Report on Doctor's Day Celebrations 2003

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http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/pages/Recent.htm

 

Doctor's Day Celebrations 2003 Report

 

You could see the deep longing and anticipation in their eyes, a

feeling of completeness filling the chasm of their hearts and an

inner joy waiting to manifest in joyous smiles on their faces.

Devotees in thousands gathered on the cool and breezy morning of the

5th of July in the richly decorated Sai Ramesh Hall, waiting

patiently with prayers on their lips, for the Darshan and

Sambhashanam (Divine Discourse) of Swami after a month long hiatus.

For the last one month Swami had been giving Darshan only on

Thursdays and Sundays and had not addressed any public meeting. But

that morning promised something different and the devotees were

waiting in all eagerness.

 

At quarter past eight, Swami glided onto the stage accompanied by

the guests for the occasion - the Honourable Chief Minister of

Karnataka Mr. S. M. Krishna and His Excellency the Governor of

Karnataka Mr. T.N. Chaturvedi. The frenzied multitude clapped in

thrill and delight as Swami took the chair along with the

dignitaries. The programme then commenced with the presentation of

bouquets. Dr. A S Hedge (Chief of Neurosciences, SSSIHMS,

Whitefield) presented the first bouquet to Swami which was followed

by Dr. Shekhar Rao (Chief of Cardiac Sciences, SSSIHMS, Whitefield)

presenting to the governor and Dr. Narayan Swami (a well-known

anaesthetist) to the Chief Minister. Swami, then honoured the

distinguished guests with mementos.

 

This was followed by a talk by Sri Sanjay Sahani, Principal of the

Brindavan campus of the Institute. Sri Sahani quoting from the

scriptures brought to light the sacredness of two professions,

namely the teaching profession and medical profession. He emphasised

that the latter is more blessed a vocation as it directly leads to

annihilation of suffering of the subjects. Mr. C. Srinivas, Chairman

of the Sri Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust, Bangalore, next in

his scintillating oration took the opportunity to express his

gratitude to the government for their concern and support to the

Trust and hoped that the future will only bring them even closer to

serve the destitute and downtrodden. Calling the hospitals 'Temples

of Healing', Mr. Srinivas brought to the notice of the CM the great

strides the Sri Sathya Sai Hospitals (SSS General Hospital,

Whitefield and SSS Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield)

have taken over the years to rekindle the lamp of hope and joy in

the lives of millions. Lauding the selfless service and sacrifice of

the doctors working in these hospitals, Mr. Srinivas called upon Dr.

Sundaresh (an acclaimed orthopaedic) and Dr. Hemanth Murthy (a

reputed ophthalmologist) as representatives of the dedicated eminent

galaxy of physicians to receive shawls and gifts from the hands of

the honourable guests to mark the historic occasion - the first

Doctors' Day celebration in Swami's divine presence.

 

Dr. A N Safaya, Director, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical

Sciences, Whitefied and Prashanthigram subsequently made a

stimulating and enlightening presentation to the assembly. Speaking

on the high-quality treatment offered in cleanest possible

environment in our hospitals, Dr.Safaya hit the nail on its head

when he said," In the same hospital where dozens of sick and poor

get operated every day, we operated our beloved Swami. The same

doctors who see our patients each day of the week operated on our

Swami too. We did not consult doctors from America or take Him to

any other hospital in India or abroad. What greater testimony does

one need to prove the quality and competence of our hospitals?" Dr.

Safaya also stressed the need to spiritualise the medical profession

and de-commercialise medicine in the present-day context. Before

concluding, he exhorted doctors to make efforts to live up to the

ideals set by Swami by giving up ego and cultivating love.

 

Swami rose to the applause of the gathering after Dr. Safaya's talk

and delivered a revealing and captivating discourse for more than 40

minutes from the dais to the great delight of the devotees. (Insert

the full text of the discouse link here) Exhorting devotees to give

up body-consciousness and develop Atmic consciousness, Swami said

that one can experience everlasting peace and happiness if one is

ever in Atmic consciousness. Citing His own example, Swami said,"

You are all aware of the fact that Swami fractured His hip and it

was in three pieces. The ball in the hip was in two pieces. The pain

was so excruciating that it cannot be described in words. It was

impossible to move this way or that way. It pierced the body as if

it were an electric shock. But, I was unaffected by it. I underwent

all this suffering only to demonstrate that one should not be

attached to the body. Instead, one should develop Divine

consciousness. I am not this body. Body consciousness leads to

untold suffering. One has to get rid of body attachment in order to

enjoy peace and happiness". Swami at different times during the

discourse stressed the need for doctors to be less money-minded and

be more dedicated and selfless. Highlighting the significance of

observing the day as Doctors Day, Swami said," Today we are

celebrating Doctors' Day. This is the day when doctors should

rededicate themselves to the alleviation of suffering.doctors should

serve the poor with the spirit of sacrifice. There is no greater

service than this.the spirit of sacrifice is the hallmark of a true

doctor." Swami concluded His discourse urging not only doctors but

every individual to take initiative and help the poor and the needy

to the extent of one's ability, for the essence of all the

scriptures is verily to 'Help Ever and Hurt Never'.

 

The function concluded with all the people rising up for the

National Anthem.