I am most fortunate… Former Finance Minister and the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Konijeti Rosaiah has been one of the most dedicated faces in the state politics. This humble and simple septuagenarian deemed his being one among the millions of Sai devotees the highest privilege in his life, outshining other decorated political and administrative positions he had held and is currently holding, namely the gubernatorial post as the Governor of the State of Tamil Nadu. Address by His Excellency Sri. K. Rosaiah on November  23, 2011 in Prasanthi Nilayam On this auspicious occasion of the 86th Birthday of our most Beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, I convey my greetings to all the devotees, elders, brothers and sisters. This is the first birthday we are celebrating in the physical absence of our Beloved Bhagawan. Though Bhagawan is physically not present amongst us now, He is spiritually the Indweller in our hearts not only now, but forever and ever. Bhagawan continues to grant His physical presence to those who yearn to see Him physically and hear His nectarine words. However, those who are engaged in other thoughts and activities may not be able to feel His Divine Presence. Puttaparthi is a famous pilgrim centre, since Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba had chosen to make it His birthplace. This is a holy place. We read in the Puranas and legends that Lord Krishna was born in Mathura. We believe in it and visit that place and experience great bliss. The great epic Ramayana tells us that Ayodhya was the birthplace of Lord Sri Rama. Even now people go to Ayodhya with intense yearning to have the darshan of Lord Sri Rama and experience Divine Bliss. In the same way, Puttaparthi, the birthplace of Beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is a great pilgrim centre for all of us. This is a holy place, for God Himself had incarnated here and walked amongst the devotees, granting His holy darshan every day to millions of people from all over the world. He strove tirelessly for over eight decades to teach good behavior to all of us and bring about a transformation in our hearts. He exhorted one and all to live in love, peace and happiness. Not even once in His Divine life He desired to have anything for Himself. His only desire was to make us desireless. I always feel that I am most fortunate, not because I became a minister, a chief minister or a governor, but because I became one among the millions of devotees of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It gives me tremendous satisfaction and happiness. Bhagawan used to call us ‘Bangaroo!’ endearingly. Today we miss that endearing call. However, think for a moment from the depths of your heart about Bhagawan’s infinite love and affection for us. We will still be able to feel the sweet sound of Bhagawan’s call ringing in our ears. No doubt there were people who doubted and criticized God in puranic times too. We need not care for such people. Wherever there is good, we must be able to welcome it. We need not be concerned about all other things. Some people indulge in loose and unnecessary talk whether Sri Sathya Sai Baba is God or not. When we look at the great service activities undertaken by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations under the Divine inspiration and guidance of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in India and abroad keeping Puttaparthi as His headquarters, it is clear that only God can undertake and complete such gigantic tasks and none else. Puttaparthi was once a remote village and today it is the headquarters of Avatar Sri Sathya Sai Baba Whose mission has reached every nook and corner of the world and His Divine Name is being chanted by millions in 151 countries.  What more proof is required to call Him God? Today we are celebrating the Birthday of ‘that God’ in the absence of His physical form. Today all the devotees gathered here in vast numbers firmly believing that Bhagawan is spiritually present here, though not physically. Come! Let’s march forward with such sincere and firm belief…let’s undertake more and more service activities for the benefit of the society… May we all walk in the path shown by Bhagawan by improving ourselves and working for the uplift of the society! Come! Let’s help our fellow human beings as exhorted by our Beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba! I am beholden to Bhagawan for granting me this opportunity of participating in this programme along with you all. P

The Way Forward to Excellence… All India President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations Sri V. Srinivasan delivered the valedictory address of the two day Convention of Sri Sathya Sai Schools held in Prasanthi Nilayam on 18th and 19th February 2012. Following is the full text of the valedictory address. With deep gratitude and humility, I offer my loving pranams at the Lotus Feet of our Beloved Bhagawan. Dear Fellow Devotees, Distinguished Faculty Members and Colleagues, Principals and Management Officers of the Sai Schools. Sai Ram to all of you! Over the last two days, we have had intensive discussions on various subjects connected with the Theme of this Convention. It is appropriate that this Convention is being held at the abode of our Beloved Bhagawan, since He was a perfectionist in all matters