mre017 Prashant Diary 2- Feb 15th 2004 Prasanthi Diary Brrrwar # Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Sti Sathya Sai Loka Seva Trust, ‘January 27 -28, 2008 There was festive atmosphere everywhere as the Sai Kulwant hall resoundes with the sonorous tunes of the brass band and Vedam chanting. To add to the joy of the devotees, Bhagawan walked down the red carpet, led by the students trom Mudéenahall and Alike educational institutions of the Shi Sathya Sal Loka [Seva Trust who had gathered to celebrate its Siver Jubilee year in the immediate presence of tre mother, mentor and master Bhagawan Sn Sathya Sai Baba, "providing value-based educaton to the young [i Mer the coremonial welcome, Bhagawan lghted the lamp amidst thunderous applause to mark the inaugurstion ofthe celebrations on the beautiful Tuesday morning of 27th of January, the fst day of the two-day colebrations. There ware five speakers who addressed the gathering that eventful morning, The frst speaker was Sxi Gangadhar Bhat, Chairman of Sri Sathya Sal Loka Sova Trust, who went down his memory lane in his soulful Kannada and narrated the story of the Trust with all ts cataclysmic ana ecstatic moments. Sr Narayan Rao, the Secretary ofthe Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Insitutions, Muddenahall followed him and presented a report of the activities of the Trust in tha last 25 Hyears, On. this occasion, Bhagawan also released three books published by the Loka Seva Trust. There wera threo student speakers following Sri Narayana Rao - two of them in English and one: in Kannada- who expressed thelr love and graitude to Bhagawan for His infinite love, blessings and grace. Afer the student speakers, Bhagawan Baba graciously consented {0 give His divine meseage and whan He rose and Started His discourse in chaste Kannada, the devoteos could not contain ther delight at this unexpected blessing. The audience listened in rapt attention, to Baba's message, whicn came In an uninterupted flow since there was no lransiation. Bhagawan praised the devotion of late Sxi Narayan Bhat and lauded the dedication and commitment of the members of the Trust for thelr excellent work in moulding young minds. [The cultural programme in the afternoon consisted of a few folk dances of the stato of Karnataka and a scintillating performanco of Yaksha Gana, a traditional form of dance-drama very popular inthe southem regions of Kamataka, on the theme “Krishna Leela" depicting episodes from Lord Krishna's boyhood. After tne programme, Bhagawan graciously granted group-photographs to the thril of te participants. The next day, the 26th of January, was a day of cultural extravaganza, Ater [Swami arrived at about 7.30 am. in ceremonial : procession just tke the previous day, a dance drama ntti “Sa’ Leela’ was staged! by the stents. The presentason gave Ife fo the legend about Baba's advent conceming Sage Bharadwaja and through dances and music, recreated the beautiful scenes of Swam’'s advent and His chilshood. This was followed by a traditional coromony called "Ashtavadhanam" wherein various at forms, are offered tothe lord ina ritualistic fashion, The fst to be ofered was Veda Parayana (Chanting of hymns from all the four vedas), followed by puranas, shastras, the holy sound of the conch, the soothing music ofthe fute, the art of vocal music, dance and finally, reading ofthe panchanga (or the almanac). tended with the rendering of “Sal ‘Ashtakam, a string of eight hymns glorifying Bhagawan Baba. After the programme, Baba came down the stage and blassed the members of the brass band and the Pundits wha had paricipated in the “Ashtavadhanam", spending lot of ime with them, presanting them wih gits and posing fr photographs with tham: [At three inthe afternoon of 28th, as Baba's car glided is way to the Kulwant Hall, students from Alico and Muddenahall welcomed Bhagawan with a swest, welcome song even as the other boys chanted vedic hymns. There were some more beautiful group songs to fallow, in Kannada ané Engish, The highlight of Sai Avathar, tne avathar of te Kel age, R was a festa of song, dance, music, Imelody and some very good acting talent. Each paticipant’s heart was brimming with joy, which was amply reflected on their smiling faces as they htp:imediaradiosal.orgjournalsiVal_02/04Feb15/07_Prasanthi_Diary/Siver_Jubilee_ Celebrationsislebrations him 42mre017 Prashant Diary 2- Feb 15th 2004 stood next to Bhagawan for a once ina ietime chance of being photographed with Him. Baba gave Himself to tham, talking to them, Blessing them and showering gifts on them. Iwas an unforgettable day not just fr the staff and students of Alke and Muddenahalll schools alone, but for ach individual present there that evening. For, such instances of witnessing the supreme love filing and ‘overwhelming His children are memories that wil be treasured for along time, Jai Sai Ram! Volume -2 Issue = 4 Radiosai Journal - PSN 2004 htp:imediaradiosal.orgjournalsiVal_02/04Feb15/07_Prasanthi_Diary/Siver_Jubilee_ Celebrations/slebrations him 22