November 2007 Web Temp

Volume 5 Issue 11
Contents 1 November 2007
BETWEEN YOU AND US 3
SPIRITUAL BLOSSOMS
SATHYA SAI SPEAKS - Signs, Wonders and their Significance 5
CONVERSATIONS WITH SAI - Part 38 7
CHINNA KATHA - The ‘Judging Other’ Jeopardy 10
COVER STORY
Liberating Love… ‘Prema Jyothi’ Lights up Chennai Metro 12
FEATURE ARTICLES
IN QUEST OF INFINITY - Part 10 38
spellbinding sai - Part 1 55
Honouring Him the Right Way 60
HARNESSING THE HEART - Part 1: Careful Choices 63
SERIAL ARTICLES
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI - Part 35 66
GITA FOR CHILDREN - Part 37 72
WINDOW TO SAI SEVA
CREATING A LAND OF LOVE… 74
Sai Medical Camps in Malawi - Magnificent and Moving 84
PRASHANTI DIARY
CHRONICLES OF HEAVEN ON EARTH 97
H2H SPECIAL
ENTHRALLING ENCOUNTERS WITH ETERNITY... 114

Conversations with Mr. Raja Reddy - Part 2
Heart2Heart - Radio Sai’s e-Journal, November 2007 (Vol. 5, Issue 11) www.radiosai.org
Volume 5 Issue 11
Contents 1 November 2007
SWAMI AND ME
The Divine Alchemy 118
In his comforting care 122
baba and ‘just plain bill’ 124
PHOTO GALLERY
Charmer Extraordinaire... On the Chariot 128
Flying Colours of Puttaparthi! 131
HEALING TOUCH
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF ‘LIQUID LOVE’ - 134
The Stirring Story of the Service at the Blood Bank in SSSIHMS
GET INSPIRED
FROM EMPTINESS TO JOYFUL EMPATHY 141
the story of ‘love’ 144
Guru Nanak and Moola 146
TEST YOUR SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT
Multi-Faith Quiz 147
QUIZ ON BABA’S bIRTHDAYS 151
Quiz on Heart 2 Heart 156
YOUR SAY
FEEDBACK FROM OUR READERS 159
SAI INSPIRES
SAI INSPIRES 164
Dear Readers, What does a mother do, when she sees her child walking
away from her towards a grave danger? Does she look
Why does God have to descend on earth from age
around to find the most suitable person to help? Or does
to age? Could not Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, who she dash without loosing a split second? It is the same
declared the intent of their advent as ‘Dharmasthapana’ with our Lord too. In a revealing discourse delivered
or restoration of righteousness, achieve their Mission more than four decades ago, in 1964, Swami said that
from wherever they are, if they are omniscient and all- the decline of righteousness and the unmatched Love
powerful? Many so called intellectuals and rationalists in of the Lord for His children is what compels the Lord
present times debunk the idea of ‘God in Human Form’ to descend. He further added, “The Lord is Love itself.
as pure gobbledygook. He comes in human form so that you can talk to Him,
move with Him, serve Him, adore Him, achieve Him, and
Even many theologians and believers, though they
recognise your kinship with Him.”
worship the Almighty and profess walking on the
path laid down by one of the Prophets or Messengers In the only press interview Bhagavan has given till date, in
of God, treat the concept of God Himself descending 1970, the editor of ‘Nava Kaal’ asked Him, “At what age
down with scorn and disbelief. It was the same many did You acquire this Divine Power?” Swami said, “From
centuries ago too. The most popular Mughal Emperor My very birth…” and then He continued, “From before
that.” The editor, evidently, was stuck with wonder. And
of India, Akbar, the Great, who believed in the invisible
then Baba continued, “Yes, I resolved upon My Birth. I
and formless Allah, once openly scoffed at this so called
decided who should be My Mother. Mere humans can
‘Hindu idea’ of Avatars (God assuming forms) and threw
choose only who is to be wife or husband: the Mother
a challenge to all the men in his court to convince him
was chosen by the Son in the Rama incarnation and in
about the need and rationale for such an event. Birbal,
the Krishna incarnation. Then too, the task for which the
the celebrated courtier who was known for his wit and
birth was decided upon was, conferring Love on all. And
wisdom, asked a week’s time from His majesty. A few
through that Love, foster righteous living.”
days later, Birbal arranged an exciting boat ride for the
pleasure of the king and his family, and as the premier As we celebrate His Birthday this month, eighty-two
was cruising along soaking in the sublimity of nature, years have passed of this most mysterious, magnificent
away from his sight, the canny Birbal dropped a life-size and mind-boggling phenomenon on earth, yet what
doll of the King’s little son to the river. The King, who was we know of Him is as miniscule as a molecule in the
Milky Way. How many times has He stunned mankind!
shocked to hear the loud splash which was accompanied
Right from the moment of His birth when musical
by a piteous cry from Birbal, “O, the prince has fallen
instruments started playing mysteriously on their own,
into the water!” instantaneously jumped into the water
to the days when He was a tiny-tot playing on the
to rescue his ‘son’. It was then that Birbal disclosed the
sands of Chitravati – plucking all kinds of fruits from
real drama, and after the emperor’s tempers were down,
the tamarind tree for His playmates, to leaving them
explained, “I seek pardon, your majesty, but I had to
bewildered one momentous evening with the vision of
perforce stage this drama to answer your doubt.” The the Sun, the Moon and the Third Eye all in succession;
King was perplexed. Birbal clarified, “Your Majesty, you or the days after the declaration of His Advent when He
could have ordered any of us to dive into the river, but started appearing simultaneously in two places or going
the circumstance was so precarious and your affection in ‘trance’ suddenly to save a devotee; or the occasions
for the little one was so intense that without batting when He left scholars and scientists of all hues stupefied
your eyelid, your Majesty himself took the plunge. So is with His eloquent and enlightening elucidation of the
the case with God’s Incarnations. I have answered your Vedas and Upanishads to the secrets of the Creation
doubt, my lord.” and Cosmos; or the diamond of a declaration He made
in 1963 after curing Himself of the paralysis of seven
days with just a sprinkling of water saying, “I am Shiva- no exaggeration! When you read how the Sai Youth of
Shakthi Swaroopa”; or the riveting revelation He made Orissa have converted a Kustha Ashram, a leper colony
in the First World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Seva - where the 300 odd inmates, ostracized by society and
Organizations in Mumbai, 1968, asserting: “I affirm that permanently scarred by human apathy, whose lives were
this Sai Form is the Form of all the various names that no different than rubble on the road - into a land where
man uses for the adoration of the Divine”; or the grand everybody is now smiling and every soul is shining with
Guru Poornima festival in 1968, when He inaugurated hope, joy and happiness, you will realize it yourself.
a college for women in Anantapur and said, “The seed
What we know of His work and Glory is probably only
has been planted; it will sprout and spread, heavy with
a drop of the infinite ocean. The incredible cascading
fruits, providing shade, security and sustenance to all”;
effect His every act perpetuates is unfathomable. But
or the mesmerizing manner in which He brought back
what we do know and have experienced in innumerable
Mr. Walter Cowan from the dead in December 1971; or
ways, sometimes aware and at other times unknown
for that matter, the way the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of
to us, is His love. In fact, that is all He has; that is all
Higher Learning (now Sri Sathya Sai University) came
He is. In a landmark discourse in May 1968, Swami had
into being with its three beautiful campuses in the early
said, “You elaborate in your lectures the unique powers
1980s; or the incredible creation and functioning of the
of Sai, the incidents that are described as ‘miracles’….
medical marvels – the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
But I request you not to attach importance to these. Do
Medical Sciences which continue to amaze professionals
not exaggerate their significance; the most significant
and administrators, believers and skeptics alike; or the
and important power is, let Me tell you, My Love. I may
jaw-dropping mammoth Sri Sathya Sai Drinking Water
turn the sky into earth, or earth into sky; but that is not
Projects which know no end, starting from Anantapur
the sign of Divine might. It is the Love, the fortitude,
and many neighbouring districts to the city of Chennai
effective, universal and ever-present; that is the unique
to the tribal regions of East and West Godavari districts
sign.”
to who knows where next, and which made even the UN
sit up and take notice; or…well, the story of this glorious If the Sai Movement is marching ahead at mind-numbing
saga can go on. speed in every continent today, it is not because of
the magnificent monuments of Healthcare, Educare
And what we have enumerated now, you are aware,
or Sociocare that Swami has built, but because of the
are just a few shining pebbles our eyes immediately fell
way the Lord has touched, transformed and triggered
upon in the grand seashore of His Glory. Speaking to
in millions the zeal to love all and serve all. One grand
thousands gathered on the occasion of Dasara 1961,
example of this process was the Prema Jyothi Exhibition
Swami had said, “For every act of Grace you experience
which was staged in Chennai in the last week of
or read about, there are countless you do not know.”
September this year. When you read the cover story you
And how true this is!
will be amazed at the instances of inner revolution that
For every doctor who serves voluntarily in Swami’s Super He brings out so spontaneously and suddenly. Pure Love
Specialty and General Hospitals in His physical vicinity, can convert a particle of dust into a diamond in no time.
there are thousands in all parts of the globe who are Prema Jyothi demonstrated this amply.
stretching themselves to the limit to bring hope and
As we celebrate His birthday this month, let us remind
happiness in the hapless and diseased. Did you know
ourselves of a Birthday message He gave many years
that just two months ago 36 eminent Sai doctors from
ago. “Adore Me, on the day that you are I, on the day
the UK traveled to Malawi, one of the poorest countries
when you derive unbounded Bliss therefrom, on the
of the world where every day 140 people die of HIV/AIDS
day when you can be full of joy that you are born.”
and 95% of the adult population (between 15 to 49) is
Dear reader, let us celebrate! We are living with God, the
infected?
most loving God. This is the best time in history. We are
Similarly, for every youth of Swami’s Institute who serves blessed! And if we so decide, we can be One with Him
the poor doing Grama Seva in villages nearby Puttaparthi, completely… in Love.
there are thousands of inspired youngsters the world
Loving Regards,
over who plunge into village service with a passion that
would equal a Mother Teresa and Baba Amte. And this is Heart2Heart Team
sathya sai speaks
The two eyes give a picture of a vast expanse of space,
sathya sai speaks but they cannot see the face to which they belong! They
Signs, Wonders and their are important instruments of the body, but they cannot
Significance see the entire body. When you wish to see your face as
well as your back, you have to keep a mirror in front and
The conflict between persons who accept God and deny another behind you too, so that the front mirror also
Him, those who declare that God is to be found in this shows you the reflection of your back. Similarly, when
or that place and those who affirm that He can be found you desire to know your reality (face) and your future
nowhere, is never ending; it has continued throughout (back), you have to adjust the mirror of ‘Self-confidence’
the ages. While considering this situation, one has to (confidence that you are the Self) in front and the mirror
remember that while it is unnecessary to awaken a of Divine Grace behind you. Without these two, to affirm
person already awake and easy to awaken a person who that you are aware of your Truth or your destiny, is sheer
is asleep, we cannot awaken, however much we try, a fantasy.
person pretending to sleep and refusing to be woken
Avathars Attract by their Inexplicable Acts
up! Those who do not know, can be taught by means
The Divine is now denoted by various words that are
of simple illustrations what they do not know. But
common currency in limited human vocabularies. They
those afflicted with half-knowledge and proud of that
name phenomena revealing the Divine, like ‘miracles’,
acquisition are beyond any further education.
‘magic’, ‘wonders’, etc. Of course, man cannot contain
in his mind more than he can hold. He cannot express
in words the inexpressible. Only those who have dived
deep and contacted the underlying principle of Love,
can picture Divinity with some clarity. The Divinity that is
Me has not been acquired or earned, nor has it been
added or evinced after the lapse of some years in the
middle of this life.
The Divine has to reveal Himself through these

manifestations, largely shaped and modified by
the nature of the times, the region and the cultural
environment. The signs and wonders that I manifest are
given names that do not connote the purpose or effect.
They can be called chamathkaara (amazing acts), that
lead on to samskaara (purifying the other), which in turn
urges one towards paropakaara (helping others) and
finally results in saakshaathkaara (divine vision).
Chamathkaara is any act which attracts on account of

its inexplicability. This aspect of attraction is inherent in
the Avathar (divine incarnation). The very name, Rama,
means ‘He who pleases or causes delight. Krishna means
spiritual blossoms
‘He who attracts, draws towards Himself. This attribute When a person renounces selfish desires, their love
of attractions is a characteristic of Divinity. expands unto the farthest regions of the Universe until
he/she becomes aware of the Cosmic Love that feeds all
Why Does the Divine Draw?
the four processes mentioned above. It is important that
Why does the Divine attract? Is it to deceive or
you know this underlying urge in all as I do…
mislead? No. It is to transform, reconstruct and reform
- a process called samskaara. What is the purpose of The Divine can be grasped only through love, faith and
the reconstruction? It is to make a person useful and sadhana (spiritual discipline), surcharged with Universal
serviceable for society, to efface their ego, and to affirm Love. Reason is too feeble an instrument to measure
in him/her the unity of all beings in God. The person who it. Denial of the Divine cannot negate it. Logic cannot
has undergone samskaara (this purification process) reveal it. All the tirades now being made on the Divine
becomes a humble servant of those who need help. are from atheists who are opportunists. So your duty
This is the stage of paropakaara. Service of this kind, is to preserve your equanimity. Be true to yourselves
done with reverence and selflessness, prepares man to and do not waver. I am unaffected by praise or blame.
realise the One that pervades the many. The last stage My love and compassion envelop all; My Grace can be
is saakshaathkaara. The Vedhas (ancient scriptures of shared by all.
Divine Knowledge) proclaim that Immortality (the stage
- Bhagavan’s Birthday Discourse
when one is merged in the Birthless, Deathless, Universal on November 23, 1976.
Entity), is feasible through renunciation and detachment
only, and not through rituals, progeny or wealth.
conversations with sai - Part 38
the ring to those of us sitting near His chair, and then

conversations to the Nigerian, saying “Do you like Jesus? Which do
with sai - part 38 you want, Jesus or Sai?” The Nigerian replied, “I would
(Continued from previous issue)
be pleased with either”. Baba holds the ring between
thumb and forefinger about six inches from His lips and
Baba first created some gifts, a ring for a lady - a green
blows His breath upon it. Then He shows it to those
diamond in the center flanked by two white diamonds,
close to His chair. The portrait on the centre stone has
all gems showing large flat facets. Then, for a lady who
changed from that of Jesus to a portrait of Sai. To the
had a large japamala (rosary) of seeds, Baba created a
Nigerian, Baba then says, “Now you have both. Come
Japamala of matched pearls, and showed her how to
here”. The man moves forward and Baba places the ring
use it: The thumb, standing, separate, may be taken to
on his finger, Baba says, “See, a perfect fit”.
represent God. The first finger, representing the individual
person, is joined to the thumb, to the Divine. The three Later on, it was the Nigerian’s turn to go into the
remaining fingers represent the three gunas - the three inner interview room for a brief, private conversation,
modes of temperament, thought, and action observable and when he came out we could see that the ring had
in all people - the middle finger being the Sathwic guna changed yet once again. Baba had again recreated
(calm, pure, balanced nature). The japamala is then the ring and it was now a single large diamond in an
drawn across the Sathwic finger by the thumb and the appropriate setting. As Sai followed the man into the
forefinger movement. main room, He said, “He didn’t like a large ring!” This
remark caused considerable merriment. In fact, the

SAI: (Demonstrating
entire interview was joyful in the extreme and Baba
the use of the japamala)
was in a great mood, constantly cracking jokes. Hearing
Like this, Swami holds
such happy laughter coming from the group, the people
all of creation in His
outside were wondering what on earth was happening.
hand.
(A man from Nigeria

Living with Desires
SAI: Any questions? Spiritual topics?
was in the group, and
Baba next turned to Q: How to live with worldly desires which rise
him.) What religion? endlessly?
What is your religion?
SAI: Turn all wishes and desires to God, then all will be
Answer: Christian. well. Mind is like a key to the door of a prison. Turn it to
the left, the door opens and the person is free to turn
SAI: Do you like Jesus?
towards God and spiritual life. Turn the key to the right,
Answer: Yes.
and the person is locked into worldly life. Turn every
Moving His hand, Baba creates a ring, the centre stone of wish and every desire into desire to be with God, and
which carries a very fine portrait of Jesus. First, He shows be happy.
spiritual blossoms
Q: Swami, what is the Q: But, Swami, the mistakes I make. Even though I know
truth of the mind? How better, I make the same mistakes. Can I give you my
to use thought and the repeated mistakes?
mind?
SAI: Once, or twice, or three times perhaps it is the same
SAI: There is no mind. Just mistake, but repeating again and again means it is no
as cloth is seen as thread, more a mistake. It is habit!
then as cotton only, there

Love and the Soul
is only God. God is like
H (Hislop): Swami says that if one is so fortunate as to
a perfect mirror: your
have God’s Love, then no spiritual practice, no sadhana
desires, thoughts, and actions are perfectly reflected in
is necessary?
that perfect mirror, which is God. When your desires,
thoughts, and actions are reflected back to you, you may SAI: Yes. If you have God loving you, then no sadhana,
think God sent them, but they are really your own. no meditation, no inquiry, nothing more is needed, for,
then everything is God. All thoughts are of God, only

Q: But what to do about bad thoughts and desires?
God is seen; the whole day is with God only.
SAI: Human thoughts and desires. If you think, “I am

Q: What is soul?
human”, then such human aspects of anger and jealousy
will be reflected and will return to you. But you are not SAI: Soul is the Atma. It does not die. You are Atma, not
human. You are Divine. You are God. Think and feel, “I body.
am Divine”. Then you will think and feel only love, for Q: But Swami, there is something else. Something has
God is Love. Every place, everything is Love, Love only. results.
Q: I have a desire which I cannot put away. SAI: Yes, result is from desire. It is like this golden watch
SAI: What? band you are wearing. You wish for a ring; the gold is
taken from the bracelet and it becomes a ring. Then you

Q: Privacy. I must have privacy.
are no longer pleased with a ring, but instead long for
SAI: Physical privacy is first, then mental privacy. a golden necklace. The gold is taken and it becomes
a necklace. All are different forms, but the gold is the

Q: And I make mistakes; the same mistakes. Can I give
same.
my mistakes to Baba?
Ending the Dream

SAI: Oh, yes. I am always ready. Give your life to me. Be
H: Swami informs us that this life in the world is a dream
my instrument. I act through you.
only.
Q: Then even bad thoughts and acts are by you?
SAI: Yes, a dream.
SAI: Human thoughts and acts. God is love only. You are
H: But Swami works endlessly in the dream. Why?
Divine. Be Love. Act in Love.
conversations with sai - Part 38
reserved. Swami can say, “Hislop is given one of those
reservations”.
H: What is the difference between Swami’s Grace and
Swami’s Blessings?
SAI: They are the same. Swami’s Blessings, His Grace, His
Love - all mean the same.
Q: How to get Swami’s Grace?
SAI: Swami’s Grace is always here. Swami is always here.
He is here for all; for everyone. I am always calling, but

SAI: If the dream is realized as such, then the world is
they do not listen, they do not come. What can I do?
done with. Swami helps those caught in the dream.
(Now Swami calls people in turn to the inner interview
H: But it is still a dream, without purpose or end. Why
room for a brief, private conversation. As he moves to
bother with it?
the doorway, he says, “I am always happy. My bliss is
SAI: A big scientist may know that a child’s world is a ever full and never disturbed”.)
dream and has no reality

H: Because Swami knows that this world of experience is
which is lasting. But this does
only a dream. (Sai makes no reply.)
not prevent him from sitting
down with the child at the (To be continued)
child’s level. Again, Sai could
be likened to an aircraft
which briefly touches down
in order to take passengers
up from the ground.
H: Swami! There is room for only a limited number!
SAI: Limited, yes! Always there is room for a limited
number only.
H: Swami! How to get a booking?
SAI: By Grace; booking is through Grace.
H: The limitation is severe.
SAI: Yes, it is true that reservations have been made.
But on the plane, the Government has some seats
spiritual blossoms
A few days later, one night, while fast asleep, the

chinna katha Raja uttered the name of Rama thrice plaintively and
The ‘Judging Other’ Jeopardy
A Little Story from Bhagavan prayerfully. She heard the Namasmarana (chanting of
the Divine name) and was happy at the discovery of her

There is a widely prevalent habit now of judging others
husband’s devotion to Rama.
and labeling them as devotees or Nasthikas (Atheists).
What do you know? What can you know of the inner
working of another’s mind? There was once a queen
who was a great devotee of Lord Rama. She felt so sad
that her husband, the Raja, never even uttered the name
of Rama and had no devotion. She had vowed that the
first occasion on which she got evidence of his devotion
or at least respect for the name of Lord Rama, she would
conduct Puja (worship) in all the temples and feed the
poor on a lavish scale.
She ordered general rejoicing throughout the kingdom
and the feeding of the poor. The Raja did not know the
reason for the celebration for he was only told that it
was an order from the Queen, which the officers carried
out.
Similarly, a husband may not be aware of the excellence
of a wife’s spiritual attainments. There is the case of a
10 Heart2Heart - Radio Sai’s e-Journal, November 2007 (Vol. 5, Issue 11) www.radiosai.org
CHINNA KATHA
couple who were proceeding through a thick jungle on A person once told Dr. Johnson, the famous English
pilgrimage to an inaccessible shrine. The husband saw on thinker, that he could seldom find the time to recite
the footpath a precious stone, shining brilliantly when the Name of God, what with the hundreds of things he
the sun’s rays fell upon it from between the leaves. He had to do from morning till nightfall and even far into
hastily threw some sand over it with a movement of his the night. Dr. Johnson replied with another question.
foot so that his wife would not be tempted to pick it He asked how millions of people found space to live
up and become a slave to the tinsel. The wife saw the upon the face of the earth, which is two-thirds water
gesture and chided the husband for still retaining in his and the rest is too full of mountains, deserts, forests,
mind a distinction between sand and diamond. For her, icy regions, riverbeds, marshes and similar impossible
both were the same. areas. The questioner said that man somehow struggled
to find living space. So too, said Dr. Johnson, man must
somehow find a few minutes a day for prayer to the
Lord.
- Baba
The Raja who spoke in his sleep the sacred name of
Rama felt very sorry, according to the story, that he let
Ramanama out of his mouth, for he believed that no one
should know of his “love” for Rama. There are many who
will not shout about their Guru or their favourite Nama
(Name) and Rupa (Form). But whether you declare them
to others or not, keep them ever in your consciousness.
The name of Rama or any other name must be as constant
as breathing. For this, practice is essential.
Heart2Heart - Radio Sai’s e-Journal, November 2007 (Vol. 5, Issue 11) www.radiosai.org 11
cover story
Liberating Love…
‘Prema Jyothi’ Lights up
Chennai Metro
Dear Reader, in the September issue of H2H, we

had a comprehensive cover story on the grand
Exhibition “Prema Jyothi” held in the Poorna Chandra
Auditorium during the Guru Poornima celebrations,
2007 in Prasanthi Nilayam. Two out of every three
who visited this presentation fervently expressed
that if an elevating show like this traveled to other
cities and states of India, it would awaken many a
dogmatic and dormant mind. And by His Grace, it
did happen. In the last week of September 2007,
“Prema Jyothi” was staged in the city of Chennai, ‘Truth, Goodness and Beauty’ in
and the impact it had on the citizens of Chennai Sundaram, Chennai, 2007
was beyond imagination. The ways of the Divine
to be here. Coming here is always such a heartening
are always mysterious and mind-boggling. And the
experience. The moment I step in, it is as if a serene
Chennai episode of Prema Jyothi reveals this to us in
calmness pervades my entire being. I wish I could stay
many fascinating ways. This is one of the principal
here for ever.
reasons why we have the second cover story on this
Exhibition, though we had the first one just two P: Oh yes, everybody feels the same. That is the divine
months ago. magic of this ‘Abode of Peace’.
But, for a change, we have the story now not as a S: When I am outside, I miss Swami and this place a lot!
free flowing story-like narrative like all our previous But, you know, Swami, the Compassionate Lord that He
cover stories, but as a conversation between is, always comes to my rescue in some way or the other.
characters, Prashant and Sundar. Prashant is a long When He came to Chennai in January 2007, I joined in
time devotee who visited the Exhibition at Prasanthi as a Sai volunteer and spent as much time as possible
Nilayam, while Sundar, equally devout, participated serving at the Yagnam site and basking in His blissful
in “Prema Jyothi” in Chennai. Before we get started, Presence.
a small note: Though these two characters are
P: That must have been an experience of a lifetime!
fictitious, everything that is conveyed through them
(the incidents, facts, testimonials, etc.) are all as true
as can be.
Prashant spends most of his time in Prasanthi Nilayam

while Sundar visits occasionally. After many months,
Sundar is in Puttaparthi again and one morning meets
Prashant, and the following conversation ensues:
Nostalgic Memories Rekindled…

Prashant: Sairam Sundar. How are you? Nice to see to
you here in Prasanthi Nilayam. You are coming here after
a long gap, aren’t you?
Continuous blessings and gifts of
Sundar: Sairam Prashant, and yes, I am indeed blessed Grace in Chennai
liberating love... ‘Prema Jyothi’ Lights up Chennai Metro
emptiness I felt within me was, at times, unbearable. So

I began to relive all the beautiful moments I had spent
with Him, and that lightened me up to carry on with
my regular duties. But recently, my heart again started
intensely pining for Him, and it was at this time that a
Sai friend, who was truly god-sent, I should say, told me
about an elaborate exhibition on His Life and Mission
called “Prema Jyothi” to be staged in the same venue
where the Athi Rudra Maha Yagna was held!
“It was like Swami re-visiting Chennai!”

P: Oh, so you were there when “Prema Jyothi” traveled
He was on the road every other day
eager to shower blessings to Chennai!
S: Oh yes, when He was there, it was literally heaven, I S: Prashant, how do you know about “Prema Jyothi”?
must say. The way He gave Himself away to all - be it a
policeman or a politician, an auto-rickshaw driver or an P: How should I not know! Prema Jyothi was actually held
esteemed celebrity, or the hundreds of eager devotees here in Prasanthi Nilayam first during Guru Poornima
on the streets of Chennai, was very touching. My heart celebrations in July 2007.
was soaked in bliss. S: Was it? Did Swami see it?
P: I can imagine that. Though I was not there, I heard P: Of course, He Himself inaugurated it, and spent
a lot about it from many devotees. He was there for 13 nearly 90 minutes keenly watching every panel and
days, right? presentation. Every inch of the Exhibition was blessed
S: Yes. When Swami left Chennai on January 31, the by Him. In fact, it was His inimitable Will and His Prema
which made “Prema Jyothi” happen!
What a glorious opportunity... Bhagavan viewing Prema Jyothi in Prashanti...
...for many, it was their lifetime chance ...after its special inauguration on 20 July 2007
cover story
This was the colourful and breathtaking front-piece of the Exhibition marquee
- very much like Prasanthi!
S: No wonder! Now I know why the Exhibition was clearly For each one, the experience is different. A depressed
out of this world. You may not believe, but for many in heart cheers up, an agitated mind calms down, a curious
Chennai, which includes me too, it was like Swami remind gets an answer, a doubting Thomas gets convinced
visiting Chennai! and a devotee goes into raptures. When Pure Love flows,
it touches the inner core of every person and unravels
P: Is that so? It had such a profound impact?
the most beautiful part of his or her personality.
“I feel like I am in Parthi!”
- Anuradha Vasudevan
S: Of course, one devotee
I met by name Anuradha
Vasudevan told me, “I feel
like I am in Parthi, right
in front of Bhagavan.
It is amazing. I cannot
express myself in words.”
Another person, Sandhya
B, said, “I could not visit
Puttaparthi recently, but
this Exhibition literally
...through the captivating images of
brought Prasanthi to
His beautiful form
His overwhelming Chennai!”
presence... Swami’s Divine Presence
P: This is incredible. But
was felt Everywhere!
what really gave them such an elevating experience?
S: Right and I must tell you, the experience of people
S: It is difficult to explain, Prashant. There could be so who visited the Exhibition in Chennai were no different.
many reasons. Let me put it this way: you tell me, why is Because I saw people coming out of the hall in ecstasy,
Darshan such a unique experience? What really happens some were in tears, many were beaming with smiles and
when Baba comes amongst the devotees? others were wonderstruck. I do not know whether it was
the grand entrance which resembled the stage of the
P: Hmmm, all I can say is it is an overwhelming feeling.
Sai Kulwant Hall in Prashanti, or the never-before-seen

magnificent pictures, the moving video presentations, or
the courteous sevadals eager to explain patiently every
panel to any number of devotees, or the soft bhajan
music in the background…. I think the whole ambience
was so much like Prasanthi and Swami’s presence was
felt everywhere, and therefore, when people left the
arena, they were all speechless. But a few gathered their
emotions and poured their hearts in the visitor’s books.
P: Did you see these visitors’ dairies?

Testimonies, touching tales and responses galore!
“It was Swami speaking to you alive!”
- Dr. Seethalakhmi Sreedhar
S: Yes, I used to peep into these pages off and on
whenever I used to pass through the exit. One Mrs Beena
Madhavan had written, “I am so pleased with the way
Prema Jyothi exhibition is conducted here. Just like
any other project of Swami it is so orderly. I feel I have
spent my time truly in the presence of Swami and His
Divine Love.” Another person, a youth, J. Syed Ibrahim,
who came to know of Bhagavan for the first time, had
written a note addressed to Swami, saying, “Baba, I
It had left a lasting impression
am amazed. I cannot take my eyes off You!” And for they wanted to share
Dr. Seethalakhmi Sreedhar, they were not pictures, she
writes, “It was Swami speaking to you, alive!” P: This is incredible. They did not see the panels as
images of Swami but as Swami Himself. Swami often
says how generally many worship God as a picture, but
only people with true devotion see the picture as God.
S: Right. Actually, Dr. Krishna Raman, who was taking

pictures, told me how one lady requested him to take a
picture of her prayerfully standing next to one large image
of Bhagavan. Many were immensely happy to secure
just a snap of themselves with the huge panels. And this
included the very elderly and the physically challenged
Prema Jyothi had moved this little one
Many enthusiastically penned their feelings... He was so real...
cover story
too. The sense of devotion made me feel heaven had descended on earth.” But
and contentment on their that was not all.
faces was so genuine and
She continued further, saying, “For poor people like
touching.
me, Swami is doing so much. It is because of Him
P: Only the Lord knows that we get drinking water. This is the fourth time I
their feelings, just like am coming here. My son has told me to enter these
Lord Rama recognized premises only after taking a bath. This place is like a
Sabari’s devotion. Their temple. Therefore, every morning after my shower, I
looks can be many times leave my shop under the care of a relative, and first
so deceptive, isn’t it? come here. It is so uplifting being here. I too want
to do some service, within my means. I want to be
...they were touched “This place
within! engaged in divine work, till I leave this body.” You
is like a Temple!”
- Krishnaveni know, her heartfelt devotion humbled me.
S: Exactly. Let me tell you the touching tale of one P: And she was just one of the thousands who stepped
such lady, which was an eye opener for me. I used to in everyday, isn’t it?
serve as a volunteer in the Exhibition area, and I saw
one particular old lady from a poor background – she S: Right, when the Exhibition started on September
must have been in her late 60s – visit Prema Jyothi every 22nd, there were about 1,500 people; but as the days
successive day. And she used to go around the panels went by the number grew rapidly everyday and do you
with so much reverence and fondness. One day, curiosity know how many people had visited by the time it was
got the better of me and I approached her humbly and curtains on October 2nd? Do you want to guess?
asked, “Amma, I see you coming here everyday. Why do
P: 15,000?
you go through the same pictures day after day?” Then,
the lady with folded hands, replied, S: No, you are way off the mark, Prashant. It was 22,545!
But the most wonderful thing is everybody who stepped
“Son, My name is Krishnaveni. I run a petty shop in
in had a story to narrate.
this area in Thiruvanmiyur. I am Baba’s devotee for the
last 44 years and my son loves Him too. When I was P: Is it? Did you meet anybody else like the old lady?
living in Ariyalur (about 20
kms from the exhibition site),
I used to participate in the Sai
Bhajans conducted there and
forget the world for those
2-3 hours; but I never got
an opportunity to have His
Darshan. My, ‘more than four-
decades-long desire’ to see
Him found fulfillment when
Bhagavan came to Chennai
in January this year (2007).
Actually I had never imagined
that I would be able to see
Him at such close quarters.
His Darshan quenched my
thirst, and the divine chants
and fragrance emanating
The daily count of visitors went up and up!
from the Athi Rudra Yagna
Sai’s Infinite Glory Makes that were still rolling down my cheeks copiously.
Everyone Speechless! And then, Swami, with motherly affection, lifted my
S: Oh yes, I met so many people – youngsters, newcomers, face so that I could look at Him, and said, “Choodu,
old devotees. Talking of old devotees, I am reminded choodu” (see, see). When I lifted my eyes, I could not
of one Mr. Nandagopal. This person was an old man, believe myself. It was no more Swami there! I saw
surely above 70 years. The striking pictures of Swami in Lord Balaji complete with shanka and chakra (conch
the Exhibition moved his heart so much that seeing me and disc)! It was implausible. I was thrilled. And I
standing near, he called me and started narrating his immediately fell at His feet with total surrender. The
story impromptu. He said, kind Lord blessed me by smearing Vibhuti on my
forehead and then asked me to return home as my
parents were against Him.
The superannuated were amazed and happy
“Son, I am an ardent devotee of Swami from when

This one seemed to find what
I was a boy of 18. Ours is an orthodox family and he was looking for!
our family deity is Lord Venkateshwara (also called
Lord Balaji). When I first went to Puttaparthi, it
was only out of curiosity. But Baba stunned me by
looking at me and then calling me by name saying,
“Nandagopal, ra naina” (Nandagopal, come, My son).
I was speechless. I wondered, I am a stranger here,
how did He know my name? I was so touched that I
started crying. But Swami lovingly continued, “Why
did you come here? And why are you crying now? Go
to Balaji.” I could not react except through the tears
...as did this gentleman!
“I reached home, and in the same evening our house

was filled with the fragrance of Vibhuti. He was
proving His presence. And in that night He came in
the dream of my sick mother, who was suspected
of cancer in the abdomen, and blessed her by
pressing her stomach. Needless to say, her cancer
was cancelled. And to complete the transformation
process in our house, the very next day He gave a
Divine vision to my father. From that day till now,
we worship only Him. We know of no other God. He
For school-goers, it was a novel
learning experience is the same Lord who is there in Tirupathi and now is
cover story
in Puttaparthi. We pray for His blessings.” heaven! And this is a complete revelation to me,
which I have never seen, because I never look at other
P: Sundar, as you narrate these experiences, it is like
people when I am there in His physical presence, I
listening to Bhagavatham, it is Sai Bhagavatham. They
only see Him!”
say, the story of His Glory is as endless as the sea. But
even that is a misnomer. The sea may have an end but P: This is an interesting perspective. Truly, when we see
Sai’s Glory is as infinite as He is. Him at Darshan time, we are so careful not to miss even
one second of those priceless few moments that we do
S: You are right, Prashant, we can never comprehend
not want to shift our gaze to anything else till He is in
Him. For devotees and non-devotees alike, Prema Jyothi
front of our eyes. And Prema Jyothi captured for us the
served them in two ways. One, they were blessed with a
other beautiful things that happen when He is amidst
unique kind of Darshan.
us.
P: What do you mean by ‘unique kind of Darshan’?
S: Yes, and this is not all. There is another important
“Here one can see Swami in so many facet - the second of the two, I was just mentioning. And
different Forms!” - Ms. Gowri Ramnarayan that is, people at the Exhibition not only got a unique
S: You see, people were able to see so many different Darshan experience, but at the same time it opened
and enchanting facets of His divine personality – all in them up to His Glory.
one place. In fact, this was put beautifully by a , Ms
P: Because of the comprehensive display of Swami’s
Gowri Ramnarayan, who said,
mammoth social welfare projects, you mean?
“I am touched to see students’

participation in social projects”…
- Ms. Anita Gupta
S: Exactly. Take for example, Ms. Anita Gupta, Senior
Vice President and Managing Partner, of JWT Advertising
Agency. After seeing the Exhibition, she said,
Ms. Gowri Ramnayaran, eminent journalist,

eloquently speaks about the Exhibition
“This has been a comprehensive visual experience.

The visuals here are so eloquent that you feel you
are in the presence of Swami! But there is another
aspect. When we go and see Swami physically, it is
an indescribable experience; but what happens here
is that you see Swami in so many different forms, Ms. Anita Gupta, senior VP of JWT Advertising
Agency, on her overwhelming experience
various moods, myriad expressions, and doing so
many diverse things. Therefore, you experience “I am truly overwhelmed and speechless seeing the
what we never perceive when we see Him physically, magnificence of Swami’s work - social and spiritual.
because when we see Swami, we see only Him, Two things impressed me the most. First, I could not
nothing else! But now, not only do we see Swami, imagine the extent of service extended to all through
but we also see the expressions on the faces of the the hospitals, until I saw this display. The service is
people when they see Him! It is as if they found their free, and a calm and peaceful energy pervades the
hospital, which is evident from the photographs believe 50% of the healing happens because of the
and visuals. Healing would come naturally in such surgeons’ efforts while another 50% is His blessing.
hospitals. Secondly, I am touched to see students’ That is the feeling I get when I see this exhibition.
participation in social projects. I now want to go
“And what to talk of water! Our body contains mainly
and see it myself. This is very well done and I feel His
water and He understands our need for drinking
presence here.”
water like nobody else. Not only has He concentrated
P: That was good. Chennai being a metro, Prema on Puttaparthi’s needs, the people of Chennai too
Jyothi in such a location attracted all kinds of people, are really fortunate to get drinking water from the
from various disciplines and professions, isn’t it? It Sai Ganga canal. You name the Project, and every
was different in Parthi in the sense that it was visited drop of it chants Sai songs!” You know, he went on
mainly by devotees who had gathered for Swami’s Guru in this vein and then talking about Swami’s educational
Poornima celebrations. institutions, he said,
“This is definitely an eye-opener for those “There is no compromise on the quality of Education
who have least faith in any religion”… He imparts… The glittering eyes of Sai Baba attract
- Prof. K. Meer Mustafa Hussein youngsters and they are being led at the right time…
S: You are right, Prashant. You name any profession and And one more peculiar facet of Baba is that He never
there were people from that discipline, from movie stars to points to any one religion. He treats all equally and
political heroes, from bureaucrats to businessmen, from this is really fantastic.”
eminent industrialists to distinguished educationists.
Talking of Educationists, reminds me of Prof. K. Meer P: This is something wonderful coming from the head of
Mustafa Hussein, the Vice Chancellor of Dr. M.G.R. a medical university who is from the minority community.
Medical University who dropped in one day. Besides Did any other dignitary like him visit the Exhibition?
being a doctor, he is a poet and an author too, and what
he said was very revealing: “The world is One, and that
is in His palm! And He expects us to do more service. I
am really astonished that everyone can get treatment
free of cost in His Hospital, which no Government
has done! This exhibition is definitely an eye-opener
for those who have least faith in any religion. God
can do anything through His Holiness! It is really
fantastic to see that surgeries are being done and I
Ms. Kani Mozhi, the Chief Minister’s daughter and a

Member of Parliament, watches the panels keenly
Prof. Meer M. Hussein, VC of MGR Medical Former Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. T. S.
University, shares his unforgettable experience Krishnamoorthy is impressed with the effort
cover story
Prof. Dr. N. Rangabashyam, is moved Mrs. Anjali Devi, outstanding cine actress of
by the Healthcare section of the Exhibition yesteryears, is ecstatic seeing the Expo
P: I am sure the Exhibition must have left an indelible

impression on them. What was the reaction of Ms. Kani
Mozhi and Mr. Pandey?
“I can only see Pure Love lighting up the

whole hall!” - Mr. Pandey
S: Oh, the Chief Minister’s daughter spent a lot of
time studying all the panels very carefully and was
very impressed. She expressed the desire that a Super
Specialty Hospital modeled on the lines of Swami’s
The Mayor of Chennai, Sri M. Subramaniam,
looking at the amazing depiction of Swami’s life Hospitals in Puttaparthi and Bangalore should be in
Chennai too. And Mr Pandey, who is now a member of
the Railway Rates Tribunal of India, said, “The name of
S: Prashant, there were many. Every day there were a
the exhibition ‘Prema Jyothi’ is quite apt. I can only
few dignitaries. If it was Mr. N. Narayana, Secretary to
see Pure Love lighting up the whole hall. These are
the Government of Tamil Nadu one day, then it was Ms.
activities of God Incarnate on earth and for the first
Kani Mozhi, Member of Parliament and the daughter of
time in history we are witnessing this phenomenon
the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu the next day. If it was
where the Divine Incarnation is recognized and
Sri Subramanian, Mayor of the Chennai Corporation on
worshipped in His own lifetime!”
the third, then it was Mr. K. K. Pandey, former General
Manager of Southern Railway, on the fourth day. P: How true! And I remember there is one panel in
Mr. N. Velu, Central Minister for Railways, The caption says it all!
has his heart full with joy
P: Oh yes, and you see the best example of this in Prasanthi

Nilayam. Just look around and you find here people of
all races, colour, religion, language, ethnicity and what
not. In fact, the Sai Organisation in every corner of the
world too is an eclectic mix of inspired individuals.
“…and now, everybody wants to do

service!” – A lady teacher
S: Absolutely. In fact, the other day at the Exhibition I
saw a telling example of this. A group of students from
a village called Dhoosi near Kanchipuram (75 kms from
Chennai) had come to see the Exhibition, and they were
One of the panels with a cosmic theme
accompanied by a teacher who is a Muslim. The children
were an active and enthusiastic lot and asking a lot of
the exhibition which shows how Swami Himself had
questions. But in the end, when we interviewed them,
mentioned this to Dr. Hislop, many years ago.
they all said that they want to emulate Swami and serve
S: Yes, Prashant. It is in the section “The Matchless Glory people. And next, all in the group, which included a
of Pure Love.” We also have in that panel a picture of Muslim boy too, started reciting the Ganesha sloka
the former President Dr. Abdul Kalam reading out a “Vakra Tunda Mahakaya….”
poem on Swami’s Birthday describing Planet Earth as
When we asked them who had taught them this sacred
a shining jewel because of His love. In fact, Dr. S. P.
hymn, they pointed to their teacher. We were taken
Thyagarajan, a distinguished educationist and a former
aback. We were even surprised when the lady teacher
Vice Chancellor of Madras University, who had come on
told us that she takes pride in taking Bal Vikas classes
October 2nd,expressed similar sentiments.
and tries her best to inculcate Educare in the young
P: Oh, what did he say? minds. We asked her, “How do your family members and
community take this? Don’t they have any problems with
this?” Then, in a voice filled with conviction, she replied,
“Swami is beyond religion, and my whole family is
devoted to Him.” And this Exhibition has further
revealed the magnitude of His work to the parents
of many of these children and now, everybody wants
to do service.”
P: This is amazing! The way Swami brings about change

in the hearts of hundreds and thousands everyday,
directly and indirectly, is something astounding.
Dr. S.P. Thyagarajan, former VC, Madras University

offers us his elevating thoughts
S: He said, “India is now emerging as a synergy of not

only economic prosperity, freedom with democracy,
and social empowerment, but also attracting people
from all over the world because of the cultural
integration and spiritual maturity that Bhagavan
Baba is disseminating to the people.” There was a merry shower of excited school
chidren who came to watch in awe...
cover story
P: His words are so pertinent. And we see these

transformations happening every day, don’t we?
S: Yes, but I was lucky to witness personally many

such instances during the 11 days of Prema Jyothi in
Chennai.
P: Is that right? Why don’t you share with me at least a

few?
“After seeing this…I am completely

changed! I am a new man!”
- Mr Muthuraj K.
...and take into their pure hearts
His love and Teachings S: Sure. One gentleman, Mr. N. Senthil who came to
the Exhibition out of curiosity, after seeing the panels,
S: Very true. This is precisely what Honourable Justice said, “I am an atheist. But His Love brings me to a
Rama Subramaniam of the Madras High Court expressed new fold. His service to humanity makes me feel that
after He went through the various themes of Prema He has become an integral part of me! Love finds
Jyothi. meaning in His eyes. They are delightful, powerful
and blissful. I have no words to express.”
“It is His exemplary life that
has touched and transformed mankind.” Another person, Mr. Muthuraj K. wrote in the feedback
- Hn. Justice Rama Subramaniam
diary: “I am speaking from the bottom of my heart.
P: What did he say exactly?
I have harmed others through my body and mind.
S: He said, “Look at the millions who are directionless But after seeing this exhibition, I am completely
and come to Prasanthi Nilayam in search of meaning
in their lives, and once they return after seeing Baba,
they become instruments of service to society. For
me, that is the greatest miracle that Swami performs
everyday. If He had willed, by a wave of His thumb,
He could have set up these Hospitals and colleges,
but He chose to do it like any man would do, to
demonstrate to us what we can do if we so decide.
It is because of His abundant Love that He is walking
on Earth and it is His exemplary life that has touched
and transformed mankind.”
This youngster is overjoyed to watch
the sports day exploits of His students
These parents now know that

