music and dance including percussions
and maracas. The Amerindians (Taino's) have kept many
names for their municipalities, foods, and musical
instruments like the güiro and maracas; while their
language, Catholic religion (the most dominant in the
Breathaking Mountains
island) and a vast majority of their cultural, moral values
FEATURE ARTICLES
and traditions have come from the Spanish. The United did she discover that there is another Sai Group in the
States has gifted the English language and the university same island, right in the capital city of Puerto Rico, San
system. The University of Puerto Rico was founded in Juan. She found that Mr. Mohan Darayanani was the one
1903, five years after the island became part of the United in charge of this group and they had Sai books for sale
States. And now, just over a hundred years later, the too.
Univeristy is receiving the Sathya Sai Education in Human Mohan Mohan had been a devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba for
Values programme. Now, when and how did Sai enter long. Originally from Pune, India, he moved to Canary
this serene island? Islands (in the north western coast of Africa) after his
marriage. The couple did not have an offspring for eight
The Sai Organization is Born…
The Sathya Sai years. This was when Mohan decided
Organization of to make a trip to Shirdi and sure
Puerto Rico had its enough, months later, his wife
beginning in July, conceived and Neeta, their sweet
1987, when it was daughter was born in 1963. Two years
officially accredited by later, Mohan happened to visit a
the Sathya Sai Council Sathya Sai Centre in Canary Islands and
of USA. In Cabo Rojo, a the picture of Swami in the wall there
city in the Western made such a deep impact in him, that
Coast of Puerto Rico, a from then on Swami became the soul
group of people were meeting in the clinic of Dr. Moreno of his life. And he made his first visit to India to see Baba in
to study the teachings of Swami Muktananda. When this 1978. Mohan was now living in San Juan, Puerto Rico and
teacher left his body, the group continued their study in 1986 when an oportunity showed up to rent a place for
circles, but now turned to understand the universal Sai meetings; he along with Jose Marrero and Erick Lluch
teachings of Bhagavan Baba. This was in the early formed the Condado Sai Group in San Juan.
eighties. Around this time, Aida Medina made contact
Fascinating Encounters
with the group in 1984, after reading some books on Sai How Swami came into the
and seeing the movie Aura of Divinity. When Dr. Moreno life of Erick Lluch and Jose
left the group, a committee was formed, with Aida being Marrero is fascinating too.
designated as the leader. Aida lived in Mayaguez, which is In 1975, Erick was living in
on the other side of the island from the capital, San Juan. New York, and going
But only after attending a Sai retreat in New York in 1986, through very challenging
times in his life. It was at
this time that he
accidentally picked up the
book “Sai Baba, The Holy
Man and the Psychiatrist”.
He was very sick and the
doctors could never diagnose his problem. So he prayed
for a divine intervention or the presence of a saint in his
life. He read the book completely the day he bought it and
then started writing letters to Baba everyday. He was
convinced that Swami was the 'Divine Saint' he had
prayed for. Swami even appeared to his mother at their
home in Puerto Rico. Erick returned to his mother's place
On the first chair on the left
is Mohan at a Sai retreat in Caguas in 1976 and there he met Jose Marrero. Together, they
started visiting a park near his home everynight to sing devotee of Sathya Sai Baba. This was in 1986. Mohan had
devotional songs to Swami and meditate on Him. Jose just heard about a group which was meeting on the other
Marrero recalls, side of the island in the home of Aida Medina, but he did
“My good friend Erick told me about this saint from not have a car.
India who had saved his life. He called Sai Baba his We solved the transportation problem, took off to
personal physician, and always carried with him the visit the other group and sing bhajans together. Later,
book, 'Sai Baba, the Holy Man and the Psycaitrist'. This Mohan offered his apartment as a meeting place, and
book has been his point of reference to overcome a we started our regular meetings to sing bhajans and
severe crisis of health. About this time in 1979, there perform arathi ceremony which has continued for 21
was no Sai Baba center in Puerto Rico. But, Erick and I years now without interruption.”
would take a guitar and sing to Sai Baba and meditate
Comforting Grace
on His presence in the world. We would do this every In the meantime, all
night in a small park in our neighborhood; known as these devotees filled
Golden Gate, Guaynabo. with devotion for Sai
had amazing
experiences too. Erick
wanted to travel to
India, and there were
too many obstacles
on the way. But when
he just mentioned
Swami's name, he got
the visa in no time
and all the other
problems too
disappeared including his undiagnosed sickness!
Jose Marrero in red t-shirt at a Sai meeting Similarly, when Mohan's daughter, Neeta, too did not
have children for eight years, and she did an encore like
It was here that I started to have the most transcendental her mother, she conceived too once she was back from
experiences of my life. This has been a guide for my life Shirdi. Just a few years back, in 2005, when Mohan was
ever since. Sai Baba made His presence felt in my heart, diagnosed with prostate cancer, the doctors examined
and I started to become aware of another world, up to him and detected a swelling on his chest too. After a
then unknown to me, a world where the atma (spirit) was biopsy, they confirmed it was cancer, which meant the
all. When I discovered Sai Baba, my search for God disease had spread. His wife Sandra Maria, prayed to
opened a new horizon for me. From that time to now, I Swami, and started applying vibhuti to the wound left by
have been repeating His name in my mind. It has been like the biopsy on the chest.
this for 28 years now.
The doctors prescribed chemotherapy but first they sent
“Our spiritual practice in the park lasted several years, and the biopsy results to a U.S. laboratory for a second
in this way we maintained an inspiration and motivation opinion. When Mohan came for his next meeting with the
for Swami and His teachings, and at the same time doctors they found that there was no cancerous growth
receiving innumerable blessings. About this time, Erick on his chest or in the prostate! The doctor could not
told me that his wife, Alicia had seen some photos of Sai explain what had happened, but Mohan knew how much
Baba in a store in Condado. We thought the owner must Swami loved him. Even now, Mohan is strong and healthy
know Sai Baba, and when we went there, our suspicion serving as the Vice President of the Sai organization
was confirmed; Mohan Darayanani was a staunch coordinating committee. But we will come to it a little
FEATURE ARTICLES
later; for now, going back to the late eighties, so, it was
Mohan along with Erick and Jose who started the small
Sai group in San Juan.
The Small Group Now Grows…

In 1990, this study group became a Sai Centre. Bettina
Biggert, who for many years was the regional coordinator
of south-eastern USA, and one of the founders of the Sai
Organization in the States, attended the opening
ceremony. Later, she went to Mayaguez too where the
other group was operating in the home of Aida Medina.
In 1991, the Sai Organization of Puerto Rico was
transferred to the Latin American zone from the US
because of similarity of language and culture, and the
first public meeting was held in San Juan where about
200 people attended. New centres and groups sprang up
in north as well as south coasts of the island in the
municipalities and cities of Carolina, Guanica, Ponce and
Guayanilla. This necessitated the formation of a bordering the Atlantic Ocean), in her home. Since the
coordinating committee in 1998 and Mr. Erick Lluch was starting of this Sai group, Swami has been entering the
its first president, while Jose Marrero became the first lives of many Puerto Ricans in His own unfathomable way,
service coordinator. Erick, incidentally, is a very talented just like it was for Mercedes. It will be interesting to note
person skilled in plastic arts and woodworking. Jose, on that Mercedes is a trained music teacher and violinist, and
the other hand, has a sports clothing factory, and even participated in the Sai Symphony Orchestra held in
sponsors little league baseball teams. the Divine Presence of Bhagavan at Prashanti Nilayam on
Mysterious Manifestions various occasions as the representative from Puerto Rico.
Apart from Mohan, Eric, and Jose, there were many
Divine Answers
others too who were the divine instruments of Swami in Kilbio Tiburcio of this centre in Carolina, after going
the early years of the Sai Organization in Puerto Rico. And through very difficult times in his life, had some searching
one such person is Mercedes Mercado. She heard about questions. One of his friends was going to India, so he
Swami when she was living in New York in the late penned his doubts in a letter for Swami and insisted that
eighties from a friend. Her life's circumstances then were his friend give the letter to Swami directly. The friend
very painful. The divorce process was on and every minute agreed and reached the ashram - but not only did Swami
was difficult, but she felt Swami's protection through not take the letter, He seemed to avoid it day after day of
every step of the way. He manifested to her in mysterious his month's stay.
ways. First it was a vibhuti flow on a tiny envelope for a
The last day during the morning Darshan drew no joy
whole week; then, a delicate sensation of jasmine smell in
either, so there was no choice but to send the letter by
the middle of dark winter where no plants were around
post. Kilbio's friend started on his journey home,
and snow was piling high everywhere (it was February!);
saddened at his failure to keep his given word. The trip
and later, through the sound of a flute in the first visit to a
took him two days and when he arrived home, he did not
Sai center. “However, the most fascinating part was not
know how to call Kilbio and give him the depressing
the manifestations per se but the feeling of a rare peace
news. But out of the blue Kilbio appeared at his house
of mind and exhilarating joy that I always felt inside my
and before he could tell him anything, with great
heart and spirit,” says Ms. Mercedes. When she returned
excitement Kiblio said: “I know what happened; you don't
to Puerto Rico in 1992, she started the Sai Center of
have to tell me. Sit down I know everything! Sai Baba did
Carolina (a city located in the northern part of Puero Rico
not take my letter, as I asked right? As I was going off to Yesenia Urena. She says, “These events happened, right
sleep three days ago, a very strong energy came into the after I had gone through a painful separation from a
room, took hold of me and I just could not move. As I Christian group, which I had cherished very much and
opened my eyes I saw Sai Baba at the end of my bed, and was feeling really low. So, I prayed to Jesus, and told Him
He asked me: 'What do you want to know?' Then He that I feel as if I have lost everything in my life!
answered every question I wrote on that letter!” “The next day, a neighbour's child called me and gave me
You can imagine, Kilbio and his friend's joy! Such a little note. It read: 'One can lose everything except faith,
miraculous and mind-boggling experiences, continued to and still you haven't lost anything. But if you lose your
draw more and more people into the Sai fold. faith then, you really did lose it all!' Some days after, I was
walking into the Sai center and the following event
Vibhuti Visitations
Going back to the San unfolded.
Juan centre, many more “My father became suddenly very ill and was
devotes joined there hospitalized, and admitted into the intensive care unit.
too, prominent among He could not breathe and chances of his recovery were
them being Mr. Aulio dim. That was on Sunday and on the next day I went to
Hernandez and Mr. visit him again and he seemed to have recovered, and was
Reynaldo Ureña. not even on oxygen. Amazing I thought! Then I left the
“On two occasions hospital, but hours later his health was in a deeper crisis,
Swami has blessed my much worse than the first one. On the next morning my
pictures with a very soft mother received a phone call from a woman, asking if a
veil of vibhuti,” says 'Dr. Francisco Ureña' lived there.
Aulio Hernandez. “The “My mother told her that Francisco Ureña was her
first time was with my husband's name but he wasn't a doctor and he was very
son, who decided to sick at the hospital. The woman explained that she had a
start talking poorly about Swami. So, I punished him by dream telling her to call Dr. Francisco Ureña because he
making him stand in front of Swami's picture for a while had a remedy for her, (i.e. the lady that was calling) and
and then closed him in the room. About two minutes since it was such a vivid dream, she started to look for the
later he started to scream very loudly which scared me. name in the phone book. Dazed by the phone call, my
When I got to the room and opened the door he was very mother told me about it and immediately I thought it was
upset, so I let him go. Later as my wife was cleaning the a call from Swami. I phoned my older brother and told
picture she noticed a soft vibhuti veil no wonder he had him to give Dad some vibhuti. Right after that, Dad
been shocked! recovered and was out of the crisis.”
“On the second occasion it was my duty to clean the altar Sai Retreats - Refreshing the Soul
but I arrived at the center late from my job, and was the Miracles like this only drew people in increasing numbers
last to arrive and leave. I began to clean the altar around and the dedication and devotion of the devotees were
10 o'clock in the evening and left at 10.30. That was on exemplary. Mr. Aulio Hernandez and Mr. Reynaldo Ureña
Saturday, and no one else had been there since, because I guided the San Juan centre successfully since 1999.
had the key and locked the door as I left. On Sunday People wanted to share their love for Swami with fellow
morning, as we arrived for the morning service, a soft devotees and Sai Retreats began to take shape. Almost
vibhuti veil was on the same picture I had cleaned the every year there was a big congregation of all the
night before. It was just another manifestation of devotees apart from the meetings in small groups and
Swami's Love.” every such session had profound impact in their lives.
A Call and a Cure Sharing her experience at a national retreat in 2002, Ms.
It was Vibhuti for Aulio, it was a mysterious phone call for Carmen Teresa Pacheco, says,
FEATURE ARTICLES
figure like an angel had appeared. She felt covered by

light as the figure disappeared. After relating this
experience, she touched her breast and said, 'Mom, the
lump is not there anymore!' I too examined her, and the
lump had disappeared. Thanks to Swami we are enjoying
good health.”
Sai Retreat in Caguas 2002
A musical Sai study circle with the Lightstorms
The Sai retreat every year was a moving and revealing

And this one was in the experience for all the participants. In 2005, the retreat
Mountain Vacation centre
featured the Sai Musical group know as the Lightstorm.
“I was very worried because my daughter Mayra had The group has Jonima and Kalassu Wintergate who were
detected a lump in her breast. One could see under the old time devotees of Swami and had spent a lot of time in
skin something that looked like a calcium deposit. I went the ashram during the 1960's. During their visits to
to the Sai Baba retreat with Mayra in the Centro Prashanti, they would take leave for a few days and travel
Vacacional del Monte (Mountain Vacation Center). The to Vietnam and entertain the troups there. Narrating a
Presence of Sai is so real during the retreats and I wanted 'divine moment' that occurred in Vietnam they said that
to dedicate this special time to my daughter's health. The once there was to be an enemy offensive and they were
first night I could not sleep and we got up at 4:30 AM and warned not to go into the jungle. But they said, “Baba will
in spite of the cold, we joined the nagasankirtan singing protect us” and went. When they got to where the troups
bhajans. Then we went to watch the Sun rise. It was were, the commander told them that there was sure to be
breathtaking watching as the Sun rose between the an enemy attack that night; however, the Lightstorm
mountains and pine trees while we chanted the Gayatri started their concert at 6 PM. And from out of the
mantra. shadows appeared all the enemy soldiers, but without
weapons, and what is more amazing is that they joined
“As the Sun ascended I made a prayer to Swami for
the allied soldiers listening to the music until the wee
Mayra's health and then noticed the big ball of red light
hours of the morning! There was no fighting until the
come closer and then retreat. This happened several
next night after the Lightstorm had left to return to
times, but Mayra did not have this experience. We passed
Prasanthi.
the day together in the wonderful spiritual company of
the devotees. When we returned home, Mayra told me of The Sathya Sai Institute of Human Values
her own experience. She said that she too had been There is no kind of people untouched by Swami's Love in
sleepless. She had sat on the floor to meditate, and a this island. And every devotee now wanted to express
white warm light had touched her, and then a translucent their love to Swami and what better way than service?
One of the first major service projects of the Puerto Rico

Sai organization was in the sphere very close to Swami's
heart, namely Education, especially guiding the small
children along the right track. And thus was born the
Sathya Sai Institute of Human Values in Puerto Rico.
The entire history of the Institute has indeed been a Sai
miracle. In 2002, the devotees were inspired by the visit
and the talks given by Paola Contestabile, who was a
recent graduate of the Sathya Sai diploma course in
Thailand, and the daughter of one of the directors of the
Sathya Sai School in Chihuahua, Mexico. They decided
that they must start an Institute in Puerto Rico. The A refreshing cultural programme by young adults
Ministry of Education advised them that the director of

such an Institute needed to have special educational
requirements.
Raul Rodriguez, a recently retired teacher and devotee of
Swami was the right person for the job with all the
required conditions, so the legal basis was fairly easy to
cover. They then started receiving applications for
workshops to introduce the program at different schools,
and as word got around, many more schools called up to
receive training in the program. The Institute gave the
A drama on peace by the EHV students
first seminar in May, 2003, and since then over 300

teachers have been trained in the Sathya Sai EHV
Program. Raul Rodriguez continues to lead the Institute
A fruit and more love to the kids
as its President and the training is given free. Teachers
from different public and private schools come
voluntarily, and give their time to understand Swami's
Educare, and then they apply it in their classes and their
lives too.
One of the first teachers to receive the training workshops
was Mrs Emma Roche. A very enthusiastic participant, she
has now joined the Institute's team of teacher trainers,
and also has introduced the program to all the teachers in
her school Centro Angeles de Esperanza where she is the
They dance to value songs director. Last year Mrs Emma brought a young university
FEATURE ARTICLES
A Sai Institute's Seminar in progress...

During the Inauguration ceremony
of the Sathya Sai Institute of Human Values
Raul and Laura Rodriguez

overseeing the discussion
advocates of the program too. Her supervisor at the
student, Jackilyn Rodriguez to take the workshop. After university is now helping her give some workshops for
going through the course, Jackilyn, who is now studying public schools teachers.
to become a teacher, has chosen to do her thesis on

Sathya Sai Human Values techniques for her graduation.
No one had earlier presented this approach to teaching
Human Values, and learning from Jackilyn her teachers at
the University of Puerto Rico became enthusiastic
Silent sitting - A salient feature of Sai workshops
Human Values in Music

Another very salient and innovative way the Institute
encourages human values is through organizing uplifting
Music Festivals. In a recent such programme, 25 public
The dedicated members of
the Sathya Sai Institute of Human Values schools and 3 private schools signed up.
Registration and lunch-break

The festival representative also explained that the way
human values need to be practiced is not by looking at
the fruits of the action, but for the sheer joy of giving. This
made sense to her and she changed her mind. On the day
of the festival, when each school was being given their
certificates of participation, it was noticed that the
certificates for the aforementioned school had
disappeared. The organizers prayed fervently to Swami
and as the lady director approached the dais to receive
her certificates, the envelope appeared on top of the
others!
Learning through illustrations and presentations
Everyone who participated in the Music Festival thought
However, one director of a school contacted the this was a festival straight from Prashanti Nilayam. They
organisers a few days before the festival, and said she was could feel Swami's presence during the entire event. Each
withdrawing her school from the festival because there school presented their values song written by the
were no prizes for winning the competition and she was students, or teachers, and in some cases songs from other
sure that her school would win. It was explained to her countries in Latin America were also used. Many of the
that this was not a competition, that only certificates of songs were accompanied by instruments played by the
participation would be given, and everyone was to be students themselves. The hall vibrated with positive
served a free breakfast. vibrations as value songs, one after another, filled the air.
The kids arrive for the Music Festival Singing value songs with gusto...
..they came from twenty eight schools ...every school had something different
across Puerto Rico and exciting
FEATURE ARTICLES
Stirring Sai Service

The Sai devotees' service
activities over the years
have diversified into many
areas. For five years in a
row, Grama Seva (rural
service) is being done for
homeless people at El
Paraiso. One of the poor
and the forlorn
"El Nuevo Dia" - a national newspaper of Puerto Rico expressing his gratitude
is pleased to cover the unique Music Festival says, “I know my Jesús
wouldn't leave me alone. I
After the programme, there were requests to hold more
knew God would hear my plea and that is why you came.”
of such inspiring programmes.
The Sai volunteers here regularly see the 'hand of Sai'. One
“The amazing thing about working at the Sathya Sai
Saturday when they had prepared food for 10 to 13
Institute is that as we practice the values in our daily lives,
people, but suddenly actually 30 showed up, they just
there is a gradual transformation in our personalities, and
prayed to Swami and served the exact proportion to
we become more loving and caring as we found while
everybody and no one was left out in the end.
participating in the Music Festival,” say the volunteers
working at the Institute. They also serve breakfast at the Plaza Rio Piedras in San
Juan every week, which has been going on since 2001. All
the homeless are waiting by 7 am in the morning every
Sunday to receive their only good meal in the last six days.
And during Christmas, it is very special here when the
devotees sing and celebrate along with the poor. After
they had their fill of cakes and ice creams, the homeless
with their pots and pans as improvised percussion
instruments and the devotees with their voices, in fact,
make up a wonderful musical group, and sing gleefully
the glories of the divine.
Laura Rodriguez tells us that during one of such breakfast
The Festival was unique not only outings at the Plaza in San Juan, Sai volunteers arrived to
for the theme but also for the costumes, serve breakfast as usual. But on this particular Saturday
color, creativity, the unifying character...
morning, a group from a local church had also showed up
and brought several items. The devotees now were
wondering what to do with all the extra food. Laura put
through a call to her brother to ask for suggestions, but
inadvertently she dialed an incorrect number; it was the
Divine Providence home for the elderly. She asked if they
needed some breakfast items, especially hot chocolate
for the inmates. The elderly home was very happy to
receive it. But the story does not end here. While they
were delivering the breakfast, it was apparent that the
Divine Providence home was not in any urgent need of
charity, as this was a very nice place where the inmates
Weekly breakfast for the poor

at Plaza Rio Piedras in San Juan
It could be a hot chocolate,
a rich sandwich or a nice piece of cake
the way Sai guides them and is always with them.

Yesenia's story is just another illustration emphasizing this
fact.
Puerto Rico - Pulsating with Pure Love

Yesenia Urena used to teach Bal Vikas classes in San Juan
Center every week. When the night before her class she
asked her mother to accompany her to the store to buy
For the devotees, some materials for the children to use during the class on
it is greater joy than for the recipients Sunday morning, her mother agreed and she drove out.
While they were traveling to reach the store another car
were paying for good service. However, just above the
lost control and ran into the back of Yesenia's car. It was a
home on the hill, they noticed many homeless people
terrible crash, but the mother and the daughter were
who were in need of help and they offered all the extra
without a single injury. When they got down to inspect
food to them. Now, the Sai group was introduced,
the damage, their car was perfect too; only the car that
through very strange circumstances, to a new group of
had hit them was fully smashed. It was unbelievable!
homeless who were really in need and would receive
Swami always says that if you are all the time focused on
loving Sai breakfasts on Sundays. For the devotees, it is
Me and My work, I will look after your welfare. And this is
the experience of every Sai devotee whether he is in
Puerto Rico, Panama or Prasanthi Nilayam. By instilling Sai
in their hearts, and worshipping Him there with offering
of pure love, Puerto Ricans, though miles way from
Puttaparthi, are still in Prasanthi Nilayam every moment.
Just as Swami promises, “I am in you, around you, above
you, below you, with you,” He is always there with them.
And one day, by His grace, this 'island' would surely
metamorphose into 'Sai-land'.
– Heart2Heart Team
The disadvantaged sing and dance with Sai devotees
FEATURE ARTICLES
HOW TO RAISE CHILDREN

WITH DISCIPLINE AND LOVE
By Mrs. Rita Bruce
This is our second article on the theme of “Value

