Bhajan Singing is not just lip movements… Swami asked one of the Institute teachers… Swami: How was yesterday’s drama? Teacher: Swami, very nice. Swami: Nice?  Not rough! (To a schoolboy) How was the drama? Student: Very good, Swami. Swami: But there was one mistake in the drama. Dialogues were spoken very fast. Dialogue rendition must be slow. Then everyone can understand clearly. It should not be fast. (To a student who acted in the drama) What happened yesterday? Student: Swami, we had less time to practise. Swami: Why practice? You are not small boys. All these should come naturally without practice. (Swami paused for a moment and said) I am also an Actor-not very low, not very high, but medium! Swami then spoke about the Hyderabad boys. He told about their way of singing Bhajans, adding that even with 500 boys, the singing is not loud enough. The Hyderabad boys are coming for the past 15 years. They are very good boys. Some of them are our old students. This morning they sang Bhajans in the Mandir. Bhajan singing is not just lip movements. One should sing from the heart with full vigour. Keertanam is what M. S. Subbulakshmi (the famous exponent of Carnatic music) sings. (Here Swami rendered a few lines from one of her Keertanas) Sankeertanam is important. Teacher: Swami, Sankeertanam is done by many people.

A Tryst in the Forest with Sri Sathya Sai – By S. Ravi Kumar It was studying in Class II in Mercara (Karnataka) when my father heard of Bhagavan’s school in Ooty. My father had an urge to send me to that school and I did not mind it, but it was my mother who was not very glad of my going away from her. Anyway, we got the prospectus, and got ready to leave. We left in our car for Ooty. After an overnight stay at Bangalore we proceeded to our destination. We started singing Bhajans and when we were near Bandipur forest, a white Mercedes Benz overtook us. Immediately, another white car passed by us. The curtain at the window was half open and through it we saw that the great halo of hair and orange colour. We recognised Him and sang Bhajans more vigorously, instructing the driver to go faster after the car. He did. Swami stopped His car at the Mudumalai rest house for lunch. We also stopped there. Swami in His infinite compassion sent us lunch through some Brindavan boys who were with Him. We enjoyed it. Swami, before this lunch, had come over to my parents and talked to them in Kannada. He asked my mother, “Where are you going?” my mother hesitantly replied, “Swami to admit my son (me) in your school in Ooty.” He said, “Very good”, and went in. My father then told my mother, “Swami is omnipresent and knows everything. He knows very well that we talk in Tamil at home, and still why did He talked to us in Kannada?” as a reply Swami after His lunch came and asked us “Saptaccha” In Tamil (Have you finished eating?) my parents were shocked, but happy too…. for Swami had shown us His infinite Glory. My father said, “Yes Swami.” Soon we started off from there. We reached Ooty and I had my entrance exam and other tests two days later. Then the list of the selected children was put up. There were about 25 names in all. We began going through the list, and I became more and more nervous not seeing my name in the list. There!! My name was the last in the order and I was selected. After admitting me in the hostel, my mother was sitting in the Darshan line, sadness writ large on her face. When Swami came and consoled her saying, “Don’t worry. I will look after him.” Thus my parents left me in the total care of Swami when I was 7 years old. Now, I am here, all due to Swami’s grace. –         S. Ravi Kumar Student (1991-1993), Department of Management StudiesSri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Currently working at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences Prasanthi Gram Lead Singer, Prasanthi Mandir Group

Sri Sathya Sai Guidelines on Bhajan Singing Students! If man strays from the road, there is a danger to his physical body. If man goes astray morally he loses the sanctity of being human. We should never reach the stage of losing human sanctity. While singing Bhajans some just move their lips silently but swing and sway. This is not correct. If a man who has fallen into well merely whispers that he has fallen, none will come to save. On the other hand, if he shouts on the top of his voice, “Help! I have fallen into the well”, then the neighbours will rush to his rescue. Similarly, from the depths of your heart if you mumble to yourself, there is no use. Say it loud enough. That is the significance of ‘Samyak Keertanam’, that is Samkeertanam. As much as you can raise your voice in prayers, do so. Why are you given the