Hn. Justice Rama Subramaniam His care encompasses all
Bhoopalan, now in his late sixties, could not recognize or

recollect her, but comforted her with kind words.
And then she continued, “Please help me. I see Baba in

you. I saw through the whole Exhibition, how much
Baba has done for all of us! I have done nothing.”
And then tears started streaming her face. After a
while she regained composure and said, “I retired in
2003. Six months ago my husband passed away and
I have no children. I adopted my sister’s daughter,
performed her marriage and gave her a share of
He is keen to know about Swami’s Water my property too. And now, I am alone. I have two
Projects, so pertinent to Chennai residents vacant lands – one at Tanjavur and another at
Kolathur, Chennai; and there are many deposits in
my husband’s name. I have decided to give away all
these to Baba. He is doing so much for us. I don’t
need these anymore.”
You can imagine how touched Mr. Bhoopalan was when

he heard her resolve. But to make sure that it was not an
on-the-spur decision driven by emotion and that she is
fully aware of the pros and cons, Mr. Bhoopalan advised
her to return home and think it over calmly. But she
His joy knows no bounds!
changed. I am a new man. I am so grateful.” Stories

like this are many, but what takes the cake is the tale of
Mrs. Vasantha.
P: Who is she? An actress?
“He has done so much for us!...I want to

give away all my properties to Him and live
peacefully!” - Ms. Vasantha
S: No, not an actress but an active servant of the Lord.
She is an elderly lady who was once a Tax collector for
the Chennai Corporation. Mr. Bhoopalan, a Member of It was a cleansing inner journey for many
the Sri Sathya Sai Trust, Tamil Nadu personally narrated
to me this incident. Three days after Prema Jyothi
opened, one evening she dropped in at the site and
after seeing all the exhibits, she was in tears. She seemed
to be looking for someone. Concerned, Mr Bhoopalan,
who was standing near by, went to her and asked if he
could be of any help to her in anyway. The lady said, “I
want to talk to Swami.” And again she looked at Mr.
Bhoopalan, she seemed to recognize her and said, “Do
you remember me? I was the lone lady Tax collector
in Chennai Corporation. I also worked in the town For old timers, a happy revisit
of golden memories
planning section under you. My name is Vasantha.” Mr.
cover story
appreciated her devotion and sacrifice, and told her

that he will surely get back to her after getting Swami’s
approval.
P: This is so stirring. She was so transformed by seeing

only Swami’s beautiful pictures and some wonderful
videos - imagine what her state will be when she sees
Swami physically!
S: I guess, those tears will never stop. When people see

Swami, the innermost core of their being, which many
times even they are not aware of, is touched and then
His presence is so penetrating and powerful transformation happens in an instant! The Embodiment
of Goodness uncovers the best in every individual.
insisted. “You should help me in fulfilling my desire.
This is all I can do. Only two months ago, I joined as P: Right, these stories are so inspiring. Did you witness
a member in Aadambakkam Sai Samithi and I have any more such instances of changes of heart?
offered to go to Puttaparthi in October as a sevadal.”
“After seeing this…I strongly
Then, Mr. Bhoopalan asked her, “How long have you feel I should do only good to others”…
known Baba?” “My husband took me to Puttaparthi - Mr. S. N. Sridhar
at the time of my marriage. That was more than 30 S: Oh yes, many. One gentleman by name Mr. S. N. Sridhar
years ago. But after that I have never seen Baba,” she from Thiruvottiyur, said, “After seeing this exhibition,
said and left the premises accepting Vibhuti and a I strongly feel, I should do only good to others,
photo of Bhagavan. especially, offer education to the underprivileged. I
have decided today that I will contribute my mite to
But the story does not end there. Next day, at the same
make the lives of people better through education in
time, she appeared at the Exhibition, now with all the
my village Ulundai (which is near Sriperumbudur).”
papers concerning her land, and broke down. “Please,
But what stimulated me more was what Honorable
you must definitely help me. I do not need these
Justice S. Palanivelu, a Judge in the Madras High Court
properties. I have rents coming from my tenants for
said.
my maintenance, which is enough. I want to offer
everything to Him and live peacefully. This is all I P: Oh, so we had many distinguished lawyers come to
can do.” The State President of the Sai Organization the Exhibition? You earlier mentioned about Justice Ram
of Tamil Nadu finally gave her Swami’s Vibhuti packets, Subramaniam.
S: Yes, at least five prominent members of the Judiciary

visited Prema Jyothi, and every one had so many good
things to say, but what Honorable Justice S Palanivelu
said still rings in my ears.
P: OK, tell me about it.
S: He said, “I have read that service to society is service

to the Almighty, but here, I see, that the Almighty is
rendering service to society! Only a Pure Mind can
render so much to society, be it education, in the
field of medicine or providing drinking water. One
caption which has left a lasting impression on me,
Maybe they are wishing they which I have promptly noted down, is this: ‘Delaying
could have been there...
education to the poor is the surest recipe for disaster.’
Amazed at the Tsunami relief work
Hn. Justice S. Palanivelu
And then and there, I made up my mind to provide

education to at least one person, and if possible,
many others. We are so lucky to live while Bhagavan
is still here with us.”
P: That was wonderful. Was he introduced to Bhagavan

for the first time at the Exhibition?
Fascinated by Swami’s trip to Africa
S: No, but it was only recently he came to know of
Swami. He had his first Darshan when Swami visited
Chennai in January. Though he saw Swami then, till he
visited the Exhibition he had no idea of the quantum of
work that He has done for mankind. And, I tell you, he
was no exception.
“I realized how little I knew about Swami

and His Mission!” - Mr. S. Kannan
P: So the Exhibition introduced Swami to many who did
not know about Him, and also about His work to many
others, which often include even devotees who are not
so aware!
S: Exactly. One devotee from Ranipet, Mr. S. Kannan, said,

Lit up by His Radiance! “Though I have been involved in the Sai Organization
for the last 15 years, after seeing this Exhibition
I realized how little I knew about Swami and His
mission. I feel His presence here. I am grateful for
this opportunity to come here.”
And when you mentioned about newcomers, I was

reminded of a young dentist by name Miss Savithri, for
whom Prema Jyothi was her first exposure to Swami,
though she was inclined to matters spiritual like
meditation, contemplation, etc. for a long time. When
Learning about multi-faceted Lord Sai we requested her impressions, she said, “This is the
cover story
“All we need to do is give love” Mr. P. V. Venkateswaran, Supt. Police (Retd) is

- Miss Savithri, young dentist passionate about His mission and message
first time I saw Swami and His work, though I had

heard about Him a lot earlier. And I must tell you P: Sundar, every story you mention surpasses the other.
this is a golden moment for me. Being in the medical The kind of impact Prema Jyothi has had on the people
profession, rarely do I see people involved in a of Chennai is, in fact, a revelation to me and, I am sure,
spiritual life. Even if a few show interest, it is limited it will be the same for many others here too. It only
to yoga and things like that. But this is the first time I shows how great the need is for His love and guidance
have seen a Swamiji providing free surgeries, that too to people out there.
of high quality in hygienic conditions. After I finished

all the panels, two lines touched me the most: ‘The
Head is responsible for all our problems but the
answer to all these lie in the Heart.’ And now I know,
as individuals, we do not need money or influence or
power to contribute to society, all we need is to give
love. If we share love and serve, that is the greatest
thing. That is life.”
“I had no faith in Sai, now I am a devotee!”

- Ms. Divya Satish
She writes everything down so sweetly

to treasure it in her heart
Seeing the Exhibition through a child’s eyes

Hn. Justice P. Jyothimani gladly shares must be very special
his unique experience
These kids are learning more by way of a talk An assiduous and ardent Sai kid
- documenting it in her own sweet way
Enthralled and Enjoying...

they will remember this day! They discussed and debated as they went
along the tour of His Work and Glory
S: You are right, Prashant. Being inside the exhibition

help Swami has rendered especially during the
hall, looking at people’s expressions, talking to them,
Gujarat Earthquake and the Tsunami relief work is
answering their queries and observing their reactions
phenomenal. I became speechless when I saw how
was an overwhelming experience for me everyday. The
each and every aspect of the projects was taken care
other day, as I browsed through the feedback dairy, I
of by Him. Every minor detail was paid attention
saw a particular note which stunned me. It was by one
to. For example, the people affected were given
Ms. Divya Satish which said, “Till a second before I had
buckets to store water. And now what Swami has
no faith in Sai, now I am a devotee.” But what really
done for Chennai through the Sai Ganga project
made my hairs stand on end was a comment from a 19
is so wonderful! I am inspired to be a part of this
year old, Ms. Soundarya Nandakumar. She had written,
service.”
“What I truly feel is… I am 19 now and have wasted
my life by not rendering visible service. Swami is
Love.”
P: Such noble thoughts from a teenager! I think this is

the best reward for all the effort put in by everybody
associated with the Exhibition.
“I am inspired to be a part of this service!”

- Class XI student
S: Certainly. And what is heartening is hers was not the
only one. I met another student of Class XI studying
in Bala Vidya Mandir in Adyar, Chennai. He said, “This
exhibition has really inspired me. The amount of Being educated about Educare
cover story
it overflows, and destroys villages, their agricultural

fields and the cattle. But the same water when
diverted through various canals into villages helps
in irrigation and contributes to prosperity. It also
generates power and lights up many hamlets. This
is how Swami is converting youth energy into a
constructive asset for the society.”
P: That’s a nice analogy.
S: Yes, but he made an even better contemporary

comparison relating to the Exhibition and its impact.
For the Sai Youth, it was a labour of love
P: He did? What was that?
P: I feel this is the most striking facet of Bhagavan’s
“Once you see this…it is like your life is
Mission. While nobody in these present times dares to
cleansed!” - Mr. T. G. Krishnamurthy
speak to youngsters, let alone direct them, which includes
S: He said, “Once you see this Exhibition from the
even parents, Swami is the only one who, for decades,
beginning till the end, it is like your life is cleansed.
has systematically and so beautifully lit the lamp of love
You are purified by the time you are out of this hall.
in their hearts and young minds and converted them into
There is so much Love energy here. You know, these
lighthouses. The way He has channeled their energies is
days, when you buy a computer, you need also to
simply amazing!
S: That reminds me of what Mr. T. G. Krishnamurthy,

the former President of Sathya Sai Organisation of
Tamil Nadu, said after seeing the Exhibition. First, he
highlighted the uniqueness of Prema Jyothi, saying how
it is incomparable with anything else done before and
how it encapsulates within itself the essence of all world
religions.
Then, referring to the Youth, he said, “The energy of

the Youth can be compared to a water level in a
dam. If the water level exceeds the maximum limits,
Mr. Gopal Rao, a music director and playback

singer says,”It was a blissful experience”
Dr. Rangabhashyam, renowned

gastroenterologist, speacking on how Prema
Mr. T. G. Krishnamurthy
Jyothi encapsulates His life and message
buy anti-virus software and a pop-up blocker to save

your system from crashing. We cannot live without
computers in the present times, but to save ourselves
from the viruses, which are nothing but bad thoughts
which get into our minds, we need a virus-scan. And
I tell you, this Exhibition is like a perfect virus-scan.
Once you have seen this, bad influences will not
affect you.”
P: That’s interesting. So, the exhibition was the anti-

virus, what is the pop-up blocker?
Sai Youth...the Backbone of the ...and all the panels are carefully loaded.
Wonderful Presentation
S: He said, “That is the divine devotional music of the S: Oh, yes. They worked very hard for it. More than 150
bhajans that is always on inside the Exhibition hall. youth from different Samithis in and around Chennai
Whenever we get a sensual thought,” he said, “if we worked tirelessly for a few weeks to make it happen. It
think of the Lord, – be it Rama, Krishna, Jesus, Allah was no easy task, I tell you, to convert the barren land
– that acts as a pop-up blocker and safeguards us into a temple of worship. When I went there first, work
from harmful elements. Only then can we be useful was going on in full swing. The panels, which had come
instruments to society.” And then referring to the Sai from Puttaparthi in huge vehicles that are generally
Youth at the Exhibition Hall, he said, “Rarely will you used to transport Hyundai cars, were being carefully
find so many youth so humble and serving people unloaded, assembled and erected. Soon, the lights, fans,
with so much concern and dedication. I have also seen carpets, floral decors – everything happened in record
how, when they go to the villages, they first touch time including the fabulous entrance.
the feet of the elders and then offer them clothes
and food. I do not know of anybody who does this
except Sai Youth. But for the Youth’s enthusiasm, we
would not have had such a wonderful presentation
here in Chennai.”
P: That’s absolutely true, and it was there for everyone

to see wasn’t it? After the Prema Jyothi was staged here
in Prasanthi Nilayam by the Prashanti Digital Studio, it
must have been purely because of their initiative and
interest that it went first to Chennai from here.
In Chennai, they are patiently unpacked...
The huge Hyundai carrier arrives at Parthi... ...and assembled with utmost care
cover story
The hall went up at breakneck speed

and in trying weather conditions ...into the Prashanthi that manifested in Chennai
large picture of Swami with a compassionate smile as if

welcoming you to come and bask in His Love.
P: That is wonderful.
S: And before I forget, I must tell you how, just before

the inauguration, once all the arrangements were done,
including decorating the trees lining the entrance with
colorful lights, all the youth were in for a surprise. They
looked up at the sky and there was a delightful rainbow!
Shining and ready on the first day It just gladdened their hearts and filled them with more
-it was another of Sai’s leelas
vigour.
P: Oh, the entrance! Tell me more about it. The entrance

of Prema Jyothi here in Puttaparthi was grand. A 150
feet wide massive structure resembling an ancient South
Indian temple, it left everyone in awe. Even Swami was
glued to it when He saw it on the Inauguration day!
S: That’s great. I missed the

exhibition in Puttaparthi but
I must tell you the entrance
here was also a magnificent
construction. It made
people feel as if they were
entering Prasanthi Nilayam The rainbow blessing
because it was a three
P: Swami always knows how to inspire His Youth, doesn’t
dimensional huge structure
He?
with three domes and with
the same architecture and S: No doubt about that. In fact, they distributed at
All were welcomed by colors as you see in the Sai least three hundred thousand leaflets with complete
Swami...and in trying
weather conditions Kulwant Hall. And the rest information about the exhibition in Chennai, and I heard
of the area and the walls every house received it with reverence and joy. They also
were draped with garlands and huge curtains of yellow, had local dailies and television channels flash news about
orange and white. It gave such a pleasant and vibrant Prema Jyothi continuously for a few days, and went
look. And as soon as you entered the hall, there was a personally to invite the distinguished citizens of the city.
Plaudits from the press, in The seva dals’ explanations were masterful...
“Dinamalar” on Sep 23, 07
...they felt every word they spoke

The big billboard on Sterling Road
Committed and passionate

In “Adyar Times”, Sep In “Dinamalar”, Sep - the Sai youth were the right
23, 2007 21, 2007 conduits between panels and people
P: Oh boy! That is a lot of work.
S: Not only this, on September 7, a group of 12 went

to Puttaparthi to get trained as guides in the Prashanti
Digital Studio. And this helped a lot as it gave them a
complete perspective of the Exhibition, and because of
that they could do a fantastic job in explaining every
aspect of the presentation very clearly to dignitaries and
devotees alike. In fact, one man was so impressed that he
said, “I really appreciate your dedicated work. When
They love with which they explained to the
you are explaining the panels, you do it with so much young and old, the strong and the
joy and enthusiasm as if you are showing your own weak was commendable
cover story
family album to a friend! And I see that you do this

with everybody, be it a young individual or an old
person. This is real dedication. It is exemplary.”
The Tamil Twist of Prema Jyothi

P: It was the same here, Sundar. The students and staff
working in the Prashanti Digital Studio were always
in attendance taking devotees around with great joy.
The captions for the panels were in Telugu and Hindi
apart from the regular English. And if a devotee did
not understand these languages, to the extent possible
they found somebody who could explain it to the visitor, Many like him read every word written in Tamil
especially a foreigner, in his or her language.
It was two hours of journey in another world
There were always wheelchairs on hand captions, looking at the picture again with keen interest,
for the physically infirm...
and moving on only after they had absorbed in full what
was being conveyed.
P: Yes, it was the same when it was held in Puttaparthi

too. In fact, there was also a Radio Sai booth here where
they demonstrated the 24 hour radio channel live over
the internet, as well as the WorldSpace digital radio.
Not only that, you could also subscribe to their daily
inspirational email service “Sai Inspires” online.
S: Prashant, all this was there in Chennai, too.

...and Sai Youth ready to take “I cried for 15 minutes after seeing the
the elderly around
video-clips!” - Ms. A. Gowthami
S: That was nice of them. But in Chennai, language was P: Oh, that is great. And what about the video clips? We
not an issue because everybody in Chennai follows Tamil had six TV monitors in Puttaparthi showing small clips
or English, and the Youth had taken pains to translate on Swami’s leelas, His Hospitals, the Godavari Water
all the 180 panels into Tamil and had them printed and project, the Mobile Hospital and so on.
displayed below the regular English. S: Yes, I know what you are talking about. All these too
P: That was good homework done. It would have helped were there in Chennai. In fact, a special video on His
the visitors a lot. visit to Chennai was also there in a separate enclosure at
the far end of the hall and people could relax there on
S: Oh yes. I remember many people, especially the old, comfortable chairs as they listened to soothing music in
standing in front of the panels, patiently reading the the background. Many were in tears after seeing these
The video shows gripped their innocent minds

They sat mesmerised by His divine darshan
S: I can imagine that. His heart is softer than butter. No

being with so much compassion has ever walked on
earth.
Every Minute Detail was Attended To!

P: Absolutely, and Swami, on the inauguration day, also
heard Radio Sai on the internet as well as on the digital
Radio. Did you have a Radio Sai booth there?
S: Oh yes, in fact, beside the exhibition hall, there were

Some could not contain their emotions...
seven booths. Apart from the Radio Sai booth, there
were also stalls for Sanathana Sarathi subscription, Sai
shows. In fact, a lady, Ms. A. Gowthami wrote in the
feedback diary, “I really enjoyed this and cried for 15
minutes after seeing the video clips.” Frankly, even I
could not contain my tears when I saw it for the first
time, especially the Mobile Hospital presentation which
shows the pathetic condition of the poor, and the way
Swami is reaching out to them is really very touching.
P: Oh, yes. Even in Puttaparthi, I remember people

breaking down seeing these five minute presentations.
Actually, even Swami was moved!
In the hundreds, people subscribed to ‘Sai Inspires’...
It was riveting and revealing... ...and heard Sai Youth explain about various services
cover story
There was blessed prasadam on offer as well

The volunteers were truly channels of
Swami’s Love...
even had nearly 15 wheelchairs ready to take the elderly

lovingly around the exhibition. It would take two hours
to show one person the whole presentation, but they did
it smilingly. Touched with this service, a lady Ms. Nivedita
R. said, “The service the volunteers rendered to my
physically indisposed mother is really commendable.
I can never forget this.” Another devotee Mr. W. S.
Sundarayajam said, “The volunteers ensured that my
And the nice touch of a children’s play-pen! family had a divine treat. I felt that I was in a temple
having the Lord’s Darshan.”
Literature, a Bal Vikas counter, a CD stall and so on. And
P: When there is purity in our feelings and absolute
what is more interesting is, besides a refreshments stall,
openness in our dealings with others, filled with
they had a playpen for kids, too.
unblemished love, the results cannot be anything but
P: That, I would say, is attention to detail. beautiful.
S: Absolutely, Prashant!
And I saw many instances
of this during Prema
Jyothi in Chennai. For the
volunteers it was not work,
it was worship. You know,
they also had a medical
camp running all the time,
with doctors taking turns,
just in case any visitor
needed any help. And at
the exit, there was always
one Youth bidding farewell
Dr. Hiramalini dwells on the uniqueness of the ...and message lovingly and handing over
whole presentation
to everybody a photo of
S: Yes, the youth in Chennai were truly charged; they were Bhagavan and a Vibhuti packet. Later, they even started
overjoyed that Prema Jyothi was first coming to Chennai giving Likhita Japam note books to devotees, and pens
after Puttaparthi and wanted to do everything possible and chocolates to kids too.
to make it a memorable experience for every visitor. They
Constantly giving to all who came...

...and there were special gifts for children
2, 2007, they had sweets and sundal (a snack made of

chick peas) distributed to everybody who came there.
And as the last few devotees were leaving the hall, they
started singing Bhajans.
But the way the youth were pouring their heart out to
Swami with love and gratitude, singing with all their
devotion and zeal, brought tears to my eyes. For the Youth
and others associated with the exhibition in Chennai, it
...smiling and sharing their goodwill was like Swami was there with them for those eleven
P: It is because of such dedicated service that everybody

who came to the Exhibition felt His Presence. Swami
says, “Where there is love, there is God.”
S: True, but the most poignant scene was the last day.
P: Why, did any troublesome event happen on that

day?
A Painful Adieu for the Youth!

S: No, nothing can go wrong with Swami’s work. It was
more special, that’s all. On the final day, that is, October
On the last day the bhajans were
especially moving
All were visibly touched by the

Everyone received delicious prasadam... vibes of the occasion
cover story
days in the form of those priceless pictures. You see, As the youth concluded their bhajans and sang
even though we know and say that God is Omnipresent, the Arathi “Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare...” in the
not being fully realized we long to see His captivating last session on October 2nd, at the far end of the
form, His pristine eyes, His compassionate look and His hall, there was a devotee who was looking at each
divine charm. And when the Youth saw devotees from of His photos covetously for the last time. And lost
Indore already at the site to take the Exhibition now to in prayer, it looked like she was too immersed in a
the state of Madhya Pradesh, it was hard for them. conversation with her Inner Self. A few minutes
later, her eyes brimmed with devotion and tears
slowly cruised down her sublime face. And then, she
smiled. Probably, Swami heard her prayer. Maybe she
got her answer. Maybe Swami blessed her with the
experience she was longing for. But as the light of
the camphor glowed brightly, she, too, shined. Her
heart was now as if one in love with that Light of
Love, ‘Prema Jyothi’.
Everyone Carried The

‘Prema Jyothi’ Home...
Their enthusiasm to do His work was
always an elevating sight...
...and the feelings from their heart opened

up in torrents as the curtains came down
So many had been touched...

P: I can understand that, Sundar. Who wants to miss
Darshan? Having stepped inside the ashram, who wants
to leave Puttaparthi and return to the outside world
again? We know we have to carry Swami in our hearts
and make every place a Prashanti, but it takes a while to
get there.
S: Very true. As we discussed earlier, for the many

devotees that came to this Exhibition, it was no less than
Swami’s physical Darshan. I remember one devotee Mr.
K. Krishnamurthy, who had come from Mysore, saying,
“I completely merged in bliss. I never realized the
two hours I spent here.” But there is one final scene
which is etched in my memory forever.
...to pray to Him then and there
think, helped many to establish that precious

connection with their Inner Self, which is
nothing but Pure Love.
S: Absolutely, and Swami is only an outward

manifestation, a concretization of that all-
powerful Pure Love that is there everywhere
– within and without.
P: So beautifully put, living up to your name,

Sundar! What a glorious time we have had
today discussing only about His Love!
Their devotion gushed forth... S: Yes, I did not even realize we have spent
more than an hour. That is what happens every
P: You brought the scene alive so beautifully. I can time we begin to talk about Swami. He is such a
imagine what kind of experience it must have been Phenomenon!
for that lady. We, in our lives too, get those flashes of
P: Absolutely. I hope we will meet soon later and continue
moments in our lives when we are filled with bliss, when
our satsang (godly discussion) another day.
we are connected with our Maker. And this exhibition, I
S: Of course, as He wills. Sairam, till then.
P: My friend, Sairam.
– Heart2Heart Team
We are grateful to Sri Ramani, the State President of Sai

Organisation, Tamil Nadu, for his wholehearted support,
Ms. Jayalakshmi from Chennai for documenting various
aspects of the Exhibition and sharing it with us, Dr.
Krishna Raman for his telling pictures, and all those Sai
volunteers who have helped us, directly or indirectly, in
the making of this story.
...and the Lord made them feel

His love every moment
feature articles
about Hubble himself [see QFI – 02 for a profile of
quest for infinity Hubble].
Part 10 5. Careful examination then revealed that about

By Prof. G. Venkataraman 300,000 years or so after birth, electromagnetic
radiation began to fill the entire Universe, and at
Loving Sai Ram and greetings once again. I wonder how that time the temperature of this radiation was
many of you appreciate how far we have “travelled” quite high.
in our quest for Infinity. Some of you might feel that it
6. As the Universe expanded and this radiation had
seems to be an endless journey. So it might seem but
more and more space to occupy, the temperature
when we come to the “end” of our journey, you would
dropped; today, it is about 2.8˚ absolute.
perhaps get a terrific surprise! I don’t want to spoil it for
you by telling you something about it right away, but I 7. Called the Cosmic Microwave Background [CMB]
thought I would provoke you with that remark to launch this radiation was accidentally discovered in the late
you on a guessing game! sixties and constitutes [one of the] strong evidence
for the Big Bang.
OK, let’s get down to business and look back for a moment
to see how far we have travelled. After “wandering” all 8. Meanwhile, it was
over the physical Universe, we realised that we must found that the current
find out something about how the Universe came into rate of expansion of
existence. No doubt God created it, but can we, using the Universe was not
our [God-given] skills, find out something about the enough to explain its
details? That was the exploration we were engaged in, size, assuming that at
and that revealed to us the following: birth the Universe has
a size of almost zero.
1. The Universe came into existence with a so-called
This, among other
Big Bang.
things led to the idea
2. This Big Bang, we can now say with a fair amount of Inflation, which was
of certainty, happened about 13. 8 billion years ago, given a respectable Alan Guth
with a small margin of error of course. shape [with many lingering questions though] by
Alan Guth.
3. When the Universe was born, it was incredibly tiny
but soon began to grow; this occurred through the 9. Subsequent studies have shown that Inflation,
expansion of “space-time”. For our convenience, we an event of unimaginable proportions MUST have
visualize this as the expansion of a balloon say. occurred – at least that is what most believe.
4. There is hard 10. The above facts related to astrophysics and

experimental evidence cosmology have got increasingly connected to the
for such an expansion, micro world also. First, looking at the radiation from
and this was first stars, people developed theories about the elemental
obtained by Hubble, composition of stars. Then when it came to energy
named after whom produced by stars and their subsequent fate, people
there is now a space went down to the level of nuclei and even protons
telescope – every kid and neutrons to discuss the physics of stars.
these days has heard
11. Slowly, people have started relating the physics of
of the Hubble telescope
very small distances to the nature of the very tiny
though few of them
Universe. Just to remind you, for the cosmologist,
might know anything Edwin Hubble
very small distance means something like 10-30 cm
quest for infinity - Part 10
and below, going even as far down as 10-48 cm. Of is one more plus for it [in addition to these cited
course, this also means that one is talking of the earlier].
Baby Universe when it was incredibly young – I have
• Nasty problems called infinities, have dogged all
mentioned all this earlier.
theories of the world of the small – technically
The point I want to drive at via the above recap is that called quantum field theories – and it takes a lot of
we have now begun to seriously connect the Big and ingenuity to overcome the difficulties posed by these
the Small. We know that philosophers have been talking unwelcome infinites. By comparison, String Theory
about it for a long time. Modern science has successfully does not suffer that much from this disease.
linked the seed to the tree and the DNA to the human
body. But now, taking a giant leap, man is trying to link
the Cosmos at the macro level to the infant Universe,
indeed to the instant of Creation. Man is attempting this
via the latest developments in the physics of elementary
particles. That is roughly where we were last time, and
towards the end of that instalment, I was beginning to
tell you something about String Theory, the hottest topic
in particle physics today. For your convenience, I have
given separately in a box, a thumb-nail portrait of String
Theory. I strongly urge you to at least glance through this
once, so that you may appreciate better what follows.
As described in the box, in String Theory, the starting Interacting strings could unite all four forces
(Digital artist’s conception)
point is that it is not particles but strings that are basic
to the physics of small distances. Although it is yet to hit • Most importantly, String Theory makes room for
the headlines in terms of making spectacular predictions gravitation in a natural way. This is a huge bonus
that have come true [that is what Einstein’s Theory of because a conventional “marriage” between
Gravitation achieved, way back around 1915-1920; see Einstein’s classical and very powerful theory of
QFI - 02], String Theory nevertheless has many pluses gravitation and relativistic quantum mechanics [that
going for it. These include: came later], a “marriage” that is absolutely mandatory
when one enters the world of the small, is next to
• It is a theory tailored to the world of the very small
impossible. That traditional difficulty is overcome in
and based on quantum mechanics, the inclusion of
String Theory, almost in passing it seems. It is this
which is a basic and mandatory qualification for any
very impressive aspect of String Theory that makes
theory to be taken seriously.
it very appealing to many. Incidentally, whereas GUT
• String Theory in its current version, evolved after type theories unify only the strong, the weak and the
many modifications and improvements, and is able electromagnetic forces [three out of the four basic
to accommodate SUSY or Super Symmetry, which forces known], String Theory offers the possibility
allows for a symmetry between quarks and leptons. of bringing all four forces [that is to say the three
mentioned above AND gravitation] under one single
• In that sense, String Theory may be seen as a part
regime – and that is a real great attraction. If it clicks,
of the various attempts made during the last few
String Theory would be the ultimate theory, which
decades to tie up the strong, the weak and the
is why some tout it as the Theory of Everything
electromagnetic force under one umbrella. For
[TOE].
many years, physicists have been searching for such
a Grand Unified Theory [GUT] but have not come At this stage, I should mention that some daring physicists
up with a really good one. String Theory has all the said, “Why only strings? Why not membranes?” Then
potentialities of emerging as the final winner – that a smarter guy said, “Listen, particles can be viewed
feature articles
as zero dimensional strings. The usual string is a one- rather than merely of three dimensional space.” At that
dimensional string while the traditional membrane [like time, Einstein’s pronouncement was a great shock but
that in a drum] is a two-dimensional string. Why not over a century, we have got used to that idea. In fact,
three-dimensional or four-dimensional strings? Indeed, modern satellites cannot work properly if we did not use
why not a n-dimensional string?” Mathematicians are the big man’s ideas in designing them. I am told that
like that! Sometimes they really go wild, but out of such these ideas are used even in the GPS systems now found
flights of fancy, many discoveries also emerge. in many cars!
That’s OK but what about this huge proliferation in

dimensions, with people quite comfortably talking
about ten and eleven dimensions? Was it not making
things unnecessarily complicated? Why all this in the
first place? Well, let me tell you that physicists are quite
smart and what with all the fierce competition around
they would not mess around with higher dimensions
[brought in along with strings or branes, call them what
you will], unless there was mileage; and there sure was.
There is a fairly long

history in this business
of proliferation of
dimensions. As I told you
1-D, 2-D and 3-D strings just now, everyone always
accepted that we live in a
By the way, these multi-dimensional membranes are
space of three dimensions.
sometimes simply called branes. So if you want to sound
In addition to space, there
smart and someone is trying to tell you something about
was of course Time, and it
String Theory, just put on a wry face and mutter wisely,
was believed till Einstein
“Oh, you are talking about branes, are you?” The other
came along, that space
person would begin to look at you with respect. [That
was space and time was Albert Einstein
lesson on one-upmanship comes free, compliments of
time and that the two shall remain distinct. In 1915,
H2H!] But one thing about String Theory is that it comes
Einstein changed all that with his famous Theory of
with many more dimensions than we are used to and
Gravitation. He talked about a unified spacetime rather
that might make you pretty uneasy, quite legitimately
than space and time separately. Mercifully, this concept
too. More about these extra dimensions next; but
of unified spacetime was not normally required except
meanwhile, if you want to know more about strings,
in special circumstances, as for example, when one deals
please see BOX 1.
with astrophysical objects.
Let me now attend to the puzzling question of extra
Around 1919-1920, a young scientist named Kaluza in
dimensions. We are supposed to live in a world that is
USSR read Einstein’s by now classic work on general
essentially three-dimensional; that being the case, what
relativity and gravitation. He then said to himself,
on earth do these fanciful extra dimensions mean? To
“Einstein says that gravity is just a manifestation of
answer this question let us go back to Einstein who in a
curvature in 4 D spacetime. Is it possible to understand
manner started it all, though not with strings. One fine
the electromagnetic force also in the same manner?”
day he said, “Folks, I have news for you. Yes, the world
After pouring over the problem, Kaluza came to the
we live in does have three dimensions of space. But you
conclusion that if Einstein’s 4 D space was made 5 D,
know something? Time is also a kind of dimension and
then both gravity and electromagnetic forces could
we need to consider time along with space. I therefore
perhaps be regarded as suitable curvatures of this
propose that we must talk of four-dimensional spacetime
higher dimensional space. It was a bold idea, in a sense Einstein gave a geometric way of looking at gravitation,
extending Einstein’s path-breaking concept to a new that is as the curvature of 4 D “space”, Kaluza was saying,
height. Basically, it was an attempt to see the basic forces “Listen, if you make 4 D ‘space’ into 5 D ‘space’, then you
in terms of higher dimensions. We must remember that can interpret both gravitation and electromagnetism as
in 1919, only gravitational and electromagnetic forces appropriate curvatures of this 5 D “space”.
were recognised as basic forces of Nature; the weak
Einstein’s four-dimensional world based on spacetime
and strong forces operating in the nuclear domain were
made room for a geometric interpretation of gravity,
unknown then.
while Kaluza’s extension to five dimensions allowed room
Kaluza wrote a paper and for the electromagnetic force to be interpreted in a similar
sent it to the Master for fashion, along with gravity
comments. When Einstein of course. However, both
received the manuscript, these descriptions were
he wrote back: classical. With the advent
of quantum mechanics in
The idea that this
the late twenties, Oscar
representation of the
Klein in Sweden wondered
electric field can be
how these descriptions
achieved through a five-
would get modified in
dimensional cylinder-
the quantum picture;
world never occurred to
Theodor Kaluza and one fine day, Klein
me and would seem to
came up with an equation Oscar Klein
me to be altogether new. I like your idea at first sight
which was a five-dimensional extension of what is
very much. …. If no apparently and irreparable objection
called Schordinger’s wave equation. This allowed one
occurs to me when reading your detailed exposition, I
to engage in a quantum analysis of what happens in a
will be pleased to present your paper on the subject to
higher dimensional world under the combined influence
the academy here.
of gravity and the electromagnetic force.
Just one week later, Einstein wrote,
Kaluza’s extension of Einstein’s idea and its subsequent
I have read through your paper and find it extremely adaptation to the quantum world by Klein came to be
interesting. Nowhere, so far, can I see an impossibility. called the Kaluza-Klein theory. It was a nice toy to play
On the other hand, I have to admit that the arguments with and that was about it; nothing much more came
brought forward so far do not appear to be convincing out of it except one interesting idea about what happens
enough. to the extra dimension. That is what I shall briefly deal
with next, for this idea lingered, for many decades
Cold water for Kaluza! Two years later, however, Einstein
though in limbo, until it became resurrected and found
changed his mind and wrote as follows:
an important role to play.
I am having second thoughts about having restrained you
When Kaluza and Klein started talking of the fifth
from publishing your idea on a unification of gravitation
dimension, people said: “Listen, Einstein has already
and electricity two years ago. … If you wish, I shall
complicated life by declaring Time to be space-like,
present your paper to the academy after all, provided
married space and time into one entity which he calls
you send it to me.
spacetime. And now you fellows are talking about a fifth
And that is how Kaluza’s radical idea got the highest dimension. If this fifth dimension really exists, why on
blessing, with a delay of two years. I must stress that earth don’t we see it or experience it? Where has it hidden
Kaluza did not unify the gravitational and electromagnetic itself?” This is an interesting question that played a very
forces in the way we understand unification of forces useful role by leading to the idea of compactification.
now. Basically what he had done is the following: While Basically one says, that the extra dimension “curls” itself
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so much that at the “practical” level, it appears as if the phenomena at very small scales. How small is small?
extra dimension is not present. Maybe around 10-43 cm or so.
I hope the figure above makes clear what compactification Well that takes care of the first of many questions that
means. It simply says that the extra dimension is so small crop up. Now to the second question: “What do these
that for normal purposes it does not appear to exist, or extra dimensions of String Theory mean? What are they
even if it did, it does not bother us. telling us?” That is a tougher question but one can
attempt a speculative answer as follows. You see, when
Einstein took the first step about a hundred years ago,
he essentially said, “You know? If we think of space
having four instead of three dimensions as usual [by
making time into a “pseudo” dimension if you will], then
we can explain gravity by using this “fourth” dimension.
Then came Kaluza who said, “Hold on a minute; I think
if we go beyond Einstein and add two extra dimensions
instead of just one as Prof E did, then we can explain not
only gravity but also electromagnetic forces.”
FIGURE 1: This figure illustrates how one can
understand compactification. We start with a line That’s OK but now with String Theories, we have a big
[see (a)]. Suppose we place a circle at every point on proliferation with 10 or 11 dimensions [and maybe even
the line. In (b) are shown some of these circles. If the more by come accounts]; what happens now? People are
line is densely packed with such circles everywhere, wondering whether the extra dimensions are in any way
we get a tube as in (c). As is evident, the surface of
related to several new and exotic attributes of elementary
this cylinder is two-dimensional – just cut the tube
particles. What I mean is this. When we think of classical
across and spread it, you get a rectangle instead
particles [I mean like what Newton considered], we
of a line; that is what I mean by two-dimensional.
would certainly attribute a mass to the particle and also
Imagine now that the radius R of the circle becomes
a electric charge if it possessed one. Thus, we would say
smaller and smaller. The diameter of the tube would
the proton has a mass of so much and a positive electric
then start shrinking and soon, the tube would start
looking like a line. This is in terms of appearance charge of one unit. Similarly, the neutron has a mass of so
only; in actual fact, what appears to be a line would much but has zero electric charge; and so on. However,
still be a tube, but with a diameter too small for the thanks to intensive investigations in the post-war years,
eye to see. This is what compactification means. it became clear that elementary particles have all kinds
of exotic attributes like spin, colour [in some cases],
baryon number and lepton number [as applicable], and
Question: “Can the compactified dimension ever make so on. All these properties, by the way, are not related to
its presence felt? If so, under what conditions? And what the physical space we live in. Maybe they are related to
on earth does it imply?” the extra dimensions coming out of the latter-day exotic
All good questions, which we shall now try and deal theories like String Theory, including various versions of
with. it; that certainly is an interesting guess but we really do

not know. I am sure we will hear more on this subject in
Let me start with the first question. The figure above the years to come; the last word has certainly not been
should make it clear that compactification is believed to said – that is my impression, and I hope I am correct!
make the extra dimension so small that it would hardly
affect our normal lives. OK, the stock market would not To sum up this part of the discussion regarding extra
dimensions, I should say the following:
be affected but can this compactified dimension ever
make its presence felt? Sure, when we start exploring
• It now seems inevitable that for getting a complete

theory in 4 D [3 space + and time], we have to
start with a “parent” theory in higher dimensions.
The number of dimensions could be 10, 11, or even
higher. The issue does not appear to have been
settled yet.
• After the higher-dimensional theory is fully worked

out, we must descend to 4 D to make contact with
the real world. This calls for compactification of
the extra dimensions in a suitable manner and to a
suitable size.
• Size of the compact dimensions? No one knows for

sure but most guesses are that the size is very small,
of the order of 10-43 cm.
• Would all compactified dimensions have the same

size or would the sizes be different? No one knows.
• When does compactification occur during the

FIGURE 2: This figure seeks to illustrate the concept evolution of Universe? No one is sure but it must
of (7 + 4 =11) dimensions, of which seven are have been very early, like say around 10-30 sec or so.
compactified. Shown here are a set of spheres
• Does the size of the compactified dimension stay
placed at several points on a plane. The spheres are
constant or vary with time? No one knows for sure, but
associated with these points the same way circles
almost everyone agrees that these compactified sizes
were associated with a line in Figure 1. Suppose
remain constant from the moment compactification
every point on the plane in this way, then we would
occurs.
have a space that would be 2 + 3. Clearly, we cannot
depict such a space since we live in 3 D space. The story of extra dimensions does not quite end here.
Strings and branes and their relationship to gravity has
Guided by this figure, one can similarly associate
led to an interesting idea. To explain this, I must start
a seven-sphere [sphere in seven dimensions] with
with the figure below.
every point of 3 D space so that 3 D space becomes
10-dimensional. With time included, 10 dimensions
then become 11 dimensions.
This is the way to understand how space as we

know it can have many more dimensions that we
actually experience. These extra dimensions we
do not make any impact on us in our normal life
because they have been compactified to a size
too small for us to see or experience. Thus, while FIGURE 3: This figure illustrates how gravity might
String theorists need 11 dimensions for developing operate on different scales of length. (a) shows
their theories of the microscopic world, we need how the gravity lines of force radiate from a particle
not lose any sleep about the extra dimensions they in accordance with Newton ’s law, which is OK,
especially when the particle is at rest. This radiation
invoke because they are too small as far as we are
pattern is typical of what is called the inverse-square
concerned!
law. That is to say the force is inversely proportional
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anything really exciting?” It turns out there are many

to the square of the distance between the particle exciting implications if gravity does not follow what
and the point where the strength of the force is Newton thought it did. Let me mention just one of these
being measured. This is conventional behaviour. (b) amazing implications.
shows something much more complicated though
in a schematic manner. Here the cylinder shows Earlier when I introduced strings, I merely said they
a two-dimensional space, of a line plus circles were quite tiny with incredibly small sizes; I did not
everywhere as I have described earlier. specify their shape, except to consider one simple
case, that of a straight string. It turns out that strings
Let us say there is a particle in this space. In a can be of two basic types, open at both ends or closed
small region of this 2 D space, around the particle, into a loop. According to one picture, the string that
represented by a small circle, gravity force lines do represents the electron is of the open type while the
appear to radiate radially outwards. In other words, string that represents the graviton or the quantum of
in this limited region, the behaviour appears to be the gravitational field is closed; and this difference has
Newtonian. However, to infer that the behaviour an incredible implication.
is Newtonian in this space is wrong. That is what
this figure seeks to illustrate. Just follow the lines Consider now Figure 4 below, where the electron and
beyond the small circle. We see then that the lines the graviton live in a (2 + 1) dimensional world. I have
spread out in a very special way and indeed in chosen this artificial case just for illustration. A string is a
some regions the lines are parallel to the axis of 2D object and it is easy to depict it on a plane as I have
the cylinder – very different from radial behaviour done. The extra dimension is the one that is supposed
you would agree. In other words, in this space as a to get compactified; keep this in mind please. With this
whole, Newton’s law does not work! simplification, I try to depict the force lines emitting
from the electron and the graviton. Now take a close
look at the figure.
I hope you have studied the figure above. This raises
a question. We all assume something taught in high
school, namely, the force law in Newton’s theory obeys
the rule:
F is proportional to (1/r2).
Question: “How well has this law been actually tested

in the lab?” The answer is: “At large distances, like over
the solar system for example, the law has been tested
with fairly high accuracy.” That’s fine but what about FIGURE 4: This figure illustrates what happens
small distances? Here the story is: “It has been tested to the force lines emitted by an electron and a
to distances of the order of say a mm or so but lower graviton, existing in 2 D space, in a Universe which
than that, especially at very small distances, there has has one more dimension that is compactified. As
been no check.” As a matter of fact, some theorists have mentioned in the text, the electron is a string with
suggested that if there are extra dimensions and the open ends while the graviton is a loop. Now the
extra dimensions are compactified etc., then at small interesting thing is that the two ends of the electron
distances in 3 D space, the force law might behave like: are anchored in the 2 D space; which means that
F is proportional to (1/r2+n), they can move about only within the plane, i.e., the
2 D space. The graviton, on the other hand, is not
where n is some number. In other words, instead of an so constrained and can move into the remaining
inverse square law, gravity might follow an inverse (2+n) dimension [compactified though it may be for the
law, where n is some number. Reacting to this, some beings in the 2 D space]. This fact is schematically
people said, “That’s interesting but not exciting enough;
To get back to the graviton escaping from the confines

illustrated here by showing the force lines emanating of 2 D space, the story does not end with what I have
from the electrons as being confined to the plane described thus far. Remember I said the graviton would
while the lines emitted by the graviton radiate not escape from the 2 D world into the third dimension? In
only into the plane but also escape into the other terms of the universe we live in, it means that gravitons
dimension. There is thus an extra freedom that the that rule gravity here can escape from our Universe [of
graviton enjoys and this has deep consequences 3+1 dimensions] into “another Universe” [!] that is so
that are explained in the text. near yet so far!
Is your head spinning? No wonder! That is the way