Parenting” and is taken from the book “Sathya Sai
Parenting” by Mrs. Rita Bruce. This is in response to
requests by many readers to have more such articles
after we carried the first article “Teach Children the
Joy of Giving” in the May 2005 issue of H2H. The
current excerpt is from the chapter “Balancing
for short periods of the day, half an hour, and if the child
Discipline and Love” and we hope to bring you more
was content playing with his/her toys, I extended the
extracts from this book in the coming issues.
time. They will let you know. I was free to prepare dinner
Let's investigate this subject of controlling or without worrying, "where was this toddler"? The playpen
disciplining our children. From the time they are born, provides the infant's safety and the parent's peace of
until they mature, you are their conscience. When they mind. But today we think how could we be so cruel as to
are infants you rush to fulfill their survival needs. They confine our child in a playpen or gated room? Nonsense.
become habituated to your constant response and the It teaches them limits and boundaries.
behaviour begins. You are giving them what they want. It
will not hurt them to cry themselves to sleep, within
Discipline with Love
If you are going to have a child, start immediately with
reason, if a child is not wet, or hungry, or in pain. You are
your newborn, letting the child know who is in control!
only interested in their well-being, and are protecting
Here are some examples of "you say / they say" which
them from getting harmed or overly tired. The sooner
typically apply in all households.
they learn to trust your judgment and feel secure in your
decisions the more cooperation you may have. You Say They Say
As they begin to toddle, their words and actions become Eat Your Dinner I Don`t Like It
challenging, testing you even more to see if you will allow
Take a Bath I'm Not Dirty
them to do what they want as opposed to what you want
them to do. The battle between your conscience and their Clean Your Room What's Wrong With It?
desires starts very early. The sooner you let them know Time for Bed Not Tired
who is the boss, the less trouble you will have when they
Time To Get Up Too Tired
are in their teens.
You're Late No Clock
Lessons in Limits
Who's Fighting? He/She Is
Of course, you cannot discipline a newborn or small
infant by time-outs, but you can place limits and have a Who Did This? Not Me
daily routine. Limit their bed time. If they are not ill, let Share Your…... Its Mine
them fall asleep on their own, instead of rocking or
Do Your Homework Don't Have Any
sleeping with them. Let them sleep in their own bed,
instead of in yours. Let them play in a playpen for short You Cannot Go All My Friends Can
periods during the day instead of roaming all over the Get Off The Phone I Just Got On
house.
What Did You Do Nothing Today
Playpen Incidentally, the playpen saved my sanity. Today,
Where is The Money? I don't Know
a playpen is looked upon as "How can I cage up my child?"
Again it is the overly permissive approach, allowing them Stop That Arguing You Do!
to roam and do as they please. Restricting their Change Your Cloths What's Wrong
movement or behaviour has not been in vogue. I used it With These?
HOW TO RAISE CHILDREN WITH DISCIPLINE AND LOVE
Do these answers sound familiar to you? It is really very throw temper fits, anything to try and persuade you to
simple. Look down the centre of the two columns, called give into their wish. If they know that you mean "No"
'You say....they say'. This division is the line of separation when you say it, they will finally get the message and
that creates our child management problems. God has relinquish the struggle to manipulate you. Be consistent!
the same "child management" issues with us. He wants us Repetition habituates the behaviour.
to give up our ego desires and body identification. We
Swami does the same with us. If we have a harmful desire
hear the voice of the conscience but we, too, would
or habit He makes our life uncomfortable with this desire,
rather follow our impulses. Our children present us with a
until we let go and surrender it. When we are new to the
similar condition; there is little difference. Always, always
spiritual path, we often prolong the struggle, wanting
look to your relationship with God, to determine what
the desire fulfilled. The longer you are on the spiritual
your role is as a parent. You are fighting the battle with
path, the quicker you let go! You simply learn that "what
their ego and it is powerful.
you want versus what He wants" is a lost battle before it
Sai says, "To earn the goodwill of the Master, there is even begins. The same process will work with your child.
one recipe; obey His orders without murmur... Grace is Sai says, "When students do not behave, Swami tells them
showered on all who obey instructions and follow softly, 'Bangaru, you don't do that'. If they still do not
orders. SSS 2 pg. 184 behave, Swami raises His voice. His voice changes but
I could give you many Swami's heart does not change. That you demonstrate."
examples of what they
Inculcating Self Control
want versus what you
Most of us want our children to love us. It is painful when
want: hours on the
we have to enforce a rule. We don't like to see them hurt
phone, not wanting to
or angry. We want to play with them and enjoy their
go to bed, fighting
company. The problem is that when they become adults
with brothers/sisters,
and do not have the ability to control themselves, their
insulting parents,
suffering increases because the risks are larger. And I
returning home late,
might add we also suffer when they, for example, leave a
watching television,
job, get a divorce, drink too much alcohol, drive
going to movies, not
recklessly, or ignore their familial duties. In general, we
cleaning their room,
suffer when they suffer.
etc. But let us realize
that whatever the
circumstances, the
underlying cause is always the same, "Your will against
their will."
A toddler only knows a few words, but one of the first he
catches is "No!" That's plain enough. When they get older
they embellish it a little, with phrases as in "you say - they
say" or worse. It's your will versus their will. You don't need
many examples on how to discipline, all you need is to
know how to say sweetly, but firmly with love, 'No'.
Practise it. If they don't respond then you must enforce it
with discipline.
Being Consistent
The sooner they learn that your word will not be changed, A group of devotees from Madras came to Bhagavan and
the easier your job will be, now and in the future. said, "Swami please visit our Centre in Madras?" Swami
Inconsistency allows them to think they can have their replied, "What is the use? You are not regular in your
own way. The more you give in...the more they test you. appointment with God. One day, you commence
Inconsistency gives them greater control; you loose Bhajan at 5 PM another day at 5:30 PM. When you say
ground. Your job will become harder each time you give that you commence Bhajan at 5 PM God will always be
in to them. They will continue to beg, plead, scream, ready at your doorstep. But you want to give
FEATURE ARTICLES
importance to a guest politician who was to come to

attend the Bhajan. Discipline is my Second Name.
Remember this."
Our children wandering away from God would be our
ultimate failure. This is the main task set before us....to
bring our children to God. If we take our duty seriously,
make every effort, and our children fail to realize the God
within, then we sigh and ponder their karma. You are not
responsible for the results, the good or not so good. You
can only execute your duty in the best way that you know.
When you have done this, and the results are not what
you sought, it is up to God to change what you cannot.
Swami said, "He alone

is the father who tells
his son "Child, realize
God". He is the true
Guru, who leads the
disciple to God. Such
teachers and parents
have become rare
these days. All that
had brought fame
Allow the child to struggle with its own life issues. Our
and glory to the
purpose for being in the body is to overcome it, transcend
country in the past has become a waste, because of
it. If we do not teach them how to face each situation
the decline of the moral values and behaviour. The
fearlessly, to confront problems and challenges, fighting
educational system is utterly vilified."
with a strong will and all their might to overcome the evil
Suffering is a part of life; we must learn to accept it and go forces that are here on Earth, then they will succumb. Our
on living, and even loving our living. By placing emphasis conscience is training their conscience, teaching them
on pleasure, we are sending the message that pain is so what is right and what is wrong. This will develop a
unbearable that it must be avoided at all cost, and we pattern of behaviour that will sustain them throughout
must find an escape. their lives.
As Sai says, "Pleasure is a brief interval between two Sai teaches us, "Do good and have good in return; do
pains." bad and accept the bad that comes back; that is the
Our job is to teach them that life holds both joy and grief. law."
The more we stress the importance of one over the other, If our child makes a mistake, we can teach them how to
the lesson of treating them equally is not learned. Yes, I correct it. This builds their self-esteem and self-
know this is certainly a task for the self-realized, but it is confidence, which are essential aspects of self-love. Can
important for us to strive for the ideal. Don't place so we continue to deny our children the art of self-discipline,
much importance on seeking pleasure by continuously the core of character building, by spoiling them?
entertaining the child. They are so highly stimulated
Swami says, "Parents, have the primary responsibility
today that they cannot seek the simplicity of enjoying
to mould the character of children. Too much freedom
their own imagination. They must even be entertained in
should not be given out of excessive affection.
the school classroom. Is it too difficult for the child to
Children should be taught to exercise self-restraint
realize that learning is often hard work, and not always
and observe discipline in their daily life. If parents are
entertaining? Is it not the time for entertainment? We are
pampering the children too much. We assume they negligent in bringing up the children in their most
cannot face the reality of life unless we sugar-coat each tender years, it will not be easy to correct them later
event. on."
SERIAL ARTICLES
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI -

Part 31
(Continued from previous issue)
ACT VIII - SCENE 4
Sathya moves over to Kamalapuram along with Seshama, and is admitted to the High School there.
The scene is a classroom, and the class is the one to which Sathya belongs.
TEACHER: [to boys] Attention!
BOY: Sir, this is not a playground! It is a classroom!!
Boys laugh
TEACHER: Silence, silence! I know that!! ….. I wish

to tell you something very important. Sit down, sit
down! …. Boys, all of you have joined the Scout
movement to do social service and thereby serve the people as well as the country. If all the boys in
India were fired with such enthusiasm, the country would become free and prosperous. Isn't that so?
Service will promote a sense of responsibility. Everyone must have a sense of service and
responsibility.
BOY: Sir, when does the Pushpagiri Carnival take place?
TEACHER: Who is that boy so eager to do social

service? [stares at the boy] … Now listen carefully.
The Carnival will commence next Monday and last
for ten days. All of you must get Khaki uniforms
stitched, and perform service there for ten days. The
expenses would be ten rupees per head.
BOY: What expenses, sir?
TEACHER: Don't be impatient! I'll give the break-up. There is the to-and-fro bus fare, and the living
expenses for ten days. Now do you understand?
BOY: Yes sir.
TEACHER: All of you must participate without fail. Now, those who will come, raise your hands!
SERIAL ARTICLES
Next, those who will not, raise your hands! ….[all boys except Sahtya raise their hands] What's this
Sathyam? You will not come? Listen, You are the Leader of the class, and You have got to come! Now,
raise Your hand!
BOY: Why Raju, are you not coming?
BOY: Raju, if you don't come, we will not go.
BOY: Come on Raju, let's all go together.
TEACHER: For serving the people, one must not go

back but jump forward, understand?!
Teacher jumps and the boys laugh
TEACHER: I'll find out why Sathyam says He will not

come. Sathyam my boy, You will come, won't You?
…… [turning to the boys in general] Well okay, you
must pay ten rupees before Monday. Remember,
everyone must come only in scout uniform, right? There goes the bell! Don't forget my instructions,
and come for the Carnival.
CHORUS: Yes Master!
TEACHER: Sathyam, You also must definitely come!
Teacher leaves the classroom, and the boys surround

Sathya.
BOY: Raju, why are You saying that You will not
come?
SATHYA: Master said that one must come in
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI - Part 31
uniform; that's what I am thinking about.
BOY: Ask Your people at home.
ANOTHER BOY: Ask Your elder brother. Scouts must be in uniform while doing service.
SATHYA: All right, I'll think about it. Come, let's go.
BOYS: Come on, let's take our books and go!
SCENE 5
Seshama Raju's house in Kamlapuram. Conversation is in progress between Seshama, his wife
Suseela, her mother, and Sathya.
SESHAMA RAJU: Well, why are You so late? The School got over a long time ago. Where have You
been roaming? When will You do the homework?
SATHYA: I have carefully heard everything said in the class, and I know all the lessons.
SESHAMA RAJU: You know everything? In that

case, tell me what they taught You in the class today.
SATHYA: Scout students are to go the Carnival in

Pushpagiri. Master said that we must do social
service.
SUSEELA: Then, You also go along.
SATHYA: To go to the Carnival, one has to pay ten

rupees and stay there for ten days. For that reason...
SESHAMA RAJU: It's not even ten days since You joined the school, and already You are talking
about Scouts, uniform, social service, etc.! You are being sent to school to study and not to spend
money unnecessarily. There is no need to go to carnivals in order to do social service.
MOTHER-IN-LAW: If You go away for ten days for doing social service, who do You think is going to
do Your work here? There is so much work to be done here!
SUSEELA: Mother!
SESHAMA RAJU: [to Sathya] You had better forget about social service; instead, stay at home and
study. Now go!
FEATURE ARTICLES
SATHYA: If Master asks?
SESHAMA RAJU: If Master asks, say that You have no money and therefore cannot go.
SCENE 6
The scene is the classroom in the Kamalapuram High School. The room is empty but for Ramesh, a
dear friend of Sathya, who also sits by His side during class. Ramesh has keenly followed what
happened in class - Sathya would not be able to participate in the Scout Camp during the Pushpagiri
Fair, because He could not afford the Scout uniform etc. Ramesh's father is well off. So Ramesh
manages to buy an extra uniform. He packs it and now prepares to leave it in Sathya's desk, along
with a letter. Sathya comes and reads the letter. Ramesh hides himself and watches.
'Raju, if You do not come to the Carnival, none of us will go. If You come, all of us can go together, do
service and also have fun. I had the feeling that You do not have a uniform. I have two new uniforms.
One of these I have kept in the desk. Please take it, and come for the Carnival. Raju, Your friend is
giving this with Love; therefore, don't say NO! You must definitely come to the Carnival. Accept the
uniform. With Love, Ramesh.'
Sathya thinks:
'Ours is the Ratnakara family that knows only how to give and not to take. Self-respect is its
ornament, and helpfulness is its wealth. Friendship is like a flower; the fragrance must be inhaled
and enjoyed and the flower must not be plucked. One must not become a burden to others but
reduce the burden of others.'
Sathya decides that He will not accept the gift of the uniform. He writes reply letter to Ramesh, and
leaves it along with the uniform. He then leaves. Ramesh comes, picks up Sathya's letter and reads.
Our friendship is sacred and charged with Love. That sanctity will disappear and Love will recede if
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI - Part 31
there is money or material transaction. We must always stay together, sharing friendship and mutual
respect, and not be driven apart by the exchange of money and materials. I am explaining all this via
this letter so that you don't feel hurt. Take back your uniform. Thus, Sathyanarayana Raju.
Sathya and Ramesh then meet.
RAMESH: Raju, I read Your letter. We cannot understand Your philosophical words. But if You are
with us, we feel Blissful. We feel a fresh enthusiasm surging through us. That is why I am repeatedly
pleading that You must come with us.
SATHYA: Ramesh, I understand your feelings. I'll try and come. Okay?
RAMESH: Okay
(To be continued)
FEATURE ARTICLES
GITA FOR CHILDREN -

Part 32
(Continued from previous issue)
Chapter 15
1. Krishna says to Arjuna, 'I have told this many times

earlier but since this is so very important, I shall repeat it
once more. I am not only the beginning and the end of
everything but in fact everything!'
2. 'I sent man to this world to yearn for Me and to

Love Me. Instead, he has diluted and indeed even
polluted My priceless gift of Divine Love into worldly
desires. Instead of yearning for Me, he has developed
yearning for worldly pleasures and all kinds of trivia not
worth talking about.'
3. 'Arjuna, take it from Me, if you pine for Me, you will
name, the Jivatma, sometimes shortened to just Jiva. In
for sure come to Me. Once you come to Me, you will
short, you are a Jivatma.'
always be with Me. Once you are with Me always, you
would be eternally happy, naturally.'
7. Arjuna asks, 'Krishna, are You also a Jivatma?'
4. 'I am your Real Home, and it is from this Home you

8. Krishna smiles and replies, 'Of course not!'
have gone out into the world. Should you not come back
Home sometime? Do you want to keep putting that off?
9. A puzzled Arjuna then asks, 'In that case, what are
What for? What do you have in that transient world
You?'
except misery, cleverly sugar-coated with occasional
pleasures?'
10. Krishna replies, 'I am Paramatma or God in totality!'
5. Arjuna asks, 'Krishna, You say that once man goes

11. Arjuna is surprised and says, 'Krishna, that is
out into the world, he gets lost there. How exactly does
strange! I can't see any difference between You and Me.
this happen?'
And yet You say that You are Paramatma while I am just a
Jivatma. How come?'
6. Krishna replies, 'I certainly shall explain and you
must listen carefully. To start with, you must understand
12. Krishna gives the answer. He says, 'Arjuna, your
that man is a composite of three entities that are
difficulty neatly pin-points man's main problem. You are
strikingly different. They are 1) the gross body, 2) the
comparing yourself with Me purely on the basis of
Mind which is a subtle entity, and 3) the Atma, which is
external vision. Is that correct? Go beyond the body and
super subtle! This three-in-one complex has a special
examine. Are you and I the same?'
GITA FOR CHILDREN - Part 32
have to put a ceiling on desires. And this is where sense

and mind control enters the picture.'
16. 'Lack of self-control breeds desires, desires cause

mind pollution and delusion, and delusion traps the
Jivatma in the cycle that I referred to.'
17. 'This is where the example set by Yogis becomes

very important. The Yogis see things very clearly. Thanks
to their power of sharp discrimination, they can clearly
distinguish between the unreal and the Real. They
summarily reject the unreal and focus entirely on the Real
or Reality as some refer to it.'
18. 'That Reality is Me! Wherever the Yogi turns, he

sees only Me. You look up in the sky and say, “Ah, the Sun
is shining brilliantly.” The Yogi looks and he also sees the
same Sun but his words are different. He says, “I see
Divine Glory radiating there as the Sun!”'
13. 'Arjuna, you are well below the senses whereas I am
far beyond the senses and even the mind! You are below
19. 'Everything in the external world so-called, the five
the Gunas, and that is why you are a Jivatma or a spark of
elements, the Sun, Moon, stars and whatever else you can
the Divine. As for Me, I am far beyond the Gunas and that
see, is nothing but Me and Me alone! Do you ever get that
is why I am Paramatma or God in totality. In principle you
feeling? Never but that is how the Yogi always feels! He
also are God but not in practice! But I am God in principle,
sees only God everywhere and all the time!'
in practice and any other way you choose to look!'
20. 'The Yogi sees God within also. He sees God seated
14. 'The differences don't end here. When a Jivatma
in his Heart, he sees God functioning as the Pranaa or the
gives up the body, the gross body is returned to the
vital life-force, he sees God doing the digesting, he sees
elements while the subtle body goes in search of a new
God doing the blood-circulation and all the rest of it. In
body. Even as the wind carries the scent of flowers from
short, the Yogi is fully conscious that it is I who provide
place to place, the current of Destiny sweeps the subtle
the basic life-force, the basic creativity, the basic
body from one gross body to another, in accordance with
intelligence, and so on.'
the rhythm of the cycle of birth and death. This is what I
described earlier in terms of dress change. My case is
(To be continued…)
entirely different; I come and go as I please!'
15. 'The Jivatma has to go through many cycles of

births and deaths because of all kinds of unfulfilled
desires. Let us say a Jivatma desires something and
cannot get it. It gets a fresh chance to attain that in the
next birth. So you see if you want to get out of the rut, you
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
Effective Healthcare Seva

A Project Management
Perspective to Medicare
In the May issue of H2H, we brought you the story of a

massive medical camp conducted at the Sai School in
Alike that was executed beautifully to the satisfaction
to everyone - patients, doctors, volunteers, etc. - all
who were part of it, thanks to the dedicated band of
students of the school who literally took over the
whole service camp. If that was wonderful, what we
have in the current article is even more stirring. This is
the story of the splendid steps taken by the former
students of this blessed school along with other Sai
Youth in trying to bring lasting and profound change
in the lives of the forlorn and deprived.
“History is HIS Story”, saying these words Swami
greeted a group of rank students from Sri Sathya Sai Loka
the second largest in the Indian state of Karnataka,
Seva Educational Institution, Alike (pronounced as a-lee-
located about 135 kms from Bangalore.
kay), located about 50 kms from Mangalore in the Indian
state of Karnataka. These students with His Grace had Immediately after arriving in Mysore in 2003, they
created a record by securing first rank in Common searched for a Sai Samithi and to their surprise they found
Entrance Test (Medical), Common Entrance Test a newly inaugurated Sri Sathya Sai Seva Kshethra (blessed
(Engineering) and First Rank in Karnataka State Pre- by Bhagavan in March 2003) which was just a kilometer
University Examination. A unique and historic feat away from their Medical College Boys Hostel. They
indeed! The batch of year 2003 had also created a record responded immediately by attending bhajans on every
by securing 35 ranks in the top 100 bracket in Common Thursdays with a lot of devotion and enthusiasm. Soon,
Entrance Test for Engineering and Medical colleges. Boys they were part of the Sri Sathya Sai Youth Wing, Mysore
with ranks 1, 2, 5, 6 and 11 in Medical Entrance district. Sri Avinash S, a former student of the Alike
Examination and Ranks 1 and 5 in Engineering Entrance School, says,
Examination were present in the immediate presence of Alike boys “Based on Swami's advice, we approached the
Bhagavan along with Sri U Gangadhara Bhat, the Youth Coordinator of Sri Sathya Sai Organization, Mysore
Chairman and other elders of the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva
Educational Institutions (SSSLSS) that Swami had most
lovingly taken over in 1972.
Alike Students' Amazing Performance

In the interview that Bhagavan gave the students that
memorable day, He emphasized the role of healthcare
seva in society. What the boys did not know then was
that the all-knowing Lord had already planned their
future well in advance! In August 2003, 16 boys from
Class 2003, SSSLSS, joined the prestigious Mysore
Medical College and Research Institute. Today they are
studious final year students and training to be pioneers as
doctors and administrators in healthcare domain. But
what is more heartening is that they are now dedicated
members of the Sai Youth Wing too in the city of Mysore, Avinash S, a former rank student of the Alike School
EFFECTIVE HEALTHCARE SEVA - A Project Management Perspective to Healthcare
District, Sri M. Prasaad and expressed our willingness to subsequently healthcare Seva.
participate in healthcare seva activities. He immediately
Visiting the Villages
requested us to join his team. The real excitement began Detailed discussion resulted in the preparation of a list of
when we were given the task of providing the healthcare parameters that broadly provide a snapshot of the
perspective of Grama Seva.” prevailing conditions in a village, and this was called the
Taking the First Few Steps… Initial village survey list. The information collected from
The team was informed that as a part of the new each village included the following -
initiatives, healthcare seva activities would be treated as a ! Approximate population distribution
priority area. This meant more villages will have to be
! Condition of the approach road
included in the healthcare seva agenda. With medical
! Transportation facilities
students inducted into the team, the atmosphere was
charged with optimism and enthusiasm. ! Nearest medical infrastructure
! Prevalence of endemic or epidemic diseases
! Availability of drinking water
! Adequacy of water supply and water source details
! Condition of Sanitation
! Availability of power supply
! Level of health awareness among people
! Literacy rate
! The condition of village school
! Socio economic status
! Number of people below the poverty line
Former Alike boys ready for His mission
Youth Wing and experienced Seva Dal members

(including the members of the current Healthcare Seva
team) gathered to develop a preliminary roadmap. The
medical students provided valuable insights while the
experienced members explained the ground realities of
the villages in Mysore district. The blend of youth and
experience helped the team to visualize the healthcare
seva more effectively. Despite all these, goals appeared
very difficult to achieve, initially. There were many
seemingly insurmountable goals? The youth prayed for
His inspiration and what evolved then is an effective Collecting vital statistics
three-phased approach to Healthcare seva. from seven chosen villages personally
First, was the Data Gathering phase, next Planning
phase, and finally the Implementation phase. They
knew, to being with, they needed comprehensive data
pertaining to the various health parameters of the village.
A comprehensive medical survey was, in fact, the need of
the hour to ensure that the service camps are effective
and delivering exactly what is most needed.
Based on the expert judgment and advice of the senior
members, seven villages were selected for a preliminary
survey, out of which two villages, they decided, would be
short listed for comprehensive medical survey and
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
! The condition of village

temple
The team visited all the seven
villages and gathered the
information. The analysis of
this data helped the team to
define the basic criteria to
select the village for health
status survey (and
subsequently medical camps).
They now laid down six basic
criteria for selecting the
villages to do Medical Camps:
! Majority of people below The His splendid creation...
poverty line Divine Manager The Super Specialty Hospital in Puttaparthi
! With minimal healthcare
! Not well connected / no good roads
infrastructure; no primary health center in radius of
5- 10 Km Can Serving Few Villages
! Poor literacy rate Solve all the Problems?
For the youth, surveying the villages was a revelation. The
! A population with poor awareness in health and well lack of basic amenities and the poor level of awareness
being among villagers changed the perceptions of the youth
! People harboring endemic diseases members. Every one agreed that there is a lot of work to
be done. The quantum of work would in fact, require
more than a lifetime! Some started even questioning the
whole effort: 'How can few youth participating in
healthcare seva activities twice a month, bring about
transformation? The answer that came drawing
inspiration from Swami's teachings was: “You are just an
instrument in the hand of the Divine Master and you serve
yourself by serving others.” Some of the youth still were
not convinced; they said, “This is difficult to digest. Can
we have a more practical, simple and understandable
answer?”
And the clarification they wanted emerged after a few
Nobody was excluded - the old or the young
weeks during the course of the healthcare seva activities.
All in unison agreed that “it is quite difficult to achieve
even the smallest milestones in seva projects, but Swami
has brought about so much of transformation and
progress in such a short span of time. How could Swami
build the massive Super Specialty Hospital in ten months?
The answer clearly lies in Swami's approach. By
participating in seva projects, we learn how to manage
time, resources, situations and expectations. This skill
makes us effective in our career, home and just about
where ever we go.
“A volunteer, for example, may be given a task at food
Meticulous planning went into data collection distribution counter in the village. Just standing at the
counter he can do a lot more. He can calculate the time
spent by each recipient in the queue. He can assess if the

quantity of food is sufficient? Are there any alternatives if
there is a shortage of food? Is the food being served
properly in a hygienic way? Is the recipient happy? What
would be the checklist for food counter? What are the
other requirements in terms of time, resources and
expectations? Finally, what are the expectations of the
Divine Master Himself?”
So effectively, every task becomes a confluence of
duty, devotion, dedication, determination and
discrimination along with project management, task
related skills, expert judgment, continuous
The first vital task in the whole process -
knowledge update and progressive improvement in
visiting the villages and collecting data
quality. first hand about the villagers' health profile
It enhances the way seva projects are managed. It also
results in the personality improvement and creates
greater balance in life. It increases the emotional
quotient, self confidence and self esteem. The volunteer
also learns to do his duty and leave the rest to God
(though not an easy task to do always!). One should do
the work to the best of their abilities and avoid having
grandiose plans like eradicating a disease from the face of
the planet … It is good to have ambitious goals as long as
it is practical and achievable. In the end, being effective
Sai Youth, apart from the obvious personal growth, is a
passport for professional growth too! As we approach
the state of excellence, we begin to see God everywhere.
We attain the state of MBA (Mind in Baba Always)”. To put following about the village -
in a nutshell paraphrasing Swami's words, “You are not
! Endemic & epidemic diseases,
serving in order to solve the problems; you are serving
! Prevalent chronic diseases
in order to make an offering to God and to improve
yourself.” ! Diseases that require immediate care.
The youth were now very clear about the 'why' of their ! Nutritional status
activities. The discussion next was on the 'how'. “We need ! Level of health awareness - Knowledge, Attitudes and
to develop standard seva methodologies,” they agreed. Practices [KAP Assessment] of the people towards the
disease
Soon, the team seriously incorporated the Project
Management guidelines alongside medical domain ! Disease foci - pinpointing the cause of diseases (for
example, contamination of drinking water source,
knowledge into the Sai Healthcare activities.
poor sanitation, etc.)
And the first step in this approach was the Data
During the survey, as the medical students in the team
Gathering Phase.
were looking for signs of malnutrition, chronic disease,
I. Health Status Survey - anemia, and the like, they discovered that one of the
Data Gathering Phase villages was actually having an epidemic of Chikungunya
Health status survey marked the beginning of data (a viral disease)! Similarly, in some villages the sanitation
gathering phase. Earlier we saw how the youth selected system was appalling.
six basic criteria to select the villages for Seva, now they
They used various established procedures and techniques
conducted a full fledged health status survey in these
to collect the information. For example, the nutritional
villages in order to gather inputs on the prevailing health
status of children below five years of age was assessed by
status scenario in these hamlets. Principally, they sought
measuring the mid arm circumference.
to draw the village health profile by finding out the
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
What Kind of Data Did The Survey Reveal? the case histories of the patients. Our experience in
It gave valuable information on many aspects like - designing the village survey, analyzing the data and
! Gender wise, Age wise, disease wise breakup of the deriving conclusions gave us an upper edge in clinical
population postings and, apart from the chance to do Sai Seva, also
! Immediate requirements (urgent health care helped us to get more marks in the corresponding
problems) exams.”
! Priority areas For Kuldeep Shetty S, another Rank Alike Alumnus,
! Villagers' response to the proposed camp personally collecting data from the villages was a
revealing experience. He says,
! Local resource persons
“Visiting the villages was an eye opener to us, especially
! Site where the camp can be conducted
the medical students. Villages lacked basic hygiene.
! All the input data to plan a camp effectively like People were ignorant of health issues and blissfully were
. Type of camps required not bothered about its impact too. There was no
. Number of patients expected lists required immediate infrastructure to treat the villagers, no disease
. Type of medicines required ( guess estimate prevention framework and nobody to create awareness
based on the disease profile) in healthcare, hygiene and well being. We started
analyzing the healthcare status of the village and tried to
. Quantum of medicine ( guess estimate)
express it in terms of Treatment, Prevention and
. Medical instrument requirement Awareness requirements.”
! Level of Awareness
! Level of Hygiene
! Infrastructure improvement required (like water
supply, sanitation, etc.)
! Social and cultural imperatives
! Manpower requirements
! Budget allocation
"Visiting villages was an eye-opener" -