and Excellence was His characteristic. He always inspired all to strive for Excellence in everything that we did. He said that it was part of our real nature to strive for excellence and it was a sin to be content with anything less in our actions and thoughts. I would first of all like to share with you what we have propagated in the Sai Organisation after Bhagawan’s Mahasamadhi. It is our belief now that all the years that each one of us has spent with the physical form of Bhagawan is really a period of preparation for the Divine Mission which start now. We also recall Bhagavan’s assurances to us that He is present wherever His work is done and His name is taken. So it is our duty to intensify His work that He has blessed us to do and to take His name in greater and greater measure. The work connected with Sai Schools is His work and it is Divine work. It is now beholden on us to intensify our efforts in this holy work and we should do this taking His name constantly. I would also like to share with you my discussion with our brothers from Odisha day before yesterday. I was asking about the Sai Schools in that state. It emerged that conditions in several schools is less than ideal. It came out in the discussion that education in Government schools is free, mid day meals are provided, in some cases even cycles are being given, and the teachers are paid very high salaries. Yet the waiting list for our school is long, the results in the examinations of our schools is better, our teachers who are well qualified are working with devotion and dedication for a pittance of a salary. The parents of the children prefer to admit their children into Sai Schools rather than into Government Schools. This deeply affected me as to the faith and confidence that people have in Bhagawan and all that He does. What a great responsibility it places on all of us as instruments of Bhagawan to ensure that the confidence of these simple people is not misplaced due to our shortcomings. The worthy speakers have clarified what is meant by Excellence, both in Academic and Human terms and have also stated that mere Academic Excellence without being sheathed in an envelope of Human Values is no Excellence at all but a perfidy. We must always keep these directions in our mind and also impress them on the minds of our students. Bhagawan had always highlighted the importance of being good rather than only great. I have reflected on the points mentioned in the speeches at this Convention and have also received some more ideas by the Grace of Bhagavan. I will enumerate my thoughts below: All connected with the Sai Schools should be conscious that they are not alone but are part of the vast Sai family. This is the greatest fortune in the world. This gives us access to many resources and strengths. At the same time, this also places a responsibility to appreciate that all our actions will not only reflect on us but also on the Sai family. So we must act with great awareness and maturity. The Right to Education Legislation has created great consternation amongst many schools. Not so with the Sai Schools: we welcome the opportunity to serve the disadvantaged sections of society and will observe the letter and spirit of the law. We had talked earlier about the need to have greater contact with and involvement of the alumni of the Sai Schools. Unfortunately, this has not received adequate attention. We must now take up this matter with zeal. Each school should build up a data base of its alumni. In fact, we should build up a National Data Base of the alumni of all Sai Schools. The Secretary of the National Council of Sai Schools should personally oversee this task. A report should be submitted at the next meeting of the National Council on the progress of this work. I suggest that there must be greater recognition of the Sai Schools in all Organisational functions. There must also be more involvement of the students and staff in the Organisational activities. In addition to the service activities that the students do within the schools, they should participate in the service activities through the Organisation. It is the responsibility of the Office bearers of the Organisation to structure suitable activities to enable the students to participate. It must become mandatory that all service and spiritual activities of the students external to the schools should be only through the Organisation. We should certainly examine the need for uniformity of certain infrastructure in all Sai Schools, at least in the rural areas. We can set up a small task force to take up this work. Toilets and water supply should be the first priority. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has agreed to finance the infrastructure in Schools, especially in rural areas, with a limit of Rs twenty five lakhs per school. While it is preferable to have some contribution from the local Sai State Trusts