You may think this is all a kind of hocus pocus. Not if you
things work out in this business. Maybe I should not
think about it a bit, and to assure that there is a real life
give you more dizziness; why don’t I reserve that for
analogue to this, I present the figure below:
the next issue? OK? Well, so long and take care please!
Things are sure going to get curiouser and curiouser as
they say! Meanwhile, I urge you once again to reflect for
a moment on the amazing beauty and mystery of the
Universe we live in.
People say the Universe is an accident. May be it is for

them; but I find would find it amazing if a whole bunch
of molecules got together by accident to form the first
living being, descended from which was Shakespeare,
who churned out incredible plays, unmatched over five
FIGURE 5: This figure offers a simple analogy to hundred years. Maybe, as Sir James Jeans once said, if we
illustrate how while the graviton can escape out set a million monkeys on a million typewriters and allow
of the plane, the electron must remain confined to them to press the keys, which of course they would do
it. What you see here is a billiard table with two at random, and print out all that is typed, then after
colliding billiard balls. Clearly, the balls must move millions of years we would end up with all the sonnets
on the table; however, the sound produced by the of Shakespeare. Some think this might even happen but
collision is not confined to the table and can escape I tend to feel like Fred Hoyle [a great astrophysicist who
into the room; indeed that is how we hear the sound actually coined the word Big Bang] did; Fred Hoyle said,
of balls colliding when we watch a billiards game in “This is about as likely as a tornado sweeping across an
progress. Now the interesting thing is that whether auto junk yard, collecting all the bits and pieces lying
or not such things happen in particle physics might there and assembling them into a Boeing 737!” The
even be tested soon in Geneva with the world’s words may not be exact, but the essence is quite close
biggest particle machine, the LHC getting ready to what Fred said!
at CERN the European Laboratory for High Energy
As for me, I concur with Gandhi who once began his
Physics. Here they would be shooting protons and
message with the words, “There is an indefinable
anti-protons at each other, with these particles not
mysterious power that pervades everything; I feel it
only travelling at nearly the speed of light but also
though I cannot see it!”
packing an incredible amount of energy. During
such collisions, physicists expect the production Think about it!
of mini black holes! And such experiments might
Good luck and Jai Sai Ram.
indeed reveal whether all this fancy scenario has
any basis!
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Box 1 – On Strings Einstein, when he extended Newton’s mechanics
I now offer a brief outline of String Theory as we to the realm where speed of objects becomes
need to know it. From a historical point of view, the comparable with the speed of light. [Once again I
theory has evolved over thirty years in a meandering stress that the size of objects was not forgotten; it
sort of way, and what I present is a gist of the current was just put away temporarily on the back burner
picture. As I have indicated elsewhere, there are when breakthroughs had to be made – this has
basically two camps where this theory is concerned. always been the case; one step at a time.]
The devotees of one camp are so thrilled that they After Einstein, the next big breakthrough in Physics
unabashedly hail it as the Theory of Everything came when quantum mechanics entered the picture
[TOE]! The sceptics, on the other hand, say, “Oh – this happened over a period, the first phase of
yeah? Well, prove it!” which lasted from about 1924 to 1930. Here too
Now you might wonder how come physicists who one had to deal with matter, and the basic building
are generally very critical of theories unless it passes blocks were once again regarded as “particles”
through fiery tests are willing to shower praise on a [although with a dual character – about that, later].
theory that has yet to prove itself. Is it some thing Now what exactly are these so-called particles? This
like a potential “prodigy”? Is it a case where one can be understood as follows: Let us start with a
side is waiting for the great moment while the other short piece of string that is absolutely straight. We
side is waiting for the bubble to burst and TOE to assume that the string has no thickness whatsoever;
vanish without even a whimper? Time alone would obviously, such a string can never exist but we are
tell; but meanwhile, the excitement is not without talking of an idealised situation. A string of the
reason, and to help you get a glimpse, let me now type just mentioned is said to be a one-dimensional
present a few details of this much-hailed theory in object. Suppose the length of this fictional string is
its current Avatar, shall I say? made smaller and smaller, till the length becomes
zero. We then have a mathematical point – no size
For hundreds of years at all! An object of this type but with a mass is
physics has operated what we normally refer to as a particle in physics. In
on the intuitive this sense, the mathematical point I just described
assumption that the becomes a string in zero dimensions. The piece of
basic building blocks ideal string that I described becomes a string in one
are particles; this dimension; and soon I shall introduce you to strings
was so in the time in higher dimensions.
of Newton, whose
mechanics often So you see when physicists started talking of strings
assumed even objects instead of particles as they had done for centuries,
like a stone and even they were really trying to open new doors. Any
Sir Isaac Newton the earth could be mileage in that? Sure! I explain this in greater detail
safely regarded as a particle, when certain aspects in the main body of this issue but here I would
of motion were concerned. That is the beauty of just like to say that when one starts dealing with
physics – to be able to explain complex phenomena elementary particles, it is not just the mass of the
with at times amazingly simple assumptions. Once particle and its electric charge that describe it
this mountain is crossed, the details earlier glossed but may other subtle attributes. For many years,
over are addressed so as to make the theories and the question was: “Where do these come from?”
models more realistic. Additional dimensions provided the clue. I leave

those aspects for explanation elsewhere and stay
If Newton thought it convenient to deal with matter with the main headlines regarding String Theory.
as particles when he could get away with it, so did
Even as the pioneers were exploring various aspects You see, physicists are human and they too
of strings, a few bold [and rash?] physicists said, sometimes ask: “What’s there in it?” Well, before
“Why only strings? Why not membranes?” That was String Theory broke out like a huge rash, many tried
the first step. Soon people began to say, “Why only very hard to bring together quantum mechanics
two-dimensional membranes? Why not membranes [QM] and general relativity [GR]. This was a very
in higher dimensions like three, four and so on?” difficult match making, because in physics, there
Thus, people began to talk of “branes” rather than were no theories so different. QM was non-classical
strings! Thus, one had zero dimensional strings, while GR is a classical theory. QM deals mainly
the traditional particles, then the first generation with the very small while GR was mostly applied in
strings in the form of open straight string, curved the realm of the very large and proved itself very
string and closed loops; after this came strings in 2, successful there.
3 and various higher dimensions, all called “branes”
When it came to the physics of very small distances
for short.
– and I am here talking of distances like 10-43 cm
– clearly, QM cannot be bypassed. Also, since large
masses are involved [when one is talking about the
Baby Universe] and very small distances, gravity too
could not be ignored. So this was a domain where
QM and GR had to coexist. Many physicists tried very
hard to work out a “treaty” [read quantum theory
of gravitation] but it was proving very difficult and
it was all very frustrating. That was when string
theorists said, “Hey, you know what? Suppose
particles were not particles but strings; not just
strings in one dimension but in many dimensions;
then presto, we are able to predict the existence of
the graviton.”
Here I must pause to tell you that graviton is the

Vibrating multi-dimensional name given to the basic particle associated with
strings or BRANES gravitation. The naming has been done by analogy
with happened in the case of electromagnetic field,
One might ask why physicists did confine themselves
where the quantum was called the photon. The story
to 0-dimensional points for a long time? The answer
of the electromagnetic field started in the nineteenth
is that 1 Dimensional objects are much harder to
century, as a well-formulated classical theory [due
work with and often cause technical problems
to Maxwell] but in early twentieth century, there
including the violation of special relativity’s mandate
came a point when the classical electromagnetic
that nothing can travel faster than the speed of
field had to be “quantised”. This could be done by
light. One fine day when physicists decided to take
invoking a particle called the photon, the quantum
the plunge and enter the world of strings, they
of electromagnetic energy. So by analogy physicists
found that the clash with relativity could be avoided
said, “When we succeed in quantising the classical
by going to higher dimensions. But was this not
gravitational field introduced by Einstein, we would
like replacing one problem with another? Why did
have a particle called the graviton, which would be
physicists waste their time chasing the rainbow as
the particle of gravitational energy.” And now String
it were? What was there in it for them? That is an
Theory was announcing, “Listen guys, we can pull
interesting point.
the graviton out of our String Theory!” It was almost
like a magician producing a rabbit out of a hat!
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So suddenly physicists were saying, “Look, here dynamical behaviour of the particle using Newton’s
is a theory that gives you the graviton without all “grammar”, the predictions do not agree with what
the hassle we faced earlier trying to arrange a shot- is found via experiments in the lab. New rules had
gun marriage between QM and GR. OK, we need to be developed and the pioneer in that game was
more dimensions but remember earlier efforts have Einstein. Einstein did not throw out completely the
already signalled that if you want quantum gravity, mechanics developed by Newton and those that
then you HAVE got to start talking of ten dimensions followed him. He said, “Newton’s rules work OK
and the like.” In String Theory that kind of talk is when the speed of objects is small compared to that
easier; all this plus the stuff about extra dimensions of light. If the speed becomes comparable to that of
I have presented elsewhere ought to be enough for light, then use my rules. My rules are such that when
us here. the speed is small, they automatically give the result
that Newton’s rules give. So my relativistic mechanics
I should also mention, that there were many other
is really a super set of Newton’s mechanics; one may
benefits available from String Theory but before
say it is non-relativistic.” In other words, if Newton’s
I do that maybe I should clarify what a theory of
mechanics is called CM Ver 1.0, then Einstein’s can
physics means, and how it is different, if at all, from
be called CM Ver 2.0.
a model. This is necessary because in physics we
have both models and theories. Let me start with Einstein’s path breaking extension came in 1905.
familiar things like classical mechanics, relativity, But around the same time, some physicists were
quantum mechanics and so on. What is their status? becoming very curious about the dynamics electrons
Now classical mechanics and quantum mechanics in an atom would follow. Niels Bohr of Denmark who
provide a general framework, which specify a set of had moved to England to pursue advanced studies
rules according which physics shall be done. I realize there was one such. He found that when Newton’s
this is a very sloppy way of describing things but it mechanics was applied to the electrons in an atom,
adequately captures the spirit of the issue for us. the predictions went haywire, even if the electron
moved at speed much less than the speed of light. In
Classical mechanics
other word, Newton’s rules were failing not only in
received a foundation
the domain of high speeds but also in the domain of
with the pioneering
very small distances and for a very different reason
work of Galileo and
it seemed. Thus, Bohr laid the foundation for a
Newton and was
new mechanics that would be useful in the domain
thereafter amplified
of the small. These developments occurred in a
by many such as
series of path breaking discoveries to which many
Lagrange. Basically
contributed [these include de Broglie of France,
classical mechanics is
Schrodinger of Austria, Heisenberg of Germany and
a type of grammar
finally, Dirac of England]. At that point, say around
that allows one to
1928 or so, a new quantum mechanics had been
calculate how objects Joseph-Louis Lagrange
developed, tailored specially for the domain of
move when subjected
the small. And then Dirac made one more brilliant
to a force. This worked fine for a couple of centuries
leap forward, by bringing Einstein’s relativity and
until a few, Einstein in particular, discovered that
quantum mechanics together into new grammar
these rules break down when the speed of the
called relativistic quantum mechanics. This happened
object becomes comparable to the speed of light,
around 1930 or so; but all was not over; there were
classical mechanics beings to fail. How do we
some major glitches still and they got cured later
know? From experiments. What does that mean?
thanks to many people’s contributions. However,
It means that when an object is moving close
those matters do not concern us now.
to the speed of light and one tries to predict the
I went into this historical digression because I on, the various planets in the solar system. Believe
wanted to draw attention to one important point it or not, we can, under certain circumstances, make
which is that from around 1950 onwards when things even simpler and treat all the planets as
particle physics began to gallop, the “grammar” they points and even the Sun itself as just a point, each
used was the highly refined and perfected version of with an appropriate mass!
quantum mechanics called by pundits as “relativistic
This is how high school students are often introduced
quantum field theory”. So if you want to show off a
to the elements of planetary dynamics, and you
bit and drop technical jargon, then do not forget this
would be surprised how beautifully this works. Of
phrase – relativistic quantum field theory! It may win
course, only up to a point. When one becomes fussy,
for you some young admirers! The most important
one must take into account the fine print. In the case
point that comes out of this is that grammar is
of the earth, for example, we have to take note of the
different from a model; a grammar gives a set of
fact that the earth is NOT a perfect sphere; further,
rules that are applicable under certain conditions.
the density of the earth is NOT uniform throughout
What about a model? There some simplifications are
and so on. When one does very detailed calculations
made that lead to a convenient physical picture that
as one has to on many occasions, for example in
is very helpful but without complications.
relation to satellite orbits etc., all this fine print is
You might be getting tired of all this apparent needed. A model is thus a simplified picture that is
rambling and asking yourself, “Why on earth can’t good enough for describing most of the essential
this self-appointed tour guide stick to one direction features, without bothering about the fine print.
and take us through, especially since this journey The fewer the simplifications, the more realistic is
looks like being long?” Valid complaint but you the model; keep that in mind please.
see like every conscientious tour guide who wants
The Standard Model that I referred to is a wonderful
to earn his tip, I want to point out all the details
model, perfected by the involvement of hundreds
of the local landscape and also narrate bits of the
of physicists from all over the world, and has done
local folklore before moving on; you may say it is the
remarkably well in the field of elementary particles.
Dharma of the tour guide!
Thus, many are quite content with it and do not wish
More seriously, the point I really wanted to make to look beyond. But the fussy ones are not satisfied
was that when one assumed that the basic building with yesterday’s triumphs and crave for a theory,
blocks of matter were really particles [that is, strings which does not keep out gravity, as the Standard
in zero dimension], one had, when one tried to Model does, and that is where String Theory gets a
build a unified picture within the umbrella strong, lot of mileage. All this lengthy preamble brings to
the weak, and electromagnetic forces, and using me to what I really want to say. That is the following:
the apparatus of relativistic quantum field theory, a Standard Model, wonderful though it is, has about
model called the Standard Model. 20 free and adjustable parameters. The Model does
not say, “The numerical values of parameters are as
Now what is a model as compared to a theory? A
follows.”
model is a simplified picture of an actual complex
situation that has the merit of describing most of In physics, one has frequently got to deal with
the essential behaviour without unnecessarily adjustable parameters; conservatives on the other
complicating matters. Let me give a simple example. hand, like to keep the number as small as possible.
Take our earth; you know it is a “ball” about 12,000 Parameters are like taxes, generally detested! Indeed,
km in diameter. For many purposes, one takes this some snobs often say, give me ten parameters and I
to be a perfect sphere with a radius R where we give can fit even an elephant.” The idea conveyed is that
a value for R as obtained from experiments. In fact, with a lot of built-in flexibility, the model can be
we do the same for Mercury, Venus, Mars and so twisted any way to suit any circumstance! This is no
feature articles
doubt an extreme view but shows how at the end of To some of us this might seem too much, like
the day, physicists are quite uncomfortable with too getting rid of one fantasy with another! But then,
many parameters. The situation with the Standard people struggling with unifying good old quantum
Model is that while there is universal appreciation mechanics with gravity had already discovered that
for the way it has tied up so many diverse facts in if at all they wanted to do that, then they would
particle physics, it has too many parameters for have to make space have 10 dimensions. So the
comfort. String Theory pundits said, “Folks, the days String Theorists picked up courage and said, “Hold
of parameter proliferation are over. Here in our new on a minute. Don’t get turned off by these extra
and revolutionary Theory, we have just a parameter dimensions. They are actually reminding us about
or two.” something that people attempting to unify GR with
QM had discovered earlier, namely that if gravity
and quantum mechanics have to come together,
then many more dimensions would be needed. So
take the appearance of many dimensions in String
Theory as a good sign and press on.”
It is not possible to cover the rich history of the

evolution of the String Theory, even if it spans a mere
twenty years or so. It is too full of technical details
Some say particles are just strings
vibrating in different modes much beyond the reach of all of us, me included. So
let me just give the gist, which is as follows:
This economy of parameters was most welcome, at
least to the purists, but it came with a price. When
the first generation string theorists started actively
trying to explain all particles as different “avatars”
of the vibrating string, that is to say, the string
vibrating in one mode was an electron, the string
vibrating in another mode was a proton and so
on, there was a new problem. In the course of the
calculations, the theorists encountered “negative
probabilities”. Now this is indeed a weird concept.
I mean let us say A asks B, “What do you say is the
probability that while it is sunny now, there would
be rain in the evening?” B might say, “I reckon there
is a fifty percent chance,” or something like that.
Suppose B says, “You know what? I think there is
– 23.4 % chance there would be rain.” If B were to Some say particles are just strings
vibrating in different modes
say such a thing, A would walk away thinking his
buddy has gone bananas! No wonder, for what on First, one saw various versions of String Theory, with
earth is the meaning of minus 23.4%? That was the the author of each version politely signalling that
problem here too! But then these wizards working his version was it. The various versions, I should
mention, include all sorts of strings, including
on String Theory said, “Hey wait a minute! You have
those of dimensions higher than one, that is to say
a problem with negative probabilities? No problem!
membranes in various dimensions [ a concept dealt
We can get rid of it by going to higher dimensions
with briefly in the main body of this issue]. After a
like say ten!”
period during which a lot confusion reigned as to
which version is to be preferred, there emerged a before shifting departments and receiving a Ph.D
package called M theory for short. The grapevine in physics in 1976 under David Gross, the Nobel
has it that M in M-theory could stand for master, laureate in Physics in 2004.
mother, mystery, membrane, magic, or matrix.
After completing his
Some have speculated that the M is actually an
PhD, Witten worked
upside down W (for Witten, the man who gave
at Harvard University
M theory a great push; his portrait is presented
as a Junior Fellow
in BOX2). The world of String Theories can be
and at Princeton as a
visualised as a planet [Planet M if you prefer], the
professor. He was a
different versions churned out thus far being islands
Professor of Physics at
and oceans on this planet! This highlights the fact
Princeton University
that though superficially the different theories look
from 1980 to 1987.
different, there is an underlying unity.
He was also briefly
M Theory, I should strongly emphasise, is yet to be at Caltech from 1999
Edward Witten
explored thoroughly and when that happens, a lot to 2001. Currently he
more clarity is bound to emerge. But the question is the Charles Simonyi Professor of Mathematical
still being asked by many sceptics, especially the Physics at the Institute for Advanced Study in
Standard-Model loyalists, if I might call them that, Princeton, New Jersey.
is: “Well, we agree that there is a lot of fancy
mathematics, but physics is all about the real Witten has made several contributions to theoretical
world. What does String Theory, including the much physics. Witten’s extensive work in the area of
advertised M-Theory version, have anything to say theoretical physics has also involved a large number
about the REAL world? Has it got any verifiable of highly mathematical results. He has been active
prediction to offer?” It looks like there might be, primarily in quantum field theory and String Theory
but I shall reserve for the next issue. Meanwhile, I and in the related areas of topology and geometry.
feel obliged to say something about Witten, often
In 1990, Witten was awarded Mathematics’ most
hailed as the Pope of String Theory. A profile of this
prestigious award, the Fields Medal. Often described
amazing man is presented next.
as the Nobel of Maths, it is awarded once in four
years. Witten became the first physicist to win the
Fields Medal. Sir Michael Atiyah said of Witten,
Box 2 – On Witten
“Although he is definitely a physicist, his command of
Edward Witten was born in August 1951 in
mathematics is rivaled by few mathematicians... Time
Baltimore, Maryland, to a Jewish family, the son
and time again he has surprised the mathematical
of Lorraine W. Witten and Louis Witten, the latter
community by his brilliant application of physical
a physicist specializing in gravitation and general
insight leading to new and deep mathematical
relativity. Edward received his bachelor’s degree in
theorems... he has made a profound impact on
history (with a minor in linguistics) from Brandeis
contemporary mathematics. In his hands physics
University.
is once again providing a rich source of inspiration
Witten planned to become a political journalist, and and insight in mathematics.”
worked briefly for George McGovern’s presidential
Witten has been honored with numerous awards,
campaign. He then attended the University
including a MacArthur Grant (1982), and the
of Wisconsin-Madison for one semester as an
National Medal of Science (2002). In 2006, Pope
economics graduate student before dropping out.
Benedict XVI appointed Witten as a member of the
From politics he returned to academia, enrolling
Pontifical Academy of Science. Witten also appeared
in applied mathematics at Princeton University
in the list of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential
feature articles
people of 2004. Since 1992, Witten has been on would get a glimpse of what geniuses are like.
the board of Americans for Peace Now. Readers with a physics background may be able
to get a bit more.
At the time Witten was presented the Field’s Medal
[for his contributions to Mathematical Physics], the What is M theory?
presenter said:
M theory is a name for a more unified theory
“Physics was always a source of stimulus for that has the different string theories, as we know
Mathematics so that Mathematical Physics is a them, as limits, and which also can reduce, under
legitimate part of Mathematics. In classical time, its appropriate conditions, to eleven-dimensional
connection with Pure Mathematics was mostly via supergravity. There’s this picture that we all have
Analysis, in particular through Partial Differential to draw where different string theories are limits of
Equations. However, the quantum era gradually this M theory, where M stands for Magic, Mystery or
brought a new life. Now Algebra, Geometry and Matrix, but it also sometimes is seen as standing for
Topology, Complex Analysis and Algebraic Geometry Murky, because the truth about M theory is Murky.
enter naturally into Mathematical Physics and get And the different limits, where the main parameter
new insights from it. simplifies, give the different string theories -- Type
IIA, Type IIB, Type I, and there’s eleven-dimensional
In all this large and exciting field, which involves
supergravity, which turns out to be an important
many of the leading physicists and mathematicians
limit even though it isn’t part of the systematic
in the world, Edward Witten stands out clearly as the
perturbation expansion, then there’s the E8XE8
most influential and dominating figure. Although
heterotic string, and there’s SO(32) heterotic string.
he is definitely a physicist [as his list of publications
clearly shows], his command of mathematics is
rivalled by few mathematicians, and his ability to
interpret physical ideas in mathematical form is
quite unique. Time and again he has surprised the
mathematical community by a brilliant application
of physical insight leading to new and deep
mathematical theorems.
Some say particles are just strings

vibrating in different modes
So M-theory is a name for this picture, this more

general picture that will generate the different limits
through the different string theories. The parameters
in this picture we can think of being roughly ħ [hbar],
which is Planck’s constant, and that determines how
important the quantum effects are, and the other
parameter is α [alpha prime], which is the tension,
Here is a Q & A session with Edward Witten
related to the tension of the string, that determines
that gives you a flavour of his tastes and his
how important stringy effects are. So traditionally,
personality. We don’t say you would be able to
a physicist looking at Type IIA, for example, by
understand all that is presented, but at least you
traditional weak coupling methods, explores this So K theory is the sort of topological underpinning
little region, and if asked how his theory is related of D-brane theory. But as physicists we’re interested
to Type I theory, the answer would have to be, “Well very much in whether the ball is round or lumpy, as
I don’t know, that’s something else.” are different things in physics. We wouldn’t want to
play baseball with a lumpy ball. So, the topology is
And likewise, if you ask this observer what happens
just one side of the story.
for strong coupling, the traditional answer was,
“Well I don’t know.” In graduate courses, you learn What is noncommutative geometry and why is it
that you can do more or less anything for weak important in string theory?
coupling, but you can’t do anything for strong
Well, one thing which we know about for sure in
coupling. What happened in the 90s was that we
string theory is that the ordinary classical ideas about
learned how to do a little bit for strong coupling,
geometry are approximations, and don’t really work
and it turned out that the answer is Type IIA at
precisely. But what you should really replace them
strong coupling turns out to be Type I in a slightly
with is not clear. However, there’s a naive ideas
different limit, SO(32) heterotic, and so on. So we
about strings which really only works for open
built up this more unified picture, but we still don’t
strings. Open strings are strings with endpoints, like
understand what it means
in the original Type I superstring, where a particle
What is K theory and what does it mean for string was represented by a piece of string with charges
theory? at the ends. I’ve labeled the charges as q and q-
bar for quark and anti-quark, but that’s modern
K theory is a mathematical theory that studies
terminology that might not have been present in
topology using matrices, using operators that don’t
the early says of string theory.
commute with each another. What topology is, first
of all, is the branch of mathematics where you don’t
care about the shape, so for example, a lumpy ball
is equivalent to a round ball. But if there are holes,
you do care about that, so a donut is different from
either of these two. So, mathematicians learned,
around 1960, that there was a very powerful tool
in topology based on matrices, and that tool was K
theory. And since quantum mechanics is about non-
commuting operators, or matrices, there has always
been a kind of naive analogy between K theory
and quantum mechanics. An analogy that seemed
naive to most physicists, but was often drawn by Open and closed strings can be
joined in certain ways
mathematicians such as Michael Atiyah.
Once you’ve got open strings, they can join together,
However, we learned in the last few years that some
I’m going to call my open strings A or B, and they
questions about string theory, but slightly specialized
join end to end. But there are two ways of joining
questions usually, are usefully addressed using K
them. I could join them with A on the left and B
theory. What K theory really addresses is a little bit
on the right, or I could join them with B on the left
subtle to explain. If you want to understand the
and A on the right, and I get two different outputs.
charges carried by the D-branes, that’s a question
And it’s very much like taking two matrices A and
that leads to K theory. Or I might say at an even
B and multiplying them together. So there’s some
more basic level, D-branes are these strange objects
noncommutativity in the interactions. And when
whose positions are measured by matrices, and
you take account of the fact that string theory is all
studying those matrices leads to K theory.
feature articles
about geometry, somehow this is geometry where What has been the most surprising or interesting
noncommutative objects are built in. In fact I’ve thing that you have learned in physics?
mentioned now a couple portions of it. There’s the
I’m going to interpret the question to be what’s
noncommutativity of joining strings, and there’s the
the most interesting thing I’ve learned in my career,
matrices that don’t commute, which are related to K
whether I discovered it or not. It’s something I’ve
theory and also to the D-brane positions and so on.
learned, perhaps through the work of other people
Anyway, coming back here, you can try to or from textbooks. So in that sense, the most
systematically describe open string physics at least surprising thing I’ve learned, even though I had
in terms of noncommutative ideas introduced in nothing to do with discovering it, is that strings can
geometry, and you can get a general answer of describe quantum gravity.
some kind, but it’s rather abstract and very hard
What has been the most surprising or interesting
to use. However, in the last couple of years, it was
thing that you have learned in science outside of
discovered that there’s a certain limit with a very
physics?
strong background magnetic field in which things
simplify, and you can actually say something simple Well it’s not that amazing that to me, a lot of
and useful based on the noncommutative geometry. science is physics. So, for example, I can’t give you
That’s a case where the rather abstract and hard to an answer in terms of chemistry, because physics
use noncommutative geometrical concepts actually underlies chemistry. I could give you an answer in
come down to Earth and become useful. biology. Biologists have learned lots of wonderful
things. But it’s hard to properly maintain one’s sense
Why is it so hard to break supersymmetry in string
of wonder about them, for some things that were
theory?
known so long that we all remember so little that
Well, if I knew the answer, if I knew how Nature has we take them for granted. But there’s the theory of
done supersymmetry breaking, then I could tell you evolution, which is an amazing insight. And there’s
why humans had such trouble figuring it out. But I can the understanding of the genetic code, that’s a
say one thing about it. When supersymmetry is not marvelous insight.
broken, it’s easy to get a zero cosmological constant
Of course, if we move on to math, which you might
in string theory. And although a zero cosmological
think isn’t physics, but which is much closer to what
constant might not be the truth, it’s incredibly close
I know, then there are lot’s of fun and exciting things
to the truth. If you break supersymmetry, if you do it
there. I hardly know what to tell you because, again,
the wrong way, you’re going to get a cosmological
there are lots of things that are really wonderful but
constant that’s much too big, and then you may
which we take for granted because it’s all known.
well get associated problems, such as instabilities,
Like there’s calculus. Calculus is pretty amazing.
runaways and so on. So it’s easy to find ways that
string theory could break supersymmetry, but they all But... it’s not the first thing that comes to mind in
have bad consequences. So I assume we’re missing answering such a question, because such a question
something, which is the answer to your question. tends to make you think of more recent discoveries.
But... if I just have to ask , of everything I’ve ever
How can the cosmological constant be so close to
learned in math, what’s the most amazing and
zero but not zero?
surprising -- it might by that calculus should win the
I really don’t know. It’s very perplexing that prize, even though it’s not so new any more.
astronomical observations seem to show that there
is a cosmological constant. It’s definitely the most
troublesome, for my interests, definitely the most
troublesome, observation in physics in my lifetime.
In my career that is.
spellbinding sai - Part 1
So he wrote to Him a letter protesting against His
spellbinding sai behavior. And this letter was in reply to that. In that
letter, because His elder brother was a Telegu pundit,
Part 1
By late Prof. N. Kasturi Baba wanted to go one step over His elder brother and
replied in poetry - His elder brother also reveled in poetry.
And there you will find Baba saying the purpose of His
This is the transcript of a talk delivered by Prof. coming. He tells him, “You don’t understand Me. You
Kasturi many years ago. This is being brought to cannot understand Me.” And He says, “Not only you,
you from our archives and we regret that we do but the whole world, however they may try, whatever
not have the exact date of this talk, but we can say they may do, it’s not today, for however long they may
with reasonable surety that it was in the month of try, they cannot understand Me.”
October in 1987.
God with No Name
It is a very difficult assignment that has been given to me “I have no name and I have no place which I must
to speak on Sai Baba. Because He is a phenomenon that claim as My own. I don’t belong to Puttaparthi, I
has so many facets; and that is yet a mystery - though I don’t belong to this
have been with Him for over 30 years now. The longer place. I was not a native
you are with Him, the more mysterious He becomes. of this place or that.”
And He Himself has acknowledged and declared that
it is very difficult to understand Him; not just recently And He says, Ye Perutho
when people tried to investigate Him, but even from His Pilachenanu Palakutunu -
boyhood. “I have no special name;

call Me by any name,
The Landmark Letter I will answer.” Ye Uru
In the spiritual museum that they have in the college Teskonipoinanu Podhumu
which was opened about 15 days ago (most likely, - “Which ever place I
September 24, 1987), am taken to, that is My
there is a letter - a place.”
photocopy of a letter -
that Baba wrote to His Imagine a young man of twenty saying that He has no
elder brother when He name! That He will answer to everywhere. And that
was 21 years old. The date whichever place you belong to now, that is His place.
is there as 1947, when Every place is His place. If we see the present and what it
there was no post office in is becoming - the whole world is His place.
Puttaparthi. The nearest A ‘School Boy’s’ Care for Humanity
post office was five miles There is a poem that He had written there in Telugu
away. As you can see from where He says,
the note paper, it talks of
the Bukkapatanam post office and not the Puttaparthi
or Prashanti Nilayam post office. It has also got a picture “I have got a purpose for which I
of Baba as He appeared at that time. have come; I have undertaken a great
mission. I have resolved upon one thing
His elder brother was rather disappointed with Him
which I will carry out. And that is, I will
because he had great hopes that he would pass His
give Ananda to the entire mankind and
university examinations and get into some cushy job
save them through that Ananda.”
whereas He had given up His studies and was collecting
people around Him, and was being lionized by all sorts
Now imagine this for a boy who has lived in Puttaparthi
of people. He thought that He had strayed away from
the usual path of educated people in our country. – somebody has described it as a village which is five
feature articles
minutes from the Stone Age – born in that village, and “I have come on a Mission…”
in a very poor family. (Baba did not have money to even
And then the next line in that poem is this:
purchase buttons for His shirts. And He used to have
thorns collected from thorny plants – long ones – and
“Those who stray away from the righteous
used them for His buttons). Imagine a boy born in such
path, from the path of dharma, I will hold
circumstances; studying in a school up to what we call them by the hand
the fourth form (grade) and leaving school after two and save them; that
months, during his fifth form. I went to that school and is My vow. I have
inspected the admissions register and the furniture. And come on a mission
sat on that same bench in which He was sitting when He that you can’t
understand. I am
was studying. Think of a boy like that, in fourth form,
not your brother;
two months and into fifth form, talking of mankind?
I am not your
Sathya Narayana
“I have come on a mission to give Raju whom you
Ananda to entire mankind?” - Baba can say: ‘Why are
you throwing away
Edgar Mitchell – the sixth man who walked on the moon your books? Pass our B.A. degree examination
– and now a great follower of yoga, writes in his book and become an officer in the government.’ No!
that he has seen earth as a spaceship from the moon. I have no name. I have no native place; I have
come to give Ananda (bliss) to entire mankind.
He speaks of the ecstasy that he felt when he saw the
I have come to correct people from straying
earth from the moon - a beautiful precious blue gem
away from the straight path - wherever they
placed on dark velvet. He gives a beautiful description
may be, who ever they may be.”
of the earth from the moon. And in the next paragraph
he writes about the agony that he felt that man is not
And then the third line:
able to live upon this beautiful spot in peace! “He hates
and he exploits and he gives full vent to all his base
“I have come to spread Love, Prema.” How?
passions” he writes. Further he asks, “When will man “By removing the great grief of people who
think of mankind? What we want is to rise from man to are poor, distressed and downtrodden. I will
mankind.” remove their grief and give them what they
lack. It may be material means, or it may be
And here is a village boy, five minutes from the Stone spiritual strength, whatever they lack, I will
Age! Baba was saying that the first jeep that penetrated give.”
into Puttaparthi was such a piece of curiosity that people
asked the driver if they could push it to some distance.
You can say, Sai Baba is famous for this. He will do this;
And it was considered a great example of status if you
this is His greatness. But what is His greatness? What is it
have pushed it a few feet. And even the elders of the
for which He says, “I can say that I am even proud?”
village took the chance to push the jeep a little and they
were very proud of what they had done. That was the That is:
type of culture and development that Puttaparthi had. “Whoever worships Me with niyama and nishta, with
And a boy who grew in such circumstances, talking of proper conditions; I will save them, I won’t give them
- “I have come on a mission to give Ananda to entire up.”
mankind?”
That is what the Gita says too: “Ananyas Chintayantomam That is the new interpretation that Baba has given. “He
Ye Janah Paryupasathe, Tesham Nithyabhiyuktanam is another” this feeling
Yoga Kshemam Vahamyaham.” you should not have,
because there is no
Lord Krishna declares, “Whoever thinks of me
another. We are all One.
incessantly, I will be always with them and look after
And if something happens
their welfare completely.”
to somebody, it is as good
Though, of course, Baba has given another meaning as or as bad as happening
to it. It is said, in the Gita you find quotes, but if you to us.
watch Sai Baba and His activities and speeches, you will
That apart, what are these
find them to be a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
niyama and nishtha?
Returning to this statement that “Whoever worships Me
What are these conditions
with niyama and nishta under certain conditions, I will
that Baba says, “which
never give them up. I will be always protecting them,
alone will enable you to get My grace.” Of course He has
that is my ghanatha (greatness).”
later on explained that it is not formal worship that He
The quote from the Gita says: “Whoever worships me requires.
with single minded devotion; I will always be with them.
Purity, not Phalam and Pushpam
And I will give them happiness in this world and joy in
In the Gita it is said: patram, pushpam, phalam, toyam.
the next.”
Lord Krishna says, “That you can offer Me patram,
some leaf at least (bilva or tulsi); or pushpam, some
“Whoever worships Me with niyama flower; or phalam, some fruit; or toyam, some water
and nishta, with proper conditions; I will for worship – that is enough for Me.”
save them, I won’t give them up.” - Baba
But Baba says:
“No. Not even that patram, pushpam, phalam,

Now, this particular line has been explained by Baba in
toyam. What is the use of patram which gets dried;
another manner. “Ananyas Chintayantomam…” Ananya
or pushpam that fades; or phalam that rots or toyam
chinta is usually explained as single minded, that is,
that evaporates? No. What is wanted is the patram;
‘without any other thought if they worship Me’; some
the leaf that is your heart.”
people interpret it as without loyalty to anybody else or
without any other thought. He gives some meaning for all that and says that what you
must do to worship Him is only Sathya, Dharma, Shanti,
“They should not be worried by any other thought. They
and Prema (Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love). It is
must rely entirely on Me, dedicated entirely to Me.” That
the inner attitude that is. He doesn’t care whether you
is the usual meaning that is given to this quotation.
address Him as Rama, Krishna, Shiva or Rajarajeshwari.
God and His Devotee are One!
Once during the final day of Dasara – the ten day period
But Baba says:
of the worship of God as a Mother, we worshipped Him.
“No! That is not the meaning. “Ananya chinta” means We made Him sit and adored Him chanting the Lalitha
the thought that ‘He is different from Me’. That idea Sahasranaama (1008 names of Mother Goddess). And
of difference you should not have. If you worship Me, He was sitting all the time.
or adore Me, or revere Me, without this thought: ‘He
Imagine, how is it possible for Him to tolerate being
is different. I am separate. He is He. I am I. And I am
worshipped as Mother Lalitha? Or being praised as
not He, He is not I.’ If you do not have anya chinta,
God? Anybody’s head would turn. Imagine if you and
the feeling that there is a separation between you
I were worshipped as God! I feel miserable even when
and another person, then I shall support and foster
I am put on this extra height, and given a soft cushion
you.”
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and kept at least fifteen feet away from you as if I am a he asked: “Do you have appendicitis?” The other person
very important person who should not mix with you, or said, “Yes. But I didn’t tell Him!”
sit intimately with you. So, how much more miserable
He thought it rather strange and he congratulated himself
should a man feel if he is not genuine, and if he is simply
that he had seen a ‘yogi’. Then he went back. And he
made to sit twice a day, and you are praising Him as
writes: “I went back to the familiar world of mouthwash
Lord Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Mother Gauri and Saraswathi
and deodorant.” Further he says, “I have been to India
without end; something must be wrong with his brains
and I have seen the much talked of yogis and I have
if he tolerates all that. But He is very clear headed and
found them to be a set of exploiters and the disciples are
a very competent person, and that itself is an indication
psychopathic compulsives.” So he dismissed the whole
that He must be some phenomenon which you and I
lot of gurus, teachers and yogis in India as systematic
cannot understand.
exploiters and psychopathic compulsives. But then, Baba
started working on him.
“I have no name and I have no place
Whenever He speaks, you must have observed that He
which I must claim as My own. I
quotes or sings one poem. Once He started with a song
don’t belong to Puttaparthi, I don’t
about Himself. Vishwamellada Vyapiyeevelayuvaadu.
belong to this place. I was not a
Which means, “He who is present all over the world”. It
native of this place or that.” - Baba
is not exactly ‘world’, you may say, all over the cosmos.
Measurements of Cosmic Dimensions

Coming back to niyama and nishtha, His conditions for
When Baba went to East Africa and returned, there was
adoration and reverence are quite different. You may
a big meeting to welcome Him home as if He had gone
belong to any religion; you may address Him by any
somewhere across the seas. It was considered a great
name.
achievement by His devotees. People ask me very often,
Finding a ‘Yogi’ “Has Baba gone to foreign countries?” Because it is
As a matter of fact, some of you must have read Arnold then that we value a person more. And when I say, “Yes,
Schulman’s book. He has written a book called “Baba”. He has been to Africa”, they rather look with quizzical
It is an interesting book in where he says that he came eyes! Going to Africa of all places! First, he should go to
over to India, and like many tourists, he too had a list America and return, because we are honored there! But
of things that he must see in India like the Tajmahal, a Africa! But Baba first goes only to countries that are just
cobra probably, a tiger hunt, and then a yogi. coming out of their colonial rule and are trying to find
their feet and are relatively poor.
So he saw everything except the yogi, and he asked
someone where he can find a yogi. And they said: “You To continue the story, at that public meeting, I was
go to Whitefield.” And he translating His discourse in Telugu into English. The
came to this ‘yogi’ (Sai platform was about thirty feet wide. He was at one
Baba). And that ‘yogi’ end, I was on the other. And then He started saying,
called him in for an “What is all this function that you have arranged? I have
interview. Inside the room been only to one of the rooms of My mansion! When
there were others too, the master of the house comes from the drawing room
and he got His vibhuti to the dining room, you don’t make a big fuss and say,
and it struck him as rather ‘oh He has come from one room to another’ and we
strange that simply by a have a meeting and garland Him, and then praise Him
wave of His hand, this that He has come.” In essence, He was saying all this is
‘yogi’ is able to get some nonsense.
white powder! Then he
Then He used the word Prapancha mey na illu. And I
heard Him ask somebody: “You’ve got appendicitis?”
translated it. Of course, it is sometimes difficult to get the
And then He gave her some vibhuti. When he came out
right word quickly. So I said, “The world is My mansion.” that you could have a person of that human form and
And I was rather proud that I used the word ‘mansion’ size declaring: “No, not the world! The Universe!” When
for ‘illu’. So I was bucked up with myself and thought He corrected me in that fashion, I simply fell at His feet.
everybody will appreciate that word. I didn’t say ‘house’ And fifty thousand people watched this and wondered
or ‘home’ or some of those common place things, but ‘What is this man doing?’ Then He gently pulled me up
a much better term - ‘mansion’. So I patted myself on by the shoulder and directed me towards the mike and
the back.
said, “Carry on your work.” Now, that is Baba.
“I have come to spread Love, Prema.”

