Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears

Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears

In First Regional Play “Harriet Tubman”

In the grand finale, about 100 Bal Vikas students representing nearly all Sai Baba Centers in the Mid-Atlantic Region stood on the stage at Camp Akiba, clapping and singing from their hearts, “Come on up, I have a lifeline. Come on up to this train of mine.” With their arms stretched high, they concluded the song, “Come on up!” There was an electrifying silence as the energy of love poured out from the children to more than 600 people in the room. Then came a standing ovation from the audience and they cheered loudly, “Om Sai Ram! Om Sai Ram.” The joy we all felt will never be forgotten. At that moment we are all one.

In February 1995, Bernice Mead, our National Bal Vikas Coordinator, sent me a letter asking that our region write and produce a play based on an American folk hero, to be presented to Swami on His 70th birthday. We Chose Harriet Tubman, a slave born in the United States in the early 1800s. She risked her life to help slaves from the South escape to the North. She had a deep and sincere love for the faith in God and her fellow men. Throughout her life, Harriet exemplified the values of courage, determination and selflessness, all values that Swami teaches us. She also acted on her conviction and belief that all men should be free, and thus she practiced unity of thought, word, and deed.

The Bal Vikas students exemplified the same values in preparing the play. A core group of 23 students attended two practices prior to the retreat. Then at the retreat, they joined 77 other students and persevered through hours of work on positioning, choreography, lines, and songs. This required patience, courage, selflessness and love for Swami. Sai Baba says that children should study the lives of great people so that they too can strive for excellence. He also says, “The hearts and minds of the children are very tender, and what is taught to them at this tender age will get imprinted on their hearts and will form the foundation of their later life. These young children have certain capacities which will not be possessed by grownups. In their tender hearts and minds, there is the potentiality by which we can make them go close to God with such devotion and attachment that you will not find paralleled in grownups.” Indeed, everyone was moved by the love and devotion they felt coming from the Bal Vikas Students’

The Play was a miracle of Swami’s. It was only on the actual day of the performance that we went the entire play for the first time. The last scene was changed at the last minute. In my years of knowing Baba and serving Him, l have learned that last-minute changes are His way of taking over the directing. This change was dramatic and exactly what was needed in the play. “Why fear when I am here?” He asks us. It would be easy to get entangled in all the worries of what can go wrong. During our last practice run of the play two of our key people were lying down, not feeling well. Yet through it all, the most amazing thing was that everyone had a deep conviction that we were doing our best and that Swami would take over in the end. And He did!!

Swami says, “Cooperation, not operation.” It was the cooperative effort of so many Sai devotees in the region, professionals in their own fields, that made this play so outstanding. I would like to acknowledge with gratitude the work of all Bal Vikas coordinators, organizers, and assistants who worked with children, without whom the play would not have been possible; those who helped me write the play and who gave advice and support; the artists who spent many hours making the most incredible sets our region has seen (their sets brought cheers from the audience); the guitarist and singers and trainers; those who did stage management and the stage hands who were so busy moving sets on and off the stage as the children sang; the videotaping crew; those who designed and made costumes; and the incredible work of the sound man—for the first time at a regional cultural program, people in the back of the large hall could hear the children speak. My thanks also to our regional officers who helped with publicity, and to Bal Vikas parents who gave selflessly of their time and energy to bring the children to practices and to make their costumes. The Bal Vikas students themselves are to be congratulated for a magnificent performance. It is they who brought alive the inspiring life of Harriet Tubman. They spoke and sang with such love and devotion that the audience was moved to tears.

We are all grateful to our beloved Lord Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who was the true director of the play and who is also the director of the play of our lives. Sai Ram!

~Cathy Daub
Bal Vikas Coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic Region

Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears

Moments created by children often have a unique ability to touch hearts in ways that words alone cannot. The story behind Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears is a beautiful reminder of the innocence, sincerity, and spiritual strength that young minds possess. Whether through a cultural performance, a devotional presentation, or an act of kindness, children have the extraordinary power to inspire deep emotions and leave a lasting impact on everyone present.