voice? Is to talk silly things? No. Sing freely at your own will. Do not have any inhibitions. Our friend (indicating a Mandir singer), keeps whining ‘Hmm, Hmm’! Not a word is heard clearly. Words should be pronounced clearly. One more thing that you must take note of – what we sing here is not just for our own consumption alone. Thousands are listening. We should sing in a manner that fills their hearts with holy feelings. You should enjoy yourself and also share the joy with others. You have seen a streetlight, haven’t you? It has a bulb at the top of the pole. It lights up the way for others. But, at the same time it displays itself prominently. In the same way, your Bhajans should satisfy yourself and also satisfy others. Those who follow do not matter much. But the one who leads the Bhajan has to do a fine job. Those who have to lead must practice well. Keep in mind that there will be thousands in the audience. Shruti, Laya, Raga and Taala should be in place. In fact our country gets its name from there. Which is our country? Many new boys are here. Hence I am sharing this. The word ‘Bharata’ has three syllables Bha, Ra, Ta – Bhava, Raga, Taala and together they form Bharat, the nation. You must live up to what our country represents. Students, during Bhajans you must sing from the heart, full-throated. Community Bhajan is a very fulfilling activity. Guru Nanak was the foremost in pioneering this. It doesn’t serve any purpose if each individual sings in his own way; all voices should join as one. All hands should keep the same beat. All hearts should merge into one. When all sing together in a single voice, what happiness it gives! It is a delight to the ears. If each one goes his own way, it becomes a cacophony. Bhajan is meant to be delightful to hear. Each student must make efforts to attain Divinity through Bhajans. Whatever we contemplate upon, we attain that form. So, put your heart into it and chant God’s name with love. In the world today, a sacred environment is lacking and that is why there is much disturbance in thoughts. Students! Understand this point. Where is the air that we breathe? All around us! What are the things present in the air? Various bad sounds and smells pervade the air. When we inhale the air, we are affected by bad thoughts. As is the fire, so is the smoke; as is the smoke, so is the cloud; as is the cloud so is the rain; as is the fire so is the cooking. As is the food so is the head. So, what is the reason for losing our head? It is the impurities in the air that we inhale. The ‘AkashVani’ radio waves broadcast from Delhi, Madras or Bangalore are present in the air everywhere. Such energy waves can spread all over. We inhale all these. These sounds evoke bad thoughts and evil tendencies. You play the radio or someone plays gramophone records in the streets during weddings etc. They play meaningless songs always. These pollute the air. We need to purify the air before we inhale. Chanting God’s name is the way to purify it. If we do not chant Gods name the impurities enter into us. To turn meaningless worlds into meaningful sounds, make use of God’s name. These tape recorders also play such songs -‘Da daadaa…Da daadaa…’ (referring to film songs) Such songs, when they enter into us, we too turn into ‘Da daadaa!’ What good comes out of it? If we rather take in the sounds of Rama, Krishna, Govinda, such holy sounds start originating within us. Students, try to comprehend well the nature of Divinity. Here, whatsoever Swami initiates, has a purpose behind it. No purposeless activities take place here. This, you may not understand at this juncture. Gradually you will realise and begin to experience the benefits to some extent. So, do not neglect God’s name. Develop faith. In the world today, various atrocities take place due to the absence of faith. There is no dearth of education in the world. There are plenty of educated persons. But they have neither inner purity nor self-restraint. I told you the other day: Ravana acquired 64 types of knowledge. Rama learnt just 32 types. In learning and knowledge Ravana was superior to Rama. But how are they different? Rama was wise and Ravana was unwise. What is the mark of difference between wisdom and the lack of it? Rama controlled his senses whereas Ravana was a slave to his senses. That is why Valmiki said that Ravana was a fool. Was Ravana not educated? But despite the education, he succumbed to his senses. So, we must strive to control the senses. If we do not control them, they ruin us totally. They disgrace our sanctity of being human. They cause disrepute. So, depend up on Nama Smarana, consider it as a