Experiencing the Divine – From the Form to the Formless Dr. Samuel Sandweiss, a familiar name among Sai Fraternity gave an exposition of his version of Bhagawan’s omnipresence, speaking as a participant in the colloquium on the theme, “Experiencing the Divine – From the Form to the Formless”. Here is the full transcript of the speech. Dearest Beloved Swami who is omnipresent and always with us, pranams at Your divine lotus feet. I pray that Your love comes through these words so that we have your darshan. Respected members of revered ashrams of sacred India, esteemed elders, brothers and sisters, how happy I am to be here with you today – gathered as a family with Swami, aware of His presence, feeling as one in His love. Swami has told us that although we all look different – “I say ‘I,’ you say ‘I,’ he says ‘I,’ she says ‘I,’ all seem different in physical appearance – we all are one in the experience of ‘I.’” Yes, we are all one in the ‘I’ of Sai! This is a very auspicious time, as we reflect on a passing: a passing of something that does not come or go. What brings us here is a form that is formless, a light that dissolves differences and unites us in love. Today’s topic gives me the opportunity to reflect on Swami’s omnipresence. Omnipresence means that He is always with us, ever providing and protecting – and that we can be with Him, in His various forms, or formless, whenever we turn to Him. He can appear to us in any way He wills. Swami has left His physical body, but He is still with us in many forms: in dreams, visions, vibhuti, visitations, a sense of His presence. In His Universal form He can be found in all beings and is manifesting in all world religions and traditions in their forms of worship. And in the formless? My understanding of the formless is that it is infinite silence, eternal peace, emptiness of desires and attachments: pure love, which is everything. Swami has given us what scientists have been seeking for years–the theory of everything — summed up in His seemingly simple advaitic statement, “Everything is nothing–and nothing is everything.” As I understand this inconceivable statement — there is no separation — only one–and that one is everything — that one is love. Love is the basis — the cause of all causes. This is a vision into the core of creation and the path to peace. Swami once described this state to me–”every thing is coming out of you”–He said –and then– holding my shirt pocket open He added — “and when every thing comes out, Swami jumps in” – and Swami dove His fingers into my pocket. Swami not only tells us that He is ever-present when we turn to Him; He also tells us why He is with us. It is to awaken us from the dream – from our attachment to the physical body and sensory world – so that consciousness soars into the region of oneness with Him. Pure love. He comes to help us realize: “What exists is only the perceiver of both the dream and waking state. That is the “I.” Know that “I”–and know that “I” is the same as God.” Swami comes to help us realize that Self is God, as the bhajan goes: “I am God, I am God, I am no different from God. I am love, I am truth, I am peace eternally. I am Sath Chit Ananda Swarupa.” And Swami not only tells us why divinity is with us in form and formless, but also how to come to Him: “Knowing the ‘I’ – the Self – can only be achieved through intense spiritual discipline devoid of anger, envy, and greed.” Eliminating anger, envy, and greed – the purification of the mind through upholding dharma – the practice of love: this is the highest spiritual discipline, which reveals our divine Self. Swami once asked what I would like, and I replied, “You Swami,” not knowing exactly what I was asking for – only that being with Swami was the source of my highest happiness. “Take me I’m yours,” He said, holding His arms out as if hugging the universe. “But who am I? I’m not this body: these feelings, thoughts, mind. I am not intellect, not bliss – then who am I?” Yes, who am I – that is the question to consider today. And the answer is found in Swami’s omnipresent love. By turning to Him, by practicing His teachings of love and service, we enter into Him. “Love all, as you love me,” He says, and then we realize that the answer to the question, “Who am I?” is – So Hum, So Hum, So Hum: I am He, I am He, I am He.  OMNIPRESENCE I personally have experienced Swami’s omnipresence most intensely when doing His work. For instance, my wife Sharon and I have hosted a Sai Baba Center in our home for over 38 years. Involvement with Swami’s devotional, educational, and service activities over these years has had a deep effect on my inner life. Developing this kind of close relationship – bringing Him into all activities, while releasing consequences and selfishness – makes the connection profoundly personal. One of my friends was so taken with Swami’s personal love that he clung to His feet and cried out, “Oh Swami, I love you so much! I want you to be my personal Swami – only for me.” And Swami replied, “I am your personal Swami. I’m everyone’s personal Swami.” Story 1 – Swami is omnipresent, so look for Him, find Him, everywhere and in everyone – and find our real Self. One day as a young psychiatrist, I was called to see a patient in the locked unit of a psychiatric hospital. He was a middle-aged, wasted and weathered man who had been picked up on the street in a confused state. He had not bathed