How? “By removing the great grief
of people who are poor, distressed
and downtrodden. I will remove
their grief and give them what they
lack. It may be material means,
or it may be spiritual strength,
whatever they lack, I will give.” - Baba
But then Baba turned to me and said, ‘No!” It is difficult

to translate Baba. Because He not only speaks in Telugu,
but He watches the English and tries to find out from
where all the ideas have come! You must have seen Dr.
Bhagavantam (who used to translate often in the 1970s)
being corrected a number of times.
So, when He turned to me and said, “No!” It gave me a

shiver. “No! Not the world!” He said shaking His finger
at me. And then He proceeded towards me. I thought
that was the end of it. I am no good. He was going to
ask me to clear out. Therefore, when He was proceeding
towards me, I also proceeded towards Him, because if He
was going to give me a slap or something it is better to (To be continued…)
receive it half way than compel Him and make Him walk
the whole distance! So I came right to the center. And at
the center, luckily there was no mike, so only I who could Dear Reader, did you find this article helpful? Do you
hear what He said; otherwise the whole audience would have any experiences that you would like to share with
have heard it. But it was worth hearing. us? Please contact us at h2h@radiosai.org mentioning
The Master Supreme your name and country. Thank you for your time.
He said,
“No! Not the world, but the Universe!”
And, of course, I stood aghast! Imagine a person,

a five foot figure, standing before you and saying,
“The Universe is My mansion!” I was, in fact, ‘taller’
and ‘older’ than Him! More ‘educated’ you can say,
translating His speeches. It is something very thrilling
feature articles
the past, the great spiritual giants, have been recognised
Honoring Him the after their deaths. But in the lifetime of this great leader,
Sai Baba, so much has been achieved. That in itself is an
Right Way
By Rev. Ted Noffs important point.
I would just like to share with you my own feelings of

Rev. Ted Noffs, Pastor of the world renowned the importance of His ministry. I believe, first of all, we
“Wayside Chapel” in Sydney, was the keynote should recognise Him to be a person who manifests in
speaker at the 61st Birthday celebration of Bhagavan the world, great, new and wonderful things. We live
Baba in Australia in November, 1986, organised in a world of destruction, where people are constantly
by the co-ordinating committee of the Sathya Sai destroying things and one another, destroying the planet
Organisation of New South Wales in Sydney. The and its ecology, destroying their own mind and body.
background of Rev. Noffs and the “Wayside Chapel” But here is a person who is constantly manifesting new
as well as their philosophy are closely akin to the Sai life, beautiful and creative things. We must recognise His
Principles, and have been documented in the article manifesting power.
titled, “The Family of Humanity” in the December
So, how do we begin to celebrate His birthday in the
2005 volume of Heart2Heart. Twenty-one years have
right mind and attitude? As we see the whole life of Sai
gone by since then and the speech deserves a global
Baba, we begin to realise that we are speaking about
audience, another clarion call to all devotees this
a person of great faith. He does not look around and
year, our Beloved Swami’s 82nd year of advent. For
say, “Is there anybody else up there.” He does not look
Sai devotees all around the world, Rev. Noff’s speech
around the planet for someone! This is where religion
would give a lot of food for thought. We are pleased
has got it all wrong, all religions, including my own.
to share this with all our readers.
Remember the great words of Jesus: “The things I have
Celebrating in the Correct Way done, you can do, and greater things than these you
Ladies and Gentlemen! It is a great honour to be can do.” But you never hear those words preached in
involved with you this afternoon in the celebration of Sri a church. And yet, Jesus said that we all possess within
Sathya Sai Baba’s 61st Birthday. The words spoken and us enormous spiritual potential, gifts of making a new
the music we just heard world, creating a new universe.
have already honoured
Co-Workers with Divinity
a great living human
Every one of us is to be a co worker with the Divine
being, a great spiritual
power. We are to recognise a stamp with a Divine
giant, a person who
imprint, and our task is to recognise the Divinity within
might be described only
us. And Sai Baba recognises this great Truth and says
in Messianic terms.
to all His followers: “You are to be people, who in
There is nothing more your own homes should become Christ figures. You
important in the world, are to realise your potential and all the possibilities of
Rev. Ted Noffs at this moment, than your life.” I am often criticised when I say such things
that men and women, and boys and girls, might be in churches. And people say, “But you cannot say that;
lured into a consciousness of the need to recognise our there is only one Christ, and He alone is the only one.”
familyhood. That is what I sense this afternoon in this But Jesus never said that. He said that every one of us
auditorium. We are thinking in terms of that achievement. can reach that level of Spirituality. Jesus was a man, who
That in itself is a momentous objective of the ministry of became a Christ. Any person in this auditorium today,
your Master, Sri Sathya Sai Baba. or elsewhere, may be looking upon themselves as men
and women, with a particular name, but should know
How can I speak about someone who has influenced the that they could become Christ figures. That is what this
world so greatly, already, in His present lifetime? You is all about the whole story of Sai Baba. And yet, we
already have indicators of the fact that the Messiahs of have constantly with us, a whole misunderstanding of
honouring him the right way
the human potentiality and possibilities. Our task is to I had never seen a drug overdose in my life. I looked
realise our potentiality to the full. I believe we should be around for a doctor, a nurse or a social worker, who
honouring this extraordinary person, who is alive with may have known what to do. I discovered that in the
us in the world today, for emphasising this fact. Look whole of Sydney, there was not one available. Not one
around at the institutions hospital could take her. So we have to set up our own
He has created and the drug programme in Australia.
lives that have been
Did I look around and say, “Well, isn’t there somebody,
changed through His
some authority somewhere who can do it?” No. God calls
influence. See what one
upon you to do it. You are to be the authority. You are to
person, realising His
be the pioneers. You cannot leave it to anyone else. What
potentiality, has achieved
was required in the past of seasoned warriors, is today
in his lifetime. Cannot
required of more recruits to serve humanity. That should
you say to yourself
be the theme of our age. You might say, “I am nobody;
today, I am going to
I am only a person humbled; I have got no potentiality
leave this auditorium,
and no possibilities.”
go out into the world,
and manifest a new world for men and women, boys “Here I am, Lord!”
and girls, to enjoy it forever? That is what this birthday But you have; you are to be it; you are to be the Saviours
is all about. It is not just a matter of coming here and of the world in this age. The world needs another Christ,
singing songs, and saying our prayers, and going on our but where is He? We must go out and look for Him.
way and saying, “that was lovely.” Perhaps he said, “Here am I. Send me.” You have got to
say that. If your Sai movement is to be counted, or if it
Transforming the Planet
means something to you, you have got to stand up and
That was not the objective of Sai Baba, who founded
say, “Here I am Lord! Send me wherever you want me to
this great Spiritual force on this planet. He would be
go, and whatever you want me to do.”
disappointed I am sure, if you left the auditorium
and did just that. He wants you to go out and help to The world renowned
transform this planet and make the world a new and comedian, Tony Hancock,
more beautiful place to live. reminded me of what the
human heart needed and
The death of a lonely person cared for by our ‘Outreach’
the hunger within. When
programme was reported at the Chapel this morning.
I met him I recognised
This man who died at the Concord Repatriation Hospital
his inner loneliness and I
had given the Wayside Chapel as his ‘next of kin.’ No next
had never seen a sadder
of kin in terms of a mother, a father, a son or a daughter
face in my life. Instead
only one little institution, the Wayside Chapel. But Sai
of talking about some of
Baba must be next of kin to countless millions of people
his jokes, he spoke about
around the world. Is this not terribly important?
religion. He spoke about
When I look at your ministry and the work you are the hunger in the hearts of men and women, and the
doing, this is what you have got to take as a philosophy hunger in his own heart for religion. Little did I know
the words of your own Master, the teachings of this that a few hours later he would be dead! He died of
great man. You have got to put them into practice. Do a drug overdose. The greatest comedian who brought
not stand back and say, “Somebody else is doing it,” laughter to the world, was himself very lonely, and knew
because they are not. You are to be the person doing it. no laughter in his own heart. You meet so many people
Twenty one years ago, outside the Wayside Chapel, a girl everyday, who you think are self sufficient and do not
was dropped almost unconscious from an overdose of need anything.
drugs. She managed to crawl inside the building before
You may sing together and gather with friends at
she collapsed. We found her there several hours later.
feature articles
religious meetings. It is not enough. Your task is to That is the distinctive philosophy I believe, that should
follow the teachings of this great leader, Sai Baba, this somehow encompass the planet, and we here in
great spiritual giant, whose birthday we celebrate today, Australia are very privileged to understand these things.
and the greatest birthday present you could give Him is If you go out there to all those Australians, you will be
to be like Him to manifest your love for all beings and amazed that they do not really believe in Anglicanism or
to manifest things for all time, for the planet to enjoy; Catholicism. Every Australian, even children, understand
for the rest of human history. That is your task. that what matters most is not religion, but the Family
of Humanity. And they want your help to become a part
We are confronted today by so many varied problems.
of that family. They want Sai Baba to be an instrument
I find that the needs of humanity always outstrip the
in making that family a reality in the world. We should
resources available to meet them. You know that? That
be able to say, “I love you, you are mine.” One of the
is an axiom. You never catch up. You never arrive, but
four principles, the four bastions of Sai Baba is Love,
you are always travelling on. Your task is to go out into
a commitment to other human beings. Merely talking
the world and transform this city, this nation, and the
about it is not enough. We have to go out into the world
entire world, into one beautiful human family. That is
and care for the less fortunate. This is what Sai Baba is
what it is all about.
about. Is it not the great point of His ministry and His life,
I have a creed which most of you know and I share it that Sai Baba has given the world Unity, Harmony and a
with you. One day I hope the whole world will say it. It is sense of Diwwvinity? For that we all should be thankful
also the creed of Sai Baba, in a different way: to God. For many more years to come, I hope Sai Baba’s
Ministry will expand this Message of Unity, Harmony and
Divinity, for the whole world to benefit.
“I AM a Catholic, but I AM also a Protestant. I

happen to be a Jew, but I AM also a Buddhist.
I AM a Muslim, I AM a Sikh, I AM a Hindu,
And I AM SAI BABA. I AM all of those things
because I AM a HUMAN BEING. No one in
the world can ever be a stranger to me.”
harnessing the heart - Part 1: Careful Choices
Just like the current story of Mrs. Priya Davis, every
HARNESSING THE HEART issue from now on will bring you tales of everyday
people who have fearlessly and zealously followed
PART 1...
their Heart, and in spite of the many challenges,
Living up to the Challenge of
Conscience in Daily Life from within and without, have emerged victorious.
This triumph, we believe, is truly inevitable as one
can never underestimate the power of the soul, even
Dear reader, starting though at times, it may take longer than one expects.
from this month, the We hope this will serve to fill you with confidence
Birthday month of the to follow your Higher Self, and feel assured that
Avatar, we begin a the ‘Golden Age’ that we all look forward to, is not
special column in our a utopia. It is, in fact, very much within our reach.
feature article section We just have to believe in it and dare to make it
which will bring you happen!
stories of people – from eminent personalities to the
ordinary Joe on the street – who have passionately CAREFUL CHOICES
pursued their Inner Call (or ‘The Voice of Conscience’ By Mrs. Priya Davies
or ‘The Divine Direction Within’ – whatever you may Upon Bhagavan Baba’s instructions to her mother,
call it) and have found greater peace and fulfillment Priya Davies moved to India from Canada in 1978, to
in their lives. Many a time, it may not be the smartest study at His school in Ooty. She later attended what
move or the most logical thing to do, going by the was then the Sri Sathya Sai Arts and Science College
majority opinion in today’s society; often, it may for Women in Anantapur from 1981-1982, where
even result in putting the individual in very trying she completed her intermediate studies. Thereafter,
situations which could have been avoided if he/ she pursued her university education at Concordia
she had not ventured onto the ‘road less traveled’. University in Montreal, Quebec. Priya currently lives
But ultimately it is these people who live life with in Toronto, Canada and works in the healthcare
absolutely no regrets, are successful and enjoy advertising industry. She is also a final year student
greater peace. in homeopathic medicine.
Not only this, it is because of such individuals that the Approximately five years ago, I was hired by my current
world is still a beautiful place, in spite of the incessant employer, an advertising company in downtown
incendiary news we hear non-stop. The media, Toronto as the Office Manager. My role was to manage
we know, is more often than not, depressing with the Operations department and Human Resources. A
negative news and sensationalism. Few take interest Reception/Admin person reported to me directly. Let’s
to highlight anecdotes of enlightened individuals, call her Liz.
or tales of virtue and sacrifice of ordinary citizens. If
HR with a Human Face
they did, the powerhouse of positive consciousness
The day I signed my offer letter, I was advised by my direct
it would generate, could change our world for the
supervisor, the Vice President of Operations, that there
better much sooner than we can imagine. We, at H2H,
has been a long standing “issue” with Liz’s performance
would like to do our bit in expediting this process
as the Receptionist/Administrator and she may need to
and that is the principal reason we have started this
be “let go” hinting clearly that being the one with the
special column.
new HR role, I would have to fire her. I replied that I
Moreover, in the August 2007 issue, we had the completely understood if there were issues, however I
cover story “Enlightened Leadership – A Matter of would not be comfortable letting her go as: (1) I have
Heart, Mind and Soul” and the heartening response no work relationship or history or issues with Liz and (2) I
we received from many readers asking for more of don’t feel comfortable in “letting someone go” unless all
such encouraging anecdotes, propelled us to offer other avenues to resolve the issues had been exhausted
such articles on a sustained basis. and I had given all opportunities to Liz to change things
around.
feature articles
I requested to have three months to work with Liz and if her own way and that I could help her with some of her
there were still performance issues, I would then put her tasks and give her further coaching over time. Everyone
on a PIP plan. The PIP, or the Performance Improvement deserved a second chance and so did she, I argued.
Plan, is a type of probationary period. It would detail
specific feedback, instructions and goals to be reached At the last moment, just five minutes before the
in order to come off probation. This was reluctantly termination meeting, my boss changed her mind and did
agreed to. not go through with the termination. Liz was extremely
popular in the office and whoever fired her would reach
The next three months proved to be very grueling as
new depths of unpopularity, which my supervisor was
the employee did indeed have memory issues, was not
not willing to risk for herself. For a year or so, things
comfortable with computer technology, was slow in her
fluctuated from good to bad and back again. Coaching
pace, and many areas of her job consequently were not
helped as long as re-training was done yearly as Liz had
handled well by her. On the other hand, there were other
a tendency to forget certain training pieces over time.
areas of her performance where she was excellent, such
as her verbal communication skills, telephone manners, Fire or Be Fired
people skills, and so on. Now our agency was famous for having a “revolving
door”. The two main principals of the business, the CEO
and his wife, my boss, had a tendency of firing people
very quickly if they didn’t fit into the rigid, fear-filled,
automaton-like environment they were trying to
maintain. My boss commented to me daily about Liz’s
alleged incompetence, hoping I would give in and fire
her.
About a year and a half

into my employment,
she and her husband,
the CEO, called me
into their office and
told me that I had
Liz also needed lots of time off work due to aiding a a great future there
sick parent. In spite of my coaching and training, her and that if I wanted
performance in her weak areas did not improve much; to get ahead in my
or rather there would be a honeymoon period of great career, I needed to
effort, and then she would rapidly taper off to her status fire the “stupid” lady
quo of being really good at some things and performing who was holding me
poorly at other tasks. back. This was said to
me with much more
At the end of the three months, my supervisor, who was finality than the daily comments I had received during the
of a paranoid nature, did not feel comfortable about my year. I realized at this point we were at the crossroads.
giving the employee the PIP plan as she felt the employee
may become resentful of being on probation and may Faults aside, I knew that Liz was devoted to her job. She
“sabotage” computer files, etc. She decided to go ahead traveled almost three hours a day, each way to get to
and terminate Liz’s employment. work. There was no one that could match her wit and
competence on the phones. Sure, she might not be as fast
I was not comfortable with this and I expressed my a worker as others but some things have to be weighed
feelings. Her father’s illness was not something she to see what is more important. Managing people is
could control and I respected the fact that she made it not like running an automated machine. It is not about
a priority to look after him. I felt an employer should cut-and-dried corporate black and white behaviour. It’s
value an employee who showed such sense of love and about dealing with warm-blooded human beings who
respect for an ailing parent. It spoke well of her as a have strengths and weaknesses, who have potentials
human being. Also, I felt that Liz was valuable enough in and who have bad times. We don’t throw out an elderly
harnessing the heart - Part 1: Careful Choices
parent or a relative just because they’re not as “useful” Righteousness Protects The Right
or if they’re having troubles, do we? I don’t think anyone Today, I am glad that when the two former principals
should get away doing things in the business world with gave me the final deadline to choose between firing Liz
the kind of behaviour you would not do in one’s personal or getting fired - I stood my ground and walked away
life. We’ve got to strive towards what Baba refers to as from making a choice I would regret forever. I think as a
unity in thought, word and deed. result of that adherence to what I saw as Right Conduct,
today I am enjoying my professional life in a healthier
Anyway, the ultimatum by the two principals of the
and more productive atmosphere.
company was weighing on my mind: I had to choose
between staying true to myself and the values I cherished Knowing consciously the “right thing to do” is much
- or my aspirations for my rapid rise in the advertising easier than practicing it every day, every minute and in
industry. every situation (hence the ups and downs). Doing the
right thing every time can be challenging and when we
Moving On and Up slip, it is not the sort of thing we want to share - along
After that meeting, I quit my job because I would with our fears and doubts of making mistakes. For every
not do the wrong thing to get ahead in my career. I 10 good things I’ve done, I’ve probably made a few
had no other job to fall back on, but I felt good and unwise choices too.
knew something would come up. Sure enough, I was
I think what’s important is knowing that the goal of
offered a fantastic job a few weeks later running the
perfection is everyone’s right - yet when we make
administration for a ferry company. While at this new
mistakes - and we will from time to time... - then let’s
job, I sometimes missed the old office as the people
love ourselves no matter what, forgive ourselves, be
(other than the two bosses) had been lovely to work patient on ourselves and each other, as we’re all on this
with. A few months later, I heard that my old boss and journey together - towards that goal of perfection and
the CEO had been “let go” themselves by the parent devotion and self-knowledge. It’s just that some of us
company. When I heard this news, I thought to myself are extra ahead or further behind than others in our self-
in passing, it would be nice to work there now without realization. But it’s all fine. It’s not a race.
the two bosses. The environment there would now be
A very dear Sai sister sent this to me at a moment
positive and harmonious.
when I did not feel particularly proud of myself. Swami
says...”March on with your eyes on the goal. Do not
brood over the mistakes committed and failures suffered
in the past. Do not follow the whims and fancies of the
mind any longer. They will fill the ear with praise or
blame and drag you away from the spiritual path. Follow
the call of the Divine arising from the hearts of all living
beings.”
Dear reader, we are sure, you too might have been

through similar situations in your life and been faced
with dilemmas which made you take rather tough but
A day later, there was a message on my cell phone from morally right decisions, which later filled you with a
the new President, who had been a Director when I was great sense of satisfaction and inner contentment. Please
there, asking me to return to them. I went back the next do share such inspiring anecdotes with us at h2h@
month and have been there ever since. Liz is still here and radiosai.org. This will not only help build an amazing
collection of ‘triumph of the conscience’ stories but also
works with me every day. We have our ups and downs.
will embolden others to take to this path with greater
But for the most part, it’s great and getting better.
determination.
serial articles
be with me and study under my care. Will not the elder
Shirdi Sai Parthi Sai brother feel responsible and be concerned about the
Part 35 welfare of his younger brother?

(Continued from previous issue)
EASWARAMMA: Did I not send him to Kamalapuram,
believing you would be responsible?
ACT X - SCENE 4
A few years pass. Sathya is now a bit older. The scene is
Venkama Raju’s house in Puttaparthi. Seshama Raju has
finished his work in Kamalpuram and has now moved on
to Uravakonda. The members of the family are discussing
what to do about Sathya.
SESHAMA RAJU: Why then are you having doubts now

about Uravakonda?
EASWARAMMA: Seshama, it is not a question of doubts

or hesitation……. I simply ask: Should a small boy have
to go to so many places just to study?
VENKAMA RAJU [to Easwaramma]: Easwari, our SESHAMA RAJU: Mother, one must go where
Seshama has been transferred to Uravakonda, and soon opportunities for study are available. It is my responsibility
he will go there. It is good for Sathyam also to go there to see that Sathyam is properly educated. Just leave it to
and continue His studies. That is the only way open. me and stop worrying.
What do you say?
VENKAMA RAJU: Seshama, as you say.
EASWARAMMA: What am I to say? ….. You have already
declared that it is good and the only way open. EASWARAMMA: Seshama, look for a house with good
water supply!
VENKAMA RAJU: Easwari, you don’t seem to like the
idea. SESHAMA RAJU: Mother, did I not tell you before that
water scarcity was a problem with those other places?
EASWARAMMA: I don’t know….I just don’t understand Tomorrow when I go to Uravakonda, my first priority to
anything ……You first sent Him to Kamalapuram for would be to look for a proper house, OK? ….. Grandfather,
study; and now you are saying Uravakonda. …..I only why don’t you also come with us to Uravakonda?
know that my child will be away from me, and that is
causing me pain. Other than that, I’ve nothing to say. KONDAMA RAJU: Me? If you wish, you can come and see
Who can understand a mother’s anguish! me here whenever you feel like it! For me, Puttaparthi is
the entire Universe. ….. What do You say Sathyam?
Seshama Raju enters
SATHYA: Not only for you, grandfather! No matter
SESHAMA RAJU: Have no worry, mother. Sathyam will where I go, in the end I shall come back to Puttaparthi.
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI - Part 35
Not only for Me but for one and all, this place is the HEAD MASTER: Students, we are reassembling after
entire Universe. vacation for school commencement. We will start with a
prayer song by Sathya Narayana Raju, a smart boy from
the Kamalapuram High School who has now joined us.
Sathyam, come here and sing the prayer song.
Sathya sings, and His singing is greeted with loud

applause.
SCENE 5
Sathya goes to Uravakonda with His elder brother
Seshama Raju. He is admitted to the High School there.
The scene is the School Assembly that takes place before

the classes commence. All the students are assembled
there. The Head Master of the School asks Sathya to lead
TEACHER: What a wonderful song! My boy, who wrote
them all in prayer.
it? Is it Rabindranath Tagore?
serial articles
SATHYA: No Master, I wrote it. SATHYA: In another two or three days.
TEACHER: You wrote it! Such pure Sanskrit and at such SUSEELA [to husband]: You are just too much! This is only
a small age? Amazing! What beautiful lyrics, and how the first day, and He has just returned from attending a
melodiously you sang! Very good, very good. new School. Why talk books and lessons so soon?
HEAD MASTER: Students, this small song explains SESHAMA RAJU: Suseela, why does one go to School?
beautifully the concept of National Integration, as also Is it not for study? So, what’s wrong with my asking
Universal Love and Brotherhood. That is Sathyam’s these questions? …[to Sathya] Well, have they started
greatness! From now on, Sathyam will lead the prayer the lessons?
sessions every day. Today’s session is over, and you may
SATHYA: Today, we had Telugu and geography lessons.
now go to your respective classes.
SESHAMA: Very good. Are You paying proper attention
ACT XI- SCENE 1
to the lessons, or are You thinking about poems and
The scene is Seshama Raju’s house in Uravakonda. Sathya
songs?
is at home. The new academic year has just commenced,
and Seshama brings new notebooks for Sathya. SATHYA: I listen carefully in the class. And brother, I sang
the prayer song. The Head Master liked it very much and
SESHAMA: Sathyam, …..Sathyam, Here are Your
has asked Me to sing the prayer song everyday. The
notebooks. This one is for English, this one for Telugu,
Telugu Teacher asked Me who wrote the song.
this for composition, this for mathematics, and this for
rough work. When did they say they will give the text SESHAMA: Who wrote the song?
books?
SATHYA: I wrote it.
SESHAMA: Fits in! …… That’s why I keep on stressing

that what You need are not songs, poems and prayer but
study. Study is most important; concentrate on that!
SATHYA: Hmm.
SUSEELA: Sathyam, what’s that prayer song? Sing it

once.
Sathya sings.
SESHAMA: Very good! You sang very well.
SUSEELA: My dear boy, the song is very nice!
SESHAMA: In addition to singing, concentrate also on

Your studies. Mother and Father have entrusted You to
my care. Therefore, study hard and make sure I get a
good name!
SATHYA: Have no fear, brother. In days to come You will

know more about Me, and then you will recognise Who
exactly I am. TEACHER: Very good! Did you notice how beautifully
Sathyam spoke? And you, all of you are absolutely
SESHAMA: I don’t want words but action!
useless! Teaching you is like making an offering to
SATHYA: You will see for yourself! stone. Yesterday, I wore my throat out, teaching you that
lesson; and today, when I ask you to repeat it, you are all
SCENE 2
standing like flag-posts! …. I know how to punish all of
Sathya’s class in the Uravakonda High School.
you….Sathyam, come here….. Look, squeeze the nose
TEACHER: Among the Nations of the world, our sacred tight with Your left hand, and slap hard on the cheek
land of Bharat has a unique place. Our culture and strict with Your right. They will not get any sense till they are
adherence to moral values have earned great fame punished…….. Why this stony stare? These are Your
for the country. You must speak in English about the teacher’s orders; go ahead and do as told.
greatness of Bharat. Can you explain the geographical
greatness of our country? English only. Who will do it?
You Suresh, ….. Gafar Khan, ……Krishna Rao, ……..
Ramesh, …..Ramesh,…Subba Reddy, ….Bangaru…..Sit
down, you useless fellows! Is there no one who can say
what I want in English?
SATHYA: I can explain, sir.
TEACHER: Yes?
SATHYA: [Speaks in English].
serial articles
Teacher calls out the serial number of the students, It is a student’s duty to obey the Teacher’s command,
while Sathya pretends to punish. This makes the teacher understand? Now go and sit in Your place.
angry.
The bell rings, and the teacher leaves. Students then
TEACHER [to Sathya]: What’s the meaning of this? When crowd around Sathya.
I tell You to slap, You are patting their cheeks as if You
RAMESH: Raju, why were You so silent when the Master
are applying sandal paste! Don’t You know how to slap?
was thrashing You so severely? You did not even cry;
… Come, I’ll show You…COME HERE!
why?
SATHYA: The teacher is Guru, and Guru is equivalent

to God. It is therefore not proper to insult or show
disrespect to the teacher. The teacher did not punish Me
for lack of knowledge of the subject. I was at fault; I did
not exactly do what the teacher commanded Me to.
SCENE 3
Seshama Raju’s house in Uravakonda. Seshama comes
home from outside. He calls and his wife opens the
Teacher repeatedly slaps Sathya very hard. door. As per Indian custom, he washes his feet before
entering. His wife is concerned that Seshama is using
too much water.
TEACHER: This way, this way, this way, this way! ………
SESHAMA: Suseela, …….Suseela! SATHYA: Brother, near our house there were only small
twigs. So I walked a mile to collect these. They are from
SUSEELA: Yes, …coming!
the forest and will burn well.
SESHAMA: Hmm…. There is no water in the house.

Get up early in the morning, and bring four pots. Don’t
forget!
SATHYA: Brother, I don’t forget anything!
SESHAMA: Alright. Deposit the firewood in the kitchen,

wash Your hands and feet, and come. Your sister-in-law
will give You something to eat. After that, go and study
Your English lessons. Go now.
Seshama washes his feet.
SUSEELA: Great! There is only one pot of water left, and if

that also is exhausted, we will have no water for tomorrow.
SESHAMA: That’s no problem. We can always send

Sathya to fetch more water; if He makes two trips, we
will have four pots. Where is He?
SUSEELA: It’s an hour since He went out. I sent Him to

get a bundle of firewood, since our stock is exhausted.
SESHAMA: I wonder whether He is fetching firewood or END OF ACT XI - SCENE 3

lost in storytelling.
(To be continued)
Sathya comes
SUSEELA: There He comes, even as we are speaking

about Him!
SESHAMA: Why so much delay in getting the

firewood?
serial articles
30. ‘The Sattvic person would eat only at regular
gita for children times, and in perfect moderation. No overeating for him.
Further, before eating, he would reverentially offer the
Part 37
(Continued from previous issue) food to God, and while eating he would remain silent,
thinking about God.’
Chapter 17
31. ‘The Rajasic person is very different in his food
26. ‘Let Me now get back to the subject of Gunas
habits. Addicted as he is to the pleasures of the world,
and fill in with a few details I have not covered earlier.
he lets his tongue dictate his choice of food. He eats
I shall explain, with examples, how Gunas colour what
like a gourmet but pays for it all in the end! He does
people feel and do.’
sometimes realise his mistake but by then it is too late!’
27. ‘Let Me start with food. As you know, some

32. ‘The Tamasic person is even worse. He is ready
people live to eat while others eat to live. The Sattvic
to eat anything and everything, and one shudders even
person is basically of the latter type. He is extremely
to mention the kind of stuff he eats! Fool that he is, he
careful about his food habits.’
doesn’t even bother to check if the food that he eats is
adulterated or not.’
33. ‘Let Me now turn to the different attitudes

that people have to Yajna (sacrifice). The Sattvic person
performs Yajna mainly to invoke the blessings of God on
one and all, which is very commendable.’
34. ‘The Rajasic person performs Yajna both for show

and to demand benefits from God. He almost considers
the Yajna to be a business deal – “God I perform the
Yajna and therefore You give me this and that!”’
35. ‘The Tamasic person sinks even lower, getting

even the procedures all wrong! As if this is not enough,
28. ‘To start with, a Sattvic person does not eat
he dares to makes evil demands on God! That is to say,
anything and everything. He eats only that which
he tries to convert Yajna into witchcraft!’
is healthy for the body. Not for him the popular junk
foods!’
36. ‘Next, I shall discuss the attitude of the three

types to austerity. Austerity, as you know, is a kind of
29. ‘Next, he is very careful about cleanliness. Not
strict discipline, both mental and physical, aimed at
only does he insist on the food itself being clean, but also
internal purification, that is, purification of the Mind and
his body. Thus, he would not eat without bathing, and
the senses. Austerity covers all aspects – thought, word,
would further take care to wash his hands and mouth
and deed.’
before starting to eat.’
Gita for Children - Part 37
37. ‘Let me start with fasting, a common type 40. ‘Thus Gunas make people do the same thing in
of austerity. In accordance with the command of the many different ways, and with very different attitudes
scriptures, the Sattvic person not only fasts but also too. Let Me now move on to the subject of charity.’
chants the Name of God all the time. This way, his
stomach not only gets some rest – by the way, it is a
good idea to give some occasional rest to the stomach! 41. ‘Properly performed, an act of charity is an
– but by chanting the Name the man also sanctifies the expression of compassion. That is why the scriptures
act of fasting.’ commend charity. While the Sattvic person offers charity
the way it should be, with humility and no expectation
of reward or benefit, the Rajasic person will make every
effort to get all the mileage he can. He is a real stunt
man, and goes all out for publicity! As for the Tamasic
person, he makes sure he gives the wrong thing to the
wrong person at the wrong time! Not only that, he often
gives with utter contempt for the receiver!’
42. ‘Arjuna, this world is a deceptive mix of Sat or

Truth and Asat or untruth. Life is a journey where man
has to avoid untruth and be guided by Truth. If man
thinks he can do it all by himself, he is sure to get into
all kinds of trouble and problems. But if he reposes total
faith in Me and worships Me with one-pointedness, then
I will drive him through, even as I am now driving your
chariot!’
End of Chapter 17
(To be continued)
38. ‘Some Rajasic people also fast but all the time
their mind is on when the fast would end and what type
of goodies they can eat after that! One is at a loss to
understand why these people fast at all! By the way,
some even fast for pure stunt value!’
39. ‘The Tamasic fellow too is perverted in his own

way. Unable to understand what moderation means,
he sometimes literally tortures his body in the name of
observing austerities. This fool does not realise that by
doing so, he is actually torturing Me!’
window to sai seva
The Drought of Love

Akin to Naya Bazaar (mentioned above), there are four
CREATING A LAND OF LOVE...
more colonies in and around Rourkela – Durgapur, OMP
Backyard, Tarkura and Sector-6. Each accommodates
A group of people who had forgotten to laugh or cry around 250-300 Narayanas. This western part of Orissa
and were made to live like subhumans by a callous has the maximum number of Narayanas in the state,
society, just because they had contracted an infectious
particularly in the Sundergarh District.
disease (which is actually curable), are now not only
smiling with joy brimming in their hearts, but are
also looking forward to making beautiful lives out
of themselves. Those who were society’s outcasts
are now outstanding testimonies of the Power of
Love. Read this story and you will know how we can
create a ‘land of love’ anywhere if our intentions are
pure and if we are dependent on none else but the
Divine.
Naya Bazaar Kustha Ashram lies some distance away

from the township of ‘steel city’ Rourkela, in Orissa, a
state in East India. ‘Kustha’, in Oriya (the language of
the state) means leprosy. In this colony, amid rundown
mud thatched houses, live around 300 people, labeled
as lepers and permanent outcasts by society and made
to suffer a life of ostracism, poverty and neglect.
This was the case, a few years ago, but not true anymore.
Now, this area has turned into a land of love which
can turn even the most stone-hearted individual into a
‘Mother Teresa’ or a ‘Mahatma Gandhi’. The turnaround
brought about in this despised-by-all settlement by the The City of Rourkela in North East India
Sai workers of this region is most stunning and stands
as testimony to the power of Pure Love that Bhagavan On any evening, one can - if he/she has the courage -
Baba is. To start with, the Sai volunteers did not call them make one’s way through the muddy track that leads to
‘lepers’. They explain:
Naya Bazaar Leprosy Colony and find Shanti decorating
the idol of Sri Rama with champa flowers (michelia
“We never call them as lepers, but as champaca) in the local temple for the evening bhajan.
‘Narayanas’ (embodiments of God). We don’t
have to remind them about their grim existence
and future by using a word and name that “I choose to work for them because
reminds them of their disease - but a name child ‘Narayanas’ (lepers) are the most
that reminds them and us too about their real unfortunate, uncared-for lot in our
society; deprived of everything for no
fault of their own. Born of infected
In this article too, we will use this word “Narayana”
parents, they lose what little they have
while we share with you this touching story of a group
of people most wish to forget. Vivekananda Sahoo, a
right in the beginning – from education
former student of Bhagavan’s University, who hails from to entertainment....” - A Sai Worker
this state of Orissa, gives us this moving account:
creating a land of love
You can see her next putting a beautiful garland of begging to survive, and living in substandard colonies.
jasmine and marigold flowers around a photograph The social rejection is, in fact, so great that even when
of Bhagavan Baba; her eyes now brimming with tears. many are cured of their deadly disease, they end up
Under the photo is etched the words: “Why fear when I living in isolated settlements. Those affected are forced
am here?” to live and die a forgotten and humiliating life. Though
the people’s affected body parts have no physical pain,
After the bhajans, she may tell you how Swami has
their lives are punctuated with a deep emotional pain.
transformed her life from a curse to a blessing. With
The stigma that attaches to them is worse than watching
tears flowing down her cheeks she narrates how in her
body parts like the tips of the nose, fingers and toes just
adolescence she was diagnosed with leprosy. Her family
disappear.
members were frightened that they too would contract
the disease and therefore kept her in confinement, in a
room at the edge of the village. “For the first few weeks
I kept crying, and asking, ‘Why me?’”, says Shanthi.
After six months in isolation she was taken away to a
clinic and has not seen her family since. “I felt forsaken
by my own family but this was my fate and I had none
to blame.” The disease robbed sensation in her right
foot; it became so damaged that eventually it had to be
amputated. While she was being treated she met her
husband - also marked for life by leprosy.
...Their lives as dry and dreary

as the sleeping animal
In such pathetic circumstances, nearly 300 families live
at the colony. They survive on a meager government
pension which many supplement with weaving. But
their main occupation is begging. Many of the disabled
who stand outside the temples and at road junctions in
Rourkela carry the marks of leprosy. One man, who has
lost several fingers, said that he rarely leaves the colony
because people outside are too hostile.
Forlorn, devastated and without any hope of improving

Living an existence that society
never acknowledges... their lot, they live in colonies which are rarely visited by
Shanti’s story is only representative of the hundreds in the outsiders. Shunned by the government and society, the
colony. In fact, her tale finds an echo with all the other 250 Narayanas often find consolation in vices like drinking
odd inmates. They are all social outcastes, treated with and drugs.
scorn by one and all. Even if cured by medication, they
The Force Called ‘Pure Love’
remain socially ostracized. Once infected with leprosy,
It was the year 1985, when the climate in the colony
the sufferer is soon forsaken by all family members and
began to undergo a radical change. Inspired by the Pure
friends. Leprosy is contagious, and as the disease slowly
Love of their Master, Bhagavan Baba, a group of spirited
eats away their hands and feet, Narayanas are forced
Sai youth had ventured into this so called ‘god forsaken’
out of society. They can not find work and often end up
window to sai seva
Sai workers gave them the first taste of pure love.

The Sai Army began their march.....
area to sow the seeds of Divine Love. Determined to

serve the residents of the colony, they found within
themselves the necessary love and patient endurance to
achieve their purpose - virtues which they attribute to
a Strength beyond their own. Thus, a story of reaching
out against almost insurmountable odds, portraying the
indomitable human spirit, began to be played out – all
according to the Divine Director’s plan. Soon they started taking care of each one of them
Slowly, the youth gained their trust and achieved the

first challenge of instilling respect and self-worth in the
hearts of these abandoned souls. Beautiful things happen
when we regain the buoyancy of our human spirit. The
Narayanas, who were bereft of the hope of being loved
by anyone, found warm eyes, understanding hearts and
empathetic smiles. Their hearts, frozen from a lifetime
of neglect, now began to warm up. They were unable to
fathom how the Sai Youth were so different from others
in the world outside.
...slowly but with steady determination
The first task that the youth undertook was to warm

the hearts of the colony residents, which had dried up
with the pain of many cruel years. Every evening the
Sai Youth would share their time and goodwill, looking
into their eyes, listening to them, and inspiring them
with comforting words. At first the reaction was that of
suspicion and mild hostility, but the youth persisted in
their efforts.
They saw ‘Lord’ in the leper...
The Sai workers slowly revealed them the

source of their strength and inspiration
..and cared for them like they would for one of
their own
They wanted to know what goaded them to display

such selfless love and concern. The Seva dals, at this
point, realized that mere words would not suffice. They
gently waited for the language of love, so beautiful and
profound, to convey the sweetness and power of the
Cosmic Heart that was beating behind all their actions,
and one day it happened – the wall broke and tears
The poor folk listened intently to the Sai Saga
flowed copiously. and were chocked with emotion
Gopal, an elderly man who had been in the colony for

more than 30 years, through tear stained cheeks, said,
“This is the first time someone has spoken to me with
so much of love and respect, my son!” Many of the
Narayanas were still unable to think through the
reason why the Sevadals, brimming with the fountain
of youth, would abandon their free evenings to
spend time with them. They wanted to know more
about the Youth and their motivation.
Pure Love with reverence was the key
What unfolded next changed them forever. By
way of explanation, the youth sang a song about
‘Love walking on Two Feet’ - a phenomenon called
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and about the rays of
His Love reaching out to millions all over the world.
On hearing the greatest love story etched in history
between man and God, the Narayanas found someone
who could redeem their lives. They listened with rapt
attention and fervent hearts about this miracle of
love. Tears rolled from their eyes, just like the way a
They started providing for their seed which is sown in the soil sprouts when the first
immediate needs shower of rain drenches the earth.
window to sai seva
They sweetly sang about His Glory..
They thought only about the ‘Narayana’,

never for a moment about themself
were never tired of convincing people that showing love

towards another human being is the most powerful way
to receive the blessings of God.
Apart from the change that it brought in the lives of the

Narayanas, the impact that this seva had on the Sai Youth
is tremendous. After working with these Narayanas in
Music when filled with
devotion can do magic close quarters they know that to have a ‘normal’ body is
nothing short of a miracle and some of the experiences
Unbounded Selfless Service they have had doing this service is simply extraordinary.
In a bid to normalise the leprosy sufferers’ lives, the Sai
One concerns a young man who was cleaning the
youth began to attract other people’s attention to the
wounds of the Narayanas in dedicated and heartfelt
Narayanas’ plight and worked to improve the standing
service. After some time, he started to feel the
of the colony members in society. They had to battle
sensation in his right hand was slowly decreasing
against the prejudice that Narayanas are afflicted for
and becoming numb - an early sign of leprosy!
the sins they committed in previous lives. The youth
Incredibly, a calm resignation took him over, as he
No work was difficult or undoable Blankets ready to go!

for these Sai angels
To save them from the biting winter. Gift for the tiny-tot...a treasure for him
One who serves is actually more happy

None had earlier cared for them,
let alone give gifts
felt this happened while serving those so much in

need. He simply prayed to Bhagavan to give him
enough strength to carry on serving. Miraculously all
the symptoms vanished! It is now ten years since this
happened and he is still serving the Narayanas with
tremendous zeal and love! The way the Lord takes
care of His workers is unimaginable.
Their joy knew no bounds
Every child received her precious present

Draped in the warmth of His love
window to sai seva
Another sevadal volunteer describing his motivation With Love, All Is Possible
for working at the colony, says, “I choose to work
for them because child Narayanas are the most
unfortunate, uncared-for lot in our society; deprived
of everything for no fault of their own. Born of
infected parents, they lose what little they have right
in the beginning – from education to entertainment.
Leprosy is not hereditary, but the healthy children of
leprosy patients are compelled to spend their life in
unhygienic and filthy conditions. They are deprived
of all physical, social, educational, vocational and
cultural development.”
The seva done in every medical camp was

to be seen to be believed
The Samithi distributes artificial limbs to people who have

lost them due to leprosy on a day known as “Disabled
Day”. Once a month the Medical Camp provides an
opportunity for cleaning and dressing of the Narayanas’
wounds by doctors and local Sai youth volunteers.
The stench coming from the wounds is sometimes
unbearable, and it requires every ounce of a person’s
determination to carry out the task. The volunteers and
An essay of pure love doctors also identify patients who need further medical
attention and refer them to the relevant hospitals and
specialists.
There were presents for all the adults too
Over a period of time, five leprosy colonies, housing

about 2000 residents were adopted in this loving way by
the Sai Organisation. They started with Bal vikas classes
for the children, then expanding into bhajans, Narayana Personal attention to every ‘Narayana’ was always
an important guiding principle
seva, and other activities. There are also Medical and
sadhana camps organized here. One such Narayana, lets call him Jai, was complaining of
severe stomach pain. On investigation, it was discovered
that he had a tumor in his stomach. The Sai volunteers
took Jai to a private hospital where the doctors

recommended an immediate operation. The operation “Your dedication and devotion to a
would cost Rs. 20,000 and another equal amount would fellow human being who is a complete
be needed for the post-operative care and medication. stranger, is so inspiring and worthy
The volunteers struggled to collect the amount from
of emulation. Allow us to be a part in
this mission of selfless seva too. We
among themselves, as Rs.40,000 is quite a sum! But the
are waiving Rs 20,000 for any post
dearth of funds did not dissuade them from going ahead
operative care. And in the future, we
– they had to provide the right treatment for Jai even if it
will treat any patient that you bring
meant hardship for themselves.
here absolutely free.”
- Managers of a Private Hospital
New Lives for the Neglected

There are other elements of the Narayanas’ lives that the
spirited Sai youth have been able to improve. Their harsh
daily existence requires them to beg - this being the most
traditional way of earning their livelihood in a society
that does not allow them to work. So, these Narayanas
can be seen sitting outside temples, and going from
door to door, looking for alms. Unfortunately, during
Medicines ready fo the monthly medical camp
The Sai sevaks deposited the required amount at the

hospital and the operation commenced. After a grueling
seven hours, the doctors emerged from the operation
theatre triumphantly. A 3.5 kg tumor was removed from
the patient’s abdomen to everyone’s relief. The hospital
managers, witnessing the selfless attitude of the Sai
workers, wanted to speak to the Sai Youth. They were
moved by the patient’s plight and the enthusiastic
youngsters’ spirit of sacrifice. They said, “Your Every Sai family saves a little everyday
to serve them what they haven’t had for days
dedication and devotion to a fellow human being
who is a complete stranger, is so inspiring and worthy
of emulation. Allow us to be a part in this mission of
selfless seva too. We are waiving Rs 20,000 for any
post operative care. And in the future, we will treat
any patient that you bring here absolutely free.”
Needless to say, the Sevadals were completely taken
aback and overcome with joy as they reflected how the
fragrance of God’s Love affects others with compassion
so powerfully. Now they do not have to go around begging
in sun and rain - food comes to them with love
window to sai seva
the summer months, Rourkela turns into a blazing oven

resembling one of the furnaces at the Rourkela Steel
Plant, as even the road asphalt melts in the scorching
sun! No one dares even to venture out in these blistering
months, except those forced to beg to survive. Risking
sun stroke the Narayanas used to start out no matter
what the temperature, for they had no choice – the only
alternative being to starve to death.
This was their terrible situation till the Sai Samithi came
to their rescue with an initiative called ‘Amrutha Kalash’ Every time they meet, it is only
joy that is shared
– ‘Pot of Nectar’. Every Sai family now saves a fistful
of rice on a daily basis. When the lady of the house
prepares food for her family, a part of the rice grains
are kept aside to be given in alms while chanting
‘Sairam’. When the blistering summer months set
in, the Samithi collects all the set aside rice and
other food grains from all the devotee homes and
distributes these as two month’s rations for each of
the colonies. For the family, it may be a small act, but
for the Narayanas it is life-saving in every way. A part of the dedicated team who
follow His footsteps
Elevating Love…
On one of the regular visits to the colonies a few easily procure clean and pure drinking water by a simple
devotees observed that the Narayanas have a great deal turn of the tap, which is, after all their right.
of difficulty drawing water from the well. Their mutilated

Sarita Maa, a 72 year old lady, smiled joyfully when after
fingers and hands were not able to grasp the rope to
veda chanting and bhajans, the project was inaugurated
draw the water. A scarcity of funds did not deter the Sai
with a gush of fresh water flowing down into an earthen
Organisation from remedying this situation.
pot. She carried the pot of water to the temple and
asked the priest to perform abhisekham (worship) for
her “Sai” first, then and there. One could not help but be
Twenty days after the idea surfaced, a
water project for the colony was born, reminded of Sabari’s devotion to Lord Rama, from the
when an electric pump was fitted to grand epic, Ramayana.
pump the water to an overhead tank.
From Lepers to Luminaries of Love
Now the Narayanas easily procure clean
The children of Naya bazaar colony are now in their
and pure drinking water by a simple
turn of the tap, which is, after all their Bal Vikas Group 3 classes. These children chant the
right. Vedic hymns “Rudram” and “Chamakam” with right
intonations. They are encouraged to continue and
complete their studies in the local school provided to
Twenty days after the idea surfaced, a water project for
them by the government and a few bright and deserving
the colony was born, when an electric pump was fitted to
students’ fees are also sponsored by the Samithi so that
pump the water to an overhead tank. Now the Narayanas
they can complete their graduation.
Love just like His - and like St. Francis of Assisi, who was
also moved by God to care for such suffering Narayanas,
pray:
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;

Unable to say a few lines coherently earlier,
now these small kids chant vedic hymns where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be
consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,

It is the big Sai Family where there is
one language, that of the Heart, and it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
love is only feeling
and it is in dying that we are born to
Eternal Life.
Although their living conditions and physical appearance
is heart-breaking, their faith in God is now exemplary
and their spirit is soaring.
Who, but only an embodiment of Pure Love, can inspire

such incredibly inspiring acts and make divine beings out
of ordinary mortals. Let us make our lives a saga of Pure
Dedicated to the One who started it all
window to sai seva
Sai Medical Camps

in Malawi -
Magnificent and Moving
What does an impoverished African nation struggling

to improve the standard of living of its people,
plagued with a full-blown AIDS epidemic, abject
poverty and a pervading sense of hopelessness, have
to do with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba of India?
He has neither forgotten them nor failed to deliver
divine comfort, medical care and a sense of hope. A view of a small settlement area
others are sadly languishing in disease, ignorance and

poverty, Bhagavan Baba continues to silently propel His
devotees in every nook and cranny of the globe to live
in His image, as exemplars of His message, practicing
love, sacrifice and purity, just as He has for the past eight
decades. His divine gaze misses no detail of suffering
and pain and His compassion reaches out to millions
around the globe, right where they live, be it in Fiji or
Africa, Latin America or the Middle-East.
Malawi is spanned by beautiful nature
Journeying across the country on a

typical village road
A stall selling Malawian masks
Even as world bodies and international aid agencies