Sri Sathya Sai lays the Foundation Stone for Dharmakshetra in Bombay Thursday, November 2, 1967 to Monday, November 6, 1967 Swami reached Hyderabad on 30th October 1967. He blessed the devotees at Hyderabad with His Darshan and Discourse on Deepavali (31st October and 1st November). Swami explained the significance of Deepavali in His Discourse. Swami left for Bombay on 2nd November and reached there at midnight. Swami laid the foundation stone for Dharmakshetra, the Center for Sai Seva activities at Bombay on 3rd November. He created a silver plate with the nine planetary signs carved on it to be placed in the foundation. He then hoisted the Prashanti Flag and unveiled the copper plaque announcing the inauguration of the construction of ‘Dharmakshetra’. Swami blessed the gathering with His Discourse and later blessed the devotees who were involved in the construction of Dharmakshetra. The function was presided over by Minister Sri P. K. Sawant. Both the Minister and Sri Indulal Shah, the President of Bombay Samiti, addressed the gathering prior to Swami’s Discourse.  That evening Swami inaugurated the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Dal, an Organisation of Sadhaks who render service to the weak, disabled and the distressed. Swami addressed the members of the Seva Samiti on the 4th. He met the members of the Prashanti Vidwan Maha Sabha, Maharashtra branch on the 5th at the residence of Sri. P. K. Sawant. Swami blessed the devotees with His Darshan during Bhajan sessions at Dharmakshetra site from the 4th to 6th. Swami addressed a gathering of distinguished invitees on the 6th. Swami gave yet another Discourse to the members of the Seva Samiti of Bombay on the 7th. Swami left for Pune that same evening and blessed the devotees there with His Divine Darshan. Swami drove to Brindavan via Satara, Belgaum, Dharwar, Hubli, Harihar and Tumkur on the 8th. He reached Brindavan on the 9th and left for Venkatagiri and Madras on the 10th. After blessing the devotees in these places, He returned to Prashanti Nilayam on 14th November.

A Student’s Perspective of the Sri Sathya Sai System of Integral Education – By Dr. Shashank Shah It was in March 2003 that the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Peer Team of the University Grants Commission (UGC) conferred the ‘A++’ ranking on the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning – the highest ranking given to any University in this country. In their observations they stated, “The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is the crest jewel of the University education system in the country. The model of education followed in this University is worthy of emulation by institutions of higher learning in this country and elsewhere.” What makes the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning the crest jewel of the University education system in the country? Is it the system of education followed here? Is it the state of the art infrastructure facilities – a planetarium, a fully equipped IT and Artificial Intelligence Lab, a world class-Olympic standard indoor stadium, a world class cricket stadium…? Is it its rural ambience? What is it that really makes it unique? In my opinion, it is all this put together. But above all, it is the Divine Love of the Revered Chancellor of this University – Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba for His students that makes all the difference and makes the University what it truly stands for. To trace the history of this unique University, let me take you back to the year 1951. It was on the occasion of the inauguration of the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Higher Secondary School at Bukkapatnam, that Swami nominated Prof. Kasturi to be His representative. In the invitation card, Prof. Kasturi’s qualifications were stated as PhD. The fact was that Prof. Kasturi had not done his PhD. So, Mr. Vitthal Rao (an ardent devotee of Bhagavan and father of Prof. Jayalakshmi Gopinath, Warden, Anantapur Campus Hostel) remarked, “Swami, from which University has Prof. Kasturi done his PhD?” With a twinkle in His eyes, Swami replied, “From the Puttaparthi University!” Peels of laughter followed. But the concrete manifestation of the Divine ‘Vajrasankalpa’ was seen by the same Prof. Kasturi thirty years later, when in front of his very own eyes, Swami inaugurated the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning – a Deemed University on November 22, 1981 at Prashanti Nilayam. This University was to be unique in many ways as an effective instrument in the unfolding of the Divine Mission. Bhagavan in one of the very first discourses addressed to the students stated the uniqueness of the University and the role it was to play in the years ahead. Here I