Sri Kuldeep Shetty, another rank Alike alumnus
II. Brainstorming - The Planning Phase

After data collection, this next stage of Planning was
surely the most decisive phase. The first brainstorming
session among the youth did throw up many possibilities
but no conclusion could be reached. It was the case of
Sri Ravishankar P M, 'newer solutions bringing in newer problems'. The
a former rank student of Alike suggestions were varied, from daily nutrition scheme to
combat malnutrition, eliminating the usage of alcohol
Sharing his experience about the survey, Sri Ravishankar P
and tobacco, fluoride removal from drinking water,
M, a former Rank student of Alike, says,
conducting medical camps frequently to improving
“After preliminary visit, we conducted a health status sanitation status. To accommodate everyone's ideas
survey so that the information would help in defining the meant complete disarray of the whole healthcare
objectives of the medical camp. Survey gave us first hand implementation plan. Even though the team agreed to
information of the problems faced. During the clinical disagree on many issues, love and mutual respect
postings, medical students have to gather and analyze prevailed under all circumstances. They knew they
needed an 'out of the box' solution and prayed for Divine ten days. The doctor there gave him Paracetamol and
guidance. referred him to the district hospital for a blood test.
Lead coordinators now revisited the entire exercise and Typically, persistent fever requires further investigation,
developed a model based on the health status survey but Nanjaiah ignored the doctor's advice as going to the
data. They decided to classify all the requirements of the district hospital would cost his family a day's wage. The
village into what is required immediately, what can be fever now persisted for a longer duration and soon, his
implemented over next eighteen months and what can condition became life threatening. Finally, one day when
be implemented in a time span of a few years. Such it became a question of life and death, he was brought to
classified and phased approach fitted perfectly with the the district hospital. Nanjaiah was actually suffering from
Treatment - Prevention - Awareness model proposed by typhoid initially (a water borne disease) which
the medical students. progressed to intestinal perforation, requiring
emergency remedial measures.
This meant that immediate priority (Treatment) is to
detect diseases and provide treatment to all diseases in
the village. Over next eighteen months (Prevention) the
team aimed at implementing preventive measures
systematically which included comprehensive
vaccination (as per national immunization schedule),
improving sanitation in the village, encouraging hygienic
practices among villagers and creating disease
prevention related awareness. Finally, the Long term
initiatives (Awareness) included sustained awareness
campaigns along with infrastructure upgrade to improve
the quality of life in the village. And added to this was the
Spiritual Dimension which kept all the activities in the
right perspective.
With this framework it was possible to accommodate all
the suggestions over a period of time. It also improved
the team spirit because each member felt that their
individual point of view was accommodated in a
collective framework of ideas and plans. This increased
the belongingness of each member to the team.
The progress achieved so far was summarized as -
Swami's teachings + Project management methods
+ medical domain knowledge + sincere and Water - the source of life
dedicated implementation of seva activities +
From this story the team analyzed that the
Swami's blessings = Quality seva delivered +
outbreak/spread of typhoid could have been avoided by:
Problems resolved + Swami's Grace + Personality
development + Knowledge improvement + Career ! Availability of Safe drinking water [Prevention/
Growth + Spiritual growth + Job satisfaction + Joy Infrastructure development ]
(To view the key components of a healthcare camp, refer ! Following doctor's advice for further investigation
to website.) [Awareness/follow-up/referral]
During the survey the team encountered a story which ! Proper sanitation to contain the outbreak of
reflected the prevailing scenario in most of the Indian waterborne diseases [Prevention/ Infrastructure
villages. This story in fact, influenced the team to redefine development]
the camp methodology. ! Personal Hygiene & Cleanliness [Awareness]
Nanjaiah, a 40 year old illiterate farmer who was the sole ! Timely Availability of medical facilities.
bread winner of the family, visited a doctor in the [Infrastructure development / regular medical
neighboring village when his fever persisted even after camps]
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
Objectives of Healthcare Seva
Treatment: Heal the body and mind

Prevention: Take steps to prevent further spreading of diseases. Aim at
elimination of disease occurrence over a longer term.
Awareness: Health, hygiene & the correct way of living towards positive health
Infrastructure: Help the underprivileged by developing the physical
infrastructure and in the process develop the infrastructure in the heart to
support and nurture divine feelings.
Transformation: Transform the sick and the decrepit villages into healthy,
happy, vibrant and self sufficient villages full of harmony and wellbeing. For this
to happen, the sevadal youth should also initiate the transformation in their
respective hearts as well.
The spiritual metaphor of the all objectives simply is “Love All , Serve All”. Swami
says,
“Tablets alone cannot cure pain and medical equipment is powerless in the face of
hopelessness. Primary health care is complete only when the broken body is mended and the forlorn spirit restored.
It is only when the tears have been wiped away and hope restored that the health care delivery can be deemed
complete.”
! Proper review of the medical condition through activities become more effective only when office and
regular follow-ups [Awareness/follow- family situations are balanced. So, the senior youth
up/referral/ regular medical camps] members advised that one should focus more on
! Managing referrals for advanced achieving balance rather than count the number of hours
investigation/treatment.[Referral/follow-up] in service. By careful planning and thinking, one can
! Counseling of the patient (to drink clean water) surely take time out for seva activities which will
[Awareness]. eventually act as a catalyst to speed up transformation
(individually and collectively). A balance in all spheres of
! Emergency case handling. [Situation
life is possible only through transformation.
management / Prevention]
It may not have been the best answer, it was convincing
From this experience, the team was able to clearly
nevertheless. Many members still had questions about
crystallize their objectives and their effective action items
job rotation, skill sets, self goals vs. team goals, etc. It
for subsequent activities. Now apart from the earlier
turned out that everyone was looking for a point of
three Treatment, Prevention and Awareness -
confluence of everyday life, spirituality, role as an
the team added two more facets - Infrastructure and individual and role as a team member.
Transformation - which made the mission of the
Here, the team did a detailed study and interpretation of
Healthcare Seva a comprehensive five-point programme.
Swami's teachings and restated some of the action items
How to Balance Family, Service and Office? and keywords within the context of the Youth Wing
The team together was now generally convinced of the activities (see box next page).
big picture evolved so far, but still there were few
The individual roles were redefined as administrator,
teething problems. Some members due to other
budgeter, planner, negotiator, organizer, communicator,
commitments were unable to give more than four hours a
manager, mediator, supervisor, leader, etc.
month; they felt de-motivated. Here, the team leadership
convinced them that the four hours of their time was very The team at this stage also developed detailed seva
precious for the team, and moreover, it is the quality of implementation plan with objectives, milestones, activity
work not quantity that mattered most. breakup, task details, scheduling, guidelines and
checklists, etc. This helped the team to manage the entire
Office and family commitments are facts of life and seva
Action items from an individual And the keywords applicable

and team context were: to the context distilled into:
! create Impact ! Pray

! use Best Practices ! Serve
! improve Standards ! Transform
! adopt Modern innovation ! Surrender
! implement Ancient ! Think
wisdom ! Plan
! embrace Change ! Act
! gather Data ! Manage
! utilize Statistics ! Deliver
! redefine Sadhana
healthcare seva activities more systematically and ! Cancer and TB screening

manage the resources more optimally and effectively. ! Cleanliness and sanitation
(To view the a sample of the Healthcare Seva The statistics also revealed that women and children
Implementation diagram, refer to website.) needed special emphasis in the healthcare activities
because -
Defining Priorities - What Kind of
Medical Camps to Concentrate on? ! Women and children form up to 70% of the
Based on the analysis of data of the Village health profile population.
and ground realities of villages, the team developed a list ! They are the most vulnerable section of the society.
of priority areas for healthcare seva. These critical health
! Women are great communicators. If they
concerns were juxtaposed against the constraints (in
transform, society transforms.
terms of what was practically achievable) and what
! If Women lead a better quality of life, children
emerged was a list of nine priority camps/programs:
grow up to be better citizens.
! General Medical Camp
! If Children are healthier today, future is healthier
! Special Camp for Women & children
and better.
! De-Worming camp
So, it was decided to have camps exclusively for women
! Ophthalmology camp and children. While these inferences were developed with
! Dental camps statistics localized to Mysore, the youth feel they are
! Nutrition program generally applicable to most of the villages in India. They
also included urban areas in the healthcare activities map
! MMR vaccination for children
where the focus is more on lifestyle diseases like diabetes
and hypertension. For the cities and towns, they included
blood donation camps too in their list.
This important phase of planning resulted in
development of the objectives, action plans, task details,
checklist schedules and costing models for the each of the
camps which have become extremely useful while
conducting camps, be it regular or sporadic depending
on the need. Talking about the usefulness of this activity,
Sri Sathyanarayana Murthy, Coordinator of the Sri Sathya
Sai Youth Wing, Mysore, says,
“Planning and conducting Healthcare camps using these
methodologies in villages taught us superior project
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
Sri Sathyanarayana Murthy, Coordinator of the

Sri Sathya Sai Youth Wing, Mysore Starting the camp with a positive note...
management skills. Personally it taught me to be more III. Health Care Camp in Action -
systematic which in turn improved the quality of work Implementation Phase
professionally. My positive outlook resulted in my staff In this last stage, the team decided on the nitty-gritty of
participating in Seva activities. They are now a part of conducting a medical camp starting from camp layout to
the Sai Family with significant improvement in their patient follow up and referral camps. They laid down
personalities as well. There is real all round clear guidelines for each activity in an actual medical
transformation after participating in Sai Healthcare camp. To begin with, they said that the lay out of the
Seva.” camp should facilitate a streamlined flow of people from
entry to exit points. This sometimes might require
Reinforcing values at every available opportunity
imaginative thinking and experience in crowd control but Comfortably waiting to be seen
this is important as bad layout would create confusion,
personal details like name, age, gender, address, etc. This
disharmony and make the medical camp activities
book is used by the doctors to maintain the case history of
inefficient.
the patient. The patients are requested to return it so that
Registration the healthcare team updates all the information into a
A patient enters the camp, through the registration database for further reference by doctors. This data
section. This is an important area from the impression would be very useful for statistical analysis like the
and perception management perspective. The patient frequency of disease occurrence, the duration of
and the accompanying people have to be greeted and treatment, healthcare costs per person, etc. which will
invited into the camp. Volunteers managing this section help in taking right decisions.
should be cheerful, polite, helpful and informative. They
should provide a correct and context sensitive answer to Waiting area
After registration, patients are seated in the waiting area,
every query. If they are not sure they should ensure that
which should typically accommodate about twenty
some one more knowledgeable handles the query. There
people comfortably. This area could be made more
is no harm in requesting the patient to wait for a while till
ambient by playing soothing instrumental music.
someone else provides the correct answer. It is also a very
Pictorial charts displayed here demonstrating personal
good idea to give the patient some idea of the camp
hygiene, sanitation, immunization, nutrition, awareness
procedures. The crucial thing to remember for every
about major diseases, hazards of smoking, alcohol and
volunteer is that they are actually interacting with a
drug abuse would be an added advantage. Volunteers to
manifestation of 'Sai Narayana' in the form of the patient.
handle queries and availability of drinking water and
Every patient is given a case book that contains his washroom facilities here are a big plus.
Collecting the patients' details patiently Consultation with care
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
Checkup area Pharmacy

The checkup area is typically a room with good lighting Pharmacy is tasked with medicine distribution as per
and ventilation. Cleanliness in this room is an essential prescription. It is typically managed by a pharmacist but
prerequisite. It must have an examination couch with a volunteers need to explain the dosage to every patient in
screen to provide privacy. detail in their own language. Pictorial description of
dosage and medicine usage is an added advantage.
Patient and the doctor - both should feel 'at home'

Trained pharmacists to dispense medicines...
...and volunteers to reiterate the dosage

The doctors kit that should be on every table
Counseling
The dosage, the timing and the way in which medicines
have to be taken is explained again in this stage. Doctors
and volunteers (trained in counseling) need to interact
Facilitating a comprehensive check up
Doctors here are to be provided with the minimum

ancillaries like BP apparatus, weighing machine, torch,
pen, paper, a box of tissues, surgical spirit or hand
sanitizers and a list of the medicines (and quantity)
available at pharmacy counter.
Explaining the doctors instructions patiently
members took her to the government Hospital in Mysore

for further investigations. The blood test at the
Government Hospital, Mysore revealed that she was
suffering from a type of blood cancer. She was then taken
to Kidwai Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, by the Sri
Sathya Sai Samithi, Mysore. After the investigation, the
oncologist provided the details of the treatment which
included chemotherapy.
This story is a clear example which underscores that the
Referral Management System is an indispensable
component of healthcare seva.
Unfortunately, the girl's family refused chemotherapy in
spite of having been counseled in detail by oncologists.
...and understanding Her family went by the advice of the village elders that
their problems to help them solve chemotherapy side effects would affect her marriage
prospects! The most important lesson learnt here was,
with patients and their family members to assuage any of the objective of the service is to do the duty to the extent
their doubts, provide emotional support and also possible and to facilitate treatment as much as possible.
improve their health awareness. Every age-group needs The ideal goal of providing a cure to everyone may not
counseling of a different kind, like - happen always. Acceptance of this reality helps to
! Children on: personal hygiene (bath, dental care, visualize the healthcare seva with a more realistic and
washing hands before food, using footwear, practical perspective.
covering mouth while coughing, etc.) “Do your duty and leave the rest to God" should dictate
! Women on: nutrition, personal hygiene, health ones efforts. With a short prayer for the wellbeing of the
problems, immunization of children, mother girl, the healthcare seva team moved on. This event also
craft and use of oral re-hydration salts in the helped in restating priorities and cancer detection
treatment of diarrhea. became an important item in medical camps.
! Adults and the aged on: personal hygiene, Narrating his experience in
substance abuse, awareness about cancer the map, Sri Sreevatsa T, a
diabetes, hypertension etc. final year MBBS student in
Mysore Medical College and
Patient Referral
Certain patients require additional investigation, Research Institute, says,
diagnostic tests and specialist consultation in better “Primary healthcare is
equipped medical centers; such cases are called as provided in the camp, but
referral cases and they are the neediest among all for secondary care the
patients. Such individuals are to be identified and taken patients are taken to the KR
to the higher medical centers (typically district hospitals). Hospital, Mysore. The
Referral management team has to ensure that referral methodology is working
beautifully as patients are Sri Sreevatsa T, a final
patients are taken to the bigger and better hospital and
turning to the KR hospital year MBBS student
are provided with support and assistance to the extent in Mysore Medical
possible. Without proper monitoring of referral cases, after being referred to by College and
the healthcare seva may often become ineffective; hence the village camp. Simple Research Institute
this is an important activity. To quote one example, here is preventive measures like de-
the case of Ms Jayalakshmi. worming camps eliminate hookworm infestation and
help in reducing anemia. This sort of camp provides
A 10 year old girl, Jayalakshmi, from Kamarahalli village
Medicare to those who are in need of it in their villages,
(in the outskirts of Mysore) complained of a mass in the
instead of having them to come to the doctors. I have
abdomen. The doctor at the medical camp diagnosed it
been to many other camps, but my experience with
as a 'massive enlargement of spleen'. This condition
the Sri Satyha sai camp has really been unique.
required a blood test by a pathologist and the team
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
Observing the camp, I learnt the essence of life as a

doctor.”
Patient Follow up
Just like patient referral, 'follow up' as an activity is very
significant for complete cure of the patient. Here the
current health status of the patient (from previous
camps) is recorded and information about response to
treatment, adequacy of medicines, progress in recovery,
and further healthcare requirements is assessed. The
patients not showing any progress need to be referred to
reputed doctors. Citing an example to emphasize on the
importance of follow up, Dr. Latha Kumari, Chief Medical
Officer (NFSG) in Central Hospital, Mysore, who works Dr. Ganesh Uppinal, Senior Specialist,
with the Sai Youth, says, S.M.T. Maternity Hospital, Mysore
certainly made a big impact.”
Pramod D, another Alike
Alumnus who was also a
rank student, says,
“As budding doctors, we
realized that:
! Sai youth provide a
crucial link to
f a c i l i t a t e
transformation of the
healthcare in the
village.
Sri Pramod D,
Dr Latha Kumari, Chief Medical Officer ! Patient follow-up and
another Alike Alumnus
(NFSG) in the Central Hospital , Mysore referral management
“I particularly remember a patient telling me that she lost are the grey areas improving which would make
one child due to some medical problem few years ago. the critical difference; and finally
She said, 'If camps like these were conducted then my ! Regular medical camps would result in all the
child could have been saved'. Now she regularly brings chronic cases to be detected and treated.”
other two children for checkup and follows all advice
Specialty Camp
given to her… Since childhood, I dreamt of working as a
Specialty camps are to be organized to address health
doctor in villages. As a government employee, I was
always posted to urban hospitals. Now I am happy that
my dream has been fulfilled by Swami's Grace as I am
reaching the poor and the needy through Sai Healthcare
camps…There has been significant improvement in the
referral and the follow-up in the recent past. One of the
key elements for the success of this project has been
volunteers working as health workers in the village.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Ganesh Uppinal, Senior
Specialist, S.M.T. Maternity Hospital, Mysore, says,
“Follow up is very effective. Service and Medicare are
made available at the doorstep of the villagers free of
cost. The Camp set up is very ambient… The faith of the
villagers in the camp has increased. Villagers are now A typical Opthalmology speciality camp
following what we say and the health education has
had, Sri Ravichandra S.

Karkal, another former
Alike student, says,
“By conducting camps, we
not only got an idea of the
conditions prevailing in
the village but we were
able to develop skills of
interacting with people,
which is very important for
doctors. We were able to Sri Ravichandra
console sick people and S. Kartkal
a happy Alike alumnus
infuse hope in them. This
A special de-worming camp made us realize that it is
not enough if we treat the body, we should also heal
care issues beyond the scope of an ordinary medical the mind.”
camp. It has to focus on diseases that require specialist
care. It also targets the vulnerable sections of society:
Post camp review
After every camp the team members need to conduct a
Women and Children.
review meeting to revisit the events of the camps. The
The youth wing so far has conducted specialty camps in problems encountered could be subjected to root cause
the areas like Vaccination, Ophthalmology, Dental, analysis in this session. Feedback from the volunteers,
Diabetes, De-worming, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and doctors, and patients are to be analyzed as a part of the
Gynecology. Talking about the impact these camps have efforts to improve the quality of the camp on continues
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
basis (see flow-chart below).

(To view the chart of Key Medical Camp areas
from a management perspective, refer to
website.)
Other Salient Activities

Improving Awareness
through Street Plays
Street plays are an effective way to
communicate and drive home important
lessons on health awareness and disease
prevention. The youth team here developed
street play in the colloquial language and
enacted it in the village covering themes like Street plays - an effective way to
communicate ideas to the village folk
cleanliness and hygiene, preventive care, etc.
One of the highlights is that the team see the street play and at the end the message was
improvised the play by including farm animals to recreate emphatically conveyed…I wish more and more medical
an authentic rural situation. This scene had a wider students participate in such village healthcare activities as
impact. It revealed that improvising the play to tune it to it is a great learning experience.”
the local environment really heightens the impact of the
presentation. Village Youth Motivation
Village youth motivation sessions are meant to establish
“Street play was a great experience,” says Sri Sreevatsa, a communication with village youth to feel the pulse of
budding doctor and part of the Sai Youth team. “Basic trends in the village. Based on the assessment of the
concepts of health and hygiene were covered. The aspirations of the youth, career guidance and mentoring,
volunteers went round the village to coax the villagers to targeted awareness program are to be conducted to help
Customising the plays to drive home Regular meetings to motivate the village youth
the point more emphatically
Even the elders get involved
Sri Cheluvuraju - Sri Doreswamy, a former student

an example for other village youth of Swami’s University happy to be working
with the Mysore Sai Youth
village youth to transform the village, be a partner in
healthcare activities and improve the quality of life. The also about creating atmosphere to make the people
story of Sri Cheluvaraju is a case in point. of the village feel that the activities organized are for
the benefit of every one… and as an ex-youth
Sri Cheluvaraju, was a Balavikas student when his village
coordinator I realized that participation of youth has far
was first adopted by the Mysore Samithi, twenty years
reaching consequences. Enthusiasm of the youth rubs
ago. Today, he has achieved success in his work and is
on even to the old people. During the health camp the
successfully leading a team of volunteers in Seva activities
satisfaction on the face of patient conveys that it is not
conducted by the Sai Samithi in five nearby villages. He
just about distributing medicine. It is much more than
says,
that, and it is wonderful how problems melt away by His
“When we keep our surroundings clean, our
grace when we take up any good activity.”
neighbors also start cleaning up their surroundings.
This is the first thing I learnt. Next is the value of Urban Service Camps - Blood Donation
As a part of the activities for the urban areas, the team
satsanga (spiritual company). It taught me the
focused on voluntary blood donation as the current
importance of good thought, word and deed.
scenario in India is not very encouraging. There is chronic
Swami's teachings and the seva activities in our
shortage of blood with a major shortfall during summer.
villages since twenty years has made the crucial
Non-availability of blood during treatment costs life in
difference.
many cases. This is principally due to lack of awareness
While in school, the Sai volunteers helped me with tuition
about blood donation and poor infrastructure.
and study notes which helped me to pass my exams with
good marks. Then, I got a diploma, and training in
Industrial Training Institute and subsequently training in
Bharat Earthmovers Limited, all because of the correct
guidance from the members of the Samithi visiting our
village every now and then for Seva activities.
“Today I am an active Samithi member myself. Seva
activities have provided me an opportunity to serve
others. It has also brought me recognition in my village. It
has also given me a sense of identity and inculcated in me
a sense of duty.”
Sri Doreswamy, a former student of Swami's University in
Puttaparthi who is part of the youth team, says, “I have
felt that village service is not just about helping in
creating infrastructures for better physical life. It is
Leading the way for voluntary blood donations
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
Sai Youth Wing has a great role to play in this seva activity As a part of healthcare activities in the urban areas the
by conducting blood donation camps regularly, youth decided to concentrate on lifestyle diseases in the
scheduling more camps during summer months and cities and towns and conducted camps to improve
creating awareness about voluntary blood donation. The awareness in diabetes and hypertension.
youth wing summarized its approach in the following Aashith Sridhar, another former Alike rank student, says,
points -
“Participating in the health care camps was a very
Goals of Voluntary Blood Donation Camp valuable experience, since it taught us about
! Increasing the supply of Safe Blood. community medicine much before it was taught to us
! Strengthen the blood donation infrastructure. in the classroom. For volunteers, the medical camps
taught leadership skills and improved their awareness in
! Spreading awareness (and increasing motivation).
the healthcare domain. The knowledge and experience
! Develop a robust donor base.
gained out of these activities were presented in an
! Standardize the blood donation camp procedures. exclusive healthcare seva workshop called 'Yuva
Some pertinent facts about Blood Donation that inspired Spandana'.”
and helped the youth were:
Glimpses of Yuva Spandana -
! One unit is required in every 2 seconds. A Healthcare Workshop
! Four patients can benefit from one unit of blood
(from component separation technique)
! Average Indian hesitates to donate blood.
They decided that camp must be arranged with an
accredited and non-profit blood collecting agency and
the donors are to be informed of directions to camp
venue with timings.
As per the camp ambience, it should have a cordial and a
soothing atmosphere with proper seating arrangements
and minimum waiting time for donors. And refreshments
provided to the donors should be nutritious, palatable, Speakers at the Health workshop...
hygienic and adequate. In the end the donors are to be
given a token of appreciation (typically a small gift along
with blood donation certificate). The Youth Wing in
Mysore have so far conducted 4 blood donation camps
and collected 248 units of blood.
Urban Service Camps -

Combating Lifestyle Diseases
... discussing Medicare and Spirituality
"A very valuable experience" - Sri Aashith Sridhar
'Yuva Spandana' - Sharing Knowledge to fellow human beings; Better healthcare providers by
Through Healthcare Workshop teaching us the cardinal principles of community
The Sai Youth of Mysore conducted a unique healthcare medicine; Better leaders by teaching management
workshop to discuss practical Medicare issues and perspectives and leadership skills; Better Sai Students by
spirituality. Senior and eminent devotees like Sri B N teaching the spiritual aspect of seeing God in everyone;
Narasimhamurthy, Warden, Sri Sathya Sai Boys' Hostel and finally, Better Sai Youth by translating Swami's
Brindavan Campus, Sri Nagesh.G Dhakappa, State teachings and management techniques into Effective
President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Karnataka Healthcare Seva.
and Sri. R.K Subramanya, Karnataka State Youth Co- The standard practices and methodologies that they
ordinator provided many practical insights and expert developed, they feel, can be replicated elsewhere. But
opinion on various aspects of service and spirituality. the most important gain from the whole effort was
(Please refer to website to download some of the this: “At the end of the whole exercise, we realized
PowerPoint presentations made at the workshop.) that through these camps we are serving ourselves to
get one step closer to our own real self.”
Half of the problems in life, it is said, are because we act
without thinking and remaining half is because we keep
thinking without acting. At the end of all these, it is clear
that if one starts doing quality service with devotion,
Swami will take care of the rest. Kishan R Bhagwat, the
first rank holder in Karnataka Common Entrance Test
(Medical) 2003, says, “It's wonderful to get answers to
prayers. But it is even more wonderful to let God
mould you and make you an answer to somebody's
prayers”.
Sri M Prasaad, the President of Sri Sathya

Sai Seva Organization, Mysore District
Sri M Prasaad, the President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva

Organization, Mysore District, commenting on the
systematic approach developed and followed by the Sai
Youth, says,
“Conducting the camps in a systematic and an organized
way gave a professional outlook to the activities.
The documentation of all the activities and work
allocation to the volunteers reduced the time required to
arrange a camp and led to optimal usage of resources. It Sri Kishan R Bhagwat, excellent in academics
also attracted more volunteers because the systematic and energetic in service
approach reduced confusion and improved satisfaction
Ekalavya Drama - Huddled At His Lotus Feet
levels. The villagers noticed the difference and
Even as the Sai Youth healthcare activities kept the team
appreciated it. We implemented the follow up and
busy, there were memorable situations that constantly
referral activities successfully, which in turn improved the
reminded the team of the Divine Presence,
quality of healthcare.”
encouragement and blessings.
Being His Loving Instruments… “Bhagwan bestowed Mysore youth a golden opportunity
With Swami's Grace, the Mysore Youth conducted many
to perform a drama in the divine presence of Swami
healthcare camps in villages around Mysore City. Happy
during the Karnataka State Youth conference
to be part of these service opportunities, they say,
Yuvavandana at Brindavan. We used to begin all the
“The experiences made us Better human beings by practice sessions of the drama with three bhajans and
teaching how to be compassionate and to show concern end it with a prayer and Mangalarati,” they reminiscence.
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
Precious Moments with the Lord In Brindavan During the Ekalavya Drama
“On the day of drama we were ready with the costumes

and make-up; we did the prayer back-stage in the Sri
Sathya Sai Kalyana Mantapam, Brindavan, where the
drama was going to be staged. No sooner we had
finished the prayer, Swami started reciting the invocation
prayer of our drama in His discourse and explained the
meaning! He also mentioned about the drama and gave a
brief introduction about the story and the characters
coming in it. It was a thrilling experience for us. It was
then that we realized that Swami was present in each one
of our practice sessions as well as the service activities.”
Putting their learning from the play in the divine presence
Glimpses of Satsang
in the form of a poem they say - with their Revered teachers
The play is His
The role is His gift
The lines are written by Him
He directs, He decides the dress and decoration,
The gestures and tone, the entrance and exit.
You have to act well to receive His approbation.
When the curtain falls, earn by your efficiency and
enthusiasm
The right to play higher and higher roles.
That is the meaning and purpose of life.
The Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Institutions
In the sylvan surroundings of Alike
In the quiet and serene slopes of Nandi hills in Muddenahalli
Educational Institutions which Bhagavan lovingly took

Sai Teachers - Swami Inspires Through Them
“Our teachers in Alike residential school nurtured us like over and now it stands tall among all the pre-university
our parents,” say the former Alike students. “When we colleges in Karnataka state, India.
came to Mysore, we missed them. We also wanted to Sai's Schools - Serene and Shining
revisit their words and advice since it appeared more The Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Institutions are located today
relevant for us today. So, we invited them to visit us. in Alike and Muddenahalli. While Alike is situated in a
“This plan quickly valley surrounded by hills, 46 kms from Mangalore, in the
materialized as a Satsang Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka; Muddenahalli,
(Spiritual study circle) nestled in the sylvan surroundings at the foot of the
program. For six weeks reputed hill station, the Nandi Hills, is at a distance 7 kms
our teachers spoke to us from Chikkabballapur, along the highway from
about various facets of Bangalore to Puttaparthi. It was christened by Swami
Seva. We relived the olden Himself as 'Sathya Sai Grama' in 1973. Both these schools
days once again but with a are now trend-setters in academic excellence as well as
difference. Our Character education. Isn’t this so heartening?
experiences in villages and
the insights on Swami's – Heart2Heart Team
teachings, tireless service
Sri Madiyala Narayana Bhat rendered by Sri Madiyala
(founder of SSSLS) Narayana Bhat, (founder
of SSSLS) was discussed
and revisited.” Late Sri Madiyal Narayan Bhat, an ardent
devotee of Bhagavan had originally founded the SSSLS
PRASHANTI DIARY
CHRONICLES OF
HEAVEN ON EARTH
Swami returned from Kodaikanal on May 18th, 2007 and

four days later Sai Geetha bid farewell to everybody.
Swami was with her in her last moments. In the cover
story of this issue, we have a very detailed and revealing
narration of the whole episode; do not miss it. After this
the first major event in June happened in the first Sunday
of the month. Yamadootas arrive to take Ajamila
'Namasmarana' by His Students -

June 3rd, 2007
It was to be the first effort by His dear students to please
Him with a programme. In the previous few days, Swami
had asked a few students as to what had been taking
place in the hostel. When they had said that the new
academic year would begin with Laksharchana (chanting
the Lord's name a lakh times together), He had asked, "Am
I not invited for it?" But then He had said, "Carry on. I just
asked." So the senior boys of the hostel decided that the
first worship of the year should be done in the Mandir
itself in Swami's presence. Thus, overnight was born the Saved by the name of Narayana!
programme, "Namasmarana"!
A Telugu skit on another popular story was about a poor
Swami came at about
farmer. The venerable sage Narada refuses to believe that
4:10 pm giving the
there could be someone greater than him in their
boys precious minutes
devotion to Lord Narayana. So he sets out to scrutinize
to fine tune the
the Lord's choice - a poor farmer. He finds out that the
programme. It began
farmer chants the Lord's Name only thrice the whole day
with an introduction
in between his work. When he doubts the Lord's choice,
on the power of the
Narayana tells Narada to go around carrying a pot full of
Lord's Name. It is only
oil, ensuring that not a drop of it falls out. Narada carries
the Name of the Lord
out the command but once done, Lord Narayana asks,
that can equal the
"The name of the Lord "Tell me, how many times did you chant My Name as you
form of the Lord as equals the form." carried out that task?" Narada says, "Oh Lord! How was
demonstrated by
that possible? I was fully concentrating only on the pot of
Mother Rukmini when she equaled Krishna's weight by
oil." The Lord smiles," Oh Narada, that farmer thinks of me
chanting His name and placing a Tulsi leaf on the balance.
in spite of being engrossed in his work. What matters is
Prahlada, Meerabai and Gajendra were all redeemed by
the feeling. It is quality and not quantity that matters.”
the chanting of the Lord's Name. A short skit of Ajamila's
The programme was interspersed with songs on the glory
story was enacted to drive home the lesson. Taken from
of the Lord's Name. There was also chanting from the
the Bhagavatam, the story is about Ajamila who lead a
Lalita Sahasranaama and Vishnu Sahasranaama. The
very sinful life. As he is about to die and the messengers of
grand ending for the programme was triggered by the
the God of Death approach him, he calls out to his son
comperes describing the various glorious Names of Sai.
Narayana. But, the messengers of Lord Narayana arrive
Then the Ashtothara Namavali was chanted by the entire
on the spot and say that as per the command of the
hall and it was truly a wonderful experience for all. The
Supreme Lord, Ajamila is to be redeemed as he took the
programme concluded and very aptly, Swami asked for
Lord's name in the last few moments of his life, whatever
bhajans to be sung. As the bhajans were on, Swami
be his intentions.
CHRONICLES OF HEAVEN ON EARTH
Enjoying the programme in progress Traditional welcome on a fresh morning
"How many times The rains

did you chant my name Narada?" washed the entire place....
Laksharchana in progress Anxious about the worker's concerns too
graciously agreed to grant group photos to all the group of students chanting Vedam. Two peacocks too
participants of the programme. After the photo session, stood by as part of the welcome team. Swami got down
the glorious evening came to an end as Swami accepted from the car and called the caretaker of the peacocks and
arathi and retired to Yajur Mandir. spoke to him for few words. He blessed the Poorna
Kumbham and then was taken straight up the stage. The
Bhagavan Visits The Institute - June 7th 2007
As had been announced the previous day, at about 8:40 whole assembly stood up to receive Him and sat down
am Swami arrived at the Institute auditorium. The only after Swami had indicated them to do so. The stage
students and staff were absolutely thrilled and overjoyed had been adorned with a huge banner stating,
at the prospects of Swami addressing the very first Moral "Tamasoma Jyotir Gamaya." Meaning, 'From darkness,
class of the academic year. The morning was very fresh lead me to light.”
and the whole place seemed to have been washed clean The Vice Chancellor first laid out the schedule for the
by the morning rain. Swami arrived to the welcome of a morning. Swami then blessed two documents presented
PRASHANTI DIARY
The Vice Chancellor

welcomes Swami to the dais
"Educare through Sciences" - blessed by Bhagawan
recognise this unique opportunity to realize the ultimate

knowledge. The Vice Chancellor then prayed to Swami to
bless all with His divine message.
Much to everyone's
delight, Bhagavan rose
to address the
assembly. Here is a brief
summary of the
discourse -
The thrilled assembly
Education and money
are of no use
by Dr. Krupanidhi of the Biosciences Dept. and Prof. Bhagawan rises to speak whatsoever if you
Venkatramaniah of the Physics Dept. The documents
forget the lotus-eyed
were part of the ongoing effort of the Institute to blend
Lord. And that Lord is the One in the Many, as Krishna
education with Swami's teachings and were entitled
said, "Mamaivamsho Jeeva Loke, Jeeva Bhoota
“Educare through Biosciences” and “Educare through
Sanatanaha."
Physics”, respectively. Shri G S Rangarajan from the
School of Business Management, Accounting and The six vices are a result of the food habits. Food and
Finance addressed the assembly next on what it meant to water must be pure and taken in a regulated manner.
be students of the Avatar and exhorted that all must Secular knowledge is fairly good but spiritual
knowledge is the one that needs to be improved
today. Education is needed but it is not to be mistaken
with mere learning. Educare is beyond the world. All
the worldly traits that you see today are only because
of the education people receive. Though you have all
the knowledge, you are fools because you do not
understand your own selves. What then is the use of
being so egoistic about this kind of second hand
knowledge? Whatever your teacher tells you is not
educare. Only the Atma (spirit) is the true teacher.
However it is sad that none are even thinking of the
knowledge of the Self. If you do not do this you are
wasting a lot of time. Remember however scholarly
you may be with respect to books, they all contain
Opening address by the Vice Chancellor only 26 letters in their alphabet! The entire world you
see is a drama. "Daivam Maanusha Roopena", that is, because I am sad. It is due to the Vatsalyam (Deep
“God is in human form'. There is nothing to be Motherly Affection) I have for her. She will be back
achieved through worldly knowledge, so do not place soon. So no one need to feel sad.
undue importance on it. Swami concluded His discourse and the vote of thanks
Truth (Satya) is the fundamental changeless one. was offered by the Principal, Prof. U.S. Rao after which
Where there is Satya, there alone peace exists. It is prasadam was distributed. It was 11 am by the time
foolish to think that Truth is mere factual correctness. Swami left the dais and all the Institute staff surrounded
Bodies and names may be different, but the principle Him to offer their gratitude before His car finally moved
within is the same. You talk about Swami also in on.
various ways. That too is just your imagination. The
Deenajanodhaarana Foundation Day
Truth is that you all are also God. Even the Buddha set Programme - June 20th, 2007
out searching for Truth but concluded
finally that "The Truth is within me" and
was thus enlightened.
People often think that sages prayed and
did intense penance and God went to
them. God never travels or goes
anywhere. When you pray, you come
closer to God. It is not important
whether God comes to you; what is
needed is that you go to God.Sai Geetha
came to me as a tiny tot. She was a baby
who escaped falling into the pits during
the Kheddah operations to catch
elephants in Mysore. I took her into my
car and brought her all the way to
Bangalore. I had honey on my finger
which she kept lapping all the way to Another example of Swami's immeasurable Compassion
Bangalore. She was a born The Sathya Sai Deenajanoddharana project was taken up
Brahmacharini. She did not allow any male elephant by the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust in the year 2001. The
to even touch her when she was taken to Bandipur for project had its genesis in 2001, when Bhagavan, made a
bearing calves. She came running back to me at declaration that He would take up the cause of as many
Whitefield. Ramabrahmam who was the caretaker destitutes as possible and rehabilitate them. He
then, thought that some ruffians had come in. It was recounted how he was moved by the news of a mother
actually Gita at my door. When I cry for her, it is not who committed suicide by consuming poison after she
"I have vatsalyam for Sai Gita" Divine opening of the project
PRASHANTI DIARY
Sathya Sai Nagar - Home of the Deenajanoddharana Pathakam
had administered the same to her three children as she

could not combat the abject poverty they found
themselves in. He declared that he would provide food,
shelter and clothing to many destitute children, besides
educating them to be self-reliant.
Swami Himself laid the foundation stone for the project.
Sixty boys from such families were selected from
Bukkapatnam, Kothacheruvu and Puttaparthi mandals.
Some among them had no mother. Some had no father.
Some had no parent at all. But as soon as they came to
Prasanthi Nilayam, they found a loving mother in Swami.
Swami would give them clothes, suitcases, blankets and A Happy and Love-knit family
would bless them with His kind words very often. During
the period of construction of Sai Nagar, the home for
these children, the boys and their widowed mothers were
housed in specially allocated sheds and given some
orientation. Volunteers started taking informal classes
according to the age of the boys, until they were formally
accepted in the upcoming school at Sai Nagar. There were
in total 58 boys, the age ranging from 4 to 14 years. The
mothers were ten in number.
Today, the Sathya Sai Nagar is an ideal of community
living. It is more or less an example of a self-sustained,
self-sufficient village. The children there have been An ideal for community living
excelling in all spheres of activity. They have been
performing excellently well in the SSLC State Board into the interview room to speak to few people He had
examinations and have also started putting up picked up from the portico. At about 4:35pm, the tempo
programmes for the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet of and pitch of the Vedic chants went up indicating Swami's
the Sri Sathya Sai Institutions. With enthusiastic arrival after the completion of interviews. Swami had a
participation in all the activities started by Swami, the peep into the bhajan hall where all the children were in
children occupy a special place in Swami's heart. Every costumes and told them all to go out and begin the
Thursday and Sunday, when they come for Darshan, programme. Swami too immediately came and occupied
Swami would pay special attention to them. the stage. The programme began with Veda Chanting.
Swami asked for the mike to be placed in the centre of the
June 20 is the Foundation Day of this Deenajaodharana
performing area and not in its traditional place next to His
Pathakam. An elaborate programme had been organised
chair. After the chants, a little boy delivered a speech in
and all the children had come early to the Mandir in all
English. And then, the invocation dance began. The
readiness. Swami came out about 3:30pm but He went
dancers wore rich and bright costumes and the dance
The Poorna Kumbham is blessed The dance lights up the evening
The Poets' Meet 'declared' open The children with their Divine parent!
was paced to a melodious and fast rhythm. was Sage Valmiki. He envisioned Rama Rajya in the whole
Thereafter, started the main event of the evening's world beginning at Puttaparthi. He was followed by the
programme - the 'Kavi Sammelan'. The children had come great Kalidasa whose recital praised Swami as the Divine
dressed up as various ancient and modern poets. The flow Mother who gifted him with His prodigious talent. The
was designed in such a manner that each poet would Telugu poet Nannayya praised Swami's cosmic form and
praise some aspect of Swami's Love and Grace. The His nature of transforming demonic qualities into the
Vikatakavi, (humorist-poet) Tenali RamaKrishna was the human and then into the Divine. Then the Telugu poet
person introducing the poets. First to take centrestage Pothana articulated the need for using the human birth in
service of God. Interspersed between these
poets were humorists specially nominated to
add comic relief to the proceedings. Humorous
poems punning on words, playing with phrases
and making powerful yet funny similes and
comparisons, elicited hearty laughter from both
Swami and the audience. The English poets,
Tennyson and A. M. Modi were also brought to
life. Though the English rendering was accented,
it brought forth the tremendous enthusiasm and
effort that the children had put in for the
presentation and that touched Swami. When
Kamavadhani Garu's (a vedic scholar who
enjoyed Swami's proximity for many years) name
was announced, Swami became nostalgic and
Smiles The Vikatakavi - there was a small burst of emotion on His face.
Galore! Tenali Rama Krishna
Along with Ganapathy Shastry Garu, he offered
PRASHANTI DIARY
Distributing cloth pieces...
Enquiring into the details of the programme
costumes went up to Him and informed Him of the

programme. Swami alighted near the interview room and
seeing costumed boys in the Bhajan hall, went straight
into the hall and asked the lead boy there for the details of
the programme.
"Swami in the beginning there will be Nagar Sankirtan
and the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib. Then there
will be the traditional dances Swami", was the reply.
...to each and every participant child Swami spoke to both the trainers and some of the other
boys too. He enquired for the duration of the
salutations in the form of Veda chanting. The Hindi poet programme. The very sight of the boys in pugarees
Tulsidas and Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar brought the (turbans) seemed to bring a broad smile on His face.
programme to a close with recitals from the Ramcharit Anybody in a different coloured pugaree and Swami
Manas and Thirukkural. would ask Him about it. The sight was one that was so
As the programme concluded, Swami said that He was filled with Love and Joy.
very happy. The children continued to sit in their places in After about ten minutes, Swami told the boys to go out
a disciplined manner. Swami called the children to come and get ready for the programme. Then He went into the
onstage so that group pictures could be taken. The interview room. Within the next five minutes, the stage
overjoyed children went to Swami, still in a disciplined was set for the performers and Swami came out to sit on
manner, and group photos were taken. After that, Swami stage. The programme began with a procession and
asked for white cloth pieces and He distributed the dress Nagar Sankirtan. There was a lot of excitement but the
material to each and every boy personally. The children first song was more of a lilting type and the steps were
were full of excitement and joy and expressed their deep
sense of gratitude to Swami. The curtain fell on the
beautiful evening when prasadam was distributed and
Swami accepted Aarthi before getting into His car.
Bhangra Dance by His Students -

June 24, 2007
Come Sunday, the students of Sri Sathya Sai University
this month were ready with some programme to put up
in front of their beloved Swami. On the last Sunday of the
month, it was a Bhangra dance programme. The whole
marble block was left empty for the performers. Swami
came for His darshan rounds and as He reached the area
where the students sit, a few boys in the traditional The trainers are blessed
"How many boys are actually from Punjab?"

Bhangra in full swing
Blessing the Guru Granth Sahib

The crescendo builds...
gentle and swaying. The Guru Granth Sahib was brought
to Swami and He blessed it. The Sikh trainers offered their
salutations to Swami and with a pleased smile He blessed
them.
The Holy Book was installed and two fan bearers sat there
fanning it. This was followed by more vigorous dancing.
The boys made formations and danced with superb co-
ordination. The beats were provided by the trainers with
huge drums. The dancers even kept chanting in unison
rhythmically. The sight of these thirty odd dancers
moving fast and furious was really thrilling. The audience
too was mesmerized with the pulse of the songs and very A Gold chain for the trainer
often began clapping their hands in beat. The tempo of
the songs began to increase with each passing moment.
As a grand climax, there were gymnasts who made small
yet marvelous human pyramids. Turning on the ground
like wheels, some gymnasts even began to swirl long
decorated sticks as they did the stunts. Swami and the
people assembled were fully appreciative of the efforts.
The last few minutes were very energetic and enervating
and the beats were at the fastest. As the programme
came to an end, the audience seemed to ask for more.
Swami immediately made His appreciation known with,
"Bahut Achcha" meaning, “Very Good”. He agreed for
"Swami, I want your blessings only!"
group photos and the boys sat in neatly organized groups
PRASHANTI DIARY
of five. After the group pictures, Swami called the trainers you. Is the food good in the hostel?"
and asked them as to what their names were, where they "Swami it is very good. See all of us have become fat
came from, etc. And then, He materialized a gold chain having it!"
for one of them who was absolutely thrilled. As Swami Swami smiled at this. The loving exchange between Him
finished putting it around his neck, he took Swami's hand and His boys is something that must be seen to be
and put it on his head. There were smiles all around at this believed. It becomes so evident that He has given Himself
loving act of his! Then began a session that was to be a entirely to them and the boys too just reciprocate
very memorable one for the participants. Swami asked whatever He gives.
for the break up of boys' class wise.
Swami then called the trainers to get the Guru Granth
"Swami, there are boys from all classes." book. It was brought to Him and He leafed through the
"Any MA boys?" pages. After that it was back to Swami calling boys one by
There was silence as there were none from the MA class. one and speaking to them.
"Swami, there is a BA boy, but none from MA." "Is there anybody by name NANAK?"
No answer.
"Anybody by name Guru Gobind?".........."Ok anybody
by name Govind?"
None seemed to have these blessed names.
"Who are the boys from Punjab?"
Three hands went up and Swami spoke a few endearing
words with them.
"How many new boys?"
Over half the participants raised their hands.
"How many boys from Brindavan? (Boys who were in
the Brindavan campus previous year)"
Again a dozen hands went up.
The interaction thus went
The Divine roll call!
on. Finally Swami said, " Very
Swami asked for the list of the boys participating in the happy. Very nice dance." He
programme. When that was given, Swami went through raised both His hands in
the names and began even calling out some of them. As benediction. As he went
He called each name, that boy stood up. Swami would back too, He stopped to
confer on him a smile and a beautiful Abhayahasta and speak to the VIPs seated
the boy would sit down, the smile on Swami's lips now there as to how nice the
transferred on to his. Swami now began to call individual programme was.
boys and began to speak to them. The topic of Swami Things seem to be warming
coming to their hostel propped up in the boys' minds. up for a wonderful new
“When can I come to your hostel?" "Chaala Santosham" - academic year at Parthi.
Very Happy W i t h G u r u Po o r n i m a ,
"Swami is this anything to be asked? It is our home.
Aashaadi Ekadasi and the
You can come whenever you want."
Youth Conference being scheduled for the month of July,
"Even now?" we can surely look forward to wonderful events in the
"Yes Swami, even now." next month. Till then, thank you for being with us. Hope
"But all of you are here!!" you could relive the events as we enjoyed covering them.
Sairam.
"Swami, that will hardly take any time for all of us to
be back in the hostel. We will come with you." – Heart2Heart Team
"I will come when even good food is ready for all of
H2H SPECIAL
"HE IS MY SWAMI" - Part 3

Conversation with Mrs. Padma Kasturi
This is the third and final part of the conversation

between Mrs. Padma Kasturi (PK), daughter of Sri N
Kasturi, Swami's biographer and Ms. Rajeshwari Patel
(RP), a former student and faculty member in the
Anantapur campus of Sathya Sai University, aired on
Radio Sai a few weeks ago. Click below to read the
previous parts of this article.
RP: Ma'am, Why don't you share with us some of your control. The Doctor said: “You have been here since the
own experiences with Bhagavan? last whole month and since the child has not grown fully
PK: Yes, sharing is very yet, it would take at least another 15 days for the delivery.
wonderful. My marriage was Why don't you go home and continue being under the
celebrated here during same diet and medication?”
Dasara festival in 1950 in the So I went home; I was discharged from the nursing home
old mandir. At that time the on February 28th. But Swami had said that the delivery
new mandir Prashanti would take place in the first week of March. One day, at
Nilayam - was not open until home, suddenly I experienced some pain and got myself
later that year. So both the admitted in the nursing home again. The Doctors said:
Dasara and the Birthday “This is the first delivery that we don't know what the
celebrations were clubbed cause of the pain is! But since you are here, why don't you
and celebrated in November. After my marriage, when He spend the night here and go home tomorrow morning?”
gave interview to both, me and my husband, He blessed That night, I still had pain but it was bearable. When my
me by creating a fruit and told me: “The next time you mother had come to Puttaparthi, Swami had told her not
come, you will bring with you a son.” to worry and that He would be there at that time. My
Sai Protects the Pregnancy mother thought that maybe Swami would come to
After six months I conceived. But after the sixth month of Bangalore in February or March. But Swami corrected her:
pregnancy, there was some complication I had high “No! Not physically but spiritually!”
blood pressure. The Doctors were very worried and they
RP: Oh!
asked me to not take any salt in my food, etc. At that time
PK: Then I felt some pain - I think it was around 3:30 or 4
medical science was not as advanced and they thought
in the morning. Then I felt I saw a hand near me! In those
that since I have high blood pressure, I might get fits
days Swami used to wear different colour robes; pink,
during labour. So they put me on medication. My parents
yellow, not just orange. And I saw one hand in pink
were very worried. They came to Puttaparthi and told
sleeves come and start to rub on my stomach! I could feel
Swami everything. Then Swami created a piece of sugar
the touch!
candy and gave it to my father saying: “When she is taken
RP: And you saw it too? A pink color robe!
into the labour ward, you can put this in her mouth and
the delivery will be painless.” PK: I wanted to catch the hand but I couldn't and I was
scared too because it was only 1952 and I didn't know
In the eighth month, they found that due to a lot of
much about Swami and all these miracles then! I
albumen in my urine, there was a lot of swelling in my
immediately called my mother: “Amma! Some hand came
body. They took me into a nursing home and kept me
and it started rubbing on my stomach! I don't know what
under observation and medication. I was in the nursing
it was!” She said: “Don't worry! I saw Swami standing by
home that whole month and the albumen was under
H2H SPECIAL
your bed.” because he was so small, the delivery was very easy! I
RP: She saw Him? She was in the room too? came there to turn the child's head and that Padma
PK: Yes. She was sleeping next to me in the room. wanted to catch My hand! How can she get it?”
RP: So she saw Him! RP: He even mentioned that?
PK: Yes. She said: “It must be Swami!” Then, on the next Overwhelming Divine Concern
day, the Doctor said: “The baby's head has turned; maybe PK: Yes! And then He sent some vibhuti for me and the
the delivery may take place today!” After that the labour child to smear all over the body after the bath on the
pains increased and they took me to the labour ward and tenth day and also to give it to him everyday and He
immediately my mother put that sugar candy in my instructed him to not bring the child for namakarana
mouth. As I was lying on the labour table, sucking on the (naming ceremony) until he was 5-6 months old. And He
candy, and as the juice was going in, I went into deep gave another instruction the reason I want to mention it
sleep! It was a sort of chloroform! is to show how Swami takes care of even the minutest
details! He said: “Because she had the high blood
My whole family my parents and my in-laws were there.
pressure problem, ask your wife to take care of the child
The Doctor said: “The delivery cannot take place while she
during the night so she can have some good sleep.” He
is sleeping! So all of you can go home.”
also said: “Your house is in a place where there are a lot of
RP: The Doctor didn't know about Swami!
mosquitoes! So you must stitch a big mosquito curtain so
PK: Yes! My mother had asked one of the nurses to be
that your wife, Padma and the child can sleep.” See how
with me. And when I felt some pain the nurse
He is?
immediately called my mom: “Amma! Please come! The
RP: So much concern! And to even make observations
baby is coming out!” Then she ran and came and of
like these!
course the delivery took place!
PK: Yes. So we brought him here on the 5th month and
RP: So it was a painless delivery!
then He named him. In those days, we were allowed to do
PK: Yes, painless. But the
paadapooja (worshiping His feet) for every occasion. Do
baby was very small only
you know about paadapooja?
3 and 1/4 pounds but he
RP: I have heard about it but we would like to hear it from
didn't cry! He was
you; so please tell us.
bleeding through the nose
PK: Opposite the interview room there is a room which
and the mouth so they
we used to call the paadapooja room.
had to give him an
injection and he was very RP: Right across the interview room which is now closed?
weak too. They then gave PK: Yes. We used to keep a plate under Swami's Feet and
him a bath and put him in worship His Feet with plain water first, and then collect
the incubator. that water and wipe His Feet with a towel and then wash
The nurse said: “I am very worried about the mother His feet with rose water too. That water used to be
having the blood pressure and also about what would collected too. Then we would worship His Feet with haldi,
happen to the child since he was so weak.” Three days kumkuma (turmeric and vermillion) and flowers and we
passed and she didn't have any hope for the child. Then used to garland Swami!
she said: “You talk about this Sai Baba. Why don't you go RP: Was everybody given the opportunity to do this
and ask Him or get some prasaadam?” pooja?
So my father came to Puttaparthi. And as soon as he PK: Yes. Each time we came and while returning, and on
entered the gate the Dashavatara gate; which was a big any small occasion, He would accept it.
bungalow then, with a big portico and a veranda Swami RP: Now He doesn't allow us to touch His Feet!
was standing on the veranda. As soon as He saw my PK: We used to garland Him and He used to give us some
father entering, He asked him: “How are you? Are you prasaadam and we used to eat it and do aarti and then he
worried about the child because he is so weak? You see, kept my son on His lap and named him Sai Ramesh. He
"HE IS MY SWAMI" - Part 3... Conversation with Mrs. Padma Kasturi
said: “You can call him Ramesh but his name will be Sai
Ramesh.”
Abundant Blessings For Her Son

