New Year and Alumni Celebrations - Report with Photos from Prasanthi Nilayam

January 3, 2008

The New year celebrations in the Divine presence was another beautiful experiance for all the devotees.

As it has become Common every year, The Alumni of the Sri Sathya Sai University, from all parts of the world have been gathering here in Prasanthinilayam on the 1st of January,

What started has a small scale function many years ago, with just a music program in the Divine Lord's Presence, has grown in magnitude with more and more Alumni coming to the Lord's Divine Presence without fail. This year they had planned for many different items to be presented in front of the Lord, and had sought the blessings and permission from Him well in advance.

On the Morning of January 1st, Swami came out for darshan at around 9:45 am. Swami came in His chair and was led into the Kulwant hall in procession by the Alumni . There was a flag march followed by Veda chanting, in front of Him. A beautifully decorated umbrella was held aloft for the Lord. This was something unique, that we have not seen for many years now. One was reminded of those yester years when Shri.Kasturi ji used to carry the same type of umbrella for Swami. It was a sight for the Gods and everyone was fortunate to witness to the same.

After Swami sat on the dias, there was a Band Programme by the current students after which Prof G.V.Venkatraman and Shri.A.V. Gokak spoke. Then Swami wanted a Music Programme by the current students and The students sang some Wonderfully Melodious Carnatic and Classical songs.

In the Evening there was a Bangra dance and also a Nice Slide show on the beautiful moments with the Lord in the Brindavan days.

Later Swami gave a Simple but a Wonderful Divine discourse in which He called out the students to have complete faith and remain united and ever engaged in Swami's work. He assured all that where ever they are, He is with them and His protection and blessings are always with them. He said that the love of students is His property.

On January 2nd, Swami came slightly late for Darshan but sent prasadam for all the Alumni. In the Evening, Swami came out for Darshan while the Bhajans were on, and instead of sitting in the Bhajan Hall, Swami chose to go around the Kulwant hall in chair. From the Bhajan hall back side entrance, He came out to the portico, went on to the dias and near the staff area. Then He went once again on the portico and went to the ladies side. Taking full round in the hall, He came near the old students' block and spent some time there. He took letters from many people and blessed all of them. He completed the round by going near the Vedam boys and back on the VIP portico and entered the Bhajan hall.

It was a Wonderful Darshan for everyone and the New Year Began on a Wonderful Note in the Divine Presence

Om Sai Ram