quote Bhagavan’s own words – “This University has not been established just to prepare you for earning degrees. The main purpose is to help you to cultivate Self-knowledge and Self-confidence so that you all may learn self-sacrifice and earn Self-realisation. Teaching the University curricula, preparing you for the examinations and awarding university degrees are only the means employed for the end, namely spiritual upliftment, self-discovery and social-service through love and detachment. Our hope is that by your lives you will be shining examples of spiritual awareness and its beneficial consequences to the individual and society. This will not be like all other Universities which adopt a few faculties and burden their alumni with degrees, which they can present as begging bowls while clamouring for jobs. This University will confer on its alumni the courage and confidence, the knowledge and skill, to shape their careers by their own efforts, standing on their legs and relying on their strength. So we have proposed that spiritual education be integrated harmoniously with the teaching of ethical, physical and metaphysical subjects in this University.” Thus, out of Bhagavan’s direct guidance and involvement emerged the Sri Sathya Sai System of Integral Education (SSSSIE). But what does this SSSSIE do? To put it simply, the SSSSIE aims at the integrated and holistic personality development of students in the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual domains. Bhagavan has defined a balanced personality as an individual possessing the Head of Shankara (symbolising wisdom), the Heart of Buddha (symbolising compassion) and the Hands of Janaka Maharaja (symbolising selfless service). An attempt is made through this system to mould such ideal and balanced individuals. Bhagavan says, “In this University, the medium of instruction is Discipline. Love, Service and Sadhana are the first, second and third languages.” He always exhorts the students to pay more attention to duties and responsibilities. He says, “An educated citizen has more duties to discharge than privileges to enjoy. An educated citizen has more responsibilities to fulfill than rights to demand.” While other universities teach the which, where, what, when and how of life, this University, along with all these also teaches the why of life – the purpose of life. Though man is on a temporary sojourn on this planet of dust, he has a definite role to play by setting an ideal through his own example, just as the Lord had exhorted Arjuna to, and shown him the path of Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita. The scriptures declare: “Aahar Nidra Bhaya Maithunaadi, Samnyametat Pashubhir Naranaam;Jnanam Naranaam, Adhikam Visheshaha, Jnanena Shunya, Pashubhi Samanah” (Food, sleep, fear and procreation are common to man and animal. It is only the discriminative knowledge, the wisdom, which man has been endowed with that distinguishes him from the rest of the creation.) It is this discriminative knowledge – wisdom, which is sought to be imparted in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The life of a Sai student revolves around HIM. ‘Him’ of course means the Revered Chancellor – our Beloved Bhagavan. But it also means – Hostel Institute and Mandir. The secular values-based education received in the Institute, coupled with the spiritual inputs received at the Mandir, is put into actual practice in the Hostel through experiential learning. Let me elaborate on each of these. The students describe the Sri Sathya Sai Hostel as ‘A home where each lives for the other

Sri Sathya Sai Reveals the Significance of Number 9 June 15, 1995Bhagavan came out of His residence to the Mandir portico at 3.55 pm for Darshan.  The President of India (Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma) and the first lady of the country were present to receive His blessings. Swami granted them an interview. Later while speaking to the doctors… Swami : The President wanted to stay for two days. I told him that a lot of work is going on and so he should return on the same day. I told the President to cut down the security costs and that the ministers should minimise costs when they go on tour. This will be a good example of ‘Ceiling on Desires’. Swami also mentioned that the President, Prime Minister and many others wanted to come for His 70th Birthday, but with so many people around, it will be difficult to provide accommodation to all the dignitaries. After a while, Swami: (To a student) How many pillars are there in the Mandir? Student: Nine Swami : Wrong, without even counting, how did you say nine? Student : Swami, Divine number. Swami then went on to explain how the number nine was a divine number. Swami : Divinity is constant. So also the number nine. Multiply 9 with any number. Add up the digits of the answer. It totals to nine, always. For example: 9 x 12 = 108;  1+0+8=9 9 x 13 = 117;  1+1+7=9Number eight represents Maya. Maya keeps diminishing. For example, if we take: 8 x 1= 88 x 2 =16;       6+1=78 x 3 = 24;      2+4=68 x 4 =32;       3+2=5