After one year, we came for his annaprashna - that is
giving his first solid food; porridge with rice and milk and
sugar which He fed him by holding him on His lap.
On his third year He did the aksharabhyasam - the
ceremony of the writing of the first letter before putting
the child in school. That was a very auspicious and a
different experience too which I would like to narrate.
RP: Yes, of course!
PK: By that time I had my second child too. Swami said:
“How can you manage both the kids together? Why don't then He asked him to put haldi, kumkuma on what He
you put the older child in school?” I said: “Swami, the had written - like a pooja - and He held his hand and made
aksharabhyasam has not been done yet.” He said: “I will him write that too!
do it before you go.” I was here in Puttaparthi at that RP: What did He make him write?
time. He said: “You arrange everything, and I will come to PK: Aum Namoh Narayana Namaha - that full beeja
your home tomorrow and do it.” So we arranged that. mantra. He had given a navaratna (nine-gemmed) ring to
Since there were no shops here at that time, we had to ask my father whom He now asked him to give and He wrote
somebody to go to Bukkapatanam and get the slate and on my son's tongue “Aum Namoh Narayana Namaha.”
the slate pencil and in those days we didn't have any big
RP: With that ring? Using it as a pen?
chair or anything for Swami to sit on. We had a big
PK: Yes, with the ring.
wooden box and we placed some cushion and a cloth and
RP: Great! But what about the slate? He didn't use the
He sat on it. This was during bhajans.
slate?
RP: So while bhajans were going on in the mandir, Swami
PK: He did! He made him write on the slate and the rice
would go around visiting people?
too! And He wrote it on his tongue too! Then after that,
PK: Yes. Bhajans were between 11 and 12.
He asked him to do namaskaaram (pay obeisance) to all of
RP: Everyday?
us his parents and his grandparents, and He asked my
PK: Yes, everyday! father to bring him upstairs to the bhajans and there He
RP: Not like now just half an hour! And Swami would gave him some sweet box.
walk around? RP: So it was a real big day for him!
PK: Yes. And Swami would do so many other things too PK: Yes! When he was 2 yrs old, we would come here a lot
this paadapooja, interviews all during bhajan time! And and as soon as we would come here, we would get an
He would go to people's houses too! So, He said: “How interview.
can I sit on this high wooden box and do the
RP: Did you record all of those interviews?
aksharabhyasam? Please put it down!”
PK: No. in those days there were no tape-recorders.
There was a wooden plank, so we put that down and we
RP: Recorded them in words?
spread the cushion and He sat on the floor! And He asked
PK: No. From whatever I can remember…
my son to sit on His lap!
RP: You were already saying that about Swami, you
RP: That was his fortune!
remember everything you might have forgotten other
PK: Yes. Then He asked me to bring some rice in a plate
things, but this you can't!
and He wrote Aum Namoh Narayana Namaha on it.
PK: Yes. Then He said: “You must have another child.
RP: On that?
When he will go to school, what will you do? You will get
PK: On the rice! Then He wrote Aum on the slate and
bored!”
H2H SPECIAL
PK: Yes! So when he was 2 years old, I conceived again!

At that time my father was working as an Assistant
Producer in Bangalore in the All India Radio. After
retirement, he was working there for three years.
RP: He shifted here?
PK: He and my mother. My grandmother was here.
Swami said: “I will take care, you both go.” It is the Indian
custom where they take the daughter to their parent's
house in the sixth month and she will stay there for a
month and to make her happy, they give her to eat
whatever she desires.
RP: Yes, usually that's a tradition.
Delivery Deliberations
PK: My parent's house and my in-laws house were very
close by. When my mother would call me and insist me to
come to her house, I would say: “No. It's too nearby!”
Whenever they would call me, I had to go so it felt as
though I was staying in my in-laws house. So I thought I
better go to Puttaparthi and stay with my grand-mother
for one month.
At that time, Swami was in Bangalore and had come for
dinner to my father's house. My mother said: “You ask
RP: He said that?
Swami. We can't ask Him like that!” So when Swami came
PK: Yes. So when he was 1 ½ years old, I conceived again
for dinner, I asked Him: “Swami, I would like to stay in
and when I went to the Doctor, she scolded me: “You had
Puttaparthi for a month with my grandmother so I could
high blood pressure during your first pregnancy! It's too
be of some help to my grand-mother.” Swami joked: “Oh!
early! I am afraid it will repeat again!”
You want to come to Puttaparthi? It's just an excuse!
My father was here; he had come here after retirement. I Alright, why don't you come?”
wrote a letter to my father and a letter to Swami. Then
So I came to Puttaparthi
Swami said: “No. Do not worry!” and he sent a letter with
and stayed here. At that
my father with about 40 packets of vibhuti! He said: “Let
time we had a problem of
her take this in water every night before going to bed and
not knowing where to
there will be no blood pressure problem.”
have the delivery because
Second Son is Sai's Prasad if we would have had it in
And nothing happened! Though I did have to go to the Bangalore, there would
Doctor every month and she used to write out some be nobody to help my
medicines and I used to bluff her with: “Oh! It's working mother around in the
wonderfully!” I never took them just vibhuti! Maybe house because she had to
that's why He named the second son as Sai Prasaad! help me and be with me in
Then when he was 2-3 years old, He said once again: “This the hospital. So she was a little worried. By that time, the
boy will go to school” I said: “Swami! This will go on again General Hospital had opened in Puttaparthi. But we didn't
and again! Everybody who is born will have to go to know if Swami would agree or not.
school! But I can't be delivering every time!” When I was here one day with my grandmother, Swami
He said: “No. You must have one more child!” came and asked me: “What are your plans?” I said:
RP: He insisted? “Swami, I don't have any plans. Whatever you say, I will do
that.” He said: “Why don't you have the delivery here Sai Arranges for Her Total Care
itself? There's a hospital here! You always want Swami He did not know what to do! In those days, Swami used
and a hospital now both are here!” to climb up the hill where the University is now there
I said: “But Swami, it's only the sixth month! I cannot stay were some big, huge rocks there and Swami used to take
here for so long!” because there was no convenience in some people there in the evening and give them
coming here at that time. interviews or to have some conversations.
RP: Yes, there was a lot of difficulty making your way to RP: You mean, while the bhajans were going on?
come here to Puttaparthi. Did you come here by bullock PK: No, before that too
cart then? around four or five o 'clock.
PK: Oh yes! Even in those days, we had to take the first So my son started to climb
the train, then bus, then bullock-cart and all that. up the hill to get some
vibhuti for his mother.
RP: I remember when we came in 1972; we came to
Swami saw him and asked
Bukkapatnam by a bullock-cart!
him: “What is the matter?”
PK: Yes! So I told Him: “Why don't I go to Bangalore for a
He said: “Swami, mother is
month and I can come back here for the delivery because
having some fever and she
after the delivery, for three months then I wouldn't be
wants some vibhuti.” Since
able to go back and make that journey.”
He knew that the time was
He said: “No! You stay here because the budhi and jnana
close to delivery, He came
the intelligence is formed in the womb after 6 months!
down and came and asked me: “Do you want to go to the
So you be here and do the naamasmarana (chanting
hospital?” I said: “Swami, I don't know, whatever You
god's name) and bhajans.”
say!”
RP: Well, Swami! He is the Creator and He knows what is
He said: “Let me arrange some bed for you.” Because
happening in the sixth month of pregnancy! So that's
there were some old village people in the ladies ward;
when the child gets the intelligence?
there were four beds there. He said: “I will go and talk to
PK: Yes. That's what He said and that's why they say the Doctors and arrange a room for you.” He went to Dr.
about why one must keep a pregnant woman happy. Sitaramaiya's house who was in charge then to arrange
RP: Yes, they say that in the scriptures too! a room. My father's house was on the East block. He said:
PK: Yes. So I stayed on. And in those days, we could not “The Doctor will put the bed in the labour room itself.”
get much fruits and all that. So whenever some devotee There were only four rooms in the Hospital then one
came and brought some fruits for Swami, He would send four-bed room for the men, one four-bed room for the
some fruits or apples or bananas to our home! Now and women, one labour room and one central hall that's all. It
then He would come to our house to check me. When the was a very small hospital.
ninth month came, my mother came here too. But then He said: “But no! If you lie there, it will be too far
Swami had gone to Tirupathi to attend that First Divine from the bathroom!” that's how considerate He was!
Life Society Conference in Venkatagiri and He came back Then He said: “Since there is only one man lying in the
with so many sanyasis (renunciants)! men's ward, I will ask them to put him in the veranda and I
RP: This was in 1961? will make a special four-bed ward for you!” And with
PK: No, in 1957. Many sanyasis followed Him and they water?
were all in Puttaparthi. On the day before Ramnavami, I PK: There was a well then!
started to feel some pain in the afternoon and my second RP: Oh! So you had to go and draw the water!
son - who was just three years old then - was there too. I
He Takes Over Completely
was lying down and he asked me: “Why are you lying PK: Yes! Then Swami came to the hospital around 9 and
down mother?” I said: “I have some fever, I want some said: “What happened?” I said: “Everything subsided -
vibhuti from Swami and then I will be okay.” nothing happened!” He said: “Since you have already
H2H SPECIAL
been having too many used to create from the sands there, they used to bring it
problems and since it was to the mandir and keep it in the shrine and do aarti there
ashtami (8th lunar day in it was the usual custom then.
the month not Then they brought the idols and did aarti. I was of course
considered auspicious), I becoming very weak and exhausted by then. There was
stopped it! Today is no sign of delivery! Then Swami came back and a lot of
Ramanavami and the ladies were there too some of them gossiping: “Why did
child will be born today!” you come here? You should have gone to Bangalore!”
Then He gave two packets Because of my weakness and exhaustion, my mother was
of vibhuti to my mother getting very worried; she went to Swami and started
and said: “After the crying. He was having His dinner. She said: “Swami! She is
delivery, rub this on her suffering a lot!” He said: “No, there's nothing to worry!”
stomach. Once the pain He then created some vibhuti and told her: “You mix it
increases, she will not be able to eat any food! So bring with water and give it to her. I will come too.”
some food now and give it to her.” So my mother went
Then she came and mixed the vibhuti in water and as she
and brought some food for me.
was giving it to me, Swami came into the hospital!
RP: It's amazing! The amount of care He has taken!
RP: Imagine! What time was it then?
PK: Yes! Then in the evening around 6 or so Swami took
PK: It was 9:30 p.m or so! I wanted to get up but He said:
everybody to the Chitravathi River. It was April and
“No! Lie down. What has happened?” I said: “Swami it is
because of the heat I was exhausted. I just had some pain
very awful, I can't bear it!” He said: “That is samsara
but there was no delivery. Someone said to Swami:
(worldly life)!”
“Swami! She is there in the hospital! What if something
RP: Ok! He summarized it in just one word!
happens there?” He said: “No! Nothing will happen until I
return! You can all come!” 'Call Out Sai Ram!' - Baba
PK: I said: “Swami! It was not like this during the first two
So He took everybody to Chitravathi and there it seems He
deliveries! It was easy then; but this time I don't know
created from the sand Lord Rama, Laxmana and Sita idols
what has happened! I am suffering so much!” Then He
and they did some bhajans and Swami delivered a
said: “When you have pain, why do you call out 'Amma!
Discourse and He created some amrita too!
Amma!'? Why don't you call out: 'Sai Ram! Sai Ram!'?
RP: On Ramanavami day!
RP: Oh! So that was another indirect lesson!
PK: Yes, on Ramanavami day! At that same moment,
PK: Yes. But I was bold enough and I said: “Swami, even
here, I felt some severe pain and I was sweating a lot.
though I did not say: “Sai Ram!' you know that I was not
There was nobody there to help except my mother; she
calling out for my mother - it was for You only!” Then He
was crying and didn't know what to do she was so upset!
said: “No Padmamma, it's not like that! When the pain
It seems that when Swami was distributing amrita to the comes, you must say: “Sai Ram!”
ladies there, He suddenly said: “Oh! My back is paining!”
Then Swami stood by the door - which was towards the
He was sweating a lot and then He sat down for 2-3
side of my head on the bed - and He took the lady outside
minutes, stretching His legs.
and told her to instruct me that when the pain comes, let
RP: Oh! So that means He had taken the pain on Himself? us say: “Sai Ram!” then as He was standing near the door,
PK: Yes. He was rubbing Himself with His handkerchief He waved His hand. And though He was standing far, He
that He has. Of course, they all came and helped Him. It was making some gestures with His hand and
was 8-8:30 by then! immediately I felt a thud in my stomach and then
RP: So the devotees were with Him on the sands of the immediately the pain came and I said 'Sai Ram' and the
Chitravathi River so late? They used to take lanterns with child was born!
them? RP: And Swami was standing by the door?
PK: Yes torches, lanterns, etc. Also, whatever idols He PK: Yes! And immediately the child was born!
with you and your family, what would you say Bhagavan
means to you then?
PK: He was like a close relative He was more than a
Mother to me, because of His Compassion and Care.
RP: So you were never awed by His Divinity?
PK: I couldn't see Him as someone Divine or His Divinity

because He was so close and took so much care and with
so much compassion that I was just attracted to that! I
RP: My God!
thought that He was a very, very close relative to me even
So Intimate… Just Like Family today! But sometimes - because He has now kept me at a
PK: And when He heard the child's cry, He went down.
little distance - I can feel His Divinity.
The next day, in the evening, He came to the hospital
RP: I think we had a very long session. And on a later day,
again and in those days there was no electricity so there
we can share more for our listeners at Radio Sai. Thank
was no light; He had brought a torch along He used to
you very much for accepting our invitation. Talking to you
have a big torch with six cells. Then when He saw the child
has been like entering a secret garden of hidden
He said: “Oh! Such a small baby! And for the delivery of
treasures. You are virtually a diamond mine and a treasure
this, you had to go through so much!”
trove of Divine showers and blessings! You are indeed
Then He joked with me: “Oh! You wanted a daughter and
fortunate ma'am and we are fortunate too to have been
you got another son! Are you not happy?” Then on the
today the recipients vicarious recipients of those
eighth day, my father came to Puttaparthi. He went
blessings through you! Thank you very much!
straight to see Swami, he did not come to me first that's
PK: Thank you Rajeshwari for giving me this opportunity
how he was.
of sharing my experiences with you.
Then Swami narrated to him all that happened on
Chitravathi and that's when we found out that Swami had – Heart2Heart Team
taken my pain! He told my father: “There was no body
there except her mother, and she was in so much agony,
so I had to take the pain; and then everything was
alright.”
Then He brought my father along with Him and told him:
“See! Padma is very angry with Me and is not talking to
Me because she did not get a daughter!” He was
behaving just like family!
RP: Yes! So finally, since He allowed so much intimacy
SAI WORLD NEWS
WALK FOR VALUES

TOUCHES THE HEART
OF TORONTO
City Revitalizes with
the Resurgence of Values
Over four thousand

caring and responsible
Responsible Toronto residents
To r o n t o r e s i d e n t s 2007 pledge self-transformation
along with scores of
Americans and a few
Europeans put their
best foot forward as
they converged at
Yonge-Dundas Square
which is the heart of
Toronto and then
lovingly walked 2 ¼ Km in the prime streets through the
downtown core, raising the level of human commitment
Walkathon winds through downtown core,
spreading values awareness
towards universal human values of Truth, Right Conduct,

Peace, Love and Non-Violence that transcend barriers of
race, religion, culture and ethnicity. Apart from
thousands of onlookers, tourists, drivers and shoppers,
what a group of friends it drew! Barbara Robbins and her
husband Bernie Michel along with friend Anjali DeSai
drove all the way from Hartford, Connecticut in the USA,
as did Xavier Gomez, specially to join through the
downtown core pledging self-transformation. Professor
Sathya Sai School of Canada leads the way Anita Sankar from Buffalo, USA came with a bunch of
to revive universal values
friends and Miss Anita Perrson of Sweden flew in from
Europe to walk through Toronto's Yonge-Dundas area,
hoping to learn how to organize a similar event in
Sweden.
For the fifth year in a row, Toronto, the city that gave birth
to the world's most unique walkathon, rocked to the
rhythm of righteousness on June 10, 2007 with the
banner of the Sathya Sai School of Canada flying high.
A Walk for Me, My Family,

and My Community
Students sing value songs atop float depicting Under picture perfect weather conditions, a long and
significance of human values
disciplined corridor of men, women and children walked
WALK FOR VALUES TOUCHES THE HEART OF TORONTO
Universal values have profound appeal The message for Truth came through loud and clear
Peace on earth - the need of the hour Baba's message strikes a chord deep within
through the busiest streets of the city's business district elsewhere in the world as well. I believe that running in
and the seat of local government, promoting and marathons (such as The Boston Marathon or the New
celebrating these cardinal principles of Sathya Sai York Marathon) appeals to the strong and sturdy, while
Education in Human Values. The response from even the 'The Bay Street Rat Race' in Toronto might appeal only to
most casual passers-by was warm and welcoming. “While cut-throat Canadian lawyers of my own class. A walk such
walking in downtown Toronto on Sunday I ran into the as yours involves the whole family and can include the
Walk for Values. I was impressed by how polite people weak as well as the physically handicapped and those
were and the avowed purposes of the walk,” says Rob with personal limitations. It was wonderful weather and I
Barlow from Toronto. “I would like to learn more about hope all the other participants enjoyed the Walk for
who Sathya Sai Baba is and His teachings. I would be Values as much as I did.”
grateful if you could arrange to mail some literature to
At the only walk of its kind in the world, participants
me, or forward this e-mail to his organization so they
neither pledged nor sought any monetary contributions.
would.”
Instead, they had to introspect and pledge to improve an
Another Participant, Sa'ad A. Saidullah, an Advocate, area of personal weakness, by promising to practice any
Barrister, Solicitor and Notary in Canada said, “I am glad one of the numerous universal values and their sub-
that I was able to join the parade organized by the Parents values such as patience, caring, love, forgiveness,
Council under the name 'Walk for Values' today. It was appreciation, gratitude, conservation, responsibility,
good to be able to walk with those concerned about discipline, better time management, self-esteem,
violence and its escalation all around the world. I hope acceptance, punctuality … you name it, you could pledge
that there will be others who follow your example and it.
organize bigger parades and marches for peace
SAI WORLD NEWS
Walk for Values - a brainchild of the Walking past the Hard Rock Cafe that bears
Sathya Sai School of Canada Baba's message "Love All, Serve All"
Participants march to the drum beat Sai youth band atop a float belts
from various community and faith groups out scintillating values songs
A brainchild of the Parent Council of the Sathya Sai School political leaders, policy makers and community
of Canada, the fifth annual Walk for Values is one of the representatives have been participating in this event,
school's many community outreach projects. The only expressing their admiration and appreciation for Baba's
school of its kind in entire USA and Canada, the Sathya Sai teachings of human values and their universally appeal
School of Canada provides a values-based Character and relevance at all levels of human endeavours -
Education program from JK to Grade 6 founded by personal, professional, community or government.
beloved Swami in 2000.. The school was also recently
Policy Makers, Media Personalities
rated as a top Toronto school for its excellent academic
Endorse Human Values
performance. [To read a cover story on the school from This year, Honourable Mr. George Smitherman, the
June 2007 issue of H2H, refer to our website's previous Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Health and
issues]. Long-Term Care, and Honourable Mr. Bas Balkissoon,
The raison d'être behind this walk is that when individuals Member of the Provincial Parliament and Parliamentary
transform, families improve; when families work towards Assistant to the Minister of Community Safety and
self-improvement, communities thrive and cities blossom Correctional Services were present to inaugurate the
and ultimately countries prosper in peace. The domino's Walk-a-thon.
effect to transform the world starting with an individual City Councillor Honourable Mr. Raymond Cho delivered a
effort has always been the underlying message of this message from the Mayor of Toronto. Honourable Mr.
walk. With each passing year, a growing number of
Honourable Mr. George Smitherman and Blazing yet another trail - the Sathya Sai School
Honourable Mr. Bas Balkissoon, inaugurate the puts its best foot forward with many
Walkathon along with Dr. V.P. Singh important quests gracing the occasion
Honourable Mr. John Tory, Leader of Ontario's City Councillor Honourable Mr. Raymond Cho
Progressive Conservative Party delivers a message on behalf of
congratulates participants Hon. Mr. David Miller, the Mayor of Toronto
John Tory, Leader of Ontario's Progressive Conservative Before the event, TV Channels like ATN and Rogers
Party and Leader of the Opposition in the provincial interviewed the Organizers including Dr. V.P. Singh,
parliament was present at the multi-cultural program Central Coordinator of Sathya Sai Organization, Dayal
that followed the walk. Prime Minister of Canada
Honourable Mr. Stephen Harper sent a special message of
greetings as did other Members of the Canadian
Parliament.
Well-known media personalities Mr. Spider Jones of the

popular radio station CFRB1010 and Mr. Jake Dheer of
Rogers TV took up the roles of Masters of Ceremonies
along with Sai youth Mr. Rohit Vishwa. Powerful
messages of self-transformation were presented,
celebrated and encouraged through colorful floats,
bands, placards, displays, songs, dance and dramatic
presentations. The program was interspersed with seven
speeches by students of the Sathya Sai School ranging Dynamic and Disciplined, the value girls sing
from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. value songs atop the Love float
SAI WORLD NEWS
Sathya Sai School students perform an Life affirming messages

African dance - energetic and captivating came through loud and clear
Radio Host School students Sanya Mehndiratta, Gr. 1

Mr. Spider Jones & Chinmay Potdar, Gr. 2 explain why
and MC Mr. Rohit Vishwa they Walk for Values, not monetary pledges
Mirchandani, President of Sathya Sai Education Trust, Dr. Surinder Sharma who led the Planning & Steering
Revathi, Principal, Sathya Sai School, Co-Chairs of Parent Committee.
Council, Mr Nathan and Mr Niranjan and also Mr.
Gr.4 students Kaesavan and Kohilan Selvakumaran Rahgull Manoragavan, SK and Summer Rohan, JK
address the audience at the start of the event wowed the audience with their oratory
As always, the event was open to everyone - individuals,

diverse faith groups, businesses, social and cultural clubs
… as long as each participant committed to active self-

transformation, leading to social improvement. One of
the themes under spotlight this year was conservation of
the environment.
National and International Appeal