Sai Movement in Malawi – Small yet Solid
debate policies and budgets, for many in Malawi, the
The story of the Sai movement in Malawi is a story
name of Bhagavan Baba stands for selfless service and
of the power of pure intent and its potency to make
divine compassion that comes to their doorstep. They
a discernible difference. The Sai movement in Malawi
know Him as someone who sends His angels to infuse
consists of a small, yet strong and committed group
hope in their lives and relieve them of their agony.
of men and women, a group that has come under Sri
Maintaining His outward distance from the drama of Sathya Sai’s spiritual guidance. Inspired by His teachings
humanity’s foibles where some nations are reeling from and driven by a desire to translate them into action, they
the giddying heights of wealth and prosperity while have surged ahead to deliver the desperately needed
sai medical camps in Malawi - Magnificent and Moving
The whole team of doctors arrive at the airport... under His care and guidance
services in local communities, in the form of medical to heavy rainfalls - putting it in constant need of
care, completely free of cost and without any hidden thousands of tonnes of food aid every year. More than
agendas. half the population lives below the poverty line.
“Fulfillment lies in dedicating whatever talent

a person has, to serve the rest of humanity,
indeed all living beings. Service to man will
help your divinity to blossom, for it will
gladden your heart and make you feel that life
has been worthwhile. Service to man is service
to God, for He is in every man, and every living
being, in every stone and stump. Offer your
talents at the feet of God by serving others
with love,” - Bhagavan Baba.
Malawi – Attractive and Agonising

Located in Eastern Africa, Malawi is among the most
beautiful countries of the continent. Popularly known
as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, it is surrounded by
Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Lake
Malawi, formerly Lake Nyasa, occupies most of the
country’s eastern border. The north-south Rift Valley is
flanked by mountain ranges and high plateau areas. It
is a place of great scenic beauty. Lilongwe is the capital
of Malawi and Blantyre is the commercial capital. Most
Malawians rely on subsistence farming, but the food
supply situation is precarious and the country is prone Map of Malawi on the African Continent
to natural disasters of both extremes - from drought
window to sai seva
Tens of thousands of Malawians die of AIDS every In 2002, the MBTS was a newly incorporated agency in
year. Malawi is rated as one of the poorest countries Malawi. Funded by the European Union, it is the first one
in the world. There are good hospitals in the country of its kind in Malawi. It provides blood testing and other
but they face an acute shortage of doctors of various blood-related services.
specialization. Medical equipment and supplies are
Thanks to the dedication, devotion and sense of
also in short supply.
discipline displayed by the band of Sai volunteers,
the blood camps held by the Sai Service Organization
Every day 140 Malawians die of HIV/ have now become a regular project. Various hospitals
Aids, while another 250 more are rely on them for a consistent and dependable supply
infected. According to the World Bank, of blood. Group members are also listed on an
about 95% of Malawi’s economically emergency data base.
active adults aged 15 to 49 are now Gaining confidence and experience from the highly
infected. This is a country where the successful blood donation camps, the Sai Organization
GDP is under £300 per capita and 65% inched further to serve at local hospitals by providing
of the population lives on less than 70p nutritious food for the patients.
per day.”
Serving God in the Ailing
The typical diet of the Malawians is Ufa, which is white
Against such a dismal background, for several years maize flour cooked like a paste called ‘Nsima’. This
now, the Sai Organization of Malawi has been playing thick starchy porridge made from corn or cassava is
a pivotal role in bringing medical relief to the local accompanied by some curry or relish. From a nutritionist’s
population and much of its success is due to the point of view, this food is low in calcium, nutrition,
strong support it has enjoyed from the Sri Sathya Sai iron and vitamins content. Hence malnutrition among
Baba Service Organization of the United Kingdom. As patients is an added concern.
you read further, you will see how Bhagavan Baba, the
single unifying force, is binding varied groups of inspired
individuals from different continents, to make the earth
a better place for all of us.
The Sai Organisation in Malawi Blossoms

The Sri Sathya Sai Service Organization of Malawi is
relatively young as it was formally formed in 2001. Prior
to this, since 1980 devotees used to get together every
Thursday and hold bhajans at each other’s homes. Later
on, the spiritual sessions began to be conducted at the
Hindu temple. Study circles were also held and a review
and discussion of Bhagavan Baba’s gospel inspired
the group to translate His divine words into action by Nsima relishes and Ufa - typical diet of Malawians
engaging in service activities. In a country that is one of The paediatric ward, of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital
the world’s HIV hotbeds with high AIDS infection rates, – the largest Government-run hospital which was in dire
the need for providing medical care, comfort and aid straits, was chosen for service on the last Saturday of
was paramount. every month.
The Journey of a Thousand Miles Serving hands-on, the volunteers noticed the disturbing
Begins with a Single Step lack of hygiene in the wards which was further aggravating
With the help of the Malawi Blood Transfusion Centre the condition of the patients with already depressed
(MBTS), the Sai group started organizing regular blood immune systems. In some facilities, the absence of even
donation camps which were held every three months.
the basic medical supplies and equipment led to severe Surgeries were performed under sterile conditions.
complications that could have easily been avoided.
The blessed patients, who were actually seeing the world
The painful scenario of deprivation, disease and poor after long spells in some instances, could not believe their
medical conditions led the Sai group to explore an option eyes when they were given glasses – both sunglasses for
where they could provide top class medical services to the post-cataract surgery care as well as reading glasses,
Malawians in a controlled environment, with adequate entirely free of cost. An adequate supply of medicines
medical supplies and equipment and a reduced risk of brought all the way from the UK was also given to every
infections caused by poor hygiene. patient at no cost.
His Love in Flow - Easter 2004 Marks At the end of the 5 days, many wounds and burns
First Medical Camp were healed. The local people were dancing with
In April 2004, the Sai Organisation of Malawi urged joy when after years they could see clearly, thanks
Dr. Upadhyay from the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Service to the cataract operations performed by the UK
Organization of the United Kingdom to organize a team. Till then, many had resigned to the thought of
medical camp by bringing in doctors from various living the rest of their lives with full or partial visual
fields of medicine so that the ailing and economically impairment.
disadvantaged Malawians could benefit.
‘Sai Eye Camps’ Pan-Africa –
Celebrating Baba’s 80th Birthday
Soon, all the Sai Centres in Africa decided to conduct
cataract operations to honour Baba’s 80th birthday. Two
local eye specialists, Dr. Msukwa and Dr. Kaluwa, who
had helped the Sai organization with the camp in 2004,
came forward once again to help in this noble cause.
From July 2005 to November 2005, five eye camps

were held to cover as many southern Malawian areas
as possible. About 518 people benefited from this
effort. A special case was a man unable to see for
36 years because of a mature cataract, who had his
Dr. Upadhyay and Hon. Henry Mussa at the clinic eyesight restored. He could not believe what had
happened to him and called it a ‘miracle’. These
During the holy weekend of Easter 2004, as though to
camps proved to be very successful in all respects.
emulate the example of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice,
a team of 28 doctors and volunteers came all the way Medical Camp at Chiradzulu Hospital:
from the United Kingdom and conducted the very 9-14 September, 2007
first eye-care camp at Chikwawa, south of the city of By the beginning of 2007, the Sri Sathya Sai Organization
Blantyre. This was a fantastic camp where more than had gathered enough experience, confidence and
5,000 patients were treated for visual impairment. momentum to aspire for more effective opportunities
to serve. They hoped to hold a large medical camp
The milestone effort began with a widespread publicity
that would deliver relief and treatment to a significant
campaign aimed at informing the local population about
number of suffering Malawians. The challenge was to
the camp. Vehicles were sent out into the targeted
bring together doctors of international caliber from a
geographical areas to transport the patients, especially
variety of specializations along with nurses, pharmacists
those who were partially or fully blind due to mature
and volunteers, a sizeable array of medical equipment
cataracts.
and medical supplies and dispense pain relief, medical
Designated personnel screened and directed patients to attention, diagnosis, surgeries and end or reduce the
appropriate doctors. Medical treatment was provided suffering of the local population.
by the British team in an organized and efficient manner.
window to sai seva
week long medical camp.

Once Dr. Upadhyay’s
team committed to
travel from the United
Kingdom and participate
in the medical camp,
the Sai Organization of
Malawi prepared a public
information campaign
and spread the word
about the camp and its
The scenic view at Chiradzulu Hospital
services using print media
Little ones and radio broadcasts.
‘frozen’ in pain The need for medical
aid was so great that the local population responded
with gusto. Over 6,000 patients poured into the
week-long camp.
Coming from places far and wide, patients sought

relief from a variety of ailments including ring worms,
viral flu, pneumonia, severe chicken pox, cataracts,
cancers, tumors, hearing problems among a fairly young
Many eager faces awaiting ‘heavenly’ healing generation, malaria, cerebral malaria, gynaecological
problems…you name it and the patients had it.
In Malawi, the AIDS scourge has cut life expectancy
to a shocking 36 years, and an estimated 900,000 Sadly, every year, about 60,000 AIDS-afflicted children
people are infected with HIV. According to the are orphaned in Malawi. Not surprisingly, some
Department of Health, 50,000 to 70,000 people die conditions among the children were acute and highly
each year from AIDS-related ailments. disturbing. This included a condition generally observed
in abused children and described in medical parlance as
Sai Medical Volunteers Surging Ahead ‘frozen watchfulness’. It is characterized by children’s
Seeking divine guidance from Baba, the devotees once
facial expressions of never smiling, appearing unhappy
again called upon Dr. Surendra Kumar Upadhyay, of the
or scared.
United Kingdom, to organize a team of doctors for a
Dr. Upadhyay offering his service at the Lotus Feet Being healed - both body and soul
of the Master of Service
Given the ghastly drama of life and death that has been
played out before their very eyes and the emotional
trauma they have suffered due to it, many Malawian
children appear to be in the state of ‘frozen watchfulness’
all the time. They have suffered neglect at the hands of
an uncaring society and humanity at large that has no
time to pause and cast a look of concern at their plight.
The vicious cycle of pain, disease, death, illiteracy and

extreme poverty has robbed the children of Malawi
of any reason to smile. Yet all that changed suddenly
when several thousand of them found their way to The Mapanga Buddhist Temple outside...
the Sai medical camp where they were received by
the Sai devotees lovingly, into a warm embrace.
...and in.
children orphaned mainly because of parents who died

of AIDS.
Hon. Mr. Henry Mussa signs the guestbook Interestingly, the Amitofo Care Centre is funded by the
The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Service Organization of Malawi Taiwanese Government. Malawi is one of only six African
held the medical camp at Chiradzulu which is 25 countries to maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan rather
kilometres from the city of Blantyre. It was officially than China. In an effort to help rein in the AIDS epidemic
inaugurated by the Honourable Mr. Henry Mussa, the in its African ally Malawi, Taiwan has offered free anti-
Member of Parliament of Chiradzulu East and also the retroviral therapy to benefit over 1200 Malawians living
Minister for Transport in the Government of Malawi. It with HIV to date.
was served by a team of dedicated, caring and loving Since 1998, Taiwan has helped set up a hospital in Mzuzu
medical professionals who included Ophthalmologists, in northern Malawi, the main stopover town in the north
General Practitioners, Paediatricians, General Surgeons, of the African country of 12 million people. In June 2006,
Anaestheticians, ENT surgeons, Pharmacists, a Dental the Department of Health (DOH) also established a clinic
Surgeon, a Microbiologist, a nurse and volunteers who in the Mzuzu Central Hospital and started delivering free
all flew down from United Kingdom to spend days in anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) to Malawians afflicted by
selfless service with the love of Sai in their hearts. HIV. Since these mobile clinics are already in the north of
Thirty-six members of the UK team joined hands with Malawi, the Sai Organization decided to concentrate its
the local Sai organization volunteers at the base of efforts in the southern part of Malawi where the need is
the camp held at the Chiradzulu District Hospital. The the greatest.
whole team was housed at Amitofo Care Centre which Care for Children Comes First
nearby has a beautiful Buddhist temple in Mapanga. The Sai Medical camp started on September 9 at Amitifo
The Amitofo Care Centre has an orphanage that houses Care Centre where the orphans were checked by the
window to sai seva
The Amitofo Care Centre
team of doctors. There are 218 children in this orphanage

...for bringing sight to those almost blind
with children ranging from 2 ½ years to 15 years of age.
The group held Thursday prayers at Amitofo Buddhist pairs of reading glasses were distributed during the
temple, joined by the orphans who started the session camp and 250 cases of special made-to-measure glasses
with Buddhist chantings, followed by Sai bhajans. The were also handed out. The patients were, undoubtedly,
whole atmosphere had beautiful vibrations and it felt happy to receive the glasses and could not believe that
simply divine to all present. The name of the one God they were dispensed for free. They were overwhelmed
was chanted in different languages, through the medium by the kind of treatment and said they had never seen
of various faiths, in the true spirit of the Sai organization so much love before. Baba’s compassion and concern
that believes that “There is only one religion, the Religion touched them all deeply.
of Love.”
Some of the older ladies wanted to express their
Fifteen nurses were hired from the Nursing School heartfelt thanks to the doctors who performed their
of Malawi to translate all communication between cataract operations and restored their vision. When
patients and doctors. Every department ran a full day of they were all set to leave for their respective villages,
consultation, diagnostics, surgeries and treatment. they spontaneously broke out into a dance and sang
Helping Eyes to See Again to them out of joy, proving that at times such as
At the Opthalmology department, Dr. Msukwa and Dr. these, music and dance express inner joy way louder
Upadhyay treated the patients and conducted 41 cataract than even words!
operations. Everyone received sunglasses, reading General cases that received attention included instances
glasses and a month’s supply of eye drops and necessary of viral flu, pneumonia, severe chicken pox, HIV, and
medicines for post-operative care. In total, over 1,000 a lot of other problems. Medication was given to the
patients. There were 15 special cases treated with
Thermal Imaging for pain relief during this camp.
After Care Support

In a touching gesture to provide totally professional and
loving care to the patients, a member of the UK medical
team, Dr. Dhiru Mistry stayed back after the camp for
follow-up cases. Speaking of his experience at the camp
he said:
“The camp has been a great success. As per Swami’s

personal example, we served the poor and the needy at
a level He wants us to do.
Dancing to express their gratitude...
There are many organizations in the world that are doing
The Anxiety of AIDS

The camp witnessed unparalleled Describing the typical scenario at the camp, Ms. Jaishri
dedication and professionalism from Mistry, another volunteer from the UK, observes:
the team of five pharmacists and
“Throughout the day, patients continued to pour in.
three assistants who dispensed over
One in five women had high blood pressure. Due to
24,000 items of medication to over
widespread AIDS the average life span for men is
6,000 patients within the 5 days of the
about 37 years of age. Women are left to look after
camp.
the children. There are many elderly men and women
and hardly any young men. The country teaches and
great work. What makes us different is that we have
educates everyone on HIV/AIDS and this information is
been inspired by our Lord to serve with unconditional,
constantly advertised practically everywhere in public
non-judgmental love, and not to seek any rewards,
places and hospitals. But many people are very ignorant
remuneration or gratitude for the effort. In the end,
and do not want to have the free test done. Even though,
serving with such an attitude of humility where
physically the symptoms are all there, i.e. pneumonia,
we see ourselves as His instruments makes a great
difference in the way the service is rendered. Every heavy breathing, bones sticking out, loss of weight, etc.
action, word and motive is filtered through the Sai You see fear in their faces but you cannot force them
lens which is all about heartfelt and pure love. I feel to get tested. If detected early, the treatment can be
so privileged to be associated with Bhagavan Sri Sathya started and they then have a better chance of living and
Sai Baba’s mission… He has given us so many quotes, survival rather than ignoring it till it is too late. Many
that sound catchy and simple enough to understand, patients are able to lead somewhat normal lives and
but when one studies the quotes closely, dissects them able to provide for themselves and their children once
and reflect on their details, I mean finer details, there they are on the medication.”
is more to it then saying rhyming words such as “Help
Ever Hurt Never” or “Love All Serve All” and “Hands That
Serve Are Holier Then The Lips That Pray.”
“As far as I am concerned I can only make a small

contribution, I cannot cure things, but what I can give
with His grace is love and support and pray that things
improve. It is very sad to see children die in the wards
and patients suffering without any counseling.”
The Sai Seva story of Malawi is much more

arousing, but we have mellowed it down in this Patients rushing to get inside the hospital
article not to make it too depressing. But there
are lot more pictures, facts and instances that
will give you the complete picture of the pathetic
situation prevailing in this African nation,
and more importantly, will reveal to you the
extent to which the Sai workers have stretched
themselves to bring hope and happiness to its
hapless population. So, the brave hearted can
please download the comprehensive powerpoint
presentation by going to: http://media.radiosai.
org/Journals/Vol_05/01NOV07/06-sai_seva2.
The climb to the service camp
window to sai seva
Given the need for creating awareness about the illness Exemplary Care for Children
and its possible treatment, the camp played a vital role Dr. Nadisha, a paediatrician at the camp observed that
in educating the uninformed Malawians about hope of there were many cases of infectious acute cerebral
their survival. malaria. HIV related malnourished children were also
treated. Mothers with gynaecological problems sought
The ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) department saw cases of
help in droves and considerable education about nutrition
ear infections, throat infections, etc. Hearing aids were was imparted to the patient population. Some of the
provided to the patients including younger ones in the other health issues that were addressed at the medical
age group of 15 to 45 years. Diagnostic procedures camp include undiagnosed paediatric conditions like
such as CT scan, BP scan, x-rays were done in order to Hydrocephalus, TB, congenital heart defects, untreated
arrive at a proper diagnosis. Patients suffering from epilepsy, cerebral palsy, etc.
goitre, cheek cancer, para-pharyngeal abscess, neck
Most of the common paediatric conditions were treated
lumps, nasal problems, nasal septal deviation were also
with the available medication. The pharmacy was
attended to. Even one case of larynx cancer was seen.
quite well-equipped and ran efficiently. High calorie
The medical professionals and volunteers in the general supplements were given freely to children suffering from
surgery division handled 31 operations, mostly hernia malnutrition.
related. There was also a case of an acute nasal block

which was corrected through surgery.
Suffering relieved for mother and child
Another Paediatrician Dr. Nikila Pandya shares an

interesting anecdote:
A lady who underwent a cataract
operation in 2005
“I saw this patient, a young boy and felt he had not
A patient named Agnes Sankhani, had a huge tumour
just abscesses on his leg but a deep seated infection in
the size of a football, surgically removed from her
the bone. Yet I had to confirm with an x-ray. I wrote a
back. After the three hour long operation, she was
form and sent him for an x-ray before prescribing the
absolutely fine. So overjoyed she was with the love
treatment. He came back saying the machine was not
and dedication of the doctors and volunteers that
working. I was very disappointed because we couldn’t
she choked as she spoke of her experiences. She
start treatment for the problem he was suffering for a
had never felt such love and care, she said. Dr. Dhiru
long time. The only other option was to refer him to the
Mistry, who stayed back to take care of the follow-up
hospital in Blantyre with a referral letter. I did the same
cases removed the stitches from her back. Agnes felt
with little hope that this boy will find his way up there.
as if an enormous load had been shed off of her back
That was the end, I thought. Next morning, during my
and continues to be greatly relieved by this happy and
prayers, I kept thinking of this boy and what would
unforeseen development in her life.
happen to him....Will he go to Blantyre or not?
“Suddenly that afternoon I was busy seeing the patients surgically and diagnosed as possible Staphylococcal
and had sent another child for x-ray hoping that the infection using a microscope.
machine had been set right and I was still feeling
Microbiologist Dr. Dev Kothari, recalls how happy and
bad for the previous day’s young patient with the leg
grateful the patients were for receiving such high
abscesses. Just then, as I was thinking about him, one
quality and loving medical services. He says: “What
of the volunteers enters my room with this boy from
really mattered to them was the explanation for their
the previous day who had been on my mind and in my
ailments given lovingly. One lady I remember who had
morning prayers.
severe infection of the palm after a knife injury, joined
her hands (after the surgery) to thank me. But I told her
to thank the Lord and not me.”
Hundreds of patients had their pus discharging abscesses,

injuries including car accidents, burns and other such
severe wounds treated and dressed lovingly for the first
time in their lives. There was a special case of a lady
who came with a match-stick stuck in her ear which
was removed with forceps. Then there was another case
of Burkitt’s Lymphoma in the eye which had burst and
become infected as gas bubbles in the tissue could be
‘Miracles’ can happen with right diagnostic tools seen under the microscope.
He had miraculously come back to see if the machine Swami’s Vibhuti to the Rescue
was working and had the x-ray done and came to see Dr. Hema Patel, from the UK brought a small container
me. We confirmed the diagnosis of bone infection of Vibhuti (sacred ash) with her which she used
osteomyelitis and started a prolonged course of on wounds and burns. Miraculously, she has been
antibiotics. Someone had heard the silent prayer and using this Vibhuti ever since and it never runs out.
answered it for me.....the Lord was listening to my It is quarter full all the time. In her experience, the
thoughts that morning. He was indeed running the healing for the patients has been tremendous just
entire camp.” with healing power of the holy Vibhuti.
The team handling pathology cases dealt with patients Relief from Long Standing Dental Traumas
who had undiagnosed diabetes, about 8 cases of The dental team at the camp realized that the local
bilharzias, one case of bilateral axillary abscesses which hospital had a very limited teeth extraction facility. The
was later diagnosed as TB. Palm injuries were drained team of Sai volunteer dentists trained the local staff
at the hospital how to deal with basic extractions and
taught them how to perform procedures such as the root
canal, fissure sealants, composites and amalgams. The
necessary composite curing light and amalgamators
were brought from the UK and left in the hospital
for the Department of Dentistry to carry on using
them. Also the medical team left behind enough
material for over 500 root fillings and possibly up to
1000 composites in the future. There were rampant
infections involving Herpes Zoster virus and occasional
Kaposi’s Sarcoma. A few fibromas (benign tumours) were
excised with the help of the ENT surgeon also. Over 600
extractions were done and over 50 fillings were carried
Many grateful patients - patiently waiting out within the first 5 days.
window to sai seva
The dentist from the local Chiradzulu hospital was

really grateful for all that he had learnt from the UK
doctors and the equipment and materials that he had
received to keep for continued use. Educating the local
medical teams and volunteers about the latest medical
procedures was an added bonus of the camp. Even the
dedication and love experienced by the patients and
local Malawians had a lasting effect on them.
presence came through loud and clear in the love and

dedication demonstrated by the very sincere doctors as
they approached patient after patient smilingly, never
running out of patience. Indeed it was their warmth
and friendliness for each patient, their genuine sense of
concern and the assuring tone of their voice that drew
patients in huge numbers every single day. The very fact
Pediatric care by dedicated doctors
that they were attended to with such consideration and
The camp witnessed unparalleled dedication and grace assured them that they were in safe hands.
professionalism from the team of five pharmacists and
“Everyone was talking with love” -
three assistants who dispensed over 24,000 items of
Joseph Judge Phiri
medication to over 6,000 patients within the 5 days of
Joseph Judge Phiri came to the camp for a general
the camp.
health check up and said, “I can’t go to any doctors
Most of the medicines used and dispensed during the because I cannot afford them and also I’m not sure
camp were brought from the UK. Many medicines were whether I will get the right treatment. I heard through
donated by local well-wishers. Some medicines were word of mouth that in this camp, the patients are served
brought from pharmaceutical companies as well. Apart with love, and hence I came to have a check up. I was
from the doctors from the UK, a local doctor also helped diagnosed with high blood pressure and blood sugar.
the pharmacy team. The most overwhelming part of the whole camp was the
way everyone was talking with love and respect to all
Great care was taken to ensure all the dosages were
the patients. I’m very happy with the service which was
checked properly and interpreters were used to make a
rendered here in the camp. The doctors are really nice.”
patient understand the exact dosage and how to have
As he was saying this, he was choked with emotion and
it.
couldn’t say anything further.
All the patients who came to the camp were fed the
Getting ‘Real’ Medicines
local food - UFA, vegetable curry and dal or lentils. On
Another patient John James Bigula had been complaining
Thursday they were also treated to sweet rice. The post-
of chest pain before he came to the camp. He said,
operated patients were given porridge. The patients
“I’m very happy with the doctor who attended to me.
were overjoyed when they were served rice which is
All the villagers of Maltope village in the Chiradzulu
considered a local delicacy.
district were saying that the doctors are giving ‘real’
The colossal success of this first-of-its kind medical medicines. At that moment of the day, I was worried
camp was due only because of the divine energy about my chest pain which was severe. At the camp, the
of Bhagavan Baba permeating its every aspect. His doctor did a thorough check up and found a problem
with my leg which I had not disclosed to the doctor. I

was impressed with the treatment and also with the
diagnosis.”
Infusing Hope and Love in HIV Infected

Says Loveness, also a patient who came for treatment,
“The whole village was talking about the people
who were treated for HIV. The medicines which were
given to them were taken by the patients and they
are feeling better now. It actually works!”
Hon. Mr. Henry Mussa addressing the crowd
Sri Sathya Sai Organization profusely for arranging

such a generous and caring medical camp. He said,
“People of this district are very poor. I thank Sri Sathya
Sai Organization for organizing a camp in this area.
All the people here need a lot of medical attention.”
While addressing the crowd, he urged the people to
make the best use of the doctors who had come from
UK and were distributing free glasses and medicines.
Facepainting to cheer up the children
When the patients came for treatment, there was not

even a smile on their faces. This is a typical expression of
an average Malawian, struggling to get through life, one
day at a time. When they were treated by the doctors
and were about to leave, they felt so tongue-tied and
that they could not express anything by way of words.
The experience moved them so deeply that some cried,
others thanked the doctors with gestures and the yet
others simply broke into a dance to communicate their
joy.
The able, inspired and united members of the
Sai Orgn. of Malawi
The children who came to the paediatric ward were kept
entertained with face painting and balloons blown to
various animal shapes. Toffees and biscuits were also
distributed to the young patients. All patients were
provided soft drinks and water since they had come
from far off places and stood in the queue for a long
time, patiently waiting for their turn.
Praise from a Malawian

Government Representative
Honourable Mr. Henry Mussa, the Member of
Parliament of Chiradzulu East and also the Minister for These local nurses were the eyes
and ears of the doctors
Transport in the Government of Malawi thanked the
window to sai seva
The purity of intent and the nobility of the effort at catchy teachings such as “Love all, serve all” and quite
this camp were hard to ignore. Many individuals and another to put them into practice. The camp provided
groups, regardless of whether they knew who Sri Sathya all those who served there the rare chance to actually
Sai Baba is, felt drawn to do whatever they could to walk the talk, for the love of Sai.
support the initiative. This included Malawians of
Their participation and concern for the plight of
various faiths such as Muslims, Christians and Hindus
Malawians whom the world seems to have forgotten,
who offered their services at the camp and brought food
reminded the team that each person is a cell in the
for the doctors as a spontaneous gesture of their love.
organic body of society. Unless each cell is well, the whole
It served to unite many divergent groups - the patients,
cannot be healthy. If we must live in the awareness of
the local politicians, medical practitioners (both British
God’s omnipresence in everyone and everything around
and local), pharmacists, nurses, volunteers and the local
us, then we cannot conveniently blind ourselves to the
population.
pain and sorrow of our fellow beings and limit our vision
The medical team that had come all the way from the only towards self-aggrandizement.
UK to share their professional expertise and their love for
The single and most valuable take-away from the
Bhagavan Baba’s teachings, displayed amazing humility
experience for all parties concerned was how easily
by adapting graciously to the local conditions.
barriers of language, culture and economic status
He Loves and Shines Through All succumb to the power of divine love. Bhagavan Baba’s
The volunteers’ only mantra through the camp was to example and gospel of loving service to fellow beings
allow their love for Bhagavan Baba to gush forth in their has repeatedly proven to be the foolproof solution to
interactions with each ailing embodiment of His divinity the deadly threats of disease, greed and hatred facing
in Malawi. As Dr. Dhiru Mistry rightly pointed out, it humanity, our planet and eco-system. Explaining how
is one thing to intellectually process Bhagavan Baba’s the power of love is at once so simple and strong, Baba
says:
“Every blood cell, every nerve, must tingle with

love, with eagerness to share that love with
the forlorn. When love has filled the heart, it
has really been transformed into Divinity, for,
God is love and love is God… Love the world as
the vesture of God, no more, no less. Through
love, you can merge in the ocean of love. Love
cures pettiness, hate and grief. Love loosens
bonds; It saves man from torment of birth and
Just look at this happy, little Poonam...! death. Love binds all hearts in a soft silken
symphony. Seen through the eyes of love, all
beings are beautiful, all deeds are dedicated,
and all thoughts are innocent. The world is
one vast kin.”
We are extremely grateful to Ms Asha Rao, a former

student of the Anantapur campus of Bhagavan’s
University and a committed Sai worker from Malawi, for
True health - just some heart
taking special interest and sending this story and the
and a smile away
pictures along with a telling powerpoint presentation.
chronicles of heaven ON earth
CHRONICLES OF
HEAVEN ON EARTH
1 October, 2007 – Special Darshan

for Gujarat Devotees
The evening of 1 October turned out to be one of those
longer ones. In the morning Swami had not granted
darshan. In the evening too, the clock struck five and
the singers struck the harmonious note of the Pranava
A bonus turn for the sake of His students!
“Om”. There was no sign of Swami. A huge crowd of
devotees from the western state of Gujarat had arrived.
The thirst for darshan could be felt even on the cool
floors of Kulwant hall.
There was an audible gasp of joy and relief as Swami came

out at about 5:05 pm. But Swami was in the car and the
windows too were raised! They say that a drowning man
grasps at even a straw floating on the water. Everyone
craned their necks and stretched themselves to catch
a glimpse of Swami. They say that familiarity breeds
contempt. But with Swami this is absolutely false. Each Blessing the new CD of the Vedam group
time we see Him, a mere awareness at what we are
filling their hearts with His divine darshan as bhajans
beholding raises goose bumps on the skin. As He has
continued. Four, five, six, seven bhajans went on. Swami
said, “My moving amidst you is a boon that the Gods
suddenly turned and said something. Everyone thought
of the highest heavens crave for.”
that He was going into the bhajan hall. But He moved
in the opposite direction. Moving along the teachers’
block, He descended the slope towards the old-students’
region. He moved slowly amidst the crowds.
And then, the Ganges seemed to gush and flood the

overflowing hearts of all the devotees. There was such joy
that discipline took a backseat as it allowed devotion to
become the driver. Especially the devotees from Gujarat
almost formed a wall so that all could see Swami and
Swami could see all. Swami went along the lines collecting
letters, speaking and granting padanamaskar. He then
The Gujarat “wall” of devotees moved amidst the students. He took a turn around the
delight at His darshan
marble block where the students were seated and went
However, Swami took a detour after the ladies side and
around satisfying all as He passed by. He blessed a new
headed towards the interview room. There was applause
CD that the vedam group had released. He blessed the
as Swami descended from the car. He chose to come out
birthday boys and many took the opportunity to touch
and there were smiles and even a kind of joyful laughter.
His feet. Swami then went into the bhajan hall from the
Water seemed to sprinkle on the parched hearts and
rear door. He granted close darshan to all assembled in
people in their excitement to receive the showers of
the bhajan hall too. Aarthi was offered at 6:05 pm and
grace, got up in their places. Bhajans went on as Swami
Swami then retired.
came and occupied the centre stage. Swami sat there
prashanti diary
2 October, 2007 – Cultural Programme Let’s start again, young fellow. Is God good?
by Gujarat Youth
Student: Yes.
2 October, 2007 marked the 138th birth anniversary of
the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. And so it was Prof: Is Satan good?
no surprise when Swami blessed the youth from the
Student: No.
state of Gujarat (the state in which Mahatma Gandhi
was born) to put up a programme in the evening in His Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Divine presence. The backdrop was put up and the stage
Student: From...God...
was set from 2:30 pm itself.
Prof: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this
world?
Student: Yes.
Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make

everything. Correct?
The attractive brochure is presented to Swami
Swami came out for darshan at about 4:20 pm. He went

around the darshan rounds and then after a brief halt
in the interview room, came straight to the stage and
blessed the programme to begin. The programme was
very simple but very nicely portrayed. It was actually
adopted from a popular email forward. The story opens “So you all believe in God?”
in a classroom in which the conversation between a Student: Yes.
professor and student runs as follows.
Prof: So who created evil?
Prof: So you believe in God?
Student does not answer.
Student: Absolutely, Sir.
Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness?
Prof: Is God good? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?
Student: Sure. Student: Yes, sir.
Prof: Is God all-powerful? Prof: So, who created them?
Student: Yes. Student has no answer.
Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify
to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help and observe the world around you. Tell me, son, have
others who are ill. But God didn’t. How is this God good you ever seen God?
then? Hmm?
Student: No, sir.
Student is silent.
Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Prof: You can’t answer, can you?
Student: No, sir.
Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt darkness isn’t. If it were, you would be able to make
your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of darkness darker, wouldn’t you?
God for that matter?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.
Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is
Prof: Yet you still believe in Him? flawed.
Student: Yes. Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality.
protocol, science says your God doesn’t exist. What do You argue there is life and then there is death, a good
you say to that, son? God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God
as something finite, something we can measure. Sir,
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.
science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity
Prof: Yes, Faith. And that is the problem science has. and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully
understood either one. To view death as the opposite of
Now the student said Can I ask something to you
life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist
Professor.
as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life:
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat? just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you
teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Prof: Yes.
Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary
Student: And is there such a thing as cold?
process, yes, of course, I do.
Prof: Yes.
Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your
Student: No sir. There isn’t. own eyes, sir?
(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn (The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning
of events.) to realize where the argument is going.)
Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of
superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process
heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your
273 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can’t opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold.
(The class is in uproar.)
Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of
heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen
not the opposite of heat, Sir, just the absence of it. the Professor’s brain?
(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.) (The class breaks out into laughter.)
Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the
a thing as darkness? Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one
appears to have done so. So, according to the established
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?
rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science
Student: You’re wrong again, Sir. Darkness is the absence says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir,
of something. how do we then trust your lectures, sir?
You can have low light, normal light, bright light, (The room is silent. The professor stares at the student,
flashing light... But if you have no light constantly, you his face unfathomable.)
have nothing and its called darkness, isn’t it? In reality,
Prof: I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.
prashanti diary
Student: That is it sir... The link between man and god is

faith. That is all that keeps things moving and alive. .
The student then reveals that his conviction is because

of his acquaintance with Swami through Bal vikas and
Seva Dal programmes. The Professor is impressed and he
too expresses his desire to see Swami.
The “Teacher” with His class!
Still not satisfied, He went down to pose with them for

group photos. After immersing everyone in the bliss
of His love, Swami asked the youth members to sing
bhajans for Him. Needless to say the bhajans were full of
vigour and vitality. After a few bhajans, Swami received
A ring for the transformed ‘professor’ Aarthi and left for His residence.
4 October, 2007 – The Vishwa Rupa

Darshan Day
Swami came out for darshan at 5:05 pm in the evening
of October 4. The bhajans had begun and Swami went
straight into the bhajan hall at the end of His darshan
rounds. Swami sat for the bhajans till about 5:35 pm.
He appeared to be very radiant, yet had an emotional air
about Him. Every bhajan seemed to touch Him and as He
sat, He kept looking all around. It was as if He wanted
His gaze to fall on everyone present in the hall. As the
...and a chain for the transforming
agent - the student bhajans were going on, Swami called the secretary of
the Central Trust, Sri Chakravarthi, and spoke to him.
Swami was very pleased with the programme. He created The bhajan group dimmed the volume of singing and
a ring for the student and a chain for the professor! Then accompaniment as the conversation turned out to be a
He gifted each and every participant with white cloth long drawn one. The conversation lasted for one whole
pieces. He called all the youth members and spoke with bhajan. Then Swami smiled and continued looking at
some of them. everyone. At 5:35 pm, Swami went into the interview
room. He came out at about 6:00 pm and immediately
asked for Aarthi. However, during the Aarthi, Swami
came into the bhajan hall. He sat till the final Loka
Samastha was sung. Then, calling Prof. Anil Kumar, He
had the following announcement made.
“Today is a very auspicious day. From this moment on

till 7:00pm, in the direction of the airport, one can
have the Vishwa Viraata Swaroopa Darshan. It can
be seen by people - irrespective of their nationality,
colour, caste.”
The youth members sing enthusiastically
A wide array of emotions passed over people’s faces as their beloved Lord. There were discussions of requesting
they heard the announcement. Swami seemed to be Swami to return to the Mandir as the crowd was
the only non-confused soul in the whole assembly. A becoming uncontrollable. But then Swami did something
rare wave of chatter and excited talk broke out in the that was so natural of Him. He asked for the door to be
bhajan hall and Swami left with a satisfied and loving opened and He seemed to be too keen to get out of
look. The whole of Parthi and the neighbouring villages the car and be amidst His devotees. The door opened
too seemed to get galvanised. All roads seemed to be and the chair started to move. But then there was a
leading towards the airport. The auto rickshaw stand sudden onrush of devotees. In the darkness of the early
emptied in no time and taxis were all full. All vehicles night, the whole scene appeared like the “Kanyakumari-
- motor and non-motor- headed towards the airport and pearl necklace” episode - only that it was now waves of
well, only one who was at the scene knows the euphoric devotees trying to offer their garland of Love, Devotion
impact it had on all. Parthi must never have seen such a and Gratitude. The crowds were literally surging and
motorcade in its brief yet vibrant history. people near the car requested Swami to return into the
car. There were repeated pleas to the devotees to be calm
To add to this, at about 6:30 pm, Swami’s Porte too
and seated but they seemed to hear none of it. A kind
headed towards the airport. The ashram wore a deserted
of mob mentality set in and indiscipline was in display
look as all its inhabitants moved towards the airport. The
too. Swami still wanted to get out of the car and be in
main road was clogged with vehicles and it resembled a
the midst of devotees. But the raging waves of devotees
one way. No vehicle seemed to be headed towards Parthi
seemed to make that move physically impossible. They
and all faced the South-Westerly direction towards the
were almost squeezed flat on the sides of the car and it
airport. Parking space was a problem, but the devotees
was physically impossible for Swami even to come out.
went in the vehicles as far as they could. Then jettisoning
For once it seemed that God was proposing which man
the vehicles, they proceeded on foot to the precincts of
was disposing!
the airport. Swami’s car was parked in the centre of the
runway just opposite the terminal building.
Swami’s car was naturally the focus of people’s attention

and the locus of the mammoth crowd. In a matter of 20
minutes, more than 10,000 people had assembled in the
airport. It was completely dark and the only lights were
from the tail lamps and head lights of Swami’s Porte. Of
course there were occasional flashes from cameras and
the small screen lights of mobile phones. Chants of Sai
Gayathri rented the air almost everywhere. Near the car,
it gave way to frenzied shouts of “Bolo Bhagawan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba Ki... Jai “. Swami sat in the car just staring Uncontrollable joy at a mere glimpse....
ahead. He seemed to be waiting for something. People
The car now started and waded its way amidst the
were in a devotional fervour and if the runway could be
crowd and parked in another spot. Somehow, Swami
replaced by a river, the scene would have reflected the
wanted to be on the tarmac in the airport and it was
Maha Kumbh Mela.
purely His will that the car was still there. Such a scene
All of a sudden, Swami’s car that was dark, lit up as the had never been seen - even today it is not being seen
interior lights were switched on. There was a mighty (!) - for along with the devotees, darkness enveloped
applause and everyone’s faces too seem to be lit up by the whole airport runway. The chants grew louder and
virtue of the light being put on in the car. The crowd now people did not know what was happening. Swami
was now on its feet and the security cordon around was the only calm figure in the entire assembly. He got
Swami’s car was now almost non-existent. People were the car parked at a little distance away from the runway
so charged and they wanted to catch just a glimpse of and then the same story was enacted. Swami wanted to
prashanti diary
come out of the car but it was physically impossible with Whoever may say anything, in matters of spirituality, it
the crowds swarming around the car. Meanwhile, the is only the experience of the heart that counts. And it
whole of Prashanti Nilayam was literally empty. It was is faith alone that leads to the experience. Once man
reminiscent of how the gopikas would rush to Krishna, told God, “Why don’t you reveal yourself to the world?
leaving their houses unlocked, forgetting whatever they Everyone can benefit.” God replied, “I would love to do
were doing. Swami for the third time got the car parked so. But tell me how should I do that?”
at another spot. Again the same story – He was not able
“Why don’t you do a miracle? A miracle that will stun
to come out.
everyone?”
“What sort of miracle do you suggest that I do?”
“Hmm....well let me see. Why don’t you turn the whole

ocean red?”
“My dear! That will not work.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because sometime back, someone asked me to make it

blue. But today, you have scientific explanations for its
blue colour!”
The massive nightly congregation in the airport...
God then went on to tell him, “If you don’t have faith,
From a distance, even in the darkness, the scene was awe every experience seems coincidental. But with faith,
inspiring, to say the least. There were at least 12,000 every breath, every heartbeat, every moment becomes a
people and the vast assembly brought to the mind images divine experience.”
of the vedic chant “Sahasra Shirsha Purusha”. In a way,
though Swami was not being “allowed” to do what
He wanted to by the crowds - the crowds themselves
seemed to symbolise the cosmic form. Often Swami says
that when it is said that the Lord has a thousand eyes
and ears, He is not a funny looking being. It is symbolic
of Him pervading every being in the Universe. From a
distance, this aspect became very clear. Moreover, the
media picked up on some wild rumours which had no
substantiation. The beauty of Swami’s actions is that
everyone benefits out of it. Whatever be anybody’s
motive, His motive is only the welfare and happiness
...seemed to resemble a Vishwaroopa in itself
around. He has not caused pain to one little thing in His
whole life and led every moment of it for others. He does The feelings in everyone who witnessed the divine drama
not care for the “taints” and “extolling” that the world were profound and sublime. The experience, well, can be
may shower on Him. The Truth needs no verification nor put off as coincidental and “nothing much”, or it can be
does it change, whether a majority accepts it or rejects considered the fruition of the wait of lifetimes. Swami is
it. Truth and Love.
7 October, 2007 – Gifting Marble Statues

At about 7:45 pm, Swami’s car started to head out of
to the Hostel
the airport. But the roads were all blocked. Even Swami
The old mandir premises (bhajan hall mandir) had been
needed half an hour to travel the 8 kilometres to the
cleaned and all the things there had been neatly classified
Mandir. He reached Yajur mandir only at 8:30 pm and
and sorted out over the last three days by the students
retired only by 10:00 pm.
and some staff of the Ashram. There were so many items and sought His blessings. Swami blessed the silk sarees
and Swami had decided to give away many of these and robes that then went on to decorate the statues.
treasures. There were beautiful marble statues of Lord The statues were also garlanded as Swami looked on. He
Rama, Lakshmana, Mother Seeta and Hanuman. Swami blessed the coconuts and had the vermilion spot placed
wanted these to be given to the senior boys’ hostel for on the foreheads of the statues. He asked them, “How
installation in the shrine. do they look?” Pat came the reply, “As beautiful as you,
Swami.”
In the afternoon, eight research scholars had assembled
in front of the Yajur Mandir with the statues which were
comfortably more than a ton each! The statues had
been decked with saree, dhoti and jewels. All waited for
Swami to come down, bless and consecrate the statues
before the installation in the hostel. Swami came out
of Yajur Mandir after the evening bhajan started, about
5.05 pm.
The minute Swami came down, He glanced at the

statues and immediately asked, “What is happening
here?” The warden of the senior boys’ hostel went up
Swami with the students and staff from the
to Swami and prayed to Him to bless the statues. Swami senior boys hostel
immediately came towards the statues. He sat before
them and kept looking at their faces. He was so pleased
and happy. Now the boys came one by one to Swami
Sai Rama with Shri Rama!
After having spent a few minutes gazing at the statues,

Swami very unexpectedly posed for a group photo! The
Sprinkling water onto the statues boys were all so excited and thrilled at this gesture. They
also posed alongside Him. The pictures were taken. Then
as Swami was going into the car, the photographer
requested Swami to pose alone with the statues. And
Swami agreed to do so! A picture was taken and then
Swami went to the car to proceed for Darshan. As the
car started, Swami blessed everyone with Abhayahasta
(raised Hand in blessing). In the darshan hall, Swami
gave joy to one and all by going around on the wheel-
sofa for a round before going into the bhajan hall for
“How does Rama look?” bhajans and aarthi.
prashanti diary
11 October, 2007 – Blessings blossomed and remained on the faces of the youth as
for Kerala Youth Swami kept smoothly gliding by. Swami’s mere presence
There was a build up in the numbers of youth at Prashanti has such a calming effect.
Nilayam on October 11. This time the youth were from
Hot heads seem to experience coolness and cold
‘God’s own country’, the popular adage that goes with
hearts feel warmth! Everyone finds reason and ways to
the state of Kerala. Everywhere the eyes traversed, only
associate with His physical form. For some, it’s a touch,
orange scarves were seen. Though the gathering was
while for others it’s a smile, while for still others it may
so huge, the discipline and silence was commendable.
even be the Divine neglect that they feel. “Swami knows
There were also youth sitting in the front on the marble
I am here and so He did not look at me.” But everyone
block - a huge gap separated the ladies from the gents.
feels that whatever Swami did was only with a purpose
An artiste in Carnatic vocal was due to perform in the
- never by mistake!
divine presence.
Well there was this student who, it seems, came third in
Swami arrived at about 4:30 pm. He went around slowly
the “lines” that come from hostel. And Swami apparently
in the car and granted darshan to all. As He descended
spoke to the boy who had been fourth in the same
from the car near the interview room, he called the State
“lines” and had not even looked at the third place boy.
President of Kerala and enquired about the details of the
This boy was in tears at the “grave injustice” that had
evening programme. Then He went into the interview
been meted out to him. He could not believe that God
room. When it was 5:00 pm, the regular bhajan time,
was capable of such “partiality”! But, he too, felt that
all were beginning to think that maybe Swami would
Swami had purposely done it. So you see, every breath
attend bhajans in the bhajan hall, but Swami came out!
He takes, means something to someone, somewhere!
As soon as He came to the centre stage, He said that
And everything is for our own good and growth.
He would like to go down. There were smiles and joyful
claps everywhere as the wheel-sofa was brought down Swami went around the entire gents side and then came
the ramp. With a mischievous smile playing tenderly on back to the centre of the marble block where the youth
His lips, He came along the lines of the youth, down the were seated. He called a lad and began speaking with
marble block and He seemed to accept every letter that him. After interacting with him for a while, He waved His
was presented to Him. palm and brought out a chain. He put it around the lad’s
neck as everyone applauded in joy. Swami looked up
slowly and then if one had a telescope, one could have
seen another mischievous smile at the corner of His lips.
There was something else in His “mind”. He began to
come down the marble block once again. And He moved
a little towards the ladies side of the youth. Moving along
their lines, He suddenly took a turn and came along the
There were multiple blessings for all this day
He gave that beautiful opportunity to all the assembled

Kerala youth to give vent to their devotion and
feelings. If one travels with the sun, one can see the
earth brightening up in its wake and the darkness just
disappearing. That must be exactly how the students
behind Swami’s wheel-sofa must have felt when smiles “Boy, what is your name?”
conducted special prayers and Poojas. The priests who

were to perform the Yajna arrived chanting mantras.
Soon, at about 9:10 am, Swami came in the car. He came
into the bhajan hall to bless all the priests and the boys
who had assembled there.
The head priest went to Swami and after a short

conversation, Swami asked for the ceremonial clothes to
be presented to the priests. The priests came forward
one by one as Swami personally handed to them the
silk clothes - dhoti and Angavastram. As soon as they
received them, the priests went and changed into the
A chain of Love for the youth member
new clothes. They were back in 5 minutes as Swami
students. He accepted the letter from our “third place” sat waiting patiently for them. They sat around Swami
student and immediately, tears of sorrow were replaced and began chanting. It was such a beautiful scene and
with tears of joy. Again the boy was crying! was reminiscent of the Vedic times when disciples sat
around the feet of the Sadguru and learnt the ancient
Ah! What was witnessed this day is indeed representative
lore. Swami at the center of the circle of chants looked
of what Swami has been doing all His life. And yet He
so wonderfully Divine and glorious. After the chanting
carries on tirelessly doing the same, day after day. He
was complete, Swami told all the priests to head to the
went around speaking to some more students. He asked
auditorium and begin the Yajna. He then went into the
some as to what they planned to do during the winter
interview room. The priests left and there was a message
vacation. He blessed the youth once again on His way
for all the boys chanting vedam also to leave.
back to the stage. By the time He was back on stage
it was already 5:30 pm. Swami asked the youth to
start bhajans. He sat enjoying the bhajans and in the
meanwhile, blessed prasadam to be given to all. At 6:05
pm He received Aarthi and left.
15 October, 2007 – Dasara Yagnam Begins

The morning of October 15 was scheduled for the
beginning of the week-long Yajna to commemorate the
Dasara celebrations. The bhajan hall had been occupied
with students in saffron dhotis and anga-vastrams. There
was the resonant sound of vedic chants as the priest
Bowing to the YajnaPurusha
before the Yajnam
The priests begin the proceedings in His presence Gifting the ceremonial clothes
prashanti diary
All the students too left for the auditorium as Swami

sat just outside the interview room and watched the
procession of the boys. It was only after all the boys
left that Swami too left for the auditorium. Inside
Poornachandra, everything had been kept meticulously
ready and clean for the Yajnam. The flame was kindled in
the traditional manner with vigorous stirring of a wooden
rod on another wooden base. As the first wisps of smoke
emerged, one priest cupped his palms and blew gently
to fan it into a flame. The little kindled spark was treated
like a tiny baby with all the care and concern. Soon the
wisp grew into clouds of smoke and the sacrificial pit A magnificent view of the stage
burst forth into flames. The orange flames rose higher
as the beginning of his prayers, placed a rose on His feet.
with each addition of ghee. The two “oranges” on stage
Going around Swami, he started his day. The Rudram and
were brilliant - symbolic of sacrifice. Seeking Swami’s
Chamakam were continuously chanted as the offerings
blessings, the Yajnam began. The air was filled with
continued at the yajna flames. Swami sat watching
chants and as always the scene filled one with a sense of
the proceedings till about 11:00 am. At that time, He
wonder and awe.
permitted the boys to leave for Grama Seva. Bowing to
Him, the students left for service in Puttaparthi. Swami
sat for another 15 minutes and then He too retired.
In the evening, there were two speakers scheduled to

deliver talks. Swami came out at 5:15 pm. He was on
the wheel-sofa. He went around the ladies and gents
side granting darshan. The gents side was filled up by
the sevadal who had just completed their service. As
soon as Swami came to the main stage, He asked for
the Vedam to stop and then told the Vice Chancellor to
introduce the speakers of the evening. The first speaker
The embers are carefully fanned was Prof. G. Venkataraman. He spoke very powerfully
to begin the yajnam
on how Swami’s message alone is the hope for the
new world. There seem to be problems everywhere and
they are so strongly interconnected that no solution
seems comprehensive enough. Swami’s message of
Love alone is the solution. The second speaker was Prof.
Veerabhadraiah. He began with Swami as being close to
him as his father. He narrated in flowing Telugu, incidents
from the lives of Sai devotees and had the audience
paying rapt attention to him.
After the speeches, Swami asked for bhajans to begin.