Moments with Sri Sathya Sai at Kodaikanal – By Prof. G. Nageswara Rao Living with the Lord is an occasion when we are exposed to many spiritual teachings. Once in Kodaikanal, Bhagavan asked, “What is the greatest Sadhana?” Giving the answer Bhagavan said, “Following the Lord’s command is the greatest Sadhana.” Hanuman was near and dear to Lord Rama because to him the greatest Sadhana was to follow Rama’s command. Not following Bhagavan’s command is acting like the bus conductor who, for the sake of Rs. 2, accommodates more than the capacity of the bus the result of which is a flat tyre, adding Rs. 2000 to the cost. Bhagavan narrated an incident to show how following the Divine command will benefit us. Mr. Gopal Rao was president of Andhra Bank. Once all the Andhra Bank employees went on a strike demanding the fulfilment of their conditions. The president consulted Bhagavan and according to His guidance he did not budge. Days went by. One day Prime Minister Indira Gandhi phoned to Mr. Gopal Rao and asked him to come immediately to Delhi. Bhagavan told him not to go. Mr. Gopal Rao told the Prime Minister that he was not coming. The Prime Minister asked him, “With what courage are you talking?” He told, “Bhagavan asked me not to go.” The Prime Minister phoned the next day and told Mr. Gopal Rao, “You did a good thing not coming. The labour union leaders were waiting with machine guns and pistols at the airport to shoot you.” The Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Gopal Rao for his not coming. I was suffering from an allergy problem for several years. Even if I touch, cut or eat brinjal, I used to get swelling and itching all over the body. A small piece of cauliflower was enough to cause allergy. In 1997, Bhagavan took a group of students and teachers to Kodaikanal. On our way to Kodaikanal we stopped at Salem for lunch. One of the curries served was cauliflower, which I did not touch. Bhagavan finished His lunch and moving among us, came to me. Pointing towards the cauliflower curry He said, “This is vegetable, good for health. Take.” With hesitation I ate the curry. I was expecting allergic patches on my face the day and worried how to show my face, which would be swollen, to Bhagavan. The next day I was surprised to find that there was no allergy! After that I started eating all vegetables I was allergic to, like brinjal etc., and by Bhagavan’s grace the allergy problem never came back! In the evenings after Bhajans, we used to sit with Bhagavan to listen from Him the stories of Rama and Krishna. Bhagavan narrated some of the stories, which were not recorded in the Puranas. Surpanakha after being punished by Lakshmana did Tapas and her desire was fulfilled when she was born as Kubja and was blessed by Lord Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga. The dhobi who spoke ill of Sita in Rama Avatar was born as a dhobi in Dwapara and was killed by Krishna when he was taking clothes from Kamsa’s palace. Bhagavan also narrated how the eight queens were wedded to Krishna. In the kingdom by name Avanti, there were six powerful and ferocious bulls, which were harassing and killing many people. It was difficult to subdue those bulls. After many unsuccessful attempts to overpower these bulls the king made an announcement that whosoever would subdue the bulls would be given half the kingdom and the King’s daughter Bhadra in marriage. Many kings tried their best to subdue the bulls but failed. One day Krishna along with Satyaki single-handedly subdued the bulls. Krishna held the bulls by their horns, swung and hit them on the ground and killed them. The king gave his daughter in marriage to Krishna and presented a ring. Bhagavan created that ring and showed us. It had bullhead shape and there were eighteen gems (diamonds) studded in it making horns, eyes, nose, etc. Bhagavan mentioned that figure ‘18’ is very significant in Mahabharata and this came from this. There are 18 chapters in Bhagavad Gita and 18 Akshauhinis (a unit of the infantry and cavalry) army participated in the Kurukshetra Battle. One day Bhagavan narrated the story of Revati. Revati’s father Kushasma was the king of Kushasthali. Once he was attacked by Rakshasas and was defeated. Then he went to forest, losing his kingdom. He performed Tapas. Brahma appeared and asked him to express his