This walk this year generated a love energy like never
before, charging the atmosphere at the event with joy
and hope. The ever-dynamic and disciplined Sai youth
energized the environment further with their exemplary
Gr. 6 student Ashwin Kannoth spoke behaviour and devotion to service and as always, the
on the significance of Peace
at the closing ceremony value girls brought smiles to all with their synchronized
The Hard Rock Cafe nearby reinforced the lofty ideals of and meticulously choreographed moves and catchy value
the Walk with the words 'All is One' and 'Love All Serve All' songs. Just observing young Sai adults performing their
printed in gold letters on its front walls. A number of assigned duties with high levels of discipline and finesse
business houses joined as community partners and was a treat for many newcomers. The dedicated teams of
pledged to practice values and bring ethics in business. volunteers from the extended Sai family had further fine
Value Girls perform at the opening ceremonies Sai Youth energize the event with their value cheers
A robust Bhangra dance was part of the Movement and Meditation by the Chinese dance
multi-cultural celebrations troupe was a befitting performance
SAI WORLD NEWS
Weeks of practice by Sai youth results in the Dundas Square abuzz with spectators
specially choreographed value cheers and participants, eager for Sai's message on values
tuned the logistics of the walk, after carefully reviewing Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. While
the feedback received from previous years. The theme of Albany in USA also attempted a similar walk, some other
the walk was a 'Walk for Me, My Family and My cities in the USA are keen to learn and replicate it in their
Community' and the program was more family-oriented areas.
this year.
Barely had the walk concluded when a colourful

multicultural carnival took off. Talented performers
representing the diverse cultural mosaic that is Toronto,
performed some outstanding dances while the
walkathon participants settled down to enjoy their lunch.
The venue at Dundas Square truly became the epicentre
of Toronto's multi-cultural hub with dance performances
by groups representing rich and ancient traditions such
as the Chinese, Irish, Russian, Latin, Egyptian and Indian.
A variety of food stalls, Food Bank collection booth,

exhibits on Value Parenting, henna tattoos, handicrafts,
face painting and games for children were part of the In Toronto, the good lives up to its reputation
carnival that attracted large crowds. Over 18 community by promoting Truth
groups as well as students from several public schools in
Mr. Ramesh Maharaj is a proud grand-father of two
the York Region, including Middlefield Collegiate
Sathya Sai School students Ajay and Arun and each year
Institute and Cedarbrook Public School took part this year
he volunteers to coordinate the event in other parts of the
besides the large Sathya Sai School community, bringing
country. In his report he remarks, “The Walk in downtown
the total number of active participants to well over 4000.
Toronto, was the best and most exciting yet. Just holding
Proving that you cannot hide a good thing too long, the it in downtown had its own dynamism. Participants were
Sathya Sai School of Toronto is emerging as a trailblazer joined by so many from surrounding towns and cities
across the great nation that is Canada and its fame is also including friends of the school from Montreal in the
spreading beyond national borders. The Walk for Values province of Quebec, London-Ontario, Buffalo-New York
2007 took place at the same time across 9 other cities in and Hartford-Connecticut and even Sweden, as well as
Canada. Apart from Toronto, it was also held in Calgary, other community groups from schools, churches and
Coquitlam, Edmonton, Kingston, Ottawa, Regina, spiritual movements … all of whom added to the impact
Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Earlier in March this year, the in the big city.
Walk was held nationally in Australia in cities such as
“Nationally across our great nation, the Walk in a refrigerated truck ….hundreds of volunteers dedicated
Coquitlam, British Columbia, held in collaboration with to Baba's message that “the hands that serve are holier
the Teddy Bear Parade, was also the best ever done in BC. than the lips that pray” attend monthly and weekly
Despite the rain, the turn out was massive and the Human meetings, after work that run late into the night through
Values presented created a stir among members of the the long and severe Canadian winter, to ensure that when
public. In Ottawa, participants walked in the nation's summer finally comes, Canadians welcome it marching to
capital and on Parliament Hill itself. Kingston too walked the tunes of such wholesome values as Truth, Beauty and
downtown. Regina had a great turnout with the Mayor Goodness.
declaring the day as Human Values Day. Calgary,
Winnipeg, and Edmonton - all these cities had a great
Walk for Values 2007.' Saskatoon is doing their WALK on
June 17th.
“Let us pray to Swami for His continued help in spreading

His Message of Human Values throughout the World by
means of these exciting and enjoyable events - by the way
of 'International Walk for Values'. "
Taking Sai Message Mainstream

Selecting Dundas Square in the heart of Toronto's central
business district, a high visibility and frequented spot as
this year's venue proved to be the best move ever made by
the steering committee. Under the leadership of Mr. The love energy atop the Love float is palpable
Surinder Sharma, the dedicated volunteers began the in the smiles of the participants
planning of this event almost a year in advance by For the parents of the Sathya Sai School of Canada and
approaching various city departments for permits and the thousands of Sai devotees that live in the Greater
coordinating the route of the walk in close consultation Toronto Area, participating in the planning and
with the police department. Various committees swung preparation of the annual Walk for Values is an ideal
into action shortly after the Walk for Values 2006 opportunity to emulate Swami's example of love and
concluded and the feedback from participants and service.
committees was collated. While the drive to bring awareness about individual
Be it the promotions team, the T-shirts committee, the transformation is the visible goal of the exercise, there are
liaison group that applies for the permits and books the many more profound lessons and experiences of divine
venues nearly a year ahead of the event, the police intervention and grace that are received at every step of
department contact persons, the floats design and the preparatory process.
assembly teams, the sound engineers, the Sai youth in- For starters, the walk-a-thon generates pure love and
charge of web streaming, the value girls who meet up unity among the many groups of Sai devotees and school
despite their exams to practice their value songs, the food parents who participate in its planning and execution. It
committee volunteers who start preparing over 3000 inspires those involved to be the best they can be because
vegetarian sandwiches and snacks a day in advance and the atmosphere is charged with noble ideals that the
through the night leading to the walk and storing them in school's Founder, Sathya Sai, personifies. The need to go
SAI WORLD NEWS
back and pray and seek divine interventions is felt

frequently, reminding everyone of the invisible hand of
God that ensures all obstacles are overcome, even if at the
very last moment.
This year's Promotions Committee is a perfect point in

case. Since the organizers were venturing into a
completely new territory by exploring a new venue, it was
felt that it would help to promote the event at this new
locale a fortnight ahead of schedule so that businesses in
the area and others who frequent it would have an idea of
what to expect. What seemed like a pretty simple idea at
the outset proved to be quite a challenge as the proposed His caring gaze was always there
date approached! But for every challenge that came Soon it comes to the team's attention that the permit will
along the way, divine intervention and grace were cost $500! Since there is no time to seek approval from
available in abundance. the Walk for Values committee for such an expense for
Pre-W4V Community Promotion - merely creating pre-event awareness, one of the team
A Resounding Success! members takes the leap of faith and decides to foot the
Here is an eye-witness account of how it happened and as bill herself. After all, the event must go on, given its
it happened: importance.
Friday evening, 6 PM, May 26, 2007 Friday evening, 7.30 PM, May 26, 2007
Two team members are busy giving final touches to their More Surprises!
PowerPoint presentation for the upcoming community The meeting begins and the members make their
promotion event scheduled for Sunday, May 27, 2007. presentation to the volunteers who are ready to
The promotion aims to create added awareness about the participate on Sunday May 27th. Half way through,
Walk for Values two weeks ahead of the scheduled event Grade 1 teacher of the School Miss Poddar, who is
at the chosen location where it is going to be held for the constantly on the line with the helpful interventionist,
very first time. Weather forecasts for the day of the Promo receives the news that given the civic and social focus of
event looked glum, forcing the planners to create back up the event, the $500 fee has been waived by the city! The
plans and sincerely call upon the tried, tested and true parents and volunteers at the meeting break into a
intervention from the divine so as to keep the rain out of spontaneous applause.
their parade, literally.
The discussion now turns to the need for a contingency
And then there are always the other details that scream
for attention and accommodation! For starters, the team
finds out at the very last minute of course, that, even to
hold a small promotional event at venue, namely Dundas
Square in downtown Toronto, where the Walk for Values
2007 will be held two weeks later, a permit from the City
of Toronto is required. It is late Friday afternoon and no
sanctioning officials are available!
How the Divine Steps in…

A young parent and community worker who believes in
the vision and mission of the school steps in and traces
the official who is authorized to sanction the permit, to
her residence, and informs the organizers to fax the Grade 4 teacher Mrs. Ganesh leads the students
request to her immediately. A glimmer of hope sets in. through prayers at the start of the promo event
In no time, Miss Poddar begins her peppy introduction of

the event that draws the attention of passers by who stop
and enjoy the singing of the value songs by the school
choir, looking impressive in their neat uniforms. An
alumni student, Shaumithri Kulendran's rendition of Nelly
Furtado's “Powerless” proves to be the ultimate show-
stopper and spectators absolutely love the value cheers of
the Value Girls, the priceless youth girls from various Sai
Centres across the Greater Toronto Area. All are highly
disciplined, pleasant, cheerful and spirited. People across
the road literally stop what they are doing to listen and
watch, thanks to the effective sound system in place.
Sathya Sai School choir promotes the event Meanwhile, volunteers led by school parents and
at Dundas Square a fortnight in advance members of the Sai family are not only handing out flyers
plan on the day of the promo event. After scouring but also engaging the public in conversation, providing
through the various weather networks, it is obvious that them with valuable insights into the meaning and need
Sunday is going to be a washout with a 70% chance of for the Walk for Values across all the intersections within
thunderstorm and rain throughout the entire day. A W4V one block of the event. Numerous people are signing up
committee member, Mr. Deo Goocool dismisses all the to participate.
forecast. With utmost confidence, he asserts the day will “What, no money involved? Really!” Are some of the
turn out just fine! With that assurance from an responses from the public. A young couple comes by and
unflinching Deo, the presenters resolve that come rain or loves what they hear. It happens to be the lady's birthday.
shine, they intend to be there at the venue. On Sunday, At her friend's request, the MC announces Kasha's 21st
the event will begin at 12 noon no matter what. birthday and wishes her well. The crowd joins in. They
Sunday morning, 10.30 AM, May 27, 2007- The Day of couple promise to join us and sign up for June 10.
the Scheduled Event A local school Principal stops
At 10:30 AM on Sunday, the sky is gloomy and grey and it by to enquire about the
is spitting/drizzling/raining across the city of Toronto. promo event. He loves what
Despite the uncertainty looming, everyone is trying to be he is hearing and seeing and
optimistic. Many are praying really hard. says he is looking for ideas for
his school. Tourists in stretch
HE Comes to the Rescue, Again! limousines and tour buses
Divine intervention # 3 occurs as all participants continue stop by and lower their
to glance up towards the heavens praying that no rain windows to take pictures.
comes crashing down on their efforts. By 11:15 AM, the Volunteers step forward to
sky decides to hold its moisture within its clouds for the hand out flyers which are well
next little while. The day appears calm and uneventful for received. A group of Love Mascot,
now. Sai Youth Aroon Sivaji
students visiting from the
promotes awareness
Sunday afternoon, 12 noon, May 27, 2007 USA stop and collect all the about the
information. “This is so upcoming event
Dundas Square is a hub of activity with Sathya Sai School
unique and unusual. So
parents, volunteers, teachers, school choir, Sai youth and
Canadian,” they say.
supporters all working in unity, setting up a small stage
and information booth in a prominent corner, right An energetic Sai youth dressed as a loving heart mascot,
beside what may possibly be the busiest crosswalk in is running up and down the street, drawing attention to
Toronto. the event and sometimes taking over the microphone,
SAI WORLD NEWS
Shaumithri Kulendran’s rendition of Nelly

Furtado’s “Powerless” proves to be a show-stopper
Grade 6 student Nikita Hannides
offers some safe advice to passers-by
entertaining the crowd with clever limericks and witty

slogans. The crowd roars with applause for him.
By now everyone has forgotten about the 70% possibility

of rain and thunder. As if to remind us of the divine
intervention, Mr. Golden Sun peeks through the clouds
dispersing what remains of the gloomy clouds from
before.
School teachers Miss Das and Mrs. Jain are busy talking to Shoppers, tourists...everyone wants to know
more about the special school and its unique vision
people, explaining the rationale behind the walk and
taking pictures. Miss Chandrakanthan is playing the
Where is he getting all this from, wonders Mrs. Ganesh.
keyboard while Miss Poddar is the MC at the event and
He continues by telling her that when you are doing the
she is also conducting the choir. Some volunteers are
right thing, you can't do it the wrong way. He advises her
handing out flyers while others are holding placards with
that when we do God's work, we get caught up and think
quotes about values for everyone to see. A very happy
it is our work. Not so. Actually it is He who is guiding us
and loving energy has infused the environment.
and doing it through us. God is selfish, he jokes, for he
Sunday afternoon, 2.40 PM, May 27, 2007 gets His work done regardless. A volunteer from across
The promotion is at its climax. Things are moving really the road notices Mrs. Ganesh is engaged in an intense
well. Grade 4 teacher Mrs. Ganesh crosses the road to the
Eaton Centre side to check audio levels and distribute
flyers. An elderly gentleman of Caucasian descent
approaches her. He seems to be in his early 70's and is
dressed in a white shirt with blue pin stripes, khaki pants,
hat, glasses and has a grey flowing beard. The gentleman
strikes up a conversation with Mrs. Ganesh. He tells her
that this promotion is not a political event, but it is simply
the right thing. He goes onto elaborate on the approach
of the event and claims that it is perfect. You are not
pushing anyone, but simply promoting good values. She
doesn't tell him anything about the walk, but just listens,
happily.
The promo captivates all!
conversation with a stranger who looks like Jesus.

Interesting, he thinks.
The elderly gentleman's attention is now on the students

of Sathya Sai School as they gleefully sing value songs. He
continues on to talk about the students and how much of
a gift they are to the world. He pauses, turns to Mrs.
Ganesh and intuitively adds, “The school is doing a
wonderful job and the kids are like angels. They bring you
happiness.”
“I would like you to come and speak to my children,” she

says.
“I will come and speak to them (your students), not

Sathya Sai's message in Toronto -
now, but when they least expect it. I am a story teller. I Above, around, everywhere.
will come to your school one day and tell them the
Toronto. The drive home is long and arduous but who
story of the future, the story of peace,” he declares.
really cares. The day was full of joy, full of divine
“Where are you from?” enquires Mrs. Ganesh. “If I can interventions and so full of highs that no rain or traffic
have your contact information, a telephone number, I will jam on the highway can dampen the spirits.
arrange for you to come and speak to our students at the
“Truly, where there is Love, there is God, joy and bliss! In
school before the end of the year,” she says.
whatever capacity each of us played a part, we are better
“I am a hermit,” he replies. “I have no telephone for it because we too made it into the direct gaze of the
number. But I will contact you.” divine eyes that oversaw the smooth and successful
He then crosses the street with her to where the choir is execution of the day!” says Mrs. Karuna Swarup-Munshi,
singing and assures her that he will distribute the Office Administrator at the Sathya Sai School.
brochures as he knows 6000 people within his own To a casual observer, the Walk for Values 2007 may have
voluntary organization! She hands him some copies of been a fun-filled celebration of Love, Truth, Peace, Right
the brochures and he leaves with a very pleasant smile on Conduct and Non-violence. To the knower within, every
his face. In no time, he disappears into the crowd on year's walk-a-thon represents a baby step towards
Yonge Street and is seen no more. individual transformation and a giant leap in collective
The event continues full steam and more groups of efforts towards a new world order where the values will
shoppers, tourists, students, passers by, and passengers become the order of the day!
in transit huddle in groups to watch and learn about the - Walk for Values Committee
upcoming Walk for Values. Many are interested and all of Sathya Sai School, Canada
enjoy the music and the value cheers.
Sunday afternoon, 3 PM, May 27, 2007

Dear reader, how did you like this article? Did it inspire
It's 3 o'clock and the event is a resounding success. It is
you? Would you like to have more of such Sai News
now at its conclusion, the MC thanks the audience for
stories? Please tell us at [email protected]. Thank you
sharing the afternoon with the Walk for Values promo
for your time.
team and the crews begin to pack up. At 3:30pm we load
the vans and the students are all on their way home. The
sky decides it can no longer hold on to its moisture and
suddenly at 3:30 PM, the rain begins its descent.
Sunday afternoon, 4 PM, May 27, 2007
It is raining like the Indian monsoon in downtown
SWAMI AND ME
were to face in the coming years at the hands of the ruling

military junta? Did He go there to plant as yet some
AMAZING GRACE unknown seed in Africa, which will blossom at some time
IN AFRICA in the future? The answer to these questions may be all of
By Mr. Jay Ravji Jethwa the above and more.
Africa, as a general rule, has been beset by many and
varied problems, ranging from natural disasters such as
Mr. Jay Ravji Jethwa is a barrister and lawyer of the drought and famine, to problems, associated with racial
Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of and ethnic disharmony. It appears that some of the latter
Australia. He is also currently the National Vice- problems worsened as most individual countries in the
President of the United Nations Association of Continent gained independence from their colonial
Australia. masters in the 1960s.
It was against this backdrop of strife and discontent that
Bhagavan visited the Continent of Africa. It was the first
and only time He had left India for an overseas visit. It is
interesting to note that not long before His Divine visit to
Uganda, Pope Paul VI became the first ever Pontiff to set
foot on the African soil by also visiting Uganda.
A Childhood Blighted by Asthma

I was a very sickly 13 year-old boy in 1968. I had a very
severe form of asthma since I was born. My father had
sought expert medical advice from as far away as the
United Kingdom, all to no avail.
One day in June 1968, Kampala, the capital city of
Uganda, was abuzz with the news that "Bhagavan" was
coming to town and that His name was Sai Baba. I had
neither heard this name nor seen what He looked like. My
Father, Ravji Kara, and my mother Urmilabhen, had made
arrangements to take myself and stay for the duration of
His visit.
Thousands Flock for Bhagavan's Darshan

The Light Shines in Africa When we arrived at Dr. Patel's home at about 4 p.m,
It was indeed a most fortuitous period for the "Dark thousands of people of all races and colours had already
Continent", Africa. For Bhagavan, in His infinite mercy, gathered there. His car was to arrive at Dr. Patel's home at
had decided to set foot on the very soil that is regarded as 6 p.m, but the motorcade was delayed en route from
the cradle of civilisation, and where humankind's ancestry Nairobi in Kenya, where His plane had landed from
can be traced. This event took place in July 1968, when Bombay.
Bhagavan spent two memorable weeks in Uganda, a It was not until 1.30 a.m. that the motorcade finally
country where I was born and raised. Uganda, a very arrived. Bhajans had been going on all evening at the
beautiful and picturesque place once described by makeshift hall that had been erected by Dr. Patel at his
Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa', is a country residence where all the people were patiently waiting for
which is the source of the River Nile flowing out of Lake their first encounter with Bhagavan. I was indeed very
Victoria (the second largest fresh water lake in the world) fortunate that the car Bhagavan was traveling in stopped
which sustains many millions of people in countries right in front of me. As He alighted, I took my first ever
ranging from Uganda all the way up to Egypt, where it glimpse of Him. And what a wonderful sight it was. He
empties itself in the Mediterranean Sea. It is indeed the looked majestic in the golden robe He was wearing. I
lifeblood of most of Africa. The Creator was now putting remember thinking that He looked quite unusual for an
the final lustre on this pearl by physically going there. Indian.
Bhagavan has not yet stated the reason for this Divine Bhagavan had an immediate impact on my being. Just
visit to Uganda. However, there are many conjectures. Did one look at Him made me feel completely confident that
He go because of the love for His devotees living there? He was to "cure" my illness. My very young mind was also
Did He go there to warn His devotees of the dangers they convinced that Bhagavan has come to Africa just for me!
AMAZING GRACE IN AFRICA
Swami handing out Prasad

to His African Devotees
Swami in car after arriving in Nairobi
I knew I would never be the same again.

My illness had been so severe that I cannot ever recall
having slept at night times. I remember my mother
having to wake up at least a dozen times a night to give
me medication for my difficult breathing.
A few days after His arrival in Kampala, on 7 July to be
precise, without my parent's knowledge, I decided not to
attend school that day, visiting Bhagavan instead to Darshan rounds in Africa
obtain His Darshan. When I arrived at Dr. Patel's home,
there were already thousands waiting in the streets for me in. Whilst I was waiting, my young mind was going
precisely the same reason. I joined the crowds and waited through all sorts of questions like: "What if something
patiently for Him. happens to me while I am inside?" "What is this large
fuzzy-haired man going to do to me?" "What am I going
Called to Grace to tell Him when I am inside?", "Am I going to be cured of
It wasn't long before He came out to the delight of all my illness?" As all these thoughts were racing in my head,
gathered there. I saw Him materialising vibhuti for some Bhagavan came out of the small door leading into the
people, and also witnessed Bhagavan creating a watch interview room and waved me go inside. Still quite
for an African policeman standing at his post at the gates nervous, I approached Him and He took me inside holding
of Dr. Patel's home. He then approached me where I was my hand.
sitting, and summoned me to get up and go to Him. This I
The interview room was approximately 6m x 6m in size.
did immediately. What follows is a personal account of
As He greeted me in, He started telling me of my asthma,
the "miracle" I experienced all those years ago.
at the same time, 'acting' very similarly to when I was
As I approached Him, He asked me, "How is your asthma?" having one of my asthma attacks. He then invited me to
I remember being very surprised at His knowledge of my enter another very small room that led out of the larger
illness. Before I could utter any words in response, He interview room. This room was barely big enough for the
said, "Go" pointing towards the gates of Dr. Patel's home. two of us. I entered this room first, and Bhagavan
He then walked right past me. Hesitatingly, I started 'squeezed' in after me. We stood facing each other, barely
walking towards the gates. There was a policeman at the six inches apart. I must admit that my heartbeat was now
gates (incidentally, the same policeman who had earlier racing, and He must have sensed this, as He tried to relax
received the materialised watch) who opened the gates me by saying some pleasantries. As I looked up to His
for me. I entered the compound, and was asked by the face, he opened His right hand palm and instructed me to
sevadal to sit there until Bhagavan called me into the "look, look, look" at it. I did what He asked, and after
interview room. about 10 seconds, He said "touch, touch, touch." The
The Healing Touch palm was beautifully soft and dry. As I looked up to Him
It appeared that I waited for an eternity for Him to beckon again, He asked me to keep looking at His palm. Within a
SWAMI AND ME
the night to administer the medication again, and I

will never have to see anther doctor again." I was truly
ecstatic.
It has been 34 years almost to the day as I sit here in Sai
Kulwant Hall in Prashanti Nilayam, writing this short
account! My direct experience of Bhagavan's
spontaneous expression of Divine Love. My asthma has
deserted me completely. My wife Julie and I, and the rest
of my whole family who all now reside in the United
Kingdom, have been visiting Bhagavan in Prashanti
Nilayam for many years now and we all constantly
experience His Love and Divine Miracles in our daily lives.
“My methodology is love” - Swami

Professor N. Kasturi, in his book 'The Light of Love', giving
a short account of Bhagavan's visit to Africa, said that at a
question and answers session held in Kampala at the
gathering of the Rotarians, Lions, lawyers, and doctors,
Bhagavan was asked what the purpose was of His
performing miracles, and whether it was good for people
to know that the laws of nature can be broken. He replied
that He does not perform miracles. What we call miracles,
He said, are just spontaneous evidences of His Divinity. He
said that He has not acquired the power to perform these
so-called miracles, nor does He exhibit them for
demonstrating His Divinity.
Swami in the Interview Room

at Dr Patels Home
few seconds, I witnessed droplets of liquid forming on His
palm, completely filling it up.
He asked me to remove my shirt, which I did immediately.
He then rubbed the materialised liquid on my chest until
all of it was absorbed into the skin. I was asked to put my
shirt back on. We both then proceeded to very gently
squeeze out of the small room. As I looked into His eyes, I
experienced the feeling of love that I don't believe I had
ever experienced before. It was a most wonderful
moment of my short life.
He then gave me a few packets of vibhuthi, said many
other things that I cannot now recall, and patted me on
the back and said: "Go - no more asthma." These few
magical words have always kept ringing in my ears since The expression of His love is a nidarsana or evidences of
then. He led me out of the interview room, letting me His Divine Power which induces one to take to the
undertake padanamaskaram. Godward path. He went on to say that "I do not set about
to 'perform' what you call 'miracles'; It is My way of doing
“Mum, no more asthma!” things, My way of expressing My love and grace."
I remember running home after the interview (my home
was merely 15 minutes walk from where Bhagavan was
staying). I greeted my mum with biggest smile - Courtesy: Mathrubhumi's Sai Jyothi, 2002
shouting: "Mum, I have just had an interview with Sai
Baba and He said that I will never suffer from asthma
again. Mum, I will never wake you up in the middle of
A LIFETIME OF LOVE
interview. When Swami asked my name I said: "Please call
A LIFETIME OF LOVE my other friends also" Swami just smiled and said “I will
By Mrs. Padmini Hundy talk to them” …and today I know that when our time
comes Swami will find a way to come into our life and stay
there.
Mrs. Padmini Hundy is a former student of Sri Sathya
Soon after that my brother joined Swami's University to
Sai Higher Secondary School, Puttaparthi where she
pursue his MBA and our visits to Puttaparthi became
attended Grade 11 and 12, completing her high
more frequent. My parents were blessed to have
school. Currently in Texas, USA, her family has been
continuous and frequent interactions and audiences with
associated with Bhagavan for the last fifteen years.
Swami. Even before we realized it, He had become a part
Mee Kanta, Inta, Venta Janta eppudu vuntanu - “In your of our everyday life and for the smallest of things and
eyes, in your home, I will be there along with you decisions we looked to Swami to guide us and He always
…Forever.” Those are the Divine Blessings we received did. Life was great.
time and again during our many interactions with our
Only He is Our True Father!
Beloved Swami and true to His words, He has been the
Then in 1992, tragedy struck our family. We lost our
Cosmic force that has changed the lives, future and
father unexpectedly due to kidney failure. Swami sent for
destiny of our entire family. People often ask me how
my brother and asked him to bring us all back after the
Swami has influenced my life. I cannot describe in words,
ceremonies. When we reached Puttaparthi, He
what Swami's presence in my life means to me. He has
immediately called us for an interview. The moment
been the anchor of my life, and I can very humbly say that
Swami closed the interview door I started crying and
everything we in our family are today is because we have
had Him to guide us, to teach us and to love us!
The peaks of Kedarnath

are sylvan and pristine.....
My first darshan of Swami was way back when I was in

high school. I was visiting Puttaparthi along with my
mother and grandmother, as a part of a group of Sai
devotees. My knowledge and awareness of Swami was a
bare minimum. To my utter surprise my family was called
in for an interview. I did not even realize then that it was
such a great blessing. In fact, all through the interview,
naïve and foolish that I was, I kept thinking how my other
...but the path can be perilous
friends in the group must feel at being left out of this
SWAMI AND ME
asked Him why this had happened? How could He take narrated this incident vividly in the interview room. You
away my father when I was just barely 15 years old and can imagine our shock and surprise, and my mother had
who would take care of us? not even known about it till then!
The compassionate and patient Lord asked me to be calm Swami then took my hand and said, "That was the day
and listen. He then narrated an incident that had your father's life was to be over. Had he fallen in the
happened earlier that year. He reminded me of how my valley, what would you two girls do? How would you
parents, my sister and I had gone to the sacred Kedarnath manage? That's why Swami pushed him back and
shrine, located amidst the mountains in North India. My extended his life. But now he has work to do with me.
brother had not joined us on this pilgrimage as he was Does that answer your why? And you ask me who will
training for his job at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher take care of you. Then I promise you that I will always
Medical Sciences then. When we reached the foot of the take care of you.” He turned to my mother and said, “I
mountains, my mother stayed back as she felt unwell and will take care of everything. Your son is with me; don't
my dad went up the mountains on a pony while my sister worry about him. I will perform both your girls'
and I trekked half way up and then took a pony for the weddings…you will never feel his absence".
rest of the climb. My dad was already there when we With those precious, comforting and consoling words, He
reached our destination and the moment we met, he told explained to us the harsh reality of our life and the finality
us that something very strange had happened on his of the death that had left us devastated. Every birth is
journey up. subject to death, we realized and that we should not only
be prepared for this ultimate truth, but face it with
courage, as God is our true Father. Even in our moment of
loss, what profound life lessons we received from Him!
His Word and Will are Unalterable!