The event known as Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears became memorable because it showcased not only talent but also values that resonate with people of all ages. As the children stepped onto the stage, many in the audience expected an enjoyable performance. However, what unfolded was much more than entertainment. Through meaningful songs, heartfelt dialogues, and expressive actions, the young participants conveyed messages of love, compassion, faith, and unity. Their genuine emotions created a connection that reached every corner of the hall.

One of the most touching aspects of Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears was the sincerity displayed by the performers. Unlike professional artists who rely on experience and technique, children often communicate directly from the heart. Their innocence made every word and gesture feel authentic. Audience members found themselves reflecting on important life lessons that are often forgotten amid the pressures of daily living.

The presentation highlighted universal values such as respect for parents, service to humanity, gratitude, and devotion to God. These timeless principles were delivered with remarkable clarity and enthusiasm. The children demonstrated that spiritual wisdom does not depend on age. Instead, it flourishes wherever there is purity of intention and a willingness to learn. As the program progressed, many spectators became visibly emotional, moved by the depth of understanding shown by the young participants.

The success of Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears was also a testament to the dedication of teachers, mentors, and volunteers who guided the children. Behind every well-prepared performance lies countless hours of practice, encouragement, and support. The children learned not only how to present on stage but also how to embody the values they were sharing. This preparation transformed the event into a meaningful spiritual experience rather than a simple performance.

Many attendees later shared that the program reminded them of the importance of nurturing good character in young people. In a world often dominated by technology and distractions, seeing children embrace values of kindness, humility, and devotion offered hope for the future. The event became a celebration of the potential that exists within every child when provided with proper guidance and inspiration.

Platforms like Devotional India frequently highlight stories that demonstrate the transformative power of faith and values. Such inspiring accounts encourage families and communities to invest in the moral and spiritual development of children. The lessons conveyed during Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears align perfectly with the mission of promoting goodness, service, and devotion in everyday life.

Another remarkable feature of Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears was the unity it created among the audience. People from different backgrounds, age groups, and experiences came together and shared a common emotional journey. As the children delivered their messages, barriers seemed to disappear. Everyone became united by feelings of love, compassion, and appreciation. This sense of togetherness reflected the deeper purpose of many spiritual gatherings: bringing people closer through shared values.

The emotional climax of Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears arrived during the final moments of the presentation. As the children concluded their performance with heartfelt expressions of gratitude and devotion, the audience responded with thunderous applause. Many rose to their feet in appreciation, while others wiped away tears. The standing ovation was not merely recognition of talent; it was an acknowledgment of the profound message delivered by the children.

Stories such as these continue to inspire readers through Devotional India, reminding us that spiritual transformation can emerge from the simplest and most genuine sources. Children often become powerful messengers because they communicate with honesty and purity. Their ability to touch hearts demonstrates that true inspiration comes not from elaborate productions but from sincerity and faith.

The legacy of Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears extends far beyond a single event. Those who witnessed the performance carried its lessons with them long after the curtains closed. Parents felt motivated to spend more time teaching values to their children. Educators gained renewed enthusiasm for character-building programs. Community members recognized the importance of creating opportunities for young people to express their faith and creativity.

As highlighted by Devotional India, events like these serve as shining examples of how children can become ambassadors of love, peace, and spiritual awareness. Their actions remind society that the future is bright when young hearts are nurtured with wisdom and compassion. The impact of Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears proves that even the youngest voices can inspire profound change and awaken noble feelings in countless lives.

Ultimately, Children Move Audience to Standing Ovation and Tears stands as a powerful example of the beauty that emerges when innocence meets purpose. Through their heartfelt performance, the children demonstrated that genuine devotion, kindness, and sincerity possess the ability to move hearts, strengthen communities, and create unforgettable memories that endure for years to come.

-Places Hold Vibrations