desire. King Kushasma prayed to the Lord for the bright future for his only daughter, Revati. In response, Brahma gave a medallion, which contained a golden Hamsa (swan) fixed on a gold base. “Ask your daughter to wear this in her neck. The person who defeats your daughter in single combat will be her husband. He will defeat the demons and bring back your kingdom.” Telling this the Lord disappeared. Revati learnt both secular knowledge and martial arts under Sandeepani. One day Sandeepani arranged a show where his disciples participated in a martial arts competition. Revati was an expert in mace fight. Balarama was the only one equal to her. Balarama fought with her and defeated her in the combat. Along with Krishna, Balarama defeated Danavas (demons) and gave back the kingdom to Kushasma. Later Balarama was wedded to Revati. Bhagavan created the Hamsa ornament and showed it to us. In the stomach of the Hamsa Bhagavan’s head was there!  One day Bhagavan narrated the story of Kamsa. Jarasandha, father-in-law of Kamsa performed Aswamedha Yagna. He requested Kamsa to go behind the Yagnasva to conquer the opposed kings. He gave a ring ‘Vijayanguli’ (given to him by Lord Siva) to Kamsa. The person wearing it would be victorious in the battle. After the Yagna the ring was with Kamsa. Bhagavan materialised this ring also. It was a big ring with a green gem. The Darshan of Bhagavan is an elevating experience. Let me narrate an experience of

What are the Qualities Sai Students should possess? My Dear Students! You are not aware of what kind of feelings you should cultivate. Your hearts should become flawless, ever blissful, eternal, pure, kind and perfect. You should have a heart full of such good qualities. Instead, if you fill your heart with wicked qualities like jealousy and hatred, how can you see God? Drive away these wicked qualities. Develop good qualities, and you can attain real peace in your life. We build a dam across the river and store the water to use it for agricultural purposes. Only then, the river will find its fulfillment. A man’s life is like that of a river. Across this river of life, a dam of renunciation should be built and the love should flow into everyone’s heart. The heart itself is a big field. God says, “I am the field and I am the knower of the field.” Without the knower of the field, the field cannot exist. Both the field and the knower of the field are God Himself. The object and the reflection are equally God-like. The same is the case of a director and an actor. When you understand this principle, you realise God. Today, the books that students read are of less use. All these books are only about the world and the worldly things. They contain only theoretical knowledge. You are becoming heroes in theory and zeroes in practical knowledge. All of you should become heroes in practical learning. What are you going to get in this worldly learning? You study for the sake of happiness. However, are you satisfied by merely passing in the examinations? No. Then you go for higher studies. Are you happy, even after getting big degrees? No. Next, you apply for a job. However, are you contented after getting into a job? No. Now you want a higher salary. To what extent can you go on like this? It goes on like this until the last breath. Before your death too, if the doctor wants to give an injection, you will request him not to give any painful injection! Man struggles to attain happiness from cradle to the grave. He looks for bliss. Is he really experiencing the bliss? No. He is caught up in the cycle of birth and death. It is said, ‘Punarapi Jananam, Punarapi Maranam’ (going through the cycle of birth and death). Repeatedly you take birth, after dwelling in the womb of the mother. How long can you live? You have to face this birth again. How can you attain peace if you are caught up in this vicious cycle of birth and death? You should try to attain peace when you have life with you. So, develop love. Like a magnet, love draws God near to you. God Himself will attract you. But you do not have such a powerful magnet. God is a magnet and you are an iron piece. If you keep the iron piece clean, the magnet will attract it. If you allow the iron piece to rust, the magnet cannot attract it. Then you start thinking that this magnet of God is powerless. However, there is enough power in this ‘Magnet.’ It is only the iron piece, which is unclean. You have to clean it properly. The process of cleaning is Sadhana (spiritual practice). The nine forms of worship are, listening to God’s glories, chanting His name, contemplation on God, serving the Lord’s Lotus Feet, salutation, worship, servitude, friendship and complete self-surrender to the Almighty.