Swami also very
graciously gave me
permission to join the
school at Puttaparthi
for my 11th grade.
Accordingly, I sat for
The ponies there are trained to trek the narrow, slippery the entrance exam.
and steep path in the mountains; most of the time their H o w e v e r, to my
guides don't even have to handle them. It's a slim winding disappointment, the
trail carved along the circumference of the mountain and combination of
on its other side is the deep valley …almost bottomless subjects I wanted to
with a sheer drop of 8000 feet. The pony on which my pursue was not
Dad was riding was close to the edge and then in an available in the girls'
unguarded moment, the pony lost its balance and school and I was offered another course combination.
slipped and it was all set to fall in the deep valley with Since I first hesitated and then finally decided to accept
my Dad on it. At that very moment, Dad felt as if what was offered, my admission was not assured. Upset
somebody physically pushed him and the pony back at the unexpected turn of events, I spent a restless night,
on the road. When I and my sister heard the account, we angry with my brother for having put me through this
were relieved that a possible disaster had been averted ordeal and expressed my intention to go back to
and then we completely forgot about it …till Swami Hyderabad. The only advice that my brother gave me was
A LIFETIME OF LOVE
to wait for one more day and trust Swami. My brother's daughters' weddings. He personally supervised and
conviction and trust in Swami made me stay back that arranged my sister's wedding in Puttaparthi, looking after
day. I am glad I did as I learnt the most powerful lesson every aspect from the date and venue of the marriage to
that Swami's Word and Will are unalterable and He the minutest details about the traditional nadaswaram
always stands by His Word no matter what the music, the menu and so on. He even sent one of His cars,
circumstances are. decorated with roses, to transport the bride and groom
Next day in Darshan Swami came out of the mandir and to the marriage hall. The day before the designated date,
went straight to my brother and the following exchange He personally performed their wedding in a private
took place: ceremony, chanting the mantras while my brother-in-law

tied the necklace that Swami materialized, to solemnize
Swami to my brother: "Seat mil gaya?" (Did she get
their wedding, and said, "This is your true marriage;
accepted?)
tomorrow you marry for the world". He has also
My brother: "No Swami".
fulfilled my sister's wish that Swami provide her with her
Swami to Headmistress aunty: "Why Srinivas's sister
mangalasutra, the necklace worn as a symbol of marriage
didn't get a seat?"
in Hindu culture. It was truly a dream wedding.
Aunty: "We gave her the seat, but she refused it.”
“See! I Always keep My promises!”
Swami back to my brother: "Why did she refuse the
A couple of months before my wedding, He granted
seat?”
mother and me an interview. My mother expressed her
My brother: "Swami she wanted Math and they gave concern about my fiancé Partha and I having frequent
Commerce, and then she said she will take anything but disagreements and asked Swami to take care of us and
they asked her to go." grant us more patience and restraint. Swami just smiled
Swami to Headmistress aunty: "Give her what she and told my Mom one incident, confirming His
wants". omniscience beyond belief.
After the Lord of the Universe had settled the matter

personally, He went about His regular Darshan round that
morning. Witnessing His concern for my petty
stubbornness, I was moved to tears. I saw Him go from
my brother to Headmistress aunty, back and forth trying
to sort my situation … just because I cried the previous
night and asked Him to do something for me in the
morning or I was never coming back there. I was so
dumbfounded and humbled by His immediate
intervention and response to my prayer. Even
Headmistress aunty said how lucky I was that Swami
thought about me and my small problem and paid One day, Partha and I had had a disagreement. I went to
such detailed attention to my wishes. By the way, I got sleep very upset and disheartened. As soon as I fell asleep,
my preferred subject group which until then was Swami came in my dream. He took me in His arms and
available only at the boys' school! cradled me like a mother. He held me as a mother holds a
child all night and didn't say a word. Next morning I woke
Truly a Dream Wedding!
up feeling overwhelmed by His love. However I didn't say
From then on, He has showered so much love on our
anything to my mother as I did not want her to know the
family and answered our every prayer, including my
background and be concerned. I mentioned it only to
mother's ardent wish that He perform both her
SWAMI AND ME
Partha and we were both sorry about the fight and so day of our lives.
touched by Swami's concern. After all these months, in Swami called us for an interview and He showered so
the interview, Swami narrated this entire dream to much love on Partha, gave him so many gifts… it felt to
Mom and said, "You need not tell me to take care. I me that He was trying to put to rest all my doubts about
know more than you know about what is happening Him being upset with us. He made us feel so loved and
with her and I will always be there, just like I was there accepted in a way that only He can. He created a beautiful
for her that night. They will be fine; you don't worry." chain for me and asked Partha to tie it around my neck.
Needless to say we were overjoyed at Swami's love for us And then Swami pronounced our wedding vows. A year
and awed by His all-knowing nature. into our marriage, we were married yet again and my
My wedding was also held in Puttaparthi. However, dream of a perfect wedding, the way I saw it happen for
Swami was away at Bangalore at that time. He had earlier my sister….was coming true for me.
presented us both with wedding clothes. After the
wedding, we went to Whitefield and He blessed us with
padanamaskar. Subsequently, we made many visits to
Puttaparthi but never got an interview. Somewhere at the
back of our minds it was troubling both my husband and I
that Swami had not spoken to us as a couple yet. Finally
after a year or so one day, I held His photograph and cried
and told Him that I can't take His silence any longer and
He should show me in some way that He is not angry with
me.
In less than a week my brother called up with some great

Swami with Mrs. Padmini Hundy
news. My mother had just then returned from the USA (sitting down) and her family
and had gone straight to Puttaparthi to have Swami's
He then told my mother "See! I always keep My
Darshan and spend some time with my brother. I was to
promises. Now I saw to the wedding of both your
go and get her back to Hyderabad in a week. That day in
girls. You don't worry about anything I will always be
Darshan Swami spoke to my mother and asked her if I was
with you all."
coming to Puttaparthi to take her. My mom said yes and
What more could anyone ask for…..He has given us a
Swami said "Good, ask her to come". I was thrilled with
lifetime of love and all He wants in return, and I quote His
the news and after that day Swami asked my mother the
own words to me: "Swami does not want anything from
same question for rest of the week! My Mom would call
you bangaru. Just be a perfect daughter, a perfect
and say everybody is so astonished, because He keeps
daughter-in-law, let your in-laws always be proud about
asking, "Is she coming, is she coming?" I couldn't wait to
getting Swami's child as a daughter-in-law. Be a good
go to Puttaparthi. My husband was planning to visit his
wife and be a good mother."
parents, so he was leaving for Orissa the same day as I was
And that my dear friends is all that Swami ever asks from
to depart for Puttaparthi. A day prior, Swami asked my
each of us…To be the best we can be, to do the best we
brother if Partha was coming with me. My brother replied
can do. For everything else, He is there to take care.
in the negative. When he told me so, I took it as a hint. It
took some convincing to bring my husband to
Puttaparthi as he was eagerly looking forward to seeing
his parents. But finally, with Swami's Grace we both came
to Puttaparthi and to this day we count it as the luckiest
SWAMI AND ME GET INSPIRED
wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION causing Li-Li's poor husband great distress.
Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law's bad

A long time ago in China, a girl named Li-Li got married
temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to
and went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a
do something about it. Li-Li went to see her father's good
very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn't get along
friend, Mr. Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the
with her mother-in-law at all.
situation and asked if he would give her some poison so
that she could solve the problem once and for all. Mr.
Huang thought for a while, and finally said, “Li-Li, I will
help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me
and obey what I tell you.” Li-Li said, "Yes, Mr. Huang, I will
do whatever you tell me to do."
Mr. Huang went into the back room, and returned in a
few minutes with a package of herbs. He told Li-Li, "You
can't use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-
in-law, because that would cause people to become

Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was suspicious.
angered by many of her mother-in-law's habits. In
addition, she criticized Li-Li constantly. Days and weeks
passed and Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped
arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even
worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition,
Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every
Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will
slowly build up poison in her body. Every other day
prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these
herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that
nobody suspects you when she dies, you must be very
001 Heart2Heart - Radio Sai's

Heart2Heart e-Journal,
- Radio July 2007January
Sai's e-Journal, (Vol. 5,2007
Issue(Vol.
7) 5, Issue 1) www.radiosai.org
www.radiosai.org 123
GET INSPIRED PPPPPPPPPP
careful to act very friendly towards her. Don't argue with
her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen." Li-Li
was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home
to start her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.
Months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served the
specially treated food to her mother-in-law. She
remembered what Mr. Huang had said about avoiding
suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her
mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother.
help again. She said, "Dear Mr. Huang, please help me to
keep the poison from killing my mother-in-law! She's
changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my
own mother. I do not want her to die because of the
poison I gave her."
Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head. "Li-Li, there's

After six months had passed, the whole household had nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The
changed. Li-Li had practiced controlling her temper so herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The
much that she found that she almost never got mad or only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward
upset. She hadn't had an argument with her mother-in- her, but that has been all washed away by the love which
law in six months because she now seemed much kinder you gave to her."
and easier to get along with.
Swami says, “If there is any defect in your Love, it should
The mother-in-law's attitude toward Li-Li changed, and be removed only through Love. Love begets Love. Love
she began to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept can be understood only through Love... Transform your
telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best entire life into a saga of Love. You will then lack nothing to
daughter-in-law one could ever find. Li-Li and her mother- make you happy. All wealth and position will be added
in-law were now treating each other like a real mother unto you, for Love conquers all!”
and daughter. Li-Li's husband was very happy to see what
- Adapted from “Islamic stories”.
was happening.
Illustrations: Ms Vidya, Kuwait
One day, Li-Li came to see Mr. Huang and asked for his – Heart2Heart Team
SWAMI AND ME REPENTANCE AND REWARD
priests commenced the 'abhishekha'. Though the King
REPENTANCE AND REWARD was again informed about the puja being performed, he
did not pay heed to it, passionately playing the game of
dice.
Once upon a time there lived a King by name Satvika who
ruled Puri Kshetra (the pilgrim town of Puri in East India).
He was deeply devoted to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord
Krishna worshipped in Puri). This King, who was highly
learned, was unequalled in debates and ruled the
Kingdom in a righteous way. He had but one bad habit -
he was obsessed with the game of dice. However much
he tried he could not give up this bad habit.
The priests performed 'Alankara' (decoration),

'nivedanam' (offering of food), and 'karpoora harati'
(showing lighted camphor). But, the King was still playing
the game of dice. Going to where the King sat, the temple
priests requested him to accept the 'prasad'. Turning the
dice with his right hand the King extended his left hand to
receive the 'prasad'. It has been said in the scriptures that
the Lord's 'prasad' should be received in all humility and
devotion. Since the King failed to receive the 'prasad' in
this manner and had indifferently extended his left hand
Once, King Satvika, along with his courtiers, went to the
(which is considered disrespectful), the priests went back
Temple to have Darshan of Lord Jagannath. At the time he
without giving him the 'prasad'. After a long time the
went to the Temple the screen had been drawn across the
game of dice came to an exciting close and returning to
Sanctum Sanctorum. King Satvika sat on the 'prakara'
his normal state the King learnt that the puja to the Lord
(corridor running outside and around the Sanctum
was over and 'prasad' had been distributed.
Sanctorum) and began to play the game of dice with his
Minister. The King questioned the priests, "Why did you not inform
me when the screen was opened?" The priests explained
The screen was opened and the Temple priests came up to
to him, "At every stage of the puja we invited you. But,
King Satvika and informed him that the 'abhisheka'
you did not come, as you were playing the game of dice.
(ritual) was about to be performed. But, he turned a deaf
Moreover, when we came up to you to offer the 'prasad'
ear to it as he was excitedly playing the game of dice. As
you extended your left hand. As receiving the 'prasad' in
the wait for the presence of the King went in vain, the
the left hand and giving the 'prasad' to one who receives it

Issue(Vol.
GET INSPIRED
in this manner is verily a sin we did not give you the

'prasad'.” Realizing his fault the King said to the priests,
"You have indeed acted in the right way!"
The King deeply regretted playing dice at the temple

instead of worshipping the Lord and also for holding out
his left hand for receiving the 'prasad'. He was unable to
eat or sleep. He was eaten with remorse that one who had
to set an example for the people of his Kingdom had
acted so sinfully. He decided to cut off his hand by way of
punishing himself. Since he had played the game of dice committed.
with the Minister he decided to ask the Minister to cut off
Everyone wondered at the devotion and righteousness of
his hand and informed him. The Minister was totally
the King on learning about this incident. Some time
shaken by this and refused to carry it out. The Minister
passed and one day the King went to have Darshan of
advised him, "It is enough if you seek the Lord's
Lord Jagannath. That day, after the puja when the priests
forgiveness from the bottom of your heart!" But, the King
came to him to offer the 'prasad', King Satvika tried to
was unable to accept this advice.
receive it with both his hands. A miracle occurred when
One day, when the Minister had forgotten about this by the Grace of Lord Jagannath the King's right hand was
matter the King said to the Minister, "Oh! Minister! For restored!
some time now I have been unable to sleep at nights.
Deeply touched by the compassion of the Lord, the King
Through the window a hand seems to appear into my
said, "I came here today with a decision to give up my life,
room and wave out. I think that this might be the work of
as losing the right hand is not enough for the wrong done
some ghost!" The Minister thought for a while and said
by me. But, oh! Lord! What compassion you have even
that he would stay that night in the King's room and find
towards a wicked person like me?" and fell in prostration
out. The King said to the minister, "If you see that hand
to Lord Jagannath.
tonight cut it off. Only then can it be known if it is the
work of a ghost or that of a thief." Agreeing to this From that day King Satvika undertook the service of the
suggestion the Minister, holding a sword in his hand, Lord and His devotees as his duty and finally merged with
stayed awake in the King's room that night. Just as the Lord Jagannath.
King had said a hand appeared through the window.
- Courtesy: Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas, January 2007
Without any delay the Minister cut that hand down.
Illustrations: Sai Aditya, SSSU

The Minister was shocked to find the King's ring on the
finger of the hand and rushing out of the room he found – Heart2Heart Team
the King standing there bleeding. Only then did he

understand the King's motive in asking him to cut of the
'ghost hand'. Though writhed in pain the King was happy
that he had been punished for the wrong he had
SWAMI AND ME YOU HAVE COME TO THE WRONG ADDRESS
of struggles, a saga of pain and suffering.
YOU HAVE COME TO THE "And yet," continued the Rabbi, "he always wears a lovely
WRONG ADDRESS smile! He is a wonderful human being. You must go to
him and ask him to answer your question."
A Rabbi was delivering lectures on the Torah, the sacred The students were amazed to hear of this brave man. In a
Hebrew scripture, to a few young Jewish students. group, they went and knocked at his door. The door was
opened by the man himself, moving briskly in a wheel
chair. He welcomed the young students cordially and
asked them the purpose of their visit...
"Sir, it's this text we are discussing in Class," said one of

them hesitantly. "It's all about how one must smile amidst
the greatest difficulties in life.
One day, in the course of their studies, they came across a

line which said, "The truly evolved person is he, who
continues to smile in the midst of the greatest of
difficulties." The young students had a problem accepting
this statement at its face value. "If we are truly in difficulty,
how is it possible for us to smile under such conditions?"
they asked the Rabbi. The Rabbi took off his spectacles
The Rabbi told us that you were the best person to talk
and looked at his young pupils thoughtfully. "To be
to." "Tell us please, sir," added another. "How do you
perfectly honest with you," he said, "I myself cannot
continue to smile amidst so much suffering and pain?"
answer that question. The truth is that I, too, cannot smile
The old man was genuinely surprised. "I'm afraid you have
when I am in the midst of difficulties. At such moments I
come to the wrong address", he said. "I am 73 years old,
seem to forget how to smile." Silence prevailed in the
and in all these years, I have never had to face any
class, as the teacher and the students pondered over the
difficulty. The Lord has always been good to me, and
issue.
protected me in His mercy. How can I teach you how to
The Rabbi continued after a pause, "However, I believe
smile in the midst of difficulties?" This was a man who
there is someone who can give you the answer."
lived in close proximity with God!
He proceeded to tell his students of an old man who lived
in their city, not far from the synagogue. He had been an Illustrations: Varun Vats, SSSU
abandoned child- an orphan. When he grew up, he had – Heart2Heart Team

lost both his legs in an accident. His life had been a series

Issue(Vol.
b. The belief in the infallibility of the Pope.

c. Classes on Christian belief.
MULTI-FAITH QUIZ
d. The Pope's inauguration ceremony.
1. Please fill in the blanks (which is the same word 5. In the Ramayana what was the bad omen that
repeated four times) in these lines, penned by Ravana exhibited when he learned that Rama's
Bhagavan Baba in Prasanthi Vahini. army was outside his city's gates?
When the person engaged in dhyana, forgets a. Ravana roared through all his ten throats.
both himself and the fact that he is engaged in b. Ravana slipped and fell.
dhyana, then it becomes _____. That is to say,
c. Ravana choked on his food.
when he is merged in the thing he meditates
d. Ravana fainted.
on, he enters into the stage called _____.
Dhyana fulfils itself, becomes complete, in
_____. Dhyana strives, proceeds through effort, 6. Which religion uses the holy book, the Tao Te
but _____ comes effortlessly. It is the Ching as its main scripture?
culmination of the eightfold discipline, the a. Confucianism
Ashtanga.
b. Zoroastrianism
a. Dharana
c. Shinto
b. Yoga
d. Taoism
c. Samadhi
d. Prema
7. Swami describes three levels of mantras for the
use of sadhakas. The first level fills one with the
2. 30th July 2007 is known as Dharma day for feeling that 'I am Your servant'. The second is 'So
Buddhists. What does this festival Hum' which diminishes the individuality. What
commemorate? is the final mantra?
a. The occasion when Lord Buddha left the a. Om
comforts of his palace. b. Om Namah Shivaya
b. The occasion when Lord Buddha preached his c. Sai Ram
first sermon.
d. Hare Krishna
c. The occasion when Lord Buddha defeated a
learned brahmin in debate.
8. Who was the founder of the Hare Krishna
d. The occasion of Lord Buddha's mahasamadhi,
movement?
or passing away to Nirvana.
a. Swami Nikhilananda
b. Swami Muktananada
3. To whom in the following list of great
personages does Bhagavan give the appellation c. Meher Baba
of the greatest of the Santha-bhakthas (peace- d. Swami Prabhupada
filled devotees)?
a. Bhishma 9. What does Bhagavan state is a hindrance to
b. Mira realizing God for the sadhaka?
c. Radha a. Eating sweets.
d. Lakshmana b. The householder's life.
c. Body consciousness.
4. In Christianity what does the word catechism d. Sleeping in the afternoon.
mean? It is -
a. An underground chamber used for burial.
SWAMI AND ME TEST YOUR SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT
10. In Islam what does the Arabic word 'adhan' refer 3. ANSWER A: Bhishma
to? This is -
a. The head of the mosque.
b. The call to prayer.
c. Someone who writes out the Koran.
d. The name of the robe that Muslims wear.
ANSWERS
1. ANSWER C: Samadhi
Bhagavan goes on to state:
When one knows that there is absolutely no iota of
Commenting on this great bhaktha, Swami exhorts us:
distinction between the Jiva and the Atma, that they are
one and the same, then it is the highest samadhi. It is the Remember Bhishma! Though prostrate on a bed of
fruit of ripest dhyana, the dearest moment of Yogis, the arrows, he bore the pain patiently, waiting the dawn of
destroyer of ajnana, the signal of the Grace of God. the auspicious moment. He never called out to God in his
Incessant thirst to know the Atman as all, is worthy to be agony, asking Him to put an end to his suffering. “I shall
encouraged and welcomed, for, it is the path through bear everything, whatever the pain, however long the
which all doubts can be eliminated… Samadhi is as the agony. I shall be silent until the moment comes. Take me
ocean to which all sadhana flows. when it dawns,” he said. For Bhishma was the chief
among the Santha-bhakthas. He lay firm and
The seven streams of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama,
unshakeable.
Prathyahara, Dharana and Dhyana all find their
consummation in it. - (Prasanthi Vahini p 12-13)
- (Prasanthi Vahini p87-88)

2. ANSWER B: The occasion when Lord Buddha 4. ANSWER C: Classes on Christian belief
preached his first sermon. Catechism is a class or manual on the basics of Christian
doctrine and practice, usually as a precursor to
confirmation or baptism. Catechisms normally include
lessons on the creeds, the Lord's Prayer and the Ten
Commandments, as well as the Hail Mary in Roman
Catholicism.
5. ANSWER A: Ravana roared through all his

ten throats
This event is related to us by Bhagavan as follows:
Very soon, news reached Ravana that the enemy was at
the gate. Though possessed of ten throats, Ravana was
Soon after he realized full enlightenment, Lord Buddha
using only one throat so far to communicate with others;
wanted to share his discovery with the five monks with
but now he roared through all the ten, in anger and hate.
whom he had previously practiced asceticism. In his great
He did not remember that it was a bad omen to speak
compassion he wanted to help his friends find the path to
through the ten throats! There was a curse laid on him
liberation. So his very first sermon as the Buddha was to
long ago, that when he spoke through all the ten his end
these five monks at a grove near Sarnath called Deer Park.
would draw near. Within a few seconds of the roar, he
This discourse is called Setting in Motion the Dharma
recollected
Wheel and delineates on the Four Noble Truths and the
the curse and was frightened at the fact. But however
Eightfold Path.
much he attempted to control the other throats, his voice
came out of all the ten. The Rakshasas who noted this

Issue(Vol.
strange occurrence inferred that his destruction was mantra. There are many Hare Krishna temples all over the
imminent, now that Rama and his Vanara armies had world.
entered Lanka.
- (Ramakatha Rasavahini - II p 182-3) 9. ANSWER C: Body consciousness
Swami explains this as follows:
6. ANSWER D: Taoism Of one thing, be certain. So long as the delusion that one
An excerpt from the Tao Te Ching is as follows: is the body is not cast aside, God cannot be realised;
The Tao is (like) the emptiness of a vessel; and in our however far one may wander, whatever the number of
employment of it we must be on our guard against all Gurus one might select and serve. Stick to that delusion
fullness. How deep and unfathomable it is, as if it were and all the Dhyana (meditation), all the Japam (repetition
the Honoured Ancestor of all things! We should blunt our of name of God), all the waters of all the Holy Theerthams
sharp points, and unravel the complications of things; we (Sacred Waters, pilgrim centres) that you bathe in, cannot
should modify our brightness, and bring ourselves into win success for you! All your effort is as useless as trying
agreement with the obscurity of others. How pure and to bale out water with a vessel riddled with leaks.
still the Tao is, as if it would ever so continue! I do not - (Geetha Vahini p108-9)
know whose son it is. It might appear to have been before 10. ANSWER B: The call to prayer
God.
- (Tao Te Ching, chapter 4)
7. ANSWER A: Om
Swami explains this as follows:
Pe r s o n s w h o h a v e
attained a higher stage
believe that they are
jeevis (distinct
individuals). For these,
the manthra can be
"Soham" (I am He) so
that the sense of Adhan is the Islamic call to prayer. It is recited by the
distinctness can be muezzin (prayer caller) from the minaret of a mosque five
eliminated. In fact even times a day. An English translation of the prayer goes as
this manthra has a face of distinction, for it posits an "I" follows:
and a "He."' How can this manthra lead one to the Allah is the greatest.
awareness of the one? The next higher stage is the I bear witness there is no god but Allah.
Aathmic. When man reaches this level of consciousness,
I bear witness Muhammad is the Prophet of God.
the idea of 'I' as different from 'He' disappears. That is to
Make haste to prayer; Make haste to welfare.
say, So (He) and Aham (I) fade away and Soham is
elevated into OM. OM or Pranava is the Manthra for Prayer is better than sleep.God is most great.
persons conscious of the Aathma in them. There is no god but Allah.
- (Divine Discourse 14th June 1983)
8. ANSWER D: Swami Prabhupada
The Hare Krishna movement was founded by A.C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977), upon his
arrival to America from India in 1965. His mission was to
encourage people to worship Lord Krishna and the
movement is famous for propagating the Hare Krishna
SWAMI AND ME QUIZ ON HEART 2 HEART
b. Two angels arrived carrying food.
QUIZ ON HEART 2 HEART c. Swami asked the lady to go into her garden
where she found a tray of food.
d. Swami waved his hand and created some
We now bring you a quiz to test your recall power flowers with which she was able to garland
from reading Heart2Heart. Please refer to the links to Him.
find out the full stories.
1. In our September 2005 edition, we informed 3. In June 1 2004, we carried the cover story 'God's
you about an incident related by Mrs Geeta Own Children' concerning Sathya Sai
Mohan Ram when she was an eight year old Deenajanoddharana, the orphanage run by
child. Her grandmother was fearful about an Swami, in Puttaparthi. In which year did Swami
impending eye operation, and mentioning this inaugurate this institution?
to Swami on the telephone she asked for a. 2004
Vibhuti. What happened next?
b. 2003
a. Swami made Vibhuti appear from the
c. 2001
telephone.
d. 2002
b. Swami appeared in the room and gave the
grandmother Vibhuti.
4. In our April 1 2004 cover story, 'Sai Leela', you
c. Vibhuti immediately started flowing from
will be able to find many entrancing and
one of the family's pictures of Bhagavan.
astonishing leelas, as recorded by old-time
d. The grandmother found Vibhuti in her purse.
devotees. One such occurred when Swami went
to the Chitravarti sands and presented Himself
2. In our July 1 2004 cover story, 'The Perfect to the devotees first as the scorching Sun and
Disciple: The Story of John S Hislop', we carried then as the freezing moon! In what form did the
the following episode as related by Mr Hislop: Lord appear next? As -
One time, Swami went to Madras and arrived a. Lord Shiva
unexpectedly at the house of His hostess. You b. Sathya Sai with a Third Eye
know, when the Avatar come to visit your
c. Lord Krishna
house, I am sure you would want to have
d. Shirdi Sai
something with which to greet Him some
flowers or a tray of food or something to the
welcome the Lord to your house. That was the 5. In our cover story from March 1 2004, 'With
case with this hostess too. Swami came to the Baba to Badrinath', we carried Swami's epoch-
door and knocked. The hostess answered, saw making trip to this Himalayan shrine, the
Swami standing there, and exclaimed, “Oh highlight of which was Swami's creation of the
Swami, Swami, I am so happy to see You. But Jyothirlinga and its installation in the shrine. In
Swami, You didn't tell me that you were coming, which year did this take place?
and I don't have anything to welcome you with. a. 1972
I don't have flowers or fruit. I don't have
b. 1961
anything.” The poor lady was quite distraught.
c. 1958
So Swami said, “Don't worry, don't worry.”
d. 1969
What happened next?
a. Swami asked the lady to take her time to cook a
meal and returned later.