The priest tries to garland Swami!
Swami refuses... Swami sat for the bhajans keeping beat with His hands.
That brought so much enthusiasm among all present.
At Swami’s corner, the priest was involved in Surya- The bhajans were sung with full gusto and swing.
namaskar (Worship of sun through postures). He started After a few bhajans, Swami received Aarthi. As He was
with lighting up the lamp near him and then after a few leaving, He said, “The bhajans were very good.” Smiles
chants, went up to Swami. He prostrated fully and then blossomed on all the faces!
Prof. Veerabhadraiah offers his prostrations The Yajnam venue seems to have shifted temporarily
Prof. G. Venkatraman enlightens the audience Swami stays for the entire proceedings...
17 October, 2007 – Third day In the evening, He came out at around 4:45 pm. Much
of Dasara Yagnam to everybody’s delight, He came on the wheel-sofa and
Swami came out at 10:45 am on the morning of October
went around both the ladies and gents sides. He came
17 and went straight to the Auditorium where the
straight on stage and after a few minutes, commanded
yajnam was in progress. He then proceeded to the ladies
the Veda chanting to stop. There were two scheduled
side corner of the stage where the Poojas were on. He
speakers for the day.
sat there witnessing the proceedings. Like bees around a
honey laden flower, the priests all began to move to that The first speaker was Sri. G. S. Srirangarajan, from
corner of the stage one by one. Soon, the only people the School of Business Management, Accounting and
left on the main stage were the veda chanting students! Finance. He spoke on how a grand “Karma Yajna” was
The priests all gathered around Swami’s chair and began also accompanying the “Jnana Yajna” going on in the
chanting the concluding hymns of the day. Swami
sat listening to that and then received Aarthi and to
everyone’s surprise, instead of retiring to His residence,
left for Sai Kulwant Hall!
In Kulwant Hall, Swami came out and sat in full public

view granting darshan to everyone. The Veda chanting
students had also reached Kulwant hall in their orange
dhotis. Swami told all of them to go into the bhajan
hall after a while. Swami too went into the bhajan hall
and told the boys to sing Aarthi. He also told the Veda
teacher to do Aarthi! By the time He left for the morning,
it was 11:20am! Sri. Rangarajan speaks on the Karma Yajna
prashanti diary
Swami sits to receive the final offerings...

The birthday boy’s greatest gift
Poornachandra auditorium. He outlined the essential

features for every act to become a Karma Yajna, viz. it
should be done as an offering to God, be complete,
be without expectation, and so on. The talk was well
appreciated.
The next speaker was a student from 2nd year M Sc class,

Sri Natesh Shankar Shetty. He spoke on the Motherly
Love of Swami. Basing it on the bhajan “Janani Maa”,
he brought out each of the aspects of Swami portrayed The Divine bundle is lowered into the Yajnam
in that bhajan. He concluded by expressing his deepest
sense of gratitude to Swami and said it was the best gift Ah! How blessed indeed are we that God has come to
Swami could give him as that day was his birthday also. teach us how to Love Him. It does not matter what path
As he concluded and went to Swami, the Lord looked at we take. It doesn’t matter if we are liberal or orthodox.
him and asked (as if He didn’t know), “Your birthday?” God’s love is so pristine and pure. The mother never
Then waving His hands He materialised a beautiful ring. checks for the language or grammar of the child’s cries.
Putting it on his finger, He blessed him. Then Swami asked The response is immediate and spontaneous. Seeing
for bhajans to begin. After three bhajans, He received Swami toiling day in and day out talking and acting out
Aarthi and retired for the day at about 6:20 pm. the same lessons again and again only for benefit of
21 October, 2007 – Vijayadasami Day mankind is such a touching and humbling experience.
The morning of October 21 was the glorious dawn God is not bound to anything and yet He takes up on
of the Vijayadashami - the grand conclusion of the Himself the task of Loving and guiding all. He teaches us
festival of Dusshera. In the morning, the shutters of the perfect way to make the perfect offering and then
the Poornachandra Auditorium were thrown open as the Yajna Purusha, He Himself accepts the offerings.
and people started filling the hall. The priests, after What a perfect example of “Brahmaarpanam” and then
conducting the initial poojas on stage, moved to the “Aham Vaishvanaro Bhutva.” Seeing Swami in action is
bhajan hall in Kulwant Hall. Swami arrived to the bhajan seeing the scriptures come alive.
hall directly. He distributed new saffron dhotis to all
The priests then headed to the auditorium. All the people
the priests for the special occasion. He also issued silver
in Kulwant Hall too rushed there. Swami slowly came on
ladles and spoons with which to make the offerings in
stage. He sat for a while in the gents side corner. Then He
the sacrificial fire. Then, He gave a bundle in which were
came right in front of the flames. Ah! What a beautiful
packed many materials befitting the yajna and told them
sight! One for the Gods to see! The orange of His robe
to offer it in the fire. All the priests made good of the
became one with the orange of the flame, symbolic of
opportunity to fall at His feet and seek His blessings.
the Truth that the one offering and the one accepting the
offerings are one and the same! The flames rose higher
and higher and a gentle smile played on His lips. Ghee These are the coins of Sathya and Dharma and
was poured in and the bundle that Swami had given they will support and guide everyone. Truth is
was put into the sacred pit. Swami sprinkled holy grains God. If one follows Dharma with Sathya, all
on all the priests and then even blessed them with holy problems will be solved. With Truth in heart
water. The Poornahuti and Dharma in hands, march ahead. No other
(ceremonial close) then sadhana is needed. If Dharma follows the
was performed. The head principle of Sathya, all sins will be gone.
priest and his wife went

around the Yajna fire and
Swami, the Yajnapurusha.
After that, Swami went

to the ladies corner of the
stage where the “Sahasra
linga” (thousand lingas)
Swami watches intently had been worshipped
throughout the week long Yajna. He blessed it and
then showered His benediction on all priests. The
aarthi was offered to Him. As the priests then lined up
The coins of Sathya and Dharma
and descended the stage, Swami sat next to His dear
students who were chanting the Vedas. He sat on stage
“Mamaivamsho Jeeva Loke Jeeva Bhootha
for ten more minutes. He spoke to a few students and
Sanatanaha.” God is one and everything and
then retired for the morning.
everyone are reflections of God. Rama, Krishna,
In the evening, Swami came out on stage after the Allah, Jesus - all these are only names of the same
darshan rounds. There were two speakers scheduled to God. To know this Truth is more important than
speak. The first was Sri Ajit Popat and the second was Sri doing all sadhana, charity, etc. Follow this Truth
S. V. Giri. After the two elders had spoken, there was a and victory is certain. Ekam Sath Viprah Bahuda
burst of joy as Swami got up and agreed to speak to all. Vadanti. The Truth is one alone. All the rest
He did not want the discourse table and was very eager will pass away like clouds. And anything done
to get started. He began to speak even before the mikes with the changeless Truth in heart, becomes
were brought! A standing mike was placed before Him Dharma.
and He began. Given below is a comprehensive summary
of what He spoke: Nowadays, the times are such that we notice a
new trend. Boys falling in love with boys and girls
Vijayadashami is a festive day for all but for a few falling in love with girls. They live and behave like
it is also a very sad day. (Swami at this point was husband and wives. But how long is this? Maybe
overwhelmed with emotion) That is because, on one or two years. Later all change. It is only for
this day, the old body is given up. But, the body temporary satisfaction of the senses. When you
is only physical and is impermanent. Laxmibai love anyone, know that you are loving God. But
came to the previous body (Shirdi Sai) and He
that love is not permanent. It will change. True
materialised two gold coins for her and giving it
Love is changeless. The moment body is gone,
to her said, “Keep these with you always.” (At
who is related to whom? The body has senses
this point, Swami materialised two gold coins
and it is bound to fall. It is never permanent. But
and gave them to the translator.) These coins
the Dehi, indweller, is permanent. The indweller
are made of gold and have that date embossed
on them. has no birth or end; no bondage or liberation.
prashanti diary
This Dehi is Sathya Swaroopa. While leaving the Janma Saarthakam (Life’s fulfillment) develop
body at Shirdi, Baba said, “Do not take this body a relationship with God. God’s Love will never
as the basis. It will be gone. And then, none should change. It is permanent. Develop that. Do not
cry. It is but natural that it will perish. Experience have any differences. Do not differentiate based
it as long as it lasts and then remember, it was on religion. All the different names and forms
only a dream.” After Baba left His mortal coil, belong to the same God.
the body was kept for three days with the hope
The Matham (religion) is never bad. It is the
that He may come back. It was Abdul Khan who
Mathi (mind) that makes all the confusion and
reminded, “Let us all remember what Baba told
negative. Matham is that which purifies the
us.” It was then that the body was taken from
Mathi. Very soon the whole country is going to
Chaavadi to the Samadhi. Remember, the body
be united. All will live as brothers and sisters
has its limitations. Each day, we are moving
for that is the Truth. Swami often tells, “Lead
closer to the end of the body. So keep love as
your life with Sathya and Dharma”(Swami
the most important and fill your hearts with
then sang the song ‘Sathya Dharmamu Santhi
the Truth. Follow Dharma. These are the coins
Premalatho’). That’s all that needs to be done.
given by Baba. Sathya and Dharma are the most
The Vijayadashami day is one to begin a new
important. Keep them with you day and night
life.
- in all the three worlds and the three periods
of time.
Swami concluded His discourse with the song Bhaja
Govindam. He then settled in the chair and asked for
bhajans to be sung. Two bhajans were sung after which
Swami received Aarthi and left the Kulwant Hall.
24 October, 2007 – “Samatha” Drama

by Children from Prakasam District
Thousands of devotees from the Prakasam district of Andhra
Pradesh had assembled in Prashanti Nilayam to have Swami’s
blessings and also had come prepared with a programme
to put up in His presence if and when He permitted. Swami
very graciously agreed to their programme and so the
“Today is the day to begin a new life...”
stage had been set by about 2:30 pm itself. Swami came
It is no use to just verbalise all this. It is most out at about 3:20 pm. He completed the darshan rounds
important to work. No use speaking with the and then went into the interview room. It was about 5:00
mouth, speak with your heart. Then alone will pm when the interviews were over. Swami was looking a
all this get imprinted. Lakshmibai’s daughter little tired, but He just looked at the clock in the bhajan hall
asked her for the coins but she said, “It has and said, “It is time for the drama.”
to go back to the giver.” All the activities that
The Swami who came out to see the programme was so
are done are only to sanctify time. But if you
different. He looked so lovely and radiant. He was very
want to sanctify your life, you have to follow
enthusiastic for the programme to begin and as seems to
these two - Sathya and Dharma. Remember that
have become the custom nowadays, the devotees brought
you are all sparks of God. No other sadhana
a beautiful silver lamp for Swami to light. Then a white
is as important as following these. Turning
marble lingam was also consecrated by Swami. The lamp
beads without transforming the mind is of no
was also very significantly shaped in the form of Swami’s
use. Whatever you say or do, base it on Truth.
Sarva Dharma pillar. Then devotees from both the gents
Discourses and the study of scriptures are only
and ladies side came to Swami and offered roses. Finally
for Kaala Sarthakam (sanctifying time). For
two tiny tots offered the roses and then the programme
began.
Prakasam district devotees offer

“Sabka Malik Ek”
their salutations
scene depicting the glory of Haridas singing for God

was also powerfully shown. Emperor Akbar asks his
court singer, Tansen, how Haridas is able to sing better
than him. The reply comes, “While I sing for the Lord
of this kingdom, he sings the glory of the Lord of the
Universe. Hence the difference between our singing is
the difference between the Universe and the kingdom!”
The climax was a patriotic dance in which the three

colours of the Indian Tricolour were used to bring beauty
Swami blesses a Shiva Lingam and enthusiasm among everyone present. After that, the
The drama was a musical entitled, “Samatha”. It

portrayed how the bombs, guns and advancement of
modern science have no real power. Power lies in Truth,
Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-Violence. There
were well choreographed dances to bring about the
concept of religious harmony. The five values of Sathya,
Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa teach humanity that
they are the true rulers of the Universe.
There was also a wonderful dance based on Shirdi Baba

who always propagated the unity of all religions. The
Akbar’s doubt resolved....
“End of war is not peace!” The climactic patriotic dance
prashanti diary
final formation was made. Swami said that He would and clanging of huge cymbals. The rhythmic dance was
like to go down for the group photo. The children were a blend of feminine grace and masculine power. It was
overjoyed as they surrounded Swami. Swami smiled and performed for about 20 minutes and it built up to a
stood up for the photograph. As He wended His way wonderful climax. There was a very appreciative applause
back to the stage, almost every child took the golden after its completion.
opportunity to fall at His feet. Swami then received
Aarthi and left for his residence.
25 October, 2007 – Programme by Youth

from North East India
Swami had permitted cultural presentations by the youth
from Assam, Manipur and the other North Eastern States
of India on October 25. By about 2:30 pm the stage had
been set and all waited in readiness for Swami’s arrival.
Swami came in the car at about 5:00 pm. He completed
the darshan rounds and went into the interview room.
But not for long, He came out immediately, sat on the
The clanging fills the air...
stage and asked for the programme to begin.
The Bhortal continues.....
“The North East offers its oblations to you”

The second item was the “Dhol Dholok Cholom” dance
from the state of Manipur. The Divine Radha-Krishna
stories find their expression in these dances. Yaosang is a
huge religious festival of Manipur and is associated with
the worship of Lord Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
The youth from the Thoubal district of Manipur presented
Swami views the programme schedule intently
Announcements were made in both English and,

surprisingly, in chaste Telugu. The formal rose and card
presentations followed after which the first item began.
It was the popular Assamese Bhortal dance. Composed
by late Narahari Burha Bhakat, an ardent devotee of
Srimanta Sankardev, it was a dance with brisk footwork The energetic “Dhol Dholok Cholom”
this item. Their acrobatic

skills were brought to the
fore as they leapt around
banging the drums in feet-
tapping rhythms. There
was so much energy in the
dances that one could feel
the vibes everywhere. The
pounding of the drums
vibrated in the inner
beings of all present. The
And to top it all off...
dance reached its climax
with rapid swirling of the
Wow, acrobatic! dancers with their drums
along with a fast rhythm. All watched with gaping
mouths as the dancers made their final formation.
Swami was very happy with the performances. In fact, as

the dances concluded, all the dancers bowed and went
back to their places. Swami Himself called all of them to
come up to the front. One particular dancer in yellow
dress impressed the most with his acrobatic steps. He
was the lead dancer. Swami called Him and materialised ...Swami permits them to sing bhajans
a green diamond ring for him. All the dancers simply
began falling at His feet and He sat patiently blessing
all of them. There was so much joy on all their faces.
Satiated with the Love they had received, they began
to file out but Swami was not satisfied with the Love
He had showered. He called them and told them to sit
around Him in a neat semi-circle so that group photos
could be taken.
After the group photo session, Swami told them to start

bhajans. He seemed to enjoy the bhajans a lot. Though
it had become quite late, Swami sat for more than five
bhajans. He blessed the prasadam to be distributed to
A ring for the most agile acrobat
all.
Then He received Aarthi and as He was leaving, He

blessed the copies of the group photos taken and said
that they must be handed over to the group, which was
done.
A group photo for all the others
h2h special
Bliss Beyond Bhajans

Entralling Encounters RR: Yes. When I was 60 years old, one day, as usual,
with Eternity - Part 2 I started a bhajan. All the students were singing with
Conversations with Mr. Raja Reddy fresh and blooming voices. Naturally, Bhagavan wanted
to give them more chances and I was also getting
superannuated. So one fine morning as I was sitting
Among the few fortunate devotees, who came to
there to sing a bhajan, all of a sudden the mike was
Swami in the early years of His avatharhood, Mr
taken away from me. Being with Him for so many years,
Raja Reddy is exceptional. He was one of the most
I ‘knew’ of Swami’s ways and could get the hint. So I
privileged who came to Bhagavan as a teenager and
didn’t react at all.
continued to stay in the Divine Presence enjoying His
blissful divine proximity for nearly three decades. A Then, after the bhajans were over and aarti was
sincere spiritual aspirant right from his childhood, performed, Swami just looked at me; it was just a glance,
the story of His encounters with ‘The Eternal’ is most but very deep. Believe it or not, for about 2-3 days, I was
fascinating. We had an enthusiastic Sai worker go just floating in bliss. Just a look, nothing else! But it was
over to his home in Mumbai to interview him and a completely out-of-the-earth blissful feeling! So that
below is the transcript of the second part of that was a wonderful experience I had.
conversation. We had the first part in the October
In other words, in His own inimitable way, His message
issue.
was: “O fool! Don’t go on dragging your feet into the
RR: Everything is an open book to Him and He wants bhajan right through until the grave! Come on, go off the
transformation in each one of us. We are many a time ladder! Evolve from bhajans to something more intense
‘an absolute alien’ to our self, not knowing anything at and increasingly inward, something more direct.”
all!
That was His superb indirect lesson. Only you must be
Q: He goes through our minds without any barriers! blessed by Him to take it in the right way. You can’t
revolt, ego doesn’t play a part.
RR: Oh yes, like open books. I have no doubt about it; it’s
a common experience, as common as drinking water. ‘Gone’ from His Body
Q: What was the first miracle of Swami you witnessed
Q: Tell us more about those experiences. after you started visiting Parthi?
RR: He has His own inimitable ways. Bhagavan had RR: Miracles had become such a common place
given me the opportunity to sing bhajans. I was leading occurrences with Baba that they ceased to be miracles!
bhajans for decades, right from 1958 until 1983; that is, I used to hear of Baba materializing vibhuti, and when I
up to my 60th year. came to Him I was mentally prepared for it because my
Q: That is more than twenty five years! mother was an old devotee.
Sri Raja Reddy (extreme right)

singing in His presence
entralling encounters with eternity... Conversations with Mr. Raja Reddy - Part 2
I have seen quite a few interesting incidents. Swami used what really happened was, after I was married, He
to go in a ‘trance’, meaning, He used to, so to say, leave named my son Viveka. And that’s how he played this
His body whenever there was any danger to any devotee, prank on me. But imagine, Swami said this many years
anywhere. What used to happen is that His body would ago, in fact, decades before my marriage! He had no
become almost like a rigor mortis – almost death-like. connection with my marriage whatsoever.
And it would fall like a stick.
Q: It was a good joke!
So, as attendants on Him, we had to take care of His
RR: Ah, yes.
body by not allowing Him to fall or get hurt. On one of
these instances, I was not very well acquainted with this Q: Swami has such a good sense of humour.
process of His ‘trance’ and while He was ‘gone’ from
RR: Tremendous! We used to burst into peals of laughter
His body, He went on pulling His hair and had quite a
when He used to impersonate somebody so perfectly.
handful of His hair in His hand. Then He asked for water,
which I readily gave. Next, He swallowed the hair and Immediate Divine Healing
washed it down with water! Q: Have you witnessed any instance of ‘divine healing’?
Later, when He returned to normal consciousness, RR: Once I was suffering from piles and experienced
He asked me, “Did I swallow any hair?” I said, “Yes, profuse bleeding, as a reaction to a wrong
Baba.” Remember, I was not acquainted with these homeopathic medicine that was given to me. And
divine acts. Even one hair is enough to damage the I had to go to Bhagavan as there was a function
digestive system; and this was a whole bunch! and I had to participate in that procession. So I told
Bhagavan about my situation and immediately He
Just then, He opened a button and what happened
gave me prasadam. Believe it or not, the moment I
next was something unimaginable. The hair which
took it, the problem was gone! It was not a joke! I
was wet, which He had swallowed, was coming out
used to suffer for days because of bleeding piles.
from underneath His heart! That was something mind-
boggling. I will narrate one more incident. This concerns my wife’s
cousin, Mr. Suresh who is a sincere devotee of Bhagavan.
Playful Conscience
At that time, he was probably in his thirties and was
Q: Any instance, where you could recall where He could
well qualified with a Chemical Engineering degree and
tell somebody’s past and future.
an MBA done in Ahmedabad. He was highly placed too
RR: As I told you, I was a worshipper of Swami in his profession.
Vivekananda. Baba would say, “You will just pick up
Suddenly he developed cancer in the thigh.
Viveka (which means ‘discrimination’) and then play
Remember, he was young and had two small kids, a
with him.” I thought, as I so full of Vikekananda and
boy and a girl. He went to Dharmakshetra (Mumbai)
his ideas, I would, spiritually, go to such heights. But
to have Baba’s Darshan and there Baba saw him and
h2h special
said, “Yes, cancer cancelled!” Mind you, that was a There are two facets implicitly stated by Baba in this
very dangerous type of cancer and he had been given incident. First: ‘I have complete control over jagrat,
an ultimatum of six months by the doctors. He had tried sapna, shupti’ (waking, dream and deep sleep states).
chemotherapy and everything else by then. Second: ‘I am the same as Shirdi; Shirdi Sai and I are not
different.’ In her dream Shirdi Baba gave her a rosary and
Q: He is still around?
she was woken up by somebody, and she was unhappy
RR: Yes, hale and healthy after decades! He has a job in a for having been disturbed. And here, Baba completes
German company in Pune, India, and he is on the move, the dream! It is something fantastic!
globe trotting 15 days in a month. His son and daughter
The former Vice Chancellor of Baba’s University, Sri
are well placed too.
Hanumantappa, had said: “I have traveled the world,
Therefore, He is very vivid about the entire past, present I have yet to come across such a human values based
and the future of everybody. All the states of consciousness University where it is completely free from bottom to
– waking, dreaming, deep sleep and complete bliss – are top! It’s highly unimaginable. And so is the Hospital,
under His control. Here is one instance. free for the visitors to stay! What further Love can be
extended?”
The Same Sai Consciousness
Everybody in my wife’s family is a staunch devotee And not only that, if this is on the curative side, on the
of Shirdi Baba. In fact, my wife’s grandmother and preventive side, He gives us water so that we don’t
grandfather had been to Shirdi and had darshan of Shirdi succumb to any diseases in the first place. It is indeed
Sai when He was on earth in His physical form. At that unbelievable! Everything is offered free.
time, her grandmother was pregnant with her father.
Metamorphing Matter and Minds
Q: When has been the transformation in your life after
you met Swami?
RR: As I explained earlier, when I came I had little respect

for miracles, and it was common place for Baba to do
miracles. He used to pluck a seethaphal (custard apple)
and by the time it reached your hand it would turn into
an apple! These instances were happening all the time.
He used to take a slab of stone and throw it up, by the
time it returns it would turn into a sugar candy!
Just before our marriage, when my wife was in

Puttaparthi, she had a dream. She dreamt that Shirdi
Baba came in her dream early in the morning and
gave her a rosary - japamala. She was enjoying the
dream, but the whole episode ended abruptly when
she was woken up by someone saying, “Come on!
Wake up! Baba has called us for an interview!”
So, then she had to hurry to Baba’s Presence. Baba,

then, had to talk to others too and after some time,
she was called in. When He saw her He said, “kya?
He is, in fact, changing our minds like pots of clay!
kaisa hai?” (How are you?). And then immediately
These miracles are nothing. By his Grace my mind is so
materialized a rosary for her! Finally He said, “sapna
evolved! I sit for meditation three times a day and that
sach hua!” (The dream has become true!)
entralling encounters with eternity... Conversations with Mr. Raja Reddy - Part 2
has been a habit for not years but decades. Even when I don’t know how far the students have witnessed that,
I used to drive Baba’s car, I used to meditate and drive! because every mind is an open book to Him; there’s
That’s because I didn’t want to lose that experience. nothing to hide. Ultimately, He wants everybody to
I told you earlier that I was an incorrigible introvert. I benefit from His Avatar. He has come for us and He
generally don’t tell others these experiences, but I used doesn’t require anything. He is Bliss personified!
to feel an inexplicable ecstatic bliss. It was something so
fine to experience that you didn’t want to leave it either,
but then at times you had to.
Baba has very kindly advised us to link our

namasmarana (chanting His name) with our breath.
Uchwas and Nichwas - when you inhale and exhale,
you link His name to that. It could be “Sairam!
Sairam!” or whichever name. Then, there is real
happiness. Our mind is the horse-rider and breath is
the horse; you catch hold of the horse, the rider is
automatically in your hand!
Q: When you are at your residence now, in Mumbai or in

Parthi, do you feel any difference?
RR: No, Absolutely not! I don’t miss Him at all. Only I

would like to see Him now and then, therefore, twice a
year I come to Puttaparthi. In those years, I used to be
with Baba, now Baba is with me! There I used to be in
His physical presence, now Baba is in me - in bliss! In
essence He is with me, so why should I bother? Baba
doesn’t talk to me these days, do you know that? But
I don’t require His talking! I am absolutely happy and
He is guiding me day in and day out!
Q: Do you think there is a difference in the quality of
(To be continued)
people or kind of devotion now, compared to the earlier
days? – Heart2Heart Team
RR: One can’t delve into people’s minds. People come to

Him with many motives - ulterior as well as divine. It was
so even then.
But Swami’s way always has been the same. He used to

say, “My miracles are like visiting cards. Once you get
acquainted, you will naturally come into the fold. I am
the Big Shepherd, with capital ‘S’! You are the sheep and
I am the good shepherd. So, to perfect you into my fold,
I give you My visiting card.”
Yes, there are all sorts of people, but then, it should

start somewhere. People do start with ulterior motives
and desires, but later, Baba has a way of molding minds
like pots of clay - which He alone can do! He is a ‘Para-
psychologist’; a psychologist, par excellence!
Swami and Me
Guarded and Guided by Him

THE DIVINE ALCHEMY Bhagavan caught hold of me at a crucial and formative
By Mr. Jeremy Hoffer time in my life. I was 18 years old, without direction,
and in bad company. But Bhagavan had other plans
for me. After learning about His Incarnation, I began
Mr. Jeremy Hoffer has been an active member of the
studying Sai literature, participating in the local Sai
Sai organisation for 17 years, holding positions at
center, and making trips to see Him at just the same
the regional and central levels. He has a Bachelor’s
time that the budding youth wing in the Sathya Sai
degree in History and a Masters degree in Education
Baba Organization was beginning to blossom. I joined a
from the University of Denver. He now works as a
group of 18 youth from the United States who attended
teacher in Denver, USA helping to create educational
Bhagavan’s Summer Course in Brindavan in 1995, and
opportunities for low income children.
was fortunate to attend both the first and second World
Youth Conferences. Thereafter, I did my final year of
(Telugu)
college in Hyderabad where I lived and worked with
Deva Deva Sai Deva the Hyderabad youth group. Now at age 36, I have
spent exactly half my life under Bhagavan’s care, and
Mi divya charanaaravindamulaku
am eternally grateful to Bhagavan for carrying me safely
Na prema poorvaka across those important years of my youth.
Shata koti pranamamulu Three Important Lessons…

With humility, I offer this august gathering a few of the
I offer my most loving and humble pranams to Bhagavan. lessons I have learned along this journey:
Respected elders, brothers and sisters, Sai Ram. 1. First, take refuge in the words of Sai.
As a young boy growing 2. Second, take Bhagavan to be your only friend.

up in America, I never
imagined that I would 3. And third, engage whole-heartedly in good
travel the world, let work.
alone come to the other
And now I’d like to elaborate on each of these lessons
side of the planet, to a
I’ve learned.
remote Indian village like
Puttaparthi. For many, 1. First, take refuge in the words of Sai.
America is a dream land,
Bhagavan says that, “The mind is the source of all
a land of opportunity for
suffering.” And just as a thorn can be used to remove a
thousands who go there
thorn, so too can suffering of our confused and wayward
every year in search of a
minds be relieved by thinking about the words and
Mr. Jeremy Hoffer better life. But for me,
ideas of Bhagavan. But these words must be meditated
the road to a better way
upon. Food cannot be digested with only one chew,
of life began here, in this tiny corner of Andhra Pradesh,
and mental peace cannot be gained from a quick or
at this abode of highest peace, and home of Bhagavan
occasional reading of Sai’s teachings. In my experience,
Sri Sathya Sai Baba. While the miles I’ve traveled may
it often takes the mind many years to grasp the meaning
be great, the transformation I’ve undergone is greater.
of His teachings.
Shortly after my first trip, people I knew began to say,
“Jeremy, we don’t know what it is about you, but you’ve For example, Bhagavan often describes the spiritual
changed.” Even my father said to me, “Jeremy, I don’t path as a house: the foundation is self-confidence, the
totally understand who Sai Baba is, but based on the walls are self-satisfaction, the roof is self-sacrifice, and
positive change I’ve seen in you, He must be all right.” the house is self-realization. For years I listened to this
And thus began my new life. analogy, and it remained largely unclear all the while.
the divine alchemy
Only after some years of working on this puzzle did it Once Swami patted me on the chest and said, “This is
begin to occur to me that Swami is describing a sequence not a two-seat sofa; this is not musical chairs…Your seat
of events, and that each stage must be passed through is on that plane, but My seat is in your heart.” True
to get to the next. Nothing can happen without self- sneham, or friendship, should not be cheapened by
confidence. With self-confidence we can begin to engage putting all things into our hearts. We should reserve
in the world and to extract from it our own desires – our love for God, for who can truly satisfy the pain and
self-satisfaction. But sooner or later, we must learn that deepest yearning of our hearts, but Him?
satisfying our own desires doesn’t give enduring peace
3. Lastly, we should engage whole-heartedly in
and happiness. It is at this point that we must begin to
good work.
use our own potential to relieve the suffering of others.
And only after this “roof” of self-sacrifice is constructed Wrong use of the body leads to all kinds of troubles.
can the mansion of self-realization be secured. But to escape this suffering, we should put our body to
good uses. Swami has prescribed that Seva is the proper
Perhaps the truth of this simple teaching came quickly
use of the body, and also a powerful tool for spiritual
to others. For me, it took time to digest. But my point
transformation. “Bend the body, mend the mind, end
is that we must all put effort into understanding, in a
the senses,” Bhagavan has said.
deeper way, the words of Bhagavan, and not skim too
quickly across the surface. Mental peace can be attained
if we all take refuge in His words.
2. Second, take Bhagavan as your only true friend.
For young people, friendship is very important, and

often misunderstood and misused. Swami often says,
“Tell me your company, and I’ll tell you what you are.”
The influence of the company we keep is very powerful,
especially in the years of our youth. So, being in good
company is essential for a good life. But the real meaning
of friendship deserves to be explored carefully. Bhagavan
The Sai Youth in action repairing
explains to us that, “God is the only true friend.” We homes immediately...
should then ask ourselves, “Who is a friend?” A friend
can provide company and companionship – that’s true.
But a true friend is the one who knows the deepest
reservoirs of our hearts, whose care for us is perfect and
inexhaustible and who is closer to us than any other.
And who but God can be that friend?
...after the Katrina catastrophe
I’d like to share an experience to illustrate this point.

In the USA, the youth regularly take up a variety of
service projects. One extraordinary opportunity came in
2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the coastline
of the southern states of Louisiana and Mississippi. Sai
youth responded quickly, locating a town that was not
Jeremy recieving blessings from the Divine Alchemist
Swami and Me
and at some point in our work together, the owner of

the store said to us, “Boys, 75 pairs is a lot of boots.
Would you mind if I ask what you intend to do with
them?” So we explained that we planned to give them
away in winter to people without good shoes.
He was just quiet for a little while and then the store
owner said, “Boys, in all the years that I have been
in the shoe business, I have never seen anyone come
into my store to do what you are doing. I will sell
you these boots, but I will only charge you the price
Post Katrina seva was a that I have to pay for them myself. I am only sorry
large scale operation... that I did not know about this earlier, else I could
have worked with my suppliers to get the boots even
cheaper. Please contact me next year so we can work
together to do this good work.”
Finally after we paid for the boots and were leaving

his store, the owner said, “Boys, every year I invite
my employees and their families to come and shop in
my store before Christmas, and I give them a very big
discount. I want you two boys to also come in with
your families, so I can give the same opportunity to you
...executed superbly by Sai Youth from too.”
many regions of USA
When Love is Put in Action
receiving much assistance, and sending a large truckload On the day we planned to give the boots away, our youth
full of needed supplies to Tylertown, Mississippi. group had a meeting to talk about our work. Very often,
the poor and homeless are treated badly, even by people
Not satisfied with this initial effort, we organized a
second trip to repair the roofs and homes of poor victims offering them services. We all agreed that we would
who could not afford to have their roofs replaced after work differently. We reminded ourselves that God is the
the terrible storm. Such large-scale projects are inspiring indweller of every living being, and therefore, we would
to be a part of, but another example I’d like to share treat every single person as if he were Swami Himself,
illustrates well the power of doing service even on a and give only love towards one and all. As the long line
relatively small scale. of people began filing into the downtown church where
we were giving away the boots, the poor and homeless
The Magic of Selfless Work
Because winters can be very cold and snowy in many were at first very restless and aggressive with each other
parts of America, homeless people run the risk of and with us. But our group continued to treat them all
freezing without proper clothing and footwear. A few in a loving manner. Very quickly, the atmosphere began
winters ago, some members of our group noticed that to change. Soon, everyone became peaceful, orderly
some homeless men in our city had only plastic bags and happy. Each person was invited to sit down in a
over their feet as footwear. So we made a decision that chair and be served food and drink while they waited
the following winter we would buy 75 pairs of boots and their turn to find a pair of boots. When their turn came,
distribute them amongst the homeless people. When our workers peeled off the old shoes and socks from
we went to the store to buy these 75 pairs of boots, we their worn and tired feet, and carefully fit them with a
were pleased that the owner of the store himself took new pair of socks and boots, and sent them on their way
care of us. It took quite some time to buy so many boots
happy and recharged.
the divine alchemy
At the end of the day, after almost all of the boots were
gone, there was one man who had received his pair of
boots and was about to leave, when he noticed another
Desham ante matti kadu, desham ante
man who could not find a pair of boots to fit him. The
manushuloiye
man without boots was very discouraged as his shoes
were in very bad condition and not fit to last through Deshani premiddam, tyagani chupiddam
the tough winter months. Observing this, the first
Pavitramuga jeevinchi pavana charitanu
man with boots in hand went over to this man and
pondi
gave him his boots and said, “Here, it looks like you
need these boots more than me. My shoes are in Swardhammunu vidanadi Sathya Saini
better condition than yours, so please take my new cherudam
boots.” With this, the man walked away smiling.
Mana shaktini manamu telesi yuva
shaktini chatudam
Grama gramalona sevalenno cheyudam
Sevalennaina avi kashta sadhyamulaina
Okari nokaru cheri manamu Swamini

sevinchudam
Sai mata biddalam andaram Sathya Sai

mata biddalamey andaram
The nation does not refer to the

landmass but the conglomeration of its
We need not wait for hurricanes to befall us for people
opportunities to serve. In fact any act of love directed to
Let us love our country, Let us live by
relieve the suffering of another person is worthy service.
sacrifice
In this work love is the essential ingredient. Service is
nothing more than love in action. It has the power not Let us lead sacred lives and be virtuous
only to uplift the downtrodden, but also to transform
us into more selfless loving human beings. A very nice Let us let go selfishness and gather at
Telugu song captures Swami’s message about service (at the feet of Sathya Sai
right.) Let us recognize our inner strength and
Dear brothers and sisters, I’m not sure we can truly harness the power of youth
fathom the significance of the World Youth Conference. Let us serve in myriad ways the poor in
That we are here in attendance must be a boon earned the villages
over many lifetimes. We have all come far to be here
– by plane, train, and automobile, but on the path of Even if the task is challenging, let us
transformation, we all have more to go. On behalf of work with unity and serve Swami in all
the world’s youth, Bhagavan, I pray you will carry us all We are all children of Mother Sai, We are
the way to our destination and bless us with the strength all, in fact, His.
to be Ideal Sai Youth.
Jai Sai Ram!
Swami and Me
I realize how patiently and lovingly, Swami has guided

me every step of the way. Nine years later, I was
In His Comforting Care... expecting my second child. My first-born son was twenty
months old and extremely active. I was extremely tired
and listless throughout the pregnancy. Sometime in the
seventh month, the doctors diagnosed that the baby’s
This is a poignant yet profound tale of a former
lungs were not developed and that the actual extent of
student of the Anantapur Campus of Bhagavan’s
the development (or the lack of it) would only be clear
University.
when the baby was born and started to use the lungs.
“Love My Uncertainty,” Swami says. Life with Swami is After the diagnosis, Swami came in my dream and gave
never certain. Swami delights in throwing unexpected a white cloth with a verse written on it, “Ye Tu Sarvaani
experiences our way. This is His way of making us grow Karmaani …” He asked me to place the cloth on my
and learn; of weaning us from our own limiting, comfort abdomen twice a day and assured me that He will take
zone; of making us reach for the stars that He has planned care of everything. When I woke up, I remembered that
for us. What is most certain is that He is our best friend, I had a kerchief in the altar blessed by Swami. I faithfully
our confidant and One who with limitless love makes us placed this kerchief on my abdomen everyday.
grow and glow.
I went through all the prayer books that I had, trying to
Education for Life find a prayer that began with the words “Ye Tu Sarvaani
When I joined the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Karmaani ...” After I had read all the prayer books
Learning (now Sri Sathya Sai University) in 1982 after that I had, I took the Bhagavad Gita and started going
completing high school in Mumbai, my mother told me through this stanza by stanza. Finally, I found the highly
to write down my experiences and my dreams. As I went significant verse in Chapter 12 verse 6 and 7. The rough
through my journals, recently, I came across this long English translation of the two verses is as follows:
forgotten dream in my final year of college. In my dream
Swami asked me to chant a verse from the Bhagavad
Gita, “Ye Tu …” In my nervousness, I found reasons to
delay the chanting, “Should I sing, chant or recite the
But those who worship Me,
verse, Swami?”, I asked. surrendering the fruits of all
actions to Me,
regarding Me as the Supreme