Thirty-Fifth Birthday Celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Wednesday, November 23, 1960 and Thursday, November 24, 1960 On 23rd November, 1960 Swami hoisted the Prashanti Flag at 8.30 am. As Swami sat in His silver throne, the parents, Sri Pedda Venkappa Raju and Smt. Easwaramma ceremonially applied oil to Swami’s hair and offered worship. This was followed by the Burgula Ramakrishna Rao couple and the Bhagavantam couple along with a few other devotees offering their homages to Swami. Each and every devotee was given the golden opportunity to offer a garland to Swami, which He graciously accepted. Swami blessed the devotees with Jhoola Darshan in the evening. Prior to Swami’s Discourse, Brahmasri Bairagi Sastry addressed the devotees. In His Birthday message Swami said, “Believe in Me, this Puttaparthi is soon going to become a Tirupati. Thousands of Yogis, Sadhus and aspirants will come here in the future to derive solace and salvations. The reestablishment of ‘Sanatana Dharma’ will emanate from here”. The occasion was drawn to a close with Swami inaugurating the ‘Dynamo House’ which would provide Prashanti Nilayam with a perennial supply of electricity. 24th November, 1960 was a red letter day in the history of Puttaparthi. Dr. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao laid the foundation stone for the school building at Puttparthi on that day. The significant event of that day was the coming together of the villagers led by the Panchayat President, the Karnam and the Reddy, burying their aversion for Swami, in order to participate in the celebrations. It was evident that Swami’s overpowering love was the power behind this miraculous change of hearts. Swami openly declared His joy over the change that had come over the villagers. He declared, “I shall never move to any other place”. It was indeed a great day! Swami multiplied the joy of the villagers by visiting the houses of the Karnam, the Reddy and a number of other villagers.  

Excessive Executive Salaries – The Cause for Moral Decline: Sri Sathya Sai Perspective People should not assume that education is for a mere living. On the contrary, education is for life and not for mere living. Animals, birds and beasts are also living. To which educational institutions have they gone? What formal schooling did they undergo? If education is for the sake of livelihood alone, then education is not required. The education that people receive must become useful for others in society. One’s life must turn out to be an ideal life.Unfortunately, today’s youth pursuing business studies, dream to secure good jobs in the corporate world, occupy big managerial positions, earn fat salaries and lead a luxurious life. This is not the only purpose of existence. If one wishes to increase one’s salary, then what is one required to do? Today, production is gradually declining. Declining production causes an increase in prices. When prices increase, salaries also increase. When salaries (resulting in excess purchasing power in the hands of people leading to conspicuous consumption and extravagant life styles) increase beyond a safe limit, morality decreases in society. When morality declines in society, the world will face problems. What is the reason for the decline in morality? Very high compensation packages are the cause for the decline of human values in society. Each one has to question oneself whether one’s work corresponds to the value of one’s salary. In the factories today, the expenditure is increasing significantly. The reason is that because of decline in morality, the spirit of work is lost in man. In India, there does not appear to be appropriate work ethics. This is the reason why prices are increasing. If people compare Japan and India, they can easily make out the difference between these two countries. The Japanese have the right attitude towards work. They work very hard and consequently, the productivity increases. Whether it is a watch, soap or a transistor, the Japanese try to make it at a low cost. All the daily needs cost very little in Japan. The reason is the spirit at work. As against this backdrop, employees in other nations want to earn more salary, but are not willing to increase the amount of production. Due to such a mind-set, the Indian economic situation is gradually deteriorating. Educated people are not prepared to accept every job that is offered to them. There are millions of educated youth now available in the job market. To how many people can the government give jobs? They do not have sufficient money to meet the salary bills of the existing workforce on pay rolls. A further increase in salaries would have unfavourable impact on government exchequer. There are other flaws in business. When work is carried out without any regard to truth and morality, it may run without any problems for some time, but tough times are bound to follow. Managers are paid huge salaries so that they would be subservient before the Directors. The Directors too would not expose the shortcomings in the management. In reality the person who ventures to point out the deficiencies in management is a true organisational man. There may be educated and accomplished people among the directors on the Board, but they are made silent for various reasons. There are associations and societies which permit elected officials to enter into activities like advertising. Instead of giving publicity to worthy items in the market, they give room for politics because of which the social environment is getting vitiated.