Issue(Vol.
ANSWERS those young children. He listened to their songs with rapt

attention, patted them and blessed them profusely. Later
in the year, on 22nd November 2002, the annual
1. ANSWER A: Swami made Vibhuti
convocation of SSSIHL, Bhagavan handed over a cheque
appear from the telephone.
of sixty lakhs to Sri Paramahansa, the project in charge, in
The story as related by Mrs Geeta Mohan Ram is as
the presence of the president of India Shri A P J Abdul
follows:
Kalam. The money was to be used, Bhagavan declared,
On the other side Swami said that His blessings are with for making a fixed deposit of one lakh rupees in the name
her; but then my grandmother replied, “Your blessings of each boy!
are there but I want your Vibhuti, without it how can I
go.” That was the kind of personal love she had for Him.
Swami says, “You can demand. I am your mother.” So I 4. ANSWER B: Sathya Sai with a Third Eye.
think He said to give the phone to me, and then He said, The account is as follows:
“Geetha, do you find a piece of paper anywhere there.” I We now began to wonder what miracle He would
said, “Yes, Swami.” “Put it near the phone.” So I put the perform next, when He announced: “I shall show you the
telephone down and there came a mound of Vibhuti onto Third Eye. Watch attentively.” “Third Eye?! How does it
the paper, enough for the whole month! I knew that the look?” we wondered. Swami's body was not visible but
phone service does not provide such things, so I was His head appeared gigantic, as if stretched across the
surprised! And then Swami said very sweetly in Telugu entire sky. Bewildered and stupefied, we stared at the sky.
“Vachinda? (Did you get it?) Give it to the old woman - An orifice appeared on Swami's forehead between His
she will be very happy.” two eyebrows; and fiery sparks issued from that opening.
We were dazzled by the brilliance of those sparks. We
were also scared. More than being afraid about ourselves,
2. ANSWER B: Two angels arrived carrying
we were worried about what might happen to Swami.
food.
The sparks continued to gush out. Meanwhile, many had
The story continues:
fallen down unconscious, and we did not know why these
Then He turned around and beckoned at the car. Out of people had fainted. That made us even more scared.
the car came two angels with wings, carrying a big silver
tray, loaded with fruit and flowers and everything the
5. ANSWER B: 1961
hostess would need to welcome Swami. The angels
brought this tray up to the house and gave it to the The account of the aforementioned incident begins thus:
hostess. Then Swami turned to the angels and waved 17th June was a Day of Days, a Day that will be enshrined
them back to the car. They floated back to the car, folded in the memory of everyone in the party, for years and
their wings, got into the car, and disappeared! years. In pursuance of His Mission of re-infusing spiritual
efficacy in all Holy Places where men congregate for
acquiring peace and joy, a Mission which took Him
3. ANSWER D: 2002
recently to Ayodhya, Kasi and Prayag, Baba that day
The circumstances of the inauguration were as follows:
reinvigorated Narayana worship at Badrinath, by means
On June 19th 2002, the festival of Gurupurnima, Swami of a unique cermony, whose significance is beyond our
inaugurated the fully completed Sathya Sai Nagar. The tiny understanding!
grateful boys sang songs of gratitude while the mothers
watched them from a distance with tears in their eyes.
Bhagavan himself was totally lost in the innocent love of
SWAMI AND ME PHOTO GALLERY

Issue(Vol.
PHOTO GALLERY
SWAMI AND ME PHOTO GALLERY
Of the Ultimate

Issue(Vol.
HEALING TOUCH
hospital in Kakinada, a town in the East Godavari District

NEW VISION, NEW LIFE in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The doctors there promptly advised a Radiology
examination. What the CT scan revealed, devastated
“Eight months ago, one evening I was returning home Sarweswar and his family. He had a brain tumour. The
from work, and suddenly I was gripped with a never- hospital in Kakinada was ill-equipped to handle such
before-felt pain in my head. I also started vomiting. After cases and the doctors referred him to the Nizam Institute
few minutes, the pain did stop, only to recur after 10 of Medical Sciences (NIMS), a reputed Government
days,” says the thirty-eight year old Varanasi Sarwesvar medical university located in the capital city of
Sharma. Hyderabad.
“I am a farmer,” continues the frail-looking father of three But Sarweswar was too worried. He knew it would cost a
daughters aged eleven, eight and five years. “I did not fortune and for a farmer like him it was unthinkable. It
have the time to go to the hospital; I cannot afford to go; I was at this time that destiny decided to come to his
cannot wait long hours as it generally happens in any rescue in form of a kind hearted nurse. The gentle lady
hospital. So I started taking Homeopathy pills, but as days seeing his plight intervened and informed Sarweswar of
passed my condition only got worse. For some the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences at
inexplicable reason, my vision started deteriorating, and I Whitefield. The moment he heard that it was free hospital
had to start wearing spectacles,” Sarweswar recalls the which specializes in Brain Surgery, Sarweswar wasted no
troublesome days of his trauma. But this was only the time.
beginning.
Sarweswar's life was a sorry state...
On February 1st, 2007 Sarwesvar arrived at Bhagavan's

Hospital with his brother for a checkup and was
immediately admitted. A series of blood test and
radiological investigations followed. The doctors'
impression of the scan read:
The Terrible Trauma “It is a well defined rim enhancing heterogeneous
On January 29, 2007, at 10:30 PM when he was lying on
intensity lesion, widening the sellar and suprasellar
his bed, Sarweswar says, “I got a wake up call - an
region, measuring 3.4 x 3 x 4.3cms. It is compressing the
excruciating headache which lasted for four long hours,
optic chiasma and displacing the right internal carotid
and thereafter I could not open my right eye lid at all! I
artery (ICA) around it. Areas of different hemorrhages are
lost vision in my left eye.” It was the most dreadful day of
seen within the lesion.
his life. He felt utterly helpless and was worried like never
In simple words, it meant, it was Pituitary tumor
before. His brother immediately took him to a private
SWAMI AND ME NEW VISION, NEW LIFE
(abnormal growth of the cells in the Pituitary gland

located at the base of the brain) accompanied with
bleeding. This condition caused an increase in pressure
leading to compression of the optic nerve resulting in
visual deterioration and drowsiness and finally blindness.
The Gift of Sight

On the very next day of his arrival into Swami's hospital
(that is, February 2, 2007), he was wheeled into the
operation theatre and the doctors explored trans-nasally
and the tumor was decompressed. It was a smooth
surgery; Lord's Grace on Sarweswar was abundant. On
the 8th day after the surgery, Sarweswar began to see
again. His joy knew no bounds! It was like being reborn
again, and this precious gift of new life was offered to
him absolutely free and with lots of love in a world which
everyday exemplifies that 'there is no free lunch'.
Just like a lotus in a sordid pond, this Hospital right from
its inception has been 'out of this world' by living and and diligently settle down on his favourite spot on the
demonstrating principles which are considered utopian terrace of the house with his books. It did the same few
by the modern man. It is a testimony to the power of months ago on March 1, 2007 too but what followed
selfless love. Bhagavan Baba says, “Love does not watch next on this fateful day was very disturbing.
through the eyes; it knows the heart. Love does not hear From Delight to Depression
through the ears; it listens with peace. Love does not talk He felt a sudden throbbing in his head and started to
with words; it talks with compassion.” And right from its vomit. Hearing his screams his father, mother and sister
inception in January 19, 2001, this 'Temple of Healing” ran up to the terrace and to their horror he was lying there
has done only this. unconscious. The distraught family carried him to the
Three months later when Sarweswar walked into the nearby government hospital in their village. The doctors
Neuro Out-Patient Department with a big smile on his there administered some drug and he recovered soon.
face, a Sai Volunteer working at the hospital asked him, The family was relieved and returned home, their hearts
“How are you?” He joyfully said, 'Fit and Fine'. And lightened and minds calm.
Sarweswar is just one of the many that walk into this But their peace would not last long. After twenty days, on
hallowed hospital every day irrespective of religion, April 21, 2007, Rajkumar had a second episode of this
region, caste or class differences. To quote another mysterious headache and vomiting. This time his father
instance, here is the case of Rajkumar, who is nearly half took him to a private hospital in Kolapur, a prosperous
of Sarweswar's age, in the prime of his youth. city in the neighboring state of Maharastra.
A CT scan of the brain done here revealed a blood vessel
Rajkumar - His Father's Prince
abnormality called 'Aneurysm'. The family sunk in despair.
A young handsome boy, Rajkumar S. Korale, is his father's
Aneurysm, in layman terms, is a bleb or bulge in the
favourite son doing his second year in the Industrial
artery. A cerebral aneurysm is a bulge in the artery in the
Training Institute, in Bijapur, a city which is also the
brain. It can be fatal if the 'bulge' in the blood vessel
district headquarters of the eponymous district in the
ruptures causing a brain hemorrhage. The doctor did not
state of Karnataka. Nothing gave more happiness to Mr.
mince words, he said, “Your son's life is poised on a razor's
Korale than seeing his son blossom into a qualified young
edge. He needs to undergo immediate surgery which is
man. He spent all his earnings from working in the fields
both expensive and complicated.”
in his village in educating his son. And Rajkumar too
When the doctor mentioned to Rajkumar's father the
responded beautifully by being an earnest student. Every
approximate cost of the surgery (about Rs 1 1.5 lakh), he
afternoon he would return from college, have his lunch
stood motionless. He was too shocked to even think.

Issue(Vol.
HEALING TOUCH
aneurysm was successfully clipped using a

Titanium implant.
“Now I know God is very loving” -

Rajkumar's Father
The surgery, like every other done at this
Hospital by Swami's dedicated surgeons,
was a success and Rajkumar recovered
remarkably. While walking out of the
Hospital after few days of stay, the
emotional father said, “Thanks to God and
the Medical Team that saved my son's life.
I have always believed in God, but now I
Sri Sathya Super Specialty Hospital (SSSIHMS) in Whitefield
know that He is very loving”. For the
When he regained composure, he knew he has only one hospital staff there is no other greater joy
option or rather actually no option left. He cried out than seeing Rajkumar, now with his rediscovered
within, “Dear God, why do You want to take him so early, youthful exuberance and his father's faith in the almighty
when he wants to live? You know I have spent all my more strengthened now than ever.
earnings all these years in trying to put him in college and
get a decent education, now where do I go for this huge
amount. Please have mercy on me. Please let him live.” His
predicament was heart-breaking to say the least. It was
like somebody was now mercilessly taking away from him
the very inspiration of his life, the dream for which he had
toiled nights and days converting his blood into sweat.
The Divine Steps in

Whether it was an amazing coincidence or the inscrutable
ways of the divine, that same day a friend who visited
them said, “There is no need to worry. Haven't you heard
of Sri Sathya Super Specialty Hospital (SSSIHMS) in
Whitefield? They treat such cases and it will be done all
free.” Rajkumar and his father are now dreaming again
Next week the father made the 530 kilometer journey and
Such miracles of pure love are everyday phenomenon in
landed in Swami's Hospital with his son. At first sight, he
this Temple of Healing. Dear reader, we brought you only
was awestruck to see such a big and beautiful building.
two of such moving tales and there are happening in
He could not believe it was a Hospital. The atmosphere
hundreds every single day. The whole magazine would
was so serene, the vibrations so uplifting.
not be sufficient to track the patients who have found
The doctors in Swami's Hospital, after seeing his CT scan
hope, love and light in just one day of the hospital. What
reports, immediately admitted Rajkumar in the
is happening here is phenomenal and it is best we leave it
emergency ward. Routine blood test, urine test, MRI and
your blissful imagination! The power of selfless love is
an angiogram were done and the doctors confirmed that
limitless, we know it. But here, you can see it every day,
it was “Left ICA (Internal Carotid Artery) bifurcation
dawn till dusk.
aneurysm”, meaning, a bulge at a junction point inside
the brain where the artery bifurcates into two. We are grateful to Mrs. Poornima Shirale without whose
On May 4, 2007, the Neuro Surgeons operated on contribution and active support this article would not
Rajkumar. The surgery “Left Pterional Craniotomy”, have been possible.
wherein the brain is explored by opening the top left – Heart2Heart Team
portion of the skull. The surgery lasted six hours and the
SWAMI AND ME YOUR SAY
Sai Ram Brothers & Sisters of the Heart to Heart Team,
FEEDBACK FROM OUR Your article in the June 2007 Issue on Sathya Sai School in
READERS Toronto is inspiring, revealing Swami's Love and Grace.
We are regular readers of your monthly issues and enjoy
feeling the Love of SwamI. Very often tears come down,
Feedback on the Cover Story:
seeing the manner in which SWAMI takes care of all HIS
Canada's Crown Jewel...
children, facing different calamities.
The Sathya Sai School in Toronto
Your Team is doing a wonderful job of bringing more and
Dear H2H team, more awareness of Swami's Mission and our Role and
how HIS devotees are carrying out selfless seva activities
RE: The cover story on
in different parts of the world.
Canada's Crown Jewel
The Sathya Sai School in We thank Swami and your Team Members for connecting
Toronto is an excellent, us with Swami and other members of the Sai Family all
motivating and highly over the world.
inspiring article compiled
S.Pathy
in a very beautiful and
lucid manner. Every
paragraph is conveying a
message which adds
Sai Ram,
value to life as taught by
The Sathya Sai School in Toronto is another jewel from
Swamiji. Thanks for this issue. I have learnt a lot.
H2H web journal to its readers. It is nice to reader about
K.V. Narasimham
its founders, teachers and students experiences on how
Prof & HOD Q.T. / I. T.
their lives have been transformed by the education
Rai Business School Delhi.
provided by this Sai School.
Regards,
Kartik Bhatia
Dear H2H, San Bruno, CA
I am very very happy to see the comprehensive article

about our Sathya Sai School here in Toronto. An excellent
job indeed and we are very blessed to have the school
Sairam,
here in our city. Your write up will inspire millions more to
know Swami and His Divine Teachings. Thank you so It brought tears while going through the inspiring article
much of the Sathya Sai School of Canada. Praying to our Sai to
make each one of us his instruments in making this world
Ever in Sai's Love,
a better place to live
V. Jayaraman
Toronto, Canada Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu,
Ranga

Issue(Vol.
YOUR SAY
Sai Ram, Thank you for your service.
Your article on the Sathya Sai School was superb. I do Om Sai Ram,
volunteer at times at the School and is very pleased to see Joop Sturkenboom,
many details have been captured so well. Holland
Congratulations to the Sathya Sai School on all their
achievements during this short period of 7 years.
Congratulations also goes to Ms Karuna Munshi who has Feedback on the article
done a marvellous job in putting this article together. Her
GREATEST WONDER OF THE WORLD
By Prof G. Venkataraman.
talents and hard work has contributed immensely to the
success of the school. We are all proud of the Sathya Sai Dear Brothers, Sai Ram,
School and our heartfelt thanks goes to the principal and
I enjoyed your article "THE GREATEST WONDER OF THE
staff for their, committment, dedication and selfless
WORLD ' by Dr. Venkataraman, is very inspiring indeed,
sacrifices that they make every single day. May Swami's
because it is all about Swami's interaction with His
divine grace and blessings be with them always.
students - full of love and wisdom. Yes, I would like to
Regards, read more articles like that which brings joy to our heart
Deo Goocool by learning so many things from the students'
experiences with Swami.
Jay Sai Ram,

Feedback on the H2H Special
Ferry KarimiGreece
"He Is My Swami" by Mrs. Padma Kasturi.
Sairam sir,
It is glorious that h2h has made us know the total

freedom Late Kasthrigaru got in the proximity of Lord Yes, Heart2Heart,
Shiva himself. Kasthurigaru got kapalamoksha as he was This was a splendid article/experience/story. I become
an ardent and most liked devotee of Bhagavan. We are more acquainted with Sai Baba how he lived His daily life
grateful to Smt. Padmamma for narrating these among devotees, how He guides and teaches us how to
memorable incidents to the world of Sai, so that coming live, how to live in silence but not in recluse but in the
generations of Sai devotees will see the soul of world, in humility and in His Divine Presence always.I
Kasthurigaru in a different body close to Bhagavan Prem. presently reside in North America. Thank you for your
Sai.Jai Sai Ram, wonderful work and Love and seva.
Yours, Sai Ram,
Krishna Prasad Jutta Benner
Sai Ram Heart2Heart Team,
I want to tell you that I like the transcript of the

conversation with Mrs Kasturi very much. More of these
are indeed inspiring for me!
SWAMI AND ME FEEDBACK FROM OUR READERS
Feedback on Swami and Me formed the World and transformed the Humanity. H2H
“The Source, Sweetness and Sustenance of team is the most blessed one to work as part of His
My life - My Sai” Mission.
by Dr. Narendranath Reddy
Sai Ram,
This is a response to Dr. Reddy's article. Udayasankar
His article describing Swami's loving attention to the Indonesia
whole family was heart warming and reminded me of

Feedback on the article
how much Swami loves us. IS THE WORLD A STAGE? By Dr. Sara Pavan
Thank you for publishing such wonderful stories of our
dear Lord. Sairam Dear brothers,
Very truly, I came across this enlightening article. My humble thanks

Richard Murray to Dr.Sara Pavan for sharing the divine thoughts, it was
like a cool sprinkle to sooth my scorching tears.
Loving Sairam,
Sandhya, Chicago
Dear Sir,
Feedback on the article
This is the type of inspiring article I am always look for THE BLISS OF HIS PRESENCE
and enjoy. By Mr. Maharaj Krishen Kaw
Thanks,
Mridul Barua, Hello there in the Sai Radio,
Toronto, Canada I read the article THE BLISS OF HIS PRESENCE By Mr.
Maharaj Krishen Kaw and was very much moved by how
General Feedback
the divine moved through Swami.
Dear H2H team,
God Bless,
H2H magazine is spreading brilliance and radiance Richard Okello.
around the world since its inception. Quality is so great
Feedback on the article:
that the readers shall not miss any of the articles right
A MOTHER'S AGONY
from editorial to quiz contest.
Dear H2H team,
After getting involved in reading H2H magazine, our
Sunday routine has dramatically changed. Early morning I don't have a personal experience I can share with you but
Sunday bhajan at local Sai Centre automatically drags us. surely I can say that this story, like so many before, is once
Back home, our routine prayers are continued. Thereafter again an overwhelming one. If fills my heart with
sitting in study area, we focus on Sai Radio immense love and joy for God, that in his boundless
simultaneously reading all the articles in H2H magazine. compassion and love for one and all, takes care of those
Prior to the above transformation, our interest was on that seem to have been forgotten by society and even
Sunday TV schedule. Listening to the programmes on Sai God. But HE is there in the darkest moments, not only to
Radio is so soothing to our ears and viewing the Sai rescue us but to fill our hearts with
Videos is so cooling to our eyes. Swami's omni presence is joy and hope. These are the moments our faith gets
felt thru all our senses after the transformation. He strengthened, our hope increases and our wish to share

Issue(Vol.
YOUR SAY
our joy with our fellow men is born and growing. The Om Sai Ram H2H Team,
longing for God and the love given to us by the all
This e-mail is just to say: I am so glad to receive your
pervading, our dearest mother and father can't wait any
inspirational messages again! Thank you for all your
longer to flow.
wonderful work!
Loving Sai Ram
Sai Ram from Rita-Maria Linnenkamp,
Marina Gagetti, Universität Zürich Holland, Europe
Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development
Dear Sir,
Hi:
Sai Ram! It was really very disheartening not to receive
I have just seen the journal with my country Chile. It was H2H for such a long time. It is like daily dose of Swami's
just beautiful! Thank you all h2h! My congratulations to amrut. Heartfelt thanks for resuming it.
the team! Keep going!
Regards,
God bless you all, Capt (IN) PS Raghuvanshi
Carmen
Feedback on Sai Inspires,

our daily inspirational e-mail service
Sairam Heart2Heart Team
Dear Sirs, All I can say is thanks to you each day I get closer and
closer to my Sai. The messages, each day, strangely seem
Thank you so much for yours emails and the words that
very to be very apt for the kind of situation I am in, and
are beautiful in the Sai Inspires. I look forward to reading
keeps reminding me that at the end of it all it is only
them every morning.
between me and God, and His love is the only constant
Kathleen Anderson
factor, nothing else. God bless you.
In Sai Love
Warm regards,
Anoojjaa
Hi Team!
I really missed you bunch of guys! I always kick-start my

Dear Editors of Heart2Heart,
day reading H2H and felt quite lost without your mails in
This thank you note is long overdue. Thank you for this
my Inbox. Great to have y'all back. You've made my day.
excellent service - the words you select from the vast
Keep doing the great job you folks do - spread Baba's
collection of Swami's writings and speeches always seem
message of Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-
to have the right message at right time.
Violence. Our world needs Baba's sage guiding advice,
now more than ever. Wishing you all more Sai Power. Sai Ram, With lots of love and gratitude,
Smiles and Sunshine Jeroo Captain.
SWAMI AND ME SAI INSPIRES
a daily inspirational
e-mail service from the
There was a famous sculptor in Italy known as Michelangelo. A friend of his

found him one day chiseling a big piece of rock. The friend told him: "Why are
you working so hard with this rock? Why don't you go home and take some rest?"
Michelangelo replied: "I am trying to release the Divine that is in the rock. I wish
to bring out of this lifeless stone the living Divinity that is embedded in it." If that
sculptor could create out of an inanimate piece of stone a living image of God,
cannot human beings vibrant with life manifest the living Divinity that resides in
them?
- Divine Discourse, April 2nd, 1984.

Issue(Vol.
Love all Serve all

July2007 Web

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

July2007 Web

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

July2007 Web

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

...

connecting love to LOVE

Volume 5 Issue 7 www.radiosai.org 1st July 2007

mail us for details : [email protected]

BETWEEN YOU AND US 3

SATHYA SAI SPEAKS - THE ETERNAL GURU 5

CONVERSATIONS WITH SAI - Part 34 6

CHINNA KATHA - HOW FAR IS VAIKUNTA? 9

THE LEGEND OF SAI GEETHA... Unsurpassable and Eternal 11

IN QUEST OF INFINITY - Part 6 35

THE SAI MOVEMENT IN PUERTO RICO 45

HOW TO RAISE CHILDREN WITH DISCIPLINE AND LOVE 58

SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI - Part 31 61

GITA FOR CHILDREN - Part 32 66

WINDOW TO SAI SEVA

EFFECTIVE HEALTHCARE SEVA 68

CHRONICLES OF HEAVEN ON EARTH 88

"HE IS MY SWAMI" - Part 3... Conversation with Mrs. Padma Kasturi 97

SAI WORLD NEWS

A LIFETIME OF LOVE 119

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION 123

REPENTENCE AND REWARD 125

YOU HAVE COME TO THE WRONG ADDRESS 127

TEST YOUR SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT

MULTI-FAITH QUIZ 128

QUIZ ON HEART 2 HEART 131

FASCINATING FACADES... OF THE ULTIMATE 133

NEW VISION, NEW LIFE 136

FEEDBACK FROM OUR READERS 139

SAI INSPIRES 143

the Guru (the religious or other preceptor). There are

important guru is "Vihitha Guru", the preceptor who

and not acting according to one's caprices and fancies.

What is freedom that people want? Is it to behave like

dogs with no self-restraint? Is it to descend to the level of

the sub-human species? Is it to flee from one's divine

nature and indulge in demonical acts? What kind of

In this context I shall tell you today the inner meaning of

the different yugas (eras) the Tretha Yuga, the Dwapara

Yuga and the present Kali Yuga.

Experience the Divine in You

elements were on one side and the demonical elements

on the other… In the Dwapara Yuga (the time of Lord

Krishna), the divine and the demonic elements - namely,

the Pandavas and the Kauravas, were in the same

kingdom… But today, these divine and demonic forces

are battling in each human being. This is the mark of the

In Tretha Yuga Rama fought the battle in person. In

purpose. This freedom is to be used to discriminate

In this age, each individual has to fight against the

H: Yes, Swami. It is H: Why would that be?

The Russians are law.

rationalists. Faith is of H: Is that the law in this situation?

from Body and World. just spirituality.

humanity and the spiritual power.

world, but the

H: Are there such people now?

SAI: Oh, yes.

H: Are they those people in the Himalayan Mountains

SAI: No. Those individuals are still seeking liberation. But