Goal, meditating and
worshipping Me with single-
minded yoga.
For them, whose thought is set

on Me, I become very soon, O
Arjuna! the deliverer from the
The ever giving and guarding Mother with ocean of birth and death.
students of the Anantapur campus in
Prasanthi Nilayam
“In any manner you want”, Swami waved my question
Our Nearest and Dearest Friend
aside. I tried, but was unable to remember the verse fully.
Two weeks before the due date, the baby was born
My friend tried to prompt me, but Swami said “SShh!”
and the doctors told us that the left lung was seriously
and asked her to be quiet. Swami expects each one of us
under-developed. In the neo-natal unit, we used the
to make our own individual effort and take steps on our
same kerchief for the baby as well and played the
own two little feet. As we fall and waver, He will hold
Gayatri Mantra sung in Swami’s voice as often as we
us and even carry us over difficult terrain. The effort,
could. Swami came in many of my dreams during that
however, has to be made by us.
time and showered His love on me. In one such dream,
He placed His right hand on my head. As He pressed His
in his comforting care
hand on my head, He came near and bent His head until Six years later, just before our son’s eighth birthday,
His face was just a few inches from mine. All the while, Swami came in my dream with a question, “When do you
Swami looked deep into my eyes. When I woke up, I plan to tell your son about this? Fifteen minutes before
could still feel Swami’s hand on my head. you tell everyone? Do you think it is fair to him? For his
spiritual growth, he needs to know.” Safely ensconced
Strange are the ways of the monkey mind. Instead of
in our comfort zone, He
being overjoyed with His blessing, I was deeply distressed.
jolted us out of it once
“Why should Swami bless me when it is my baby who
again. In His own special
needs His help and blessing?” I cried in my heart. I was
way, Swami was telling
not very experienced then and did not realize that He
us to share our experience
knows who needs what, when, where and why.
with others.
From that day onwards, the baby’s health deteriorated
Traveling along the path of
rapidly and the doctors told us to be prepared for the
life is very much like a ride
worst. Every time the phone rang, we steeled ourselves
on a roller coaster. There
for the call from the hospital. Ten days after the baby’s
will always be ups and
birth, Swami came in my dream again.
downs, unexpected twists
“Swami!” I cried, “The and turns. As long as we
baby is very ill.” remember that the most
important person in our life, God, is right there with us
Swami replied in a very on the roller coaster, holding our hands, it becomes a
detached manner, “What joyful ride to be cherished all the way.
can I do for that?”
“Swami! You are the only

one who can save her.” Dear Reader, did this article inspire you in any way?
Would you like to share your feelings with us? If so
Again, Swami looked please contact us at h2h@radiosai.org mentioning your
deeply into my eyes and name and country. Thank you for your time.
asked, “Why?”
With Swami’s “Why”

ringing in my ears, I tossed
and turned throughout the night until the phone rang
early in the morning. It was the call from the hospital.
With one word, Swami had prepared me for the most
difficult day of my life. During the next days, weeks,
months and years, whenever I was deeply in grief, Swami
would come in a dream or send a message through
someone to console me; mostly with the tenderness of
a gentle mother and once or twice with stern words of a
strict father.
The Real Mother

Now I realize that He is the real mother for all of us. I
realize too, that we are only caretaker mothers, taking
care of the children that He has given us, in the best way
we can and thereby enriching our life. He has taken care
of our children before they were born to us; He takes
care of them while they are with us and will continue to
take care of them after they leave us as well.
My husband and I had not told our son about this

experience, as he was only two years old then. We had
not discussed this with many people either; except for
very close relatives and friends who were with us then.
Swami and Me
For example, a respite house for infants and babies with
BABA AND AIDS was in need of a large amount of money to redo

an entire house that they had been given by their local
“JUST PLAIN BILL”
By Mr. David Cornsweet government. It needed to be done up with the necessities
for dealing with the afflicted children and this outfitting
was very costly. They were starting a fund-raising project
The way the Divine works all over the world in and hoped to have the necessary money in the next few
every millisecond with the only aim of bestowing years or so, as the service was desperately needed.
peace, love, security and bliss to millions, is simply
astounding and is impossible to document. But just Bill had made more money than he had thought he
like you do not need to drink the whole ocean to know would that year. He was looking for a new charity to
the taste of sea water, a few incredible instances are give the additional money to. When he heard about the
enough to give us a glimpse of the glory of the Avatar. plight of this worthwhile cause, he not only gave the
When you read below the story of “just plain Bill” of extra money he had made but covered the entire cost
Southern California you will see how the Lord is at of the refit which was two and a half times the already
work all the time. Here is the story narrated by an sizable amount he originally had planned to donate. Bill
ardent devotee of Bhagavan, Mr. David Cornsweet. did this deed and many others long before he had heard
of Swami or His teachings. To Bill, it was just the right
To understand the incident in its entirety, it is useful, at thing to do and he wanted no recognition. In fact, he
first, to know what “just plain Bill” is like. insisted that everyone call him Bill, just plain Bill.
Delight Through Dollar Bills Searching Beyond the Material

Yet with all his wealth and good deeds, Bill felt a spiritual
vacuum. He often felt lonely and unloved. By Swami’s
grace, he started to learn a bit about Vedanta and, over
the last few years, he started reading about Sai Baba.
He loved hearing stories of Swami’s miracles and leelas,
especially when it related to how our Lord helps those in
need. Bill had several pictures of Swami and meditated
frequently. Yet he still felt somewhat empty. He had
a sharp mind and that, in a way, had continuously got
in the way of his being able to accept God. He had a
number of friends who were deeply involved in spiritual
pursuits but Bill struggled to find faith.
David Cornsweet and his buddy, “Just Plain Bill” As Bill’s eightieth birthday approached at the end of
I had met Bill over twenty years ago. Bill was adept at July 2007, he started to experience some dizziness and
playing the stock market and had amassed a great deal found that he was having a hard time walking. Upon
of wealth while still a relatively young man. Seeing him, examination by CAT scan, it was determined that he had
suffered a mild stroke. Undeterred, Bill attended the
you would not have known this as he dressed, acted
two parties held in his honor by his friends who deeply
and lived normally with little show of his financial status
loved this man. While he needed assistance to walk, he
except in one way: Bill loved to give money away both
made the parties enjoyable and later told me that he
to charities and to those in need directly. In fact, Bill
realized that while he had little family of direct blood, he
gives away an amount equal to or more than he makes
did have a large family of direct love.
each year, which is quite considerable. Further, he would
not allow himself to be recognized for his many acts of Shortly after the parties, Bill’s symptoms began to worsen.
charity. Another CAT scan showed that he had suffered several

more strokes. Due to his weakness, Bill checked himself
baba and “just plain bill”
into a hospital. After several days, he had enough of that

and resolved to go home, especially since the doctors
told him that, while they could do more tests, not much
else could be done at the hospital for him. As my wife
and I are quite close to Bill, we arranged the home care
the doctors insisted on and Bill headed home.
This was on a Sunday and my wife and I were planning

to fly to Puttaparthi the following Thursday. We felt we
would have to alter our plans as I had promised Bill that
I would be there for him in such situations. On Monday,
Bill’s condition worsened and he told me that he was
ready to “check out.”
The amazing ‘Aum’ - mark of the divine
Several years ago, Swami had materialized a bit of
Vibhuthi for me and I had a small amount left. That night On Wednesday, I received a call from Bill’s young
was our Sai center meeting and one of my friends had caretaker. He was in a bit of a panic. It seems that
just returned from seeing Swami. He had an interview in when he was helping Bill out of the wheelchair this
which Swami gave him some Vibhuthi and he graciously “stuff like baby powder appeared right between them
shared some with me for Bill. I left the meeting early to and flew everywhere.” As this young man had only first
go see my friend and give him the Vibhuthi. heard of Swami the day before, he had no idea what he
was seeing and was more than a bit scared. I calmed
Bill did not look well at all. In fact, another friend of his
him down and explained the situation to him. He was
told me that he felt Bill was indeed ready to go. I felt the
a little skeptical, but how could he deny his own direct
same and thought the vibhuthi might help his passing.
experience of Swami’s grace? Needless to say, this young
As Bill was not eating or drinking much at all, I placed
man has quickly developed more than a bit of interest
a bit of the Vibhuthi in a glass of water and offered it
in Swami. When I went to see Bill, he reported he was
to him after telling him what it was. He drank it down
feeling much better and, in his own gruff style suggested
with great relish, talking about how sweet it tasted and
that we go and see Swami. Accordingly, we left the USA
how good it felt. As I left that night, I thought that it
on Thursday to begin our journey to Sai, arriving in the
would be the last time I saw my friend...but Swami had
Divine Presence the following Monday afternoon.
other plans.
On the following Friday, Swami called me to His Lotus
Marked by the Divine Insignia – “Aum”
Feet. I gave Him the letters I was carrying for some of the
When I went to Bill’s house the next morning, he greeted
devotees from our area, including a letter thanking Him
me with a strong “how ya doin’ Davey” (he is the only
one who calls me that). I was stunned. His speech was
clearer, his mind was sharp and his eyes were sparkling.
My wife visited him later that day and noticed that he had
developed a rather large bruise on his arm. Upon closer
inspection, she noticed that it resembled an “AUM”. By
the time I saw it, it was much clearer. Indeed, it looked
like the symbol of the Pranava. Swami had signed His
work! This was on a Tuesday. My wife and I were still
wondering whether or not we should proceed on our
trip to see Swami and asked Him for some type of sign
as to what to do.
Bhagavan looking at the photograph
Swami and Me
for His help with Bill. I had a chance to talk to Swami that Bill seemed to be having difficulty breathing. I took
and said, “Swami, you saved this man’s life.” Swami just him to his doctor and was told that he had a mild case of
looked at me and smiled. I then showed Him the picture pneumonia. Bill was definitely not happy about having
of the bruise; Swami smiled and lovingly traced the AUM to go back to the hospital again. This was on Thursday,
with His finger on the picture, and as He did so, He said, October 11, 2007. What I was unaware of was that Bill
“AUM” in His very sweet voice. He returned the picture needed to finish some of the paperwork that ensured
to me and I decided to give it to Bill on my return to the that his estate would continue to support the charities
U.S. Swami then mimicked a hug, something that Bill that he so loved.
loved to get. “I’ll pass on this too to my friend,” I said
Giving ‘Life’ After Death
to myself.
On the following Saturday morning, I, along with several
We returned in early September. I saw Bill the day after of his friends, an advisor and his attorney witnessed Bill
our arrival. He was able to walk with a bit of help and sign the last papers necessary to secure the foundation
greeted me with one of those special smiles that I so he was establishing for charitable purposes. I asked him
treasure and his signature “How ya doin”. Then, I shared if this is really what he wanted and if it made him happy.
with him the interaction with Swami and showed him Again, I witnessed that beautiful smile as he strongly
the pictures that were taken at the time by one of the said, “Yes”.
students, which I had framed for him. I especially shared
the hug. He loved seeing the pictures and the hug,
especially, but didn’t seem to want to take the pictures
home with him. He looked at them several times when
we were together but seemed to “forget” to take them
when he left.
Bill seemed to be preoccupied with something and

talked a lot about what he wanted to have happen both
as he was dying and after his death. He told me that he
wanted to die at home surrounded by those he loved
and was concerned about making sure that the charities
he supported were taken care of. That afternoon, he told one of his dear friends that he
wanted to go home, that he was “done”. When she told
In late September, Bill took a turn for the worse and,
me, we arranged for a group of his friends to meet with
while his mind was clear, his body started to deteriorate.
Bill and his doctor. Bill repeated his request with the full
One day, I went to see him and thought he looked too
knowledge of what it meant. I asked to be left alone
dehydrated. I convinced him to allow me to take him to
with him to make sure that he really understood what
the hospital. Upon examination, it was determined that
he was asking. He clearly let me know that he was ready
he had suffered another series of strokes and he was
to go home, meaning more than just back to his house.
admitted. After several weeks of tests, treatment and
As I had promised him long ago that I would do all in
care, he was transferred to inpatient rehabilitation. He
my power to make sure his wishes about being at home
stayed there for a number of days until it was felt that he
with his friends were followed, I helped him check out of
could go home (something he really wanted), returning
the hospital and return to his condo.
frequently for outpatient rehab.
Having completed the work necessary to secure the charitable
Throughout this time, Bill and I talked about Swami, His
foundation, Bill was ready to ‘let go’. I now understood the
teachings, seva, spirituality and love. A week or so after
look that He had given me while I was in Parthi - He had not
his release from the hospital, we were told that he was not
saved Bill’s life but rather had given Bill an extension of life
able to do the three hours a day of therapy required for
to complete the task set out for him by Him.
the outpatient program and an in home rehab program
was suggested. Before that could be instituted, I noticed
baba and “just plain bill”
Traveling To Love, With Love in. Unfortunately, the pneumonia he had contracted
As the word went out regarding his condition, Bill’s friends was not responding to medication and this meant that
came to see him. They were from all walks of life. Cooks his death would likely be caused by suffocation, as the
and maids, doctors and lawyers, retired professionals lungs would fill up with fluid. This would obviously be
close to Bill’s age, and pre-teens – all came to see him. traumatic for him (and us) and I felt very upset knowing
Each had a story of how this man had affected their life the fear Bill had over experiencing a painful ending to
with his love, charity and humor. It was a sad, joyous this life. However, when the nurse came to check on Bill
time as we all laughed and cried together thinking about that last morning, amazingly she found that his lungs
Bill and the many ways he impacted us all. The love was were completely clear of fluid! The loving Lord had
palpable. Though Bill couldn’t talk and was growing arranged for him to die later that day, peacefully in his
visibly weaker, he loved having his friends around. sleep, just as he wished.
Calls came in from as far away as South Africa and he Thank You Swami, for so directly letting Bill know that You
listened to them on his speakerphone. We read to him loved him and for being with him, especially at the final
the numerous e-mails, cards, notes and letters written moments of his life. Thank you Swami, for making Bill’s
by friends that had known Bill most or all of their lives. life so meaningful, and such an inspiration to all of us
Bill would often smile and squeeze the hand of whoever who knew him. Thank You lord, for allowing all of us to
was closest indicating his awareness of the messages. come together in celebration and acknowledgement of
this wonderful man who lived your teachings in so many
ways. May Bill’s story of love and seva be an inspiration
for all of us. And thank You Swami, for letting me have
such a great friend as ‘just plain Bill’.
On the morning of Wednesday, October 17, I was

meditating and praying to Swami. Obviously this whole
situation was at the forefront of my mind. Suddenly,
I had the very strong feeling that Swami was guiding
me to tell Bill that He loved him and He was completely
around him, and that He would take him in His arms
whenever he ‘let go’. I shared this with Bill when I got
to his house later and got one of his sweet smiles. Bill
passed peacefully into Swami’s arms later that night at
11:11 p.m.
Thus three of bill’s four wishes regarding his death had

come true: (1) to die at home; (2) surrounded by his
friends; and (3) that the passing be peaceful in his sleep.
The fourth was that he did not wish to suffer - and this
provided another example of divine compassion stepping
photo gallery
Charmer Extraordinaire... On the Chariot
For many years Bhagavan used to
ascend the specially bedecked Chariot
on His Birthdays to the delight of His
devotees. On occasions like sixtieth,
sixty-fifth or seventieth Birthday, it was
a huge procession - most wonderful and
exhilarating, truly, a sight for the Gods. Here
we have glimpses of such glorious ‘chariot
darshans’, though all the photos do not relate
to earlier birthdays.
photo gallery
Flying Colours of Puttaparthi!
Flying Colours
OF
Puttaparthi!
photo gallery
Flying Colours
OF
Puttaparthi!
In the previous month, we had a photo
gallery on the greenery in and around
Puttaparthi. This time, we include
more colours; colours other than green
too; colours that would make many
towns and cities go “green”! An early
morning walk along the winding roads
just outside Puttaparthi and one comes
across a variety of feathered friends.
They rise with the sun and light up the
day of any nature lover. Tiny birds, big
ones, some busy, others lazy - but all
of them beautiful - make the viewer sit
and marvel at the grandeur of the Lord’s
creation. The sweet chirps and trills, the
range of colours, the gentle breeze on
one’s cheeks and the fragrance of the
flowers in bloom satiates all the senses
and brings one to a kind of meditative
trance. Enjoy the visual treat in picture
form!
Flying Colours of Puttaparthi!
healing touch
turns out successful and she is able to go back home to
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF her family, completely cured, happy and whole!
‘LIQUID LOVE’ Another patient is a 29-year old man from Bangalore.

The stirring story of the service at He needs to be operated upon for an aortic aneurysm.
the Blood Bank in SSSIHMS During his post-operative phase, he receives a total of 46
units of blood and components. This time too, the blood
bank promptly organises blood and its components in
The piped in music fades out and a sincere voice comes the required quantities. His recovery too is smooth and
on the air: “Om Sri Sai Ram. Here is an important uneventful.
announcement. Group A+ blood is required urgently.
Willing donors may contact the Blood Bank at Ext: The Blood Bank of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
317. Thank you. Sai Ram.” Within 10 minutes of the Medical Sciences has become its perennial source of the
announcement, five donors with A+ blood reach the life-saving elixir needed in such complicated surgeries.
blood bank of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Many such patients consider themselves lucky to have
Medical Sciences, Whitefield, Bangalore. been treated at Bhagavan Baba’s Hospital, a state-of-
the-art tertiary care medical facility set up in Whitefield,
Bangalore, for those most in need. It not only offers
the entire medical treatment totally free of cost, but
also relieves the patient and family of the burden of
organizing blood for the surgery involved, a practice
quite common in Indian hospitals – both government
Red blood cells under a microscope
and private, including the very expensive ones.
A thirty two year old housewife has to be operated for a
brain tumour. During the planning stage of her surgery, We all know nearly all major surgeries require safe blood to
it becomes clear that she will require large quantities replenish the loss suffered during prolonged procedures.
of cryo-precipitate, a component of blood, during the Most hospitals depend either on the patient’s families to
operation. The surgeons inform the blood bank regarding provide the needed quantities of the right match or ask
the requirement and in no time, they are able to post them to pay for the supply the hospital may arrange for
her for surgery. During the course of her treatment, them from outsourced agencies. But such a mercenary
she receives a total of 138 units of cryo-precipitate and practice holds no place in the Sathya Sai Medicare
26 units of whole blood and components! The surgery system where the only currency that is traded freely is
pure, unconditional love.
The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Bangalore
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF ‘LIQUID LOVE’
Many of the patients who depend upon Bhagavan has also become a commodity whose price is dictated by
Baba’s compassion and generosity for their treatment its demand and supply,” she says.
are typically so poor that they can’t even afford a train
“Here, in our Hospital, with Bhagavan’s Grace and
ticket to reach His Hospital from the various parts of
the generosity of the people who have been touched
the country and neighbouring nations. At Bhagavan
by the service His Institution is rendering, arranging
Baba’s directive, His hospitals provide the patients with
blood, even of rare groups, has never posed a
all necessary facilities during their treatment. Once a
major problem. Any amount of stress is harmful to
patient enters the warmth of the Sathya Sai Healthcare
the patient and impedes his or her healing. When
system’s embrace, both the patient and his/her family
everything, including blood, is taken care of, the
heave a sigh of relief because the system shoulders the
healing is accelerated. It makes such a difference to
entire responsibility of patient care in every conceivable
the patient’s family and also to his or her recuperating
area, which includes arranging for the needed blood
process. When we say ‘free treatment’, we mean it,
supply during and after surgery.
in all respects,” says Dr. Ghosal.
Dr. Nandita Ghosal, the Blood Bank Officer who heads
Answering a Life Saving Need
the Hospital’s blood bank, comparing her tenure with
Explaining the blood collection procedure, Mr. J. Sai
the Sri Sathya Sai Institute with other hospitals she
Kiran, Senior Manager of the Hospital’s Laboratory and
has worked earlier, says, “In other hospitals, blood can
Blood Bank, explains, “Our Institute is licensed by the
become very difficult to organize, especially in cases
Regional Drug Controller to collect, store, process and
of rare blood groups. I’ve seen many cases elsewhere,
where surgeries had to be cancelled due to lack of blood, transfuse blood, as per the prescribed norms. As far
where cases had to be terminated before the completion as procedures and standards are concerned, there is
of the surgery, and worse still, where a patient’s life was no difference between our blood bank and any other
lost due to loss of blood. widely known blood banks. We maintain the same
quality standards, and on many counts exceed them.
What makes the Sathya Sai Blood Bank stand apart
is the purpose behind our existence. Whereas other
blood banks supply blood for a price to the individual,
our blood bank collects blood only for the in-patient
requirements of our Institute. The patient is absolved
of all responsibility of finding the adequate supply, the
right match or making any payment.”
“When we say ‘free’ treatment, we mean it, in all

respects.” - Dr. Nandita Ghosal, Blood Bank Officer
“Whatever may be the case, in outside hospitals the

patient needs to pay for the supply. The prices per
unit range anywhere from Rs. 300/- to Rs.1500/- per
unit. (On an average, most surgeries need 1-6 units
of blood, and the requirement can even exceed
50 units in rare cases). It is true that there are costs
involved in screening the blood and ensuring it is safe
for transfusion, but the present prices of blood far What sets us apart is the purpose behind our
outweigh the actual costs. It is unfortunate that blood existence.” - Mr. J. Sai Kiran, Senior Manager
healing touch
Hear him narrate the patient’s story. “The lady had a

complicated blood disorder called dysfibrinogenemia,
due to which blood clots very slowly. Her thrombin
time (TT), one of the indicators of clotting efficiency,
was almost three times than that of a normal person.
The TT parameter could be improved, i.e. the TT could
be brought down by transfusing the patient with cryo-
precipitate. In the concerned case, she was given 55 units
of cryo before surgery and 83 units after surgery, along
with 26 units of whole blood. This worked wonders as
her TT improved considerably. This episode shows to
Many corporate employees enthusiastically
what extent Swami’s Hospitals can go to help a patient. line up to donate, inspired by the
We could have simply denied the patient treatment Hospital’s noble cause
quoting high risk, but we went the extra mile to save a
32 year young life.”
For the 6-8 surgeries, which take place in both the

Cardiac and Neuro departments of the Bangalore
Hospital everyday, approximately 45 units of blood and
components are required on a daily basis. In complicated
cases, the daily requirement of blood and the components
can go up to 80-100 units. What makes the effort even
more unique is that almost 98% of the blood is collected
on a voluntary basis i.e. for every 100 units of blood The procedure is simple and systematic. They
collected, 98 units are donated by voluntary donors! fill in a form and undergo a screening test to
confirm their suitability
These are healthy men and women who appreciate the
pure motivation of the Sathya Sai Healthcare system and Mr. K. Viswanath, Bangalore District Service Coordinator,
appreciate the benefits it is delivering to the poorest of plays a pivotal role in creating awareness about the
the poor in the highest professional manner possible. Hospital and the need for blood across various colleges
The goodness of the system evokes such altruism and and companies in the area. He says, “When the Hospital
generosity from them. Only a miniscule portion of the came into being, we visited many colleges in Bangalore to
donors include members of the patient’s family. The explain to their management the nature of the Hospital
other 2 % is through autologous (from the patient and sought their help in mobilizing students for blood
himself) and directed donations. From January, 2001 till donations. No one has ever disagreed with the nobility
September, 2007, a total of 23,281 units of blood, have of the mission.
been collected, which upon processing makes close to
45,000 units of whole blood and blood components. “As well, the devotees of Baba and the former students
of the Bal Vikas program (Sathya Sai Education in
Inspiring the Gift of Life
Human Values) have now emerged as another reliable
Such a generous supply of this sap of life comes to the
group for us. Growing up nurturing the human values
Hospital largely due to the support of the Seva Dal or
that Bhagavan Baba personifies, many of them are now
the service wing volunteers of the Sri Sathya Sai Service
employed in various companies where they inspire and
Organisation mainly from the state of Karnataka. These
encourage their colleagues to follow in their example
dedicated volunteers play a very vital role in mobilizing
and donate blood. There have been instances when
donors. They organize batches of college students and
devotees have traveled over 75 kms just to donate
employees of many private and government companies
blood. Enthusiasm, civic consciousness and caring
to come to the Hospital and share the gift of life that is
are such contagious and uplifting qualities that
in each of us to give.
over the years, many colleges and companies have
Many college students ...and some do it There is no dearth of volunteers who want to be a
drop in too... frequently part of this sacred mission
filling out a form and screening the donor for suitability
made it a part of their work culture to come and for blood donation, she/he is bled by the phlebotomist.
donate blood at our Institute. For example every year, Usually 350 to 450 cc of blood is collected from each
employees from TVS Motors, Hosur come and donate donor in a blood bag, which contains chemicals to
blood, as do the employees of GE Medical Systems, SAP prevent it from clotting and provides food for the live
Labs, SRIT, TCS and Ram Kumar Mills. We also receive cells. The process of bleeding is completed within 10
college students from the MVJ Group of Educational minutes. Once the donation is completed, the blood
Institutions, RBANMS (Ulsoor), Acharya Institutions donor is given a mandatory snack even as they are
(Peenya) and many other institutes, including the nearby observed for their well-being.”
Brindavan campus of the Sri Sathya Sai University. Such
is the overwhelming response from the community to What makes the Sathya Sai Blood Bank
the Hospital’s blood needs that we do not even need to stand apart is the purpose behind its
use the print media but rely mostly on word of mouth. existence. Whereas other blood banks
Sometimes we announce in the local Sai Centres and only supply blood for a price to the individual,
occasionally post notices in order to create awareness the SSSIHMS blood bank collects blood
only for the in-patient requirements of
about the need for blood,” he adds.
our Institute. The patient is absolved of
“The procedure for blood donation is very simple,” all responsibility of finding the adequate
explains Mr. Sai Kiran, the blood bank manager. “After supply, the right match or making any
payment.
The treat for the donor includes a glass of flavoured

milk, biscuits, nuts and dry fruits. Before he or she
leaves the blood bank, each donor receives a packet of
vibuthi or the sacred ash, an appreciation card, a photo-
calendar of Baba and of course, the inexpressible joy that
accompanies any act of selfless giving and participation
in the treatment of an ailing fellow being.
“In the case of large groups of donors, we provide a

conducted tour of the Hospital and also screen a film
about the work being done here. We capitalize the blood
For every 100 units of blood collected, donation opportunity by turning it into a memorable
98 are from donors experience which every blood donor may cherish. He or
healing touch
she is made aware that they have made a real difference

- in most cases, the difference between life and death,”
Kiran adds.
A Safe and Perfect Procedure
Meticulous cross-matching is done before sending

the required blood group to the operation
theatres
advantage of componenting is to provide the patient
a tailor-made solution for his requirement. If a patient
Units of Blood (from left to right): Platelets, red is anaemic, she requires hemoglobin or packed red
blood cells, plasma
cells, whereas if patient is low on protein, he requires
plasma. If the blood component is not separated, both
the patients would have received whole blood. Thanks
to componenting, from the donor’s point of view, his
or her blood can benefit more than one patient, a truly
gratifying thought.
“The whole blood and its components are stored in

special refrigerators, which maintain the temperature
at a precise degree. Once the request comes from the
operation theatres, the blood bags are thawed (in case
of frozen components) to reach room temperature and
after the required cross-match tests they are then sent
up to the operation theatres through the responsible
Blood Component Special refrigerators to
Centrifuge maintain character and reliable Seva Dal volunteers and ward boys.
During blood donation, normally 350 cc of blood known

as one ‘unit’ is drawn from the donor. The body makes
up the loss in volume within a couple of hours and in
cells within a few days. However, as per national norms,
between successive blood donations, a 3-month gap is
mandatory and there are also certain health conditions
the donor should meet in order to be able to safely
donate blood.
After collection, the blood is tested for HIV, HbsAG, HCV

and Syphillis, then cross-matched with the patient’s
blood to ensure there is no adverse reaction between
the patient’s blood and the donor’s blood. The blood
Skilled and dedicated technicans take every care to
may be separated into components, namely packed
ensure the patient gets the right blood
red cells, plasma, platelets and cryo precipitate. The at the right time
Sai Kiran, along with

technicians and biomedical
engineers, is also
responsible for the proper
running of the equipment
used in the blood
collection, screening,
processing and storage,
which are all state-of-the-
art, and well-maintained.
He is accountable for
maintaining the necessary
The blood components documentation for Thanks to many inspired donors, the Hospital does
are segregated and scrutiny by the Drug not have to bother patients to arrange blood for
stored systematically their operations
Controller during regular
inspections – a prerequisite for renewing the Institute’s for free. Thanks to the positive understanding Supratim
license to collect blood. It is the dedication of the entire has now acquired about the Institute, he is always ready
team which ultimately ensures that the patients receive to help us, and is a mere phone call away!”
safe blood.
No Greater Gift
Finding a Blood Angel Blood is the rare gift of life that still cannot be made
The efficiency and sincerity of the system continues outside the human body. It is a perishable commodity
to grow on others, such as its donors. Many are the with an expiry period of 35 days. Surgeons generally
instances where blood donors, receiving a call from prefer to use fresh blood, especially in pediatric cases,
the Hospital rush from their place of work or home at where they prefer blood collected less than 72 hours
odd hours to donate blood. Supratim Roy’s is one such ago. Care is therefore taken to collect only the needed
instance. A software engineer by profession, he works groups of blood and in the required quantities, as per
in a private company in Electronics City, situated in the the needs of the patients awaiting surgery.
suburbs of Bangalore. As a person with O-negative
blood, one of the rarest blood groups, he is in constant
demand.
For instance, once when O-negative blood was urgently

required for a case, Sai Kiran was able to obtain his
contact details from the internet and contact Supratim
around 8 pm in the evening. Even though still at work,
Supratim Roy drove 30 kilometres to come down to the
hospital. After seeing the Institute setup and knowing
that his blood would not be sold, as he had observed
during his earlier blood donations elsewhere, Supratim
was glad and offered to come again, whenever there’s a
need for blood of his group. Recalling his primary phone
call to Supratim, Sai Kiran says, “During the first phone
call, when I explained to Supratim about the patient, he
turned suspicious and enquired whether I was related
to the patient! He probably thought I was some kind of
a middle-man, arranging for the blood for a small fee! I
could make out that he was unable to believe that we were Less invasive tools used for an endoscopic
procedure minimise blood requirement
taking such pains to organize blood at our Hospital, all
healing touch
The Sathya Sai Blood Bank takes special care to optimize With time, the unique Sathya Sai Healthcare system
on this valuable resource. The surgeons play an important is not only providing free of cost tertiary medical care
role in its responsible use by performing surgeries using that meets the eye but also creating greater sense of
improved techniques, which minimize blood loss. civic consciousness, unconditional love and service
Beating heart surgeries, minimally invasive surgeries and opportunities for thousands who joyfully come forward
to save the lives of seemingly complete strangers.
endoscopic procedures are means by which the blood
requirement, as compared to traditional surgeries, is In the end, every donor realizes an inner connection
reduced to a great extent. In cases of very rare groups, with everyone else that gets further strengthened by
through an autologous donation, the patient is requested the common blood line that they now share with a
to donate blood before surgery, and the same blood patient. Baba says, “There is only one caste, the caste
is transfused back during his or her own surgery. This of Humanity. And one is conferred with true happiness,
is also the safest type of blood that a patient can get. only when he or she is of help to others. Service has twin
Research is also on to prepare a substitute for blood, benefits – inner joy to oneself and happiness to others.”
which can perform the same functions as the human When we help another heal, we heal ourselves of our
selfishness, and when we help save a life, we widen our
blood. It would, of course, take many years before it can
mental horizons and broaden our own hearts. A million
be made available for use, and that too, at a reasonable
life lessons from a single act of kindness make the act
price. Till then hospital systems across the world will
of blood donation in this Hospital a truly spiritual and
continue to rely on fellow human beings to donate this
elevating experience.
life-giving element.
- By B. Satish Chandra
and Heart2Heart Team
If you have a rare blood group, you have the
exclusive privilege of being able to participate
in the treatment of a fellow human being who
is as ‘rare’ as you. On the other hand, if yours
is a common blood group, then there are more
patients of your blood group and the opportunity
to serve that you have is immense. The surgeon
might be the best of surgeons, and the equipment
the best in its line, but without safe blood, the
operation is impossible.
If you are in Bangalore, and would care to

participate in this act of selfless giving at Sri
Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,
Bangalore, contact Sai Kiran at:
email: laboratoryblr@sssihms.org.in
phone: +91-80-28411500 Ext: 317 of all
For a super-specialized facility where complicated

surgeries are conducted every day, lives hinge on the
timely availability of blood in the needed group. Luckily,
the Hospital’s donors realize this fact and rejoice in their
good fortune to be able to share this gift of life as their
two drops worth in the colossal humanitarian project of
Bhagavan Baba.
FROM EMPTINESS TO JOYFUL EMPATHY
“Why do you think that? Sure I do.” I took out my
FROM EMPTINESS TO wallet to show him pictures.
JOYFUL EMPATHY “Because I’m six. I was way off, huh?”
Right before the jetway door closed, I scrambled aboard The captains’ voice came over the speakers: “Flight
the plane going from LA to Chicago, lugging my laptop attendants, prepare for takeoff.” Michael pulled his seat
and overstuffed briefcase. It was the first leg of an belt tighter and gripped the armrests as the jet engines
important business trip a few weeks before Christmas, roared. I leaned over and said, “Right about now, I
and I was running late. I had a ton of work to catch up usually say a prayer. I ask God to keep the plane safe and
on, half wishing, half praying I muttered, “Please God, to send angels to protect us.”
do me a favor; let there be an empty seat next to mine, I “Amen,” he said, then added, “but I’m not afraid of
don’t need any distractions.” dying. I’m not afraid because my mama’s already in
I was on the aisle in a two seat row. Across sat a heaven.”
businesswoman with her nose buried in a newspaper. “I’m sorry,” I said.

No problem. But in the seat beside mine, next to the
“Why are you sorry?” he asked, peering out the window
window, was a young boy wearing a big red tag around
as the plane lifted off.
his neck: ‘Minor Traveling Unattended’.
“I’m sorry you don’t have your mama here.” My briefcase

jostled at my feet, reminding me of all the work I needed
to do.
“Look at those boats down there!” Michael said as the

plane banked over the Pacific. “Where are they going?”
“Just going sailing, having a good time. And there’s

probably a fishing boat full of guys like you and me.”
“Doing what?” he asked.
“Just fishing, maybe for bass or tuna. Does your dad

The kid sat perfectly still, hands in his lap, eyes straight
ever take you fishing?”
ahead. He’d probably been told never to talk to strangers.
Good, I thought. Then the flight attendant came by. “I don’t have a dad,” Michael sadly responded.
“Michael, I have to sit down because we’re about to

Only 6 years old and he didn’t have a dad, and his Mom
take off,” she said to the little boy. “This nice man will
had died, and here he was flying halfway across the
answer any of your questions, okay?”
country all by himself. The least I could do was make
Did I have a choice? I offered my hand, and Michael sure he had a good flight. With my foot I pushed my
shook it twice, straight up and down. “Hi, I’m Jerry,” I briefcase under my seat.
said. “You must be about 7 years old.”

“Do they have a bathroom here?” he asked, squirming
“I’ll bet you don’t have any kids,” he responded. a little.
get inspired
“Sure,” I said, “let me take you there.” I showed him how want her to come visit and see her sick. What if Grandma
to work the ‘Occupied’ sign, and what buttons to push doesn’t want me? Where will I go?”
on the sink, then he closed the door. When he emerged,
“Michael, do you remember the Christmas story? Mary
he wore a wet shirt and a huge smile. “That sink shoots
and Joseph and the baby Jesus? Remember how they
water everywhere!” The attendants smiled.
came to Bethlehem just before Jesus was born? It was
Michael got the VIP treatment from the crew during late and cold, and they didn’t have anywhere to stay,
snack time. I took out my laptop and tried to work on a no family, no hotels, not even hospitals where babies
talk I had to give, but my mind kept going to Michael. could be born. Well, God was watching out for them. He
I couldn’t stop looking at the crumpled grocery bag on found them a place to stay; a stable with animals.”
the floor by his seat. He’d told me that everything he
“Wait, wait,” Michael tugged on my sleeve. “I know
owned was in that bag-- Poor kid.
Jesus. I remember now.” Then he closed his eyes, lifted
While Michael was getting a tour of the cockpit the flight his head and began to sing. His voice rang out with a
attendant told me his grandmother would pick him up strength that rocked his tiny frame. “Jeeesus looooves
in Chicago. In the seat pocket a large manila envelope me--thiiiiiis I knowwwwwww. For the Biiiiiible tells
held all the paperwork regarding his custody. He came meeeeee sooooo.....”
back explaining, “I got wings! I got cards! I got more
Passengers turned or stood up to see the little boy
peanuts. I saw the pilot and he said I could come back
who made the large sound. Michael didn’t notice his
anytime!”
audience. With his eyes shut tight and voice lifted high,
For a while he stared at the manila envelope. he was in a good place. “You’ve got a great voice,” I told
him when he was done. “I’ve never heard anyone sing
“What are you thinking?” I asked. He didn’t answer. He
like that.”
buried his face in his hands and started sobbing. It had
been years since I’d heard a little one cry like that. My “Mama said God gave me good pipes just like my
kids were grown -- still I don’t think they’d ever cried so Grandma’s,” he said. “My
hard. I rubbed his back and wondered where the flight
Grandma loves to sing, she sings in her church choir.”
attendant was.
“Well, I’ll bet you can sing there too. The two of you will
“What’s the matter buddy?” I asked. All I got were
be running that choir.”
muffled words, “I don’t know my grandma. Mama didn’t
The seat belt sign came on as we approached O’Hare.
The flight attendant came by and said we just have a few
minutes now, but she told Michael it’s important that he
put on his seat belt. People started stirring in their seats,
like the kids before the final school bell. By the time the
seat belt sign went off, passengers were rushing down
the aisle. Michael and I stayed seated.
“Are you gonna go with me?” he asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world buddy!” I assured him.

Clutching his bag and the manila envelope in one hand,
FROM EMPTINESS TO JOYFUL EMPATHY
he grabbed my hand with the other. The two of us the grocery bag. Right before we got to the doorway to
followed the flight attendant down the jetway. All the the terminal, Michael loosened his grip around my neck
noises of the airport seemed to fill the corridor. Michael and reached for his grandma.
stopped, flipping his hand from mine, he dropped to his
As soon as she walked across the threshold with him,
knees. His mouth quivered. His eyes brimmed with tears.
cheers erupted. From the size of the crowd, I figured
family, friends, pastors, elders, deacons, choir members
and most of the neighbors had come to meet Michael. A
tall man tugged on Michael’s ear and pulled off the red
sign around his neck. It no longer applied.
“What’s wrong Michael? I’ll carry you if you want.” He

opened his mouth and moved his lips, but it was as if
his words were stuck in his throat. When I knelt next
to him, he grabbed my neck. I felt his warm, wet face
as he whispered in my ear, “I want my mama!!!” I tried
As I made my way to the gate for my connecting flight,
to stand, but Michael squeezed my neck even harder.
I barely noticed the weight of my overstuffed briefcase
Then I heard a rattle of footsteps on the corridor’s metal
and laptop. I started to wonder who would be in the
floor.
seat next to mine this time...... And I smiled.
“Is that your baby?” I couldn’t see the woman behind
Swami says, “Love is of three kinds; Swartha or self
me, but I heard the warmth in her voice. “Oh baby,” she
centred, which like a bulb, illumines just a small room;
cried, “Come here. Grandma loves you so much. I need
Anyonya or mutual, which like moonlight, spreads wider
a hug baby. Let go of that nice man,” she knelt beside
but is not clear; and Parartha which like the sunlight, is
Michael and me. Michael’s grandma stroked his arm. I
all pervasive and clear. Cultivate the third type of love
smelled a hint of orange blossoms.
that will save you. For all the service that you do to
“You’ve got folks waiting for you out there Michael. Do others, through love, is actually service done to yourself.
you know that you’ve got aunts and uncles and cousins?” It is not others that you help, it is yourself that is being
She patted his skinny shoulders and started humming. helped.”
Then she lifted her head and sang. I wondered if the -- Author Unknown --
flight attendant told her what to sing, or maybe she just Illustrations: Sai Krishna, SSSU
knew what was right. Her strong, clear voice filled the – Heart2Heart Team
passageway, “Jesus loves me - this I know...”
Michael’s gasps quieted. Still holding him, I rose,

nodded hello to his grandma and watched her pick up
get inspired
I can’t. There is so much gold and silver on board that
The Story of ‘Love’ there is no place for you.”
Once, there was a beautiful paradise-like island where
our Feelings and Qualities lived: Happiness, Sadness,
Knowledge - all the array of human emotions, including
Love. One day, it was announced to the Feelings that
due to the weight of Selfishness the island would soon
sink, and everyone should prepare their boats and leave
as soon as possible.
Close behind Riches, came Vanity who was departing the
island in a most elegant vessel. “Vanity, please help me! I
need to get off the island” Love said in all sweetness. “I
can’t help you Love. You will get wet and might damage
my boat,” Vanity answered, rather haughtily.
Love then spotted Envy, who seemed inseparable to the
duo of Riches and Vanity. Envy’s boat was a rather poor
attempt at emulating the other two, but Love did not

All the Feelings made ready to leave without delay –
care – she only wanted to escape the sinking island. On
except for Love who had grown so fond of the island she
hearing Love’s humble request Envy retorted, “No way.
wanted to stay until the last possible moment. However,
If you come on board who will notice me as people are
after some time of visiting all her friends and favourite
always thinking about you. The world will be better off
places, she realized that the island was fast disappearing
without you.”
and she needed to ask for help from the other departing
Feelings to escape. Love then spied Sadness who was coming close behind
Envy, so Love asked for help, “Sadness, let me go with

She spotted Riches leaving in a large luxurious yacht.
you.” But Sadness excused himself saying, “No - go away.
Love called out in all affection, “Riches, can you take me
I am so sad that I need to be all by myself for a while!”
with you?” Riches replied in a cold and huffy voice, “No,
the story of ‘love’
By this time, Love was growing a little anxious, as the to ask his name. And though the journey was over a vast
waters were lapping at her feet. But she picked up on distance, it seemed to go by in a twinkle of an eye. Then
hearing the sound of laughter and merriment and saw the elder went on his own way, giving Love a parting
Happiness coming in a joyful flotilla of small boats. “Hey smile of affection.
Happiness! Happiness, hello!” But as much as she tried
to get Happiness’ attention it was to no avail – Happiness
was too wrapped up in her own pleasure to notice Love’s
calls!
Later, Love realized how much she owed the esteemed
old gentleman and sought out the help of Knowledge.
She asked him who had come to her aid.
“It was Time,” venerable Knowledge answered. “Time?”

She wondered what would happen to her? Would she be
wondered Love. “But why did Time help me?” Knowledge
lost forever as the island went down under the weight
smiled with deep wisdom and answered, “Because, only
of Selfishness? And as she watched the other Feelings
Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is.”
disappearing out of view she felt a well of compassion
for them – they had rejected her and would never know -- Adapted from: Inspirational Quotes, May 2007
Illustrations: Sai Krishna, SSSU
the gift of her presence.
Suddenly, she heard a kindly voice, “Come here, Love. I
will take you.” The owner of the voice was a wise looking
elder and true to his word he took her to dry land, all
the while keeping a rather reserved silence. His identity
remained a mystery as Love felt so overjoyed she forgot
get inspired
by searching and lost by talking.”
Moola was much impressed by Guru Nanak and followed

Guru Nanak and Moola him for many days, even to Kabul, until the Guru told
him to go back to his home and family.
On the way to Sialkot, which is near Pasrur, Guru Nanak

rested outside the town under a wild caper tree, which
stands there to this day. His companion Mardana asked
“Why do you prefer the wilderness to the comforts of
town?”
“I want to be a renunciant,” said Moola. “I want to give

up the world and be a holy man.”
“It is not by shirking our duty that we become saints,”

said the Guru, “but by how we handle our responsibilities
in our daily lives.”
“Then why is it that people leave their homes in search

of God?” he asked.
“There are those who actually seek the truth and there
or those who only seek to escape their responsibilities,”
said the Guru, “but the way I have come to show is to live
“There is no comfort in a place where there is no truth,” in service to God in the daily world, keeping His Name
replied the Guru. “The air of the town is filled with on our lips and in our minds. Renunciation of outer
falseness. No one can safely breathe it.” things does not make for inner righteousness. Words are
meaningless unless translated into action.”
“Master, I am hungry,” said Mardana, “and unlike you, I
can’t live on just the air.” Guru Nanak then repeated to him the Jap Ji (what is
now one of the most famous Sikh scriptures), and Moola
“Go into town,” said the Guru, “and ask at every shop; returned home to live the life of a householder, keeping
‘My master would like a half-anna of truth, and a half- all his Guru’s teachings in his heart.
anna of falsehood.’ He who answers will feed you.”
Guru Nanak and Mardana had an occasion later to visit
Mardana, much amused, went into town and stopped at Sialkot and the Guru wished to see his student. Mardana
each shop. Some thought that he was insane and others went looking for Moola, but his wife, fearing that her
made fun of him. However, at a certain shop, Moola, the husband would wish to leave again, convinced Moola
owner, replied, “Tell your master that life is false, and that he could die in the wilderness if he went. And so he
death is true.” hid himself away until Mardana left.
And just as Guru Nanak had said, Moola offered to give When told, the Guru said, “This is the man who said
Mardana food. Then, he asked to be taken to the man that life is false and death is real, but now he seems to
who asked for such things. When Moola saw the Guru, hold to falseness. So be it. But who can escape death? It
he recognised his greatness and humbly bowed before comes to all no matter where they live.”
him asking, “Show me the true way.”
“Seek it and you shall find it,” said the Guru. “It is found
multi-faith quiz
C. It denotes the path to Wisdom and Divinity.
multi-faith quiz D. It builds Faith and Devotion.
3. The Bahá’í Faith is a religion that was founded

in the 19th-century in Persia, by Bahá’u’lláh,
This quiz concerns religious festivals celebrated all
whose name means “The Glory of God”.
around the world in the month of November. We offer
His Birthday is celebrated on 12 November.
you only a few illustrations of the rich tapestry of
Bahá’u’lláh was a member of one of the great
spiritual expression, as people rejoice in communion
patrician families of Persia. The family could
with God this month.
trace its lineage to the ruling dynasties of
Persia’s imperial past, and was endowed with
1. Celebrated on 1 November, the Christian wealth and vast estates. Turning his back on
Holiday of All Saint’s Day honors and the position at court which these advantages
recognizes all of the Saints of the Christian offered Him, Bahá’u’lláh became known for
Church who do not have a specific day named his generosity and kindliness which made
in their honor. But in Santiago Sacatepequez, him deeply loved among his countrymen.
which is located just 40 minutes from
What is the essential message of
Guatemala City, All Saints’ Day is celebrated
Bahá’u’lláh?
on November 2nd as a festival, with giant
kites. A. Sacrifice
What is the significance of the flying of the B. Unity

giant kites?
C. Charity
A. To raise the souls of the dead to Heaven.
D. Justice
B. To ask for the Saints’ blessings in return.
C. To connect people to their favourite Saint.