Governor’s Aradhana… One of the most decorated officers of Indian Civil Services, His Excellency Sri ESL Narasimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, held many important positions including that of the Director of Intelligence Bureau before assuming gubernatorial posts for the states of Chattisgarh, followed by Andhra Pradesh. Delivering Chief Guest’s address during the Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam held in April, the Governor spoke of His perceptions about Bhagawan. Given below is a sub-edited text of the Govenor’s speech delivered on 24th April 2012, at Sai Kulwant Hall, in Prasanthi Nilayam. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Vaari Aasheessulu Teesukoni…. Naa mundu unde Ee Sai Bhaktha Saamraajyam, Naa Kanulaku Kanipinchakunda Sarva Lokamulandu Unna Sai Bhaktha Saamraajyam… Andaraku Na Vandanaalu. Bhagawan ni nenu Suryudu Ani Bhaavistaanu. Suryudiki udayam ledu, asthamayam ledu. Adi Nirantaramaina Prakruthi. Atlaane, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba vaariki kooda udayam ledu, asthamayam ledu. Aayanadi nirantharamaina Prakruthi. Suryudu Oka Samayamlo okachota, Inkoka samayamlo inkokachota kanipistaadu. Sarva Prakrutilo Andariki Samtosham Ichchevadu Suryudu. Atlaane, Ee lokamlo unna sarava janulaku samtoshaanni Ichche Mahaanubhaavudu Sri Sathya Sai Baba. “Aadithya Hrudayam Punyam Sarva Shatru Vinaashanam” ani Cheputaaru. Bhagawanto Sambandham pettukunna vaarilo unna satruvulanu naashanam chese shakthi aayanaki unnadi. Mana Manasulalo unna satruvulu evaru? Kaamam, krodham. Madam, lobham. Ee naalugintini aayana teeyaledu, mana manasulone pettinaaru. Kaani ee negative gunaalani positive ga maarchinaaru. With the blessings of Bhagawan I convey my salutations to all those who are part of Baba’s empire of devotees, not only this vast gathering in front of my eyes here, but the denizens of this empire of devotees all over the world – my salutations once again. I consider Bhagawan verily as the Sun. There is no rising or setting for the sun; It is eternal. Baba is also an Eternal Being with no arising or setting. The Sun shines at some time in one part of the world and at some other, at some other time. He confers his benefits and blessings to all at all times. Similarly, for all beings of this world, Sri Sathya Sai Baba confers blessings all the time. “Aditya Hrudayam Punyam Sarva Shatru Vinaasanam” is the statement in the Aditya Hrudya strotram. The same powers of destroying enemies are there replete in Baba. Who are these internal enemies in us? Baba did not destroy them but retained and transformed them from negative tendencies to positive traits, for instance, Kama (desire/passion), Krodha (anger), Madha (pride), Lobha (greed). He changed each of these highly negative traits by reversing the direction and turned them into a passion for service, krodha as anger against one’s self for failing in being service-minded, lobha as prayer to God for more and more opportunities for service of society, etc. In this manner, He taught us to reverse the negative tendencies to positive ones. Well, Sri Venkataraman was kind enough to prove his devotion to Sri Sathya Sai Baba, when he made the statement that Bhagawan conceived this book, that Bhagawan guided this book, that Bhagawan wrote this book, that Bhagawan published this book but I find fault with Mr.Venkataraman for only one thing, that I would like to say, that Bhagawan released this book today in your midst. Bhagawan may not be in our physical presence today, you may say so but I don’t agree with you. Because, Bhagawan is somebody Whom you experience, you don’t see. You have to experience the presence of Bhagawan and not see it. Right now sitting here you cannot see the Sun, can you say there is no Sun?  You cannot. You are experiencing the effects of and the impacts of Sun, so also while Bhagawan may not be here with us in our presence here today, probably He is in some other part of the globe giving that Sun and light and illumination to another group of Sai Bhakta Samrajyam. So that is the importance of Bhagawan. Though exactly a year back, on this very day, at 7 am, when we got the message in Hyderabad, saying the light has gone out of our lives, my first reaction was, it is a wrong way, light has not gone out of our lives, light has in fact come into our lives. Because,  Bhagawan’s this act (act of shedding His mortal frame) was, I am shedding My form, My physical form, but My Atma, I am putting into everyone of you. And that is what He did, so I felt that He provided us the light, He provided us the Atma, into everyone of us, and He did not leave us at all. He only made us stronger by putting in us this determination that we will abide by His direction and by following His teachings to all of us. What is so unique about Baba that we keep on talking about? Some call Him Baba, namely Father, some address Him as Swami, a Master or a Guru and some address Him as Bhagawan, that is God. I would say that Swamiji was Three in One, He was a Baba, He was a Swami, He was Bhagawan. It was all these three put together in One. As Baba, He would adopt a different approach in every role that He played, as far as little that I know of Swamiji. As a Baba, that is a Father, when we go to Him, as His children or Pilallu, He would say Bangaram; He would never address you by name, He would always say Banagram. He saw in you a golden spec as a child; He saw that you are gold, the almighty gold. And when you looked at Him as a Swami or a Master or a Guru, He would command you to do a job and that job was done. In fact, last time, during one of the visits, when I was told about the hostel that was being built and asked them what was the time limit, they said, so and so many days. I asked, will you complete it? and the person said, this is the command of Swami; we have no choice;