4. There are really a number of Children’s Day
D. To pray for joy. observances around the world. Although
the United Nations and UNESCO observes 20
November as the Universal Children’s Day, in
2. On 9 November, Diwali - also called Deepavali India it is celebrated on 14 November.
- a major Indian festival, is celebrated.
After which famous Indian personality is this
Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” it
day observed?
symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and
lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and A. A Film star
hope for humankind. In one of His Diwali
B. A Legendary Cricketer
Discourses, Bhagavan said: “The flame of a
lamp has two significant qualities. One is to C. The First Prime Minister
banish darkness; the other is a continuous
upward movement. Even if a lamp is kept in D. A Spiritual Guru
a pit, the flame is directed upwards.”
What connotation did He give about the 5. In Japan, ‘Shichi go san’ is celebrated on 15
upward movement of the flame? November. On this day parents take boys of
A. It reminds us to look up to God. three and five years old and girls of three
and seven, to give thanks to the Gods for a
B. It signifies a Positive outlook to life.
test your spiritual quotient
healthy life so far and to pray for a safe and D. They take it to a Temple and offer it to their
successful future. chosen Deity.
What does the name ‘Shichi go san’ signify?
A. The ages of the children. 8. In November 2007, in Nepal too the Festival
of lights will be observed, from the 7th to
B. A most revered Japanese deity.
11th. It is the second biggest festival after
C. A favourite sweet of children. ‘Dashain’ and is called ‘Tihar’. Tihar’ Festival
lasts for five days and people worship Laxmi
D. A rare flower grown only in Japan.
– the Goddess of Wealth. All the houses are
cleaned and decorated with the belief that
Goddess Laxmi will enter the house that is the
6. Buddhist holidays are joyful occasions.
cleanest. People light candles and oil lamps
The ‘Buddha Elephant Festival’ also takes
so that the whole place looks illuminating.
an important place in these. A festival day
normally begins with a visit to the local Besides Goddess Laxmi, who else do they
temple, where one offers food or other items honour?
to the monks and listens to a Dharma talk.
A. A few chosen animals.
The Buddha Elephant Festival is a big Elephant
Festival celebrated by Buddhists each year on B. The Planets.
the third Saturday in November. At one point
C. The oceans.
Buddha used the example of a wild elephant
that is harnessed to a tame one. D. A holy mountain.
What is the significance?
A. To train him to be strong. 9. As we all know, Thanksgiving Day, is a

traditional holiday to give thanks to God
B. To teach that every new learner should be
at the conclusion of the harvest season. In
helped by an older one.
the United States, Thanksgiving is on the
C. To teach him friendship. fourth Thursday of November and is a four
day weekend which usually marks a pause in
D. To help him be calm.
school and college calendars. On this holiday,
a Thanksgiving meal is prepared with all the
trimmings; it is a time to gather with family
7. Just like Hindus who celebrate the Festival of
and friends and to give thanks for one’s many
Lights, the ‘Loy Krathong’ Festival takes place
blessings. The first ones to celebrate this
in all parts of Thailand on the full moon night
festival in the US were the Pilgrim Fathers.
of the Twelfth Lunar month. All Thai people
After leaving England, to which country did
buy or make a “Krathong”, which is made
the Pilgrims first sail to, before venturing
of Styrofoam surrounded by banana leaves,
across the Atlantic Ocean?
with flowers and a candle in the middle.
A. Italy.
What do the people do with this ‘Krathong’?
B. America.
A. They keep it in their shrine at home.
C. Spain.
B. They present it as a gift to each other.
D. Holland.
C. They let it float away on a river.
multi-faith quiz
10. On November 24, Sikhs celebrate the first of was killed all those who suffered under him were
the 10 Guru’s - Guru Nanak Ji’s Birthday who overjoyed. Having led a life of darkness till then, both
is also the founder of Sikhism. Sikhism, which internally and externally, they celebrated the occasion by
comes from the Hindi word ‘sikh’, meaning lighting lamps. There is significance in lighting lamps.
“disciple,” is one of the three religions most The flame of one lamp can light the whole array of
widely practiced in India . lamps. That one lamp symbolizes the Parama Jyothi
(supreme effulgence). The others symbolize the Jeevana
Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak’s Birthday
Jyothis (light in individual selves). Deepavali is celebrated
with an Akhand Path, a reading of the Sikh
in order to teach this truth to the world. People celebrate
Holy Scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib,
this festival by bursting firecrackers signifying the victory
continuously from beginning to end.
of good over evil.
For how many days is the Holy Book read?
The inner meaning underlying the Indian festivals should
A. 1 day be rightly understood. On each festival day, people
have a sacred bath early in the morning and wear new
B. 2 days
clothes, keep their houses and surroundings clean. Thus
C. 5 days the festivals teach us the importance of internal and
external cleanliness. The Vedas declare, “Anthar Bahischa
D. 7 days
Tat Sarvam Vyapya Narayana Stithaha”, God is present
within and around. So, one has to be pure both internally
and externally. It is the water that helps to keep your
answers
body clean. But it is love that keeps your heart clean. You
1. Answer: A To raise the souls of the dead
should celebrate the festivals in full realization of their
to Heaven.
inner significance”.
According to their tradition, the kites are flown to
For more information, go to: http://www.sssbpt.info/
raise the souls of the dead to Heaven and to turn away
ssspeaks/volume31/sss31-39.pdf
evil spirits. The inhabitants of Santiago, Sacatepequez
believe that on November 2nd they can communicate
with their ancestors and send good messages. For this
3. Answer: B Unity
reason, they design beautiful kites with many colors to
communicate messages of happiness. Also, on this day The essential message of Bahá’u’lláh is that of Unity. He
a group selects the best kite design and gives a prize to taught that there is only one God, that there is only one
the winning family. human race, and that all the world’s religions represent
stages in the revelation of God’s will and purpose for
humanity.
2. Answer: C
It denotes the path to
Wisdom and Divinity. 4. Answer: C The First Prime Minister
In His discourse, Bhagavan India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,
tells us: “The ancients was born on 14 November. He liked children and was
have taught that the regularly photographed with them. Children called him
upward movement of the Chacha (Uncle) Nehru. After he became Prime Minister
flame denotes the path of India, his birthday was observed as Children’s Day in
to wisdom and the path India.
to divinity. However, the
external light can dispel only the external darkness, but
not the darkness of ignorance in man. When Narakasura
5. Answer: A The ages of the children. festival ends with ‘Bhai Tika’ – ‘Brothers’ day’ when sisters
pray for him for a long and healthy life to safeguard
The festival of ‘Shichi go san’ is named after the ages
their lives.
of the children taking part - seven (shichi), five (go),
three (san). These ages in particular are celebrated both
because these years are seen as important age markers in
9. Answer: D Holland.
the stages of a child’s growth and because odd numbers
are seen as signs of good luck in Japan. The Pilgrims who sailed to America aboard the Mayflower
were originally members of the English Separatist
Church (a Puritan sect). They had earlier fled their home
6. Answer: B To teach that every new in England and sailed to Holland (The Netherlands)
learner should be helped by to escape religious persecution. There, they enjoyed
an older one. more religious tolerance, but they eventually became
disenchanted with the Dutch way of life, thinking it
Buddha used the example of a wild elephant that is
ungodly. Seeking a better life, the Separatists negotiated
harnessed to a tame one to teach that a person new
with a London stock company to finance a pilgrimage to
to Buddhism should be helped by an older Buddhist.
America and first set ground in Plymouth Rock which is
This festival is characterized by the spread of love and
now part of Massachusetts.
goodwill.
10. Answer: B 2 days

7. Answer: C They let it float away on a
river. Sikhs celebrate Guru
Nanak’s Birthday with an
In the evening, Thai people go to places where there is a
Akhand Path, a reading of
river, or a pond to launch their “Krathong”. As they go,
the Sikh Holy Scriptures,
all bad luck is supposed to disappear. The people usually
the Guru Granth Sahib,
make a wish at the same time. Some people believe that
continuously from
if the candle remains burning until the ‘Krathong’ is out
beginning to end. This is
of sight then their wish will come true. By the end of the
done by a team of Sikh
evening, there are hundreds of flickering lights bobbing
men and women, each
up and down on the water. Quite often there are also
reading for 2-3 hours over
firework displays as well as shows and beauty contests.
48 hours, beginning two
days before and ending early on the morning of the
birthday.
8. Answer: A A few chosen animals.
The most famous teachings attributed to Guru Nanak
During the five days, crows, dogs and cows are
are that there is only one God, and that all human beings
worshipped and honored with vermilion, garlands and
can have direct access to God with no need of rituals
delicious food for what they have done in the lives of
or priests. His most radical social teachings denounced
humans. Crows are regarded as the messenger that
the caste system and taught that everyone is equal,
brought news even during the times when there were
regardless of caste or gender.
no postmen. Dogs are the most obedient animals and
they guard our house as true guardians. Cows are also – Heart2Heart Team
a symbol of wealth in Hinduism and the national animal
of Nepal. During Tihar, the Newari community in Nepal
also observes ‘Mha puja’ – a ritual of worshipping one’s
own body and life. On this very day, the Newari New
Year which is also known as Nepal ‘Sambat’ begins. The
quiz on baba’s birthdays
A. 20th
quiz on baba’s birthdays B. 25th
C. 30th
This month we celebrate Bhagavan Baba’s 82nd D. 35th

Birthday. Apart from it being a great occasion of
rejoicing and celebration, every Birthday has also
been a landmark occasion, some being very significant 3. On His 28th Birthday, in 1954, Swami took
as Swami often choose this day to unveil new the first step in giving concrete shape to an
dimensions of His grand mission. As you try this quiz, important dimension of His Mission. What
you will not only enjoy, but also enlighten yourself did He do?
about many important events of His life and mission.
A. Lay the foundation stone for the General
In the answers are links providing more information
Hospital in Puttaparthi
on every event, do make best use of them.
B. Declare the Publication of Sanathana Sarathi
C. Announce the establishment of a Veda

1. We all know that when our Beloved Bhagavan
Pathasala in Prashanti
was born on Nov. 23rd, 1926, His father and
grand-father, and His siblings Venkamma, D. Construct a mosque for the Muslims of
Parvathi, Seshama Raju and His neighbour Puttaparthi
Subbamma were present too.
Who assisted Swami’s Mother Easwaramma

during her delivery? 4. On 22nd November 1975, on the Golden
Jubilee [50th Birthday] of our Beloved
A. Swami’s elder sister Venkamma Bhagavan, He inaugurated the 50 feet high
pillar called - The Sarva [means entire, whole,
B. A Midwife
every kind of] Dharma [means righteousness,
C. Swami’s neighbour Subbamma morality, virtue, duty, the dictates of God,
code of conduct] Stupa [a pillar], in the shape
D. A pious local lady doctor
a lotus bud, on which the symbols of some of
the major religions of the world can be seen.
2. After Swami declared that He was an Incarnate The significance of these sacred symbols
of Shirdi Baba, the number of devotees kept have been explained by Bhagavan so that we
on increasing with the result that, in a few can understand the truth that all religions
years the Old Mandir could not accommodate lead man on the path to God. The ‘Om’ of
them. Even sheds and makeshift Pandals Hinduism, for example, means “Listen to the
around the Old Mandir were inadequate primeval Pranava ‘AUM’ resounding in your
during festivals. heart as well as in the heart of the universe”,
the cross of Christianity signifies, “Cut the ‘I’
In answer to the prayers of the devotees, Baba
feeling clean across and let your ego die on
agreed for a more spacious place. Thus, the
the cross, to endow on you eternity”, etc.
idea of New Mandir [Prashanti Nilayam] was
conceived and was constructed at a place to Of all the major religions, which religion does
the south of the village of Puttaparthi. Baba mainly stress on?
On which Birthday was Prashanti Nilayam A. Hinduism and Buddhism

inaugurated?
B. Christianity and Hinduism
C. All religions of Indian origin organized a social service project in which 78

physically challenged persons were selected
D. None of them
from various villages and gifted them with
tricycles, crutches, calipers, artificial limbs,
wheel chairs, walking sticks, etc.
5. Bhagavan Baba unfurled the model of The
Shri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning Then Bhagavan cut a cake! What was the
to the world on the eve of His 56th Birthday. occasion?
When Swami inaugurated this marvelous A. It was Bhagawan’s Birthday according to the
edifice on the 22 November 1981, it was Indian Calendar
truly, as Prof. Kasturi writes, “The dawn of
B. It was the birthday of Mother Eswaramma
the Sai era of re-education of man for the
establishment of peace on earth and goodwill C. It was the Anniversary celebration of the
among all peoples.” Anantapur Campus
Among other Universities in India, what was D. It was the 80th birthday of the Warden of the
number of this Institute? Anantapur Campus
A. 106
B. 108 8. On November 23, 2001, Radio Sai came on

the air when Bhagavan pressed a button in
C. 109
Sai Kulwant Hall, as a part of the Birthday
D. 110 celebrations.
In which country was the uplink station

of Worldspace from where the signal was
6. The Engineers who were to construct the 65
received by satellite and send to Prashanthi
feet high Hanuman Statue in the Hill View
Mandir?
Stadium in Prashanti Nilayam for the 65th
Birthday, were at a loss regarding the design A. America
of the huge structure taking into account
B. U.K
the huge weight, the load distribution on all
sides, stability, etc. C. Australia
When they went to seek Bhagavan’s help, D. Singapore

how did He help them out?
A. He came in the dream of the architect and

9. On November 23, 2004, the day of Swami’s
revealed the design
79th Birthday, drinking water was formally
B. He materialized an idol to show how it should released from Andhra Pradesh to Chennai.
be designed
From which River was this water being
C. He drew up the design Himself channeled?
D. He asked them increase the base of the statue A. Godavari

and reduce the height of Hanuman
B. Krishna
C. Kaveri
7. On Nov 12, 2003, Bhagavan Baba, the teachers
D. Ganga
and students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute
of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus,
10. Each year, the month of November draws For more information, go to: http://media.radiosai.
several thousand devotees from around the org/Journals/Vol_04/01JUN06/ssps.htm
globe and all corners of India to Prashanti
Nilayam. The week of November 23, 2006
which marked Bhagawan’s 81st birthday 2 Answer: B 25th
celebrations, was no different. Devotees
Bhagavan Baba inaugurated it on 23rd November 1950
thronged Prashanti Nilayam to witness the
on his 25th birthday and named it Prashanti Nilayam (the
25th annual convocation of Sri Sathya Sai
abode of supreme peace).
Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) - a
Prashanti Nilayam was
deemed University, and the inauguration of
inaugurated on Swami’s
Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports -
Birthday in 1950. Previous
an indoor stadium of international standards,
to that year, the Birthday
and a momentous gift from Bhagawan to His
had been rather informal.
students.
Swami delighted the
How long did it take to build the Sports Mother and the Father and their sons and daughters by
Centre? visiting their home and going through the ritual of lunch
in their company. After the parents had placed a few
A. 4 months
drops of oil on his cluster of hair, the ceremonial bath
B. 8 months was administered and Swami fulfilled the longing of one
devotee by accepting the robe and dhoti he placed at his
C. 9 months
feet. All those present then touched His feet praying for
D. 6 months boons and blessings.
For more information, go here: http://media.radiosai.

org/Journals/Vol_04/01May06/Easwaramma_cover_
answers story.htm
1. Answer: C Swami’s neighbour
Subbamma
Bhagavan Baba was born on 23rd November 1926 in 3. Answer: A Lay the foundation stone for
Puttaparthi, a remote village of Andhra Pradesh in India, the General Hospital
in the Ratnakar family of Sri Kondama Raju, who was the in Puttaparthi
grandfather of Bhagavan’s physical body. Sri Kondama
The foundation of the Prashanti Nilayam Hospital
Raju, who lived separately from the family contemplating
was laid on 23 November 1954, and the Hospital was
on God day in and day out, had full faith in the prophecy
inaugurated on 4 October 1956. Many devotees toiled to
of his Guru Venkavadhoota that God would incarnate
help build the hospital by carrying stones, bricks, cement,
in his family. He lived a long life of 116 years to realize
and other articles on top
and experience the divinity of his grandson, who was by
of the small hill on which it
his side to fulfill his last wish of pouring water into his
was constructed. From the
mouth when he breathed his last in 1950.
hospital, one could get a
He had two sons, both named after his Guru bird’s eye-view of the river
Venkavadhoota, Sri Pedda Venkama Raju and Sri Chinna Chitravathi, with the hills
Venkama Raju. The divine child Sathyanarayana Raju in the background.
(called Sathya or Raju in childhood) was the fourth
The Hospital initially
child of the devout couple, Sri Pedda Venkama Raju and
had twelve beds, six of
Srimati Easwaramma.
them for confinements, according to the needs of the
Subbamma came to the Raju house, to be of assistance time. The Hospital catered mainly to the villagers and
at the time of the birth of the baby. devotees. The doctors and the paramedical staff were
appointed by Swami. They worked voluntarily without For more information, go here: http://media.radiosai.
any remuneration. org/Journals/Vol_04/01NOV06/CoverStory_SSSIHL.
htm
For more information, go here: http://www.sathyasai.
org/saihealth/ghosp.htm
6. Answer: B He materialized an idol to

show how it should be
4. Answer: D None of them
designed
Baba says: “I have not
When they approached Bhagavan, Swami told them that
come to speak on behalf
a certain pose of Hanuman would give them the required
of any particular Dharma
structural stability, and to
(religion), like the Hindu
illustrate what pose He had
Dharma (Hindu religion).
in mind, He materialized
I have not come on any
on the spot a golden idol
mission of publicity for
of Hanuman, the way He
any sect or creed or cause;
wanted!
nor have I come to collect
followers for any doctrine. Later, the engineers did
I have no plan to attract a complete structural
disciples or devotees into analysis through computer
My fold or any fold. I have simulation and discovered
come to tell you of this Universal unitary faith, this Atmic that indeed this particular
principle (principle of the spirit), this path of love, this structure was far more stable than anything they had
Dharma of Prema (nature of love), this duty of love, this come up with earlier!
obligation to love.”
“Let the different faiths exist, let them flourish; let the org/Journals/Vol_03/11NOV01/coverstory_glorious_
glory of God be sung in all languages in a variety of Sai_wisdom.htm
tunes. That should be the ideal. Respect the differences
between the faiths and recognize them as valid so far as
they do not extinguish the flame of unity,” 7. Answer: A It was Bhagawan’s Birthday
according to the Indian
For more information, go here: http://www.srisathyasai.
Calendar
org.in/Pages/His_teachings/Unity_of_Faiths.htm
12th November, 2003, (the date fixed by Bhagawan for
the distribution ceremony) happened to be Bhagawan’s
5. Answer: C 109 Birthday according to the Indian Calendar (Bahula Tadiya
Karthika Maasam). To commemorate the 78th Birthday
Swami said:
of our Beloved Lord, the function at the Sai Kulwant
“You are aware Hall began with Bhagawan lighting the Lamp, and then
that there are now cutting the Birthday Cake.
108 universities
To the surprise and delight of all the people gathered
in India. This
in the hall, Bhagawan expressed a desire to speak, too!
University is the
Bhagawan spoke for nearly twenty minutes, without any
109th, one more than that traditional total. May all the
translation! Bhagawan’s loving and soothing words to
universities succeed and serve the country well. But this
the handicapped were like balm to a depressed heart.
university must be distinct from the rest and attain a
They brought tears to the eyes of all who were present
unique status.”
there. Bhagavan comforted the patients by saying that
they should not feel unhappy because they are deprived
of the full and proper use of their limbs. Those who

have all their limbs intact do not use their body for the
good of others, nor for the service of others, Bhagavan
said. He exhorted the handicapped patients to develop
confidence, and to work with such commitment that
they put to shame the full-bodied. Bhagavan promised
them every possible help, and asked them not to hesitate
in expressing any of their problems to Him. Bhagavan
said that if any of them were interested in further of Chennai residents converged on Prashanti Nilayam to
studies, He would provide them admission in one of His express their gratitude
institutions.
For more information, go here: http://media.radiosai. org/Journals/Vol_05/01MAR07/03-coverstory.htm
org/Journals/Vol_02/01Jan01/08_WINDOW_TO_SAI_
SEVA/sai_seva.htm
10. Answer: A 4 months
8. Answer: C Australia
When Swami pressed the button, a message was flashed

from the Mandir to Melbourne in Australia by cell phone
- we had two cell phones
just in case one of them
failed! - and the person
in the Melbourne uplink
station of WORLDSPACE
switched on the computer The indoor stadium was built in a record four months
which then started time and inaugurated on November 22, 2006, by His
sending a pre-recorded program to the satellite. That Excellency President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
program was received by a receiver we had set up in the Offering his reverential pranams at the Lotus Feet
Mandir, and this signal was fed to the Public Address of Bhagavan, the President praised the value-based
system. Thanks to all this, the people assembled in the education offered at Bhagavan’s institutions saying it
Sai Kulwant Hall heard the inaugural program, which combines spirituality with social responsibility.
lasted seven minutes - we had arrived! By the way, when
Swami pressed the switch, a big board that was kept in For more information, go here:
the Hall lit up and that was the symbolic inauguration. http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_
05/01MAR07/15-worldnews2.htm
For more information, go here: http://media.
radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_01/02SEPT15/CoverStory/ – Heart2Heart Team
CoverStory.htm
9. Answer: B Krishna
A few days later, water reached the zero point crossing on

Swami’s Birthday date according to the Telugu calendar.
This was a happy event, with Sai Krishna getting the
Krishna water released on His birthday according to one
calendar and reaching that same water on His birthday
according to another calendar! Soon after this, bus loads
five elements, these five vital forces have to

work together towards this end. Students and
quiz on heart 2 heart
teachers are the most valuable asset which
can render the University an ideal one.”
This quiz tests your recall powers from reading
What is the purpose behind Swami attracting
Heart2Heart. This being the month of November, all
students?
the questions are based on events from hagavan’s
life that have happened in this month. And in the A. To provide the best academic education
answers we have included the links to all the stories
B. To make India known globally
and articles from which they have been taken. So
please click on these links and enjoy reading about C. To lead students on the spiritual path
His glory. eventually
D. To find good disciples to run His mission
1. Traditionally, on every second Saturday-

Sunday of November, Akhanda Sai Bhajans
3. On 23rd of November, in 1990, Swami made
[24-hour continuous singing] are held
a ‘Historic Declaration’. “There are countless
globally. When did this actually start?
people in this country, who cannot afford the
A. The Thirties huge costs of going abroad, and seeking a
heart surgery. The poor have no proper place
B. The Forties
to go to, for such expensive operations, even
C. The Fifties in this country. Next year, we are going to
establish a fully equipped, modern hospital
D. The Sixties
at Puttaparthi, at the cost of hundred crores
of rupees, where all cardiac patients will be
given treatment, totally free of cost. Besides
2. By the beginning of the 1980’s, there were
this, patients and their attendants will be
three colleges, in Anantapur, in Bangalore
provided facilities for their food and stay,
and in Puttaparthi respectively. Soon the time
totally free of charge. The first operation will
was ripe to fuse all these into a University,
be performed on the 22nd of November, next
and that step was taken in 1981. Established
year.”
by Bhagavan on the 22nd of November,
1981, and comprising of three campuses - What kinds of operations were performed on
Prashanti Nilayam, Brindavan and Anantapur, the opening day?
the Institute draws its inspiration from the
A. A heart surgery and a brain surgery
penetrative declaration of Bhagavan Baba,
who is also its Revered Chancellor: B. Three heart surgeries and an eye surgery
“Students are the very foundation of the C. Four Open-heart surgeries

nation. To make the foundation strong,
D. Three Open-heart surgeries
the people, the government, the parents,
the teachers and the students - all have to
coordinate their plans and their efforts. These
quiz on heart to heart
4. On Nov 19, 1995, on the occasion of the answers

70th Birthday celebrations, Bhagavan 1. Answer: B The Forties
magnanimously declared that the 19th of
This is mentioned by Mrs. Geetha Mohan Ram, one of
November will henceforth be celebrated as
the very early devotees to come to Swami. She says,
Ladies’ Day to highlight the sacred qualities
of women and lay renewed emphasis of the “In 1945 my grandfather started the Akhanda Bhajan
quality of motherhood. This day is much that we now do in a global way in the month of
anticipated by the lady devotees every year in November. At that time we used to do it as a family
memory of Mother Easwaramma, who stands Bhajan. Eight families would get together for Bhajans on
as a crest jewel of womanhood. every Thursday in their houses by rotation. So this went
on from 1943 to 1944. They finished one year and then
Ever since, it has been the privilege of
thought on that day let us have a 24-hour repetition
women to celebrate this day as Ladies’ Day
of Namasmarana. So my grandfather wrote to Swami
in His Divine Presence at Prashanti Nilayam.
that He should bless them to start Akhanda Bhajan. The
On this day all the Mandir activities starting
reply came, ‘My blessings are there and I am coming for
from the morning Suprabhatham to the
Akhanda Bhajan.’”
Nagarsankeertan are carried out exclusively
by ladies. Ref: Miscellaneous: His Love Throughout My Life - Sep
2005
In which year of Ladies Day celebration did
Swami also inaugurate the Easwaramma
Women’s Welfare Project?
2. Answer: C To lead students on the
A. 2000 spiritual path eventually
B. 2001 Swami compares His strategy for attracting students

with what Yasoda the foster mother of Krishna once did.
C. 2003
Yasoda was becoming a bit tired of Krishna’s pranks and
D. 2004 the complaints from the villagers. So one day she decided
to catch Krishna and punish Him. But Krishna went into
hiding. To draw Him out, Yasoda said in a loud voice,
5. Of all the prayers gifted to us by Swami, “Krishna, come here and see what I have in my hand. I
which is the one on which he lays a lot of have something You like very much, butter. Come and
stress and gave it as a birthday gift on one get it!” Yasoda no doubt had butter in her outstretched
birthday? hand but in her other hand, concealed behind her back,
she held a stick! Swami says that Yasoda wanted to first
A. Asato Maa Prayer
attract Krishna with butter and then apply the stick! Baba
B. Sarva Dharma Prayer adds that He first attracts students with the prospect of
earning a University Degree. Once they are in, He leads
C. Universal Peace Prayer
them by the hand on the spiritual path!
D. Sathya Sai Gayatri
Ref: Cover Story: Temple of Learning, The Genesis - Nov
1st 2003
3. Answer: C Four Open-heart surgeries 5. Answer: C Universal Peace Prayer
Dr. A.N.Safaya, the Director of SSSIHMS recalls: The Universal Prayer:
“A miracle indeed, it was, when, on 22nd November

Lokaa Samastaa Sukhino Bhavantuu
1991, the surgeon’s scalpel touched the skin of the
first patient, at 9:00 AM, sharp, as predicted a year ago Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi
by Bhagawan, in His public Declaration! On that day,
May the entire world be happy.
when the Prime Minister of India cut the ribbon and
entered the magnificent central dome, accompanied Om Peace, Peace, Peace
by Bhagawan, several Governors, Chief Ministers and
Union Ministers; it turned out to be the best setup, with “Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu (Let all beings in
the state-of-art equipment, most modern fittings and all the worlds be happy). Include this universal prayer
fixtures, and was fully functional. The set-up was one of in your prayers every day. This is my birthday message
the finest in the country. Nay. Comparable to the best in to you.”
the world. Who turned the tides, between the 18th and
Ref: Quotations - Nov 15th 2003
the 22nd November? Swami did it; our prayers and faith
in Him, did it. I, along with thousands who worked and – Heart2Heart Team
witnessed the Inauguration that day, will testify it!”
His Word had come true! Needless to say, all the four
Dear Reader, did you like this quiz? Is it too difficult? Is it
open-heart surgeries performed on that Opening day
interactive enough? How does it help you? Please tell us
were a great success.
at h2h@radiosai.org.
Ref: Cover Story: Temples of Healing, His Word Took a
Form - Nov 1st 2003
4. Answer: D 2004
On Ladies’ Day, 19th November 2004, Swami inaugurated

the Easwaramma Women’s Welfare Project. As a follow-
up to it, with Swami’s infinite Grace and Blessings, the
Easwaramma Women’s Welfare Trust was established to
benefit women at large. It was founded on the teachings
of Bhagavan to reach out to the problems of women in a
meaningful way, and bring peace and comfort, without
any distinction of religion, caste, colour or creed.
Ref: Prashanti Diary - Jan 2005
feedback from our readers
Sai Ram H2H team,
feedback from our I was just going through the article Beauty, Bliss and
readers Blessings…Sathya Sai in Chennai. I am from Chennai
On October Issue but I currently live in New Zealand. I had a wonderful
experience from start to finish, with Swami planning and
executing my trip in January 2007 for the yagnam, and
Feedback on the cover story: later for His visit to the hospital that I work in. I know
‘Beauty, Bliss and Blessings...of Sathya Sai that Sai’s leelas are not unusual, for He is the Lord of this
in Chennai’ entire Universe. I travelled all the way across the globe to
Dear Heart2Heart Team and Radio Sai, see our loving God and He blessed me abundantly and I
I with to thank you for the very uplifting story written by have wonderful memories of His Grace and love.
Prof. G. Venkataraman titled Beauty, Bliss and Blessings... Sai Ram

of Sathya Sai in Chennai. Thank you very much for your
tireless seva to bring these beautiful Bhanu
stories home to me and spreading
His Holy Word around the world.
We desperately need Swami’s
Grace and Bliss every second to
Sairam Sir,
turn around a lost and violent
population into a loving one. Thanks for your enlightening and
illustrative report. Felt as though
Stories like this one tell us why His
we were physically present there…
Holy Presence came to Earth to
May our Swami bless your attempts
help us realize and see again who
to unfold some more of Him to us.
we really are, in dire need of help
We all thank you once again.
and Blessings. The many stories
you have sent, I treasure all in my Regards,
heart.
Jayaraman R. G.
I am Jutta Benner. My first Home
Ulsoor, Bangalore.
are the Stars, of course, my second
Home is in Germany; I am German,
my third Home presently is in the
USA in Charleston, Oregon on the beautiful Pacific
Ocean. Sai Ram!
From Ocean to Ocean, from Heart to Heart, Sai Ram and I really enjoyed reading the cover story on Swamis’
thank you so very much for your love and your loving Chennai trip (part 3). In fact, after reading the article,
work. my mind was thinking about Swami for couple of days
without showing its monkey nature (if I may say so). I
Many blessings,
was so immersed in Swami’s thoughts that He inspired
Jutta Benner me to write a few small poems (I am not competing with
the greats though!). Here is one -
I entered this world crying, You gave me the

hand of my mother,
I entered the school with fear; You gave me the
your say
hand of my father, Respected H2H team,
I entered the society with loneliness; You gave Sairam. The article “Sai medical camps at Fiji” is
me the hand of my sister, very inspiring and terrific. It is a great show of unity,
dedication, love and compassion exhibited by people
I entered the realms of uncertainty; You gave me
from four different countries working together for
the hand of my relatives, selfless service in a difficult environment and helping the
I entered the arch of Prashanthi Nilayam, and needy. It is only Bhagavan’s grace behind them directing
You gave me Yourself! right through. They truly followed ‘love all and serve all’
as repeatedly told by Sri Bhagavan. My thanks to your
I request the editor to also post other Leelas like how team for bringing out such a nice article.
Swami got His license and many more of His Leelas!
Ramesh
Jai Sai Ram!
Saminathan Ramachandran
[We will be having more stories in the coming issues

Sai Ram to H2H team,
– H2H Team]
It was stirring to read that Swami’s devotees from
New Zealand, Australia, U.S.A. and Fiji participated in
Feedback on ‘Quest for Infinity’ service to the suffering patients at Fiji .Fifty medical
Sai Ram, professionals and many more volunteers served over
five thousand patients during June 2007. Unlike other
We are so fortunate to read about the wonderful mystery countries Fiji does not constitute a large piece of land.
of nature and the planet where we live, through each Imagine it is a wide spread group of over three hundred
segment of QFI. We pray to Swami to give you enough and thirty islands of different sizes and population who
strength to continue this article forever and our million are frequently suffering the onslaught of military coups
salutations to Swami for using the h2h team as a perfect and consequential political turmoil.
tool to reveal the mystery of His beautiful work in the
It would have been the toughest task to conduct
cosmos.
medical camps in those islands - but for Swami’s Grace
Barathi Rajashekaran on those dedicated doctors and volunteers who served
the fortunate patients. The picture of bhajan singing Sai
devotees in the hall at Labula speaks of all the wonders
Feedback on ‘Sai Medical Camps in Fiji... happening in Fiji.
Love in Action’
Jai Sai Raama,
Our most humble and loving salutation to His lotus
feet......... Baba has always resided in the hearts of his Krishna Prasad
devotees here in Fiji and of course all over...as Baba says
“our presence is His presence”. We have always eagerly
awaited His appearance and now here He is with all his Feedback on “How to Build Character That
love and blessings, not only for His devotees but for one Lasts”
and all. This confused and troubled tiny island nation Sai Ram,
has attracted our Sai’s divine attention. We are indeed
The article “How to Build Character that Lasts” is an eye-
so fortunate. What else do we want or seek but His love
opener. It’s a must read for one and all. May Swami bless
and attention. We are so blessed. We love you Sai.
this great Nation with peace and joy for one and all.
Sandhya, Suva,
With love,
Fiji Islands.
H. G. Krishnan
Sairam to all of you, Sai Ram,
That was truly inspiring. I was in Parthi a few days before The article ‘How The Saffron Shaped Me’ by Ms. Sutopa
the World Youth Conference but could not stay. I read a Sen was really inspiring. It gives an insight into the lives
few excerpts and heard from friends about what Swami of many devotees of how Swami really takes care of
had said during this time but nothing about the speakers. everybody if we follow his teachings. Any single act of
Thank you for sharing this wonderful event. Swami has a great meaning. A gift of a saffron robe
means sacrifice. We should sacrifice our bad qualities to
Regards,
be near Sai. A good article indeed. Please provide more
Kanthi Ayyagari such articles especially by students and ex-students.
V. S. Venkataraman Iyer
Feedback on ‘How the Saffron Shaped Me’

Dear Heart2Heart Team,
Feedback on ‘Learning To Love…’
Thank you so much for publishing the article by Ms. Sai Ram H2h team,
Sutopa Sen. I can well relate to her candid account of
Most wonderful article about ‘Learning To Love’. It came
feeling lost and disconnected from Swami, overwhelmed
at the right time for me. Swami’s way of answering
by the trials of life. Her honesty and spirit are so powerful.
latent questions and sorting out our lives in different
Indeed, life with Swami is never easy, but we must
ways! Much loved and appreciated article. Thank you
somehow pray for the strength to face our challenges
from the bottom of my heart.
with dignity and grace, like His children ought to. It is
so inspiring to read that it is possible to embody Swami’s Savita
teachings even in the midst of difficulties, though the
world may seem to conspire against us. Thank you for
giving us all so much hope.
Sincerely, Sai Ram, H2H Team Members,
Ellesha Wanigasekera, The article “Learning to Love”, is a reflection of Swami’s

students’ knowledge and a very good understanding
Toronto, Canada
of the subject. It gives a deep insight on the Topic of
‘Love’. We pray for Swami’s Blessings for these excellent
students and for your efforts, to reveal more us.
S. Pathy,
Dear Editor,
Toronto, Canada
I read the talk by Ms Sutopa Sen and found it very
inspiring. It was more like my own story. I passed out
of His institute this year. I am at Jaipur which is far from
Feedback on ‘Incredible Blessings...
my home and far from Puttaparthi. Most of the people The Startling Story of Benjamin’
out here in my college don’t know about Swami. So, Jai Sairam!
I used to feel depressed that I have no one to talk to
I am Dr. Krishnamurthy from Coimbatore. I read the article
about Him. Browsing through h2h is my only way to
“Incredible Blessings- the Startling story of Benjamin”,
be in touch with the Sai world. Thank you so much for
with great interest. I am a medical graduate and my wife
bringing a ray of hope in my dark days. is also a medical graduate. I will put my feelings simply
as follows:
Sairam!
“We Are Lucky People To See God In Person, Living Like A
Human Amongst Us.”
your say
All of us, everyone of us has done something good in Feedback on ‘Prashanti Diary’
our pervious births, for seeing, feeling, admiring with Sai Ram Brothers and Sisters,
awe, Divinity during our life time. Blessed are Benjamin
and his parents, grandparents, and also all of us. This is just to inform you that all of you are performing
an invaluable service by bringing out Prashanti Diary.
Dr. S. Krishnamurthy,
It is so wonderful with lots of details and sprinklings
Coimbatore. of pictures. It seems that we are in Parthi. Thanks so
much.
Love,
Dear Sir, Giridhari
When I read ‘The startling story of Benjamin’ I started

crying, tears flowing continuously on realizing the Love,
Sai has for all of us. I have realized long back, it is not the Feedback on the Quiz Section
medical field, not the doctors - but only divine love that My respectful greetings and gratitude to you all.
heals all. I wonder, will I ever get to touch the Lotus feet
of Bhagavan Sai once in this birth? I go through the multi-faith quiz and now the frequency
of attempting the quiz has increased. We all in our family
Yours sincerely,
sit and discuss the answers. We feel happy when we get
Dr. Mrs. S.R. Rathinam, the right answers in the first attempt itself. It boosts our
morale and we learn in the process. I thank you sincerely
MNAMS, Prof. of Ophthalmology and Head of Uveitis
for your continuing service.
Service.
With regards,
A.S.G. Mohanraj,
Aum Sai Ram, Manipal, Karnataka
My eyes were filled with tears when I read the article.

Bhagavan’s Mercy knows no bounds and this is yet
another example. General Feedback
I am a devoted reader of your website. I only discovered
E.S.V. Krishnan,
it six weeks ago and it has become a very happy morning
Lagos, Nigeria addiction of mine. Everyday, I wake up, turn on the
computer and get to share Swami’s thoughts for the
day. I find something new daily to inspire me. Thank
you for the time, effort and expertise that all of you who
Hi, do this work are doing for me and the world.
I have always heard of numerous Sai stories, however I I feel so lucky - maybe that’s the wrong word, blessed
am not a devotee. I have always felt a connection but I is more accurate, to be able to share a small slice of the
could never place my finger on it. When I read the article world you are inhabiting. Thank you, for bringing Sai
on Benjamin I felt a truly deep sense of connection so
Baba into my home everyday. The importance of your
strong that I had goosebumps all over, like being touched
work cannot be overstated. This letter is to demonstrate
by a heavenly figure.
how much Holy Baba is necessary for all people, including
Regards, a forty-three year old, raised Catholic woman from
Kubashni Govender, California - me. Thank you again, the web-site is lovely.
South Africa
Much Love,
Valerie Peerenboom
Om Sai Ram, will definitely have an opportunity to see Swami. If not,

He is with me always.
I am an ardent devotee of Baba for some years now.
He has guided me on numerous occasions. It’s just My humble thanks to Swami for giving me an opportunity
recently that I came to know of the web site and got to listen to His golden voice through His Bhajans or
myself enrolled. The articles that have been sent to date Divine Discourses on Sai Global Harmony satellite radio
are very inspiring. It gives me immense pleasure to read at World Space. This is just not like any other radio
more on Baba’s glory. My husband and I are based in station broadcasting music or dramas. For me, it’s more
Dublin and these articles are the only means for us to than that. Again I have got no words to describe.
stay in touch with Baba
Om Sai Ram,
On a personal front, I particularly remember one incident
Gajawelli Shekhar Narayan,
wherein I had to make a very crucial decision of my life
and prayed to Baba on his birthday i.e. November, 23rd Vishakapatnam.
to make a decision for me and he made that decision
which has changed my life around for the good. Please
do keep up the good work. Thank you for the inspiring
articles on Baba. May he always guide us to the right
path.
Sheena Pillai.
Om Sai Ram,
I have read some articles from various heart to heart

journals. What I feel now, is that I have wasted half of
my life in worldly things. Because the kind of literature I
have read and heard through Sai Global Harmony cannot
be put in mere words - it’s something more than that.
I have no experiences to share with unfortunately, but

I feel that those people are so lucky who have served
Swami their whole life and are serving still. I am in fact
nothing in front of those divine souls. (We are all equally
divine in the eyes of Sai – H2H Team.)
The articles make my eyes numb with tears - not because

of sorrow but because of joy. At the end of every article
a question is put up “Dear Reader, did this article inspire
you in any way? Would you like to share you feelings
with us?” I will say it has shaken me to an extent which I
can not describe in words. Please pardon me for that.
I had never been to Prashanti Nilayam before nor had an

opportunity to see Swami; but if Swami wishes, then I
sai inspires
In the cosmic exhibition, you are seeing, hearing and experiencing innumerable things. You
experience depression, confusion and disappointment. You have no contentment...The man
who is not content is continually experiencing loss. There is no limit to desires... If the
thirsty man is offered water, he is not satisfied, he wants a cool drink; when he is given a
cool drink, he wants ice cream, and so on. There is no end to desires for material things in
the world. To get rid of these desires, man must turn his mind towards God. That is the
way to achieve contentment and lasting bliss.
- Divine Discourse, 16th April 1988.

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Volume 5 Issue 11

Contents 1 November 2007

BETWEEN YOU AND US 3

SATHYA SAI SPEAKS - Signs, Wonders and their Significance 5

CONVERSATIONS WITH SAI - Part 38 7

CHINNA KATHA - The ‘Judging Other’ Jeopardy 10

Liberating Love… ‘Prema Jyothi’ Lights up Chennai Metro 12

IN QUEST OF INFINITY - Part 10 38

spellbinding sai - Part 1 55

Honouring Him the Right Way 60

HARNESSING THE HEART - Part 1: Careful Choices 63

SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI - Part 35 66

GITA FOR CHILDREN - Part 37 72

WINDOW TO SAI SEVA

CREATING A LAND OF LOVE… 74

Sai Medical Camps in Malawi - Magnificent and Moving 84

CHRONICLES OF HEAVEN ON EARTH 97

ENTHRALLING ENCOUNTERS WITH ETERNITY... 114

Contents 1 November 2007

The Divine Alchemy 118

In his comforting care 122

baba and ‘just plain bill’ 124

Charmer Extraordinaire... On the Chariot 128

Flying Colours of Puttaparthi! 131

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF ‘LIQUID LOVE’ - 134

The Stirring Story of the Service at the Blood Bank in SSSIHMS

FROM EMPTINESS TO JOYFUL EMPATHY 141

the story of ‘love’ 144

Guru Nanak and Moola 146

TEST YOUR SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT

Multi-Faith Quiz 147

QUIZ ON BABA’S bIRTHDAYS 151

Quiz on Heart 2 Heart 156

FEEDBACK FROM OUR READERS 159

SAI INSPIRES 164

The two eyes give a picture of a vast expanse of space,

The Divine has to reveal Himself through these

Chamathkaara is any act which attracts on account of

the ring to those of us sitting near His chair, and then

remark caused considerable merriment. In fact, the

(A man from Nigeria

which carries a very fine portrait of Jesus. First, He shows be happy.

to use thought and the repeated mistakes?

as cloth is seen as thread, more a mistake. It is habit!

then as cotton only, there

then everything is God. All thoughts are of God, only

SAI: Human thoughts and desires. If you think, “I am

taken from the bracelet and it becomes a ring. Then you

a necklace. All are different forms, but the gold is the

Ending the Dream

reserved. Swami can say, “Hislop is given one of those

H: What is the difference between Swami’s Grace and

Love - all mean the same.

Q: How to get Swami’s Grace?

SAI: Swami’s Grace is always here. Swami is always here.

He is here for all; for everyone. I am always calling, but

dream and has no reality

down with the child at the (To be continued)

child’s level. Again, Sai could