With Love Man Is God… Ms. Sharon Sandweiss was blessed with an opportunity to speak in the Divine Presence on the occasion of Ladies’ Day 2009. In a gesture that is normal for any speaker, Sharon, upon coming to the podium, went upto Bhagawan seeking Divine blessings and in that moment of bliss missed out offering the Rose that was meant for Bhagawan. After reaching the mike, upon realizing her “folly”, she rushed back to Bhagawan with an apologetic smile, presenting the flower and what followed was a stream of unsullied love for the Divine. She spoke about Him and His Love sharing glimpses from His conversations with the Sandweiss family in some of the interviews. With deep humility and love I offer Pranams at the holy feet of our Beloved Sai Baba. Respected elders, brothers and sisters, and dear students, I am honoured and deeply humbled to stand before you today. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Sai Baba for His loving compassion. Thank You, Baba, for Your love. Thank You for this festive, sacred, and meaningful day when we celebrate the sanctity of motherhood and the courage, compassion and amazing capabilities of women. I PRAY THAT YOUR DIVINE LOVE COMES THROUGH MY WORDS. Recently, my husband and I tried to express our gratitude. “Baba, You are always serving others. How can we help You?” Baba smiled and said, “I don’t need your help. You help your husband, and he helps you. You’re one.  AND I HELP EVERYONE.” “But Baba,” we cried. “We love You so much!” Baba responded, “And I love you more!” How can one understand this Divine Love? This DIVINE LOVE is irresistible. It has brought us here from nearly every country and religion in the world. We all love our country, our sacred books, our family customs and special spices. Yet, we hunger for the same thing: We all want peace. We all want to love and be loved. Once, my husband and I shared an interview with a large group. Baba started asking, “Where are you from?”  The answer, “Russia.” He went around the room, asking everyone. Then He playfully asked me, “Are you from Russia too?” I answered, “No Baba”–but then I remembered, “Oh—But my grandparents were from Russia.”  Baba smiled lovingly, and said, “See the Connection.  ALL are connected. All are One.” At first Glance, Russia and America seem very distant. Yet, the distance shrinks when compared to the vastness of space. We all inhabit MOTHER EARTH. We share the mighty mountains and great oceans. We are responsible to each other. When a factory belches toxic air, we all suffer everywhere. But when we offer love and work for the good of all in ONE UNITED VOICE, we can hear the UNIVERSE rejoice! Thirty-seven years ago I was like many others. I worried about life and I worried about death, I worried about our children, and I worried about our pets. I smiled on the outside; but inside I was a sad and fearful soul facing a universe that seemed meaningless. Fortunately, I married Samuel, who was constantly searching for meaning. In 1972 Sam went to India in search of God, and returned a month later transformed. He exclaimed, “God is on earth in the form of Sai Baba, You are God, I am God. Everything is God! Now our lives will change forever.”  What was he talking about?  Who was Sai Baba? What would happen to us?  I was confused and scared. WE have to remember that this was in 1972, in the ‘Dark Ages’ before the internet.  Today we click a button and instantly connect with our wonderful Radio Sai to hear Baba’s words. But in 1972, it wasn’t easy to find information about Sai Baba, especially in the West. I watched Samuel closely after that first trip. He was truly transformed–Happier, Calmer, more Peaceful, more Patient, and best of all, he became more Loving!!  (Of course, he was always a loving person.  He just became MORE loving.) I was amazed.  Can a person change so quickly? I, too, wanted peace.  I, too, wanted faith! Within a few months I was on a plane to India with my husband. Baba had spared me a life of despair.  He has brought Sanctity and Joy to our family life. Sai Baba is a living presence in our life. He knows and loves each one of us. He lives in our heart as love, and love is all that’s lasting! My husband and I were thrilled to tell our daughters—you’re not just the body. —You’re Divinity Itself. You’re pure love. Be Bold, Brave- like lions-and Unafraid, Follow your Conscience, think Sacred Thoughts, do Good Deeds, seek Good Company; You may stumble & fall, but problems are your teacher. Your loving Sai is by your side. Speak to Him—He’s in your heart as love! Telling our children is not enough; they’re quick to see hypocrisy! We must become the example and show unity in thought, word, and deed. How can we tell our children to speak sweetly, if we’re shouting at our spouse? We must practice and refine, until we sparkle and shine. Following is a brief example of this truth. When my husband returned from India, he immediately became a vegetarian!!  This was unusual in America, where people think a meal without meat is incomplete! At first I was offended —he was refusing my cooking.  But within a month or two, I suddenly realized that I was eating an animal, and I immediately became a vegetarian! But how could we force our 4 young daughters to make such a radical change? Baba says that He is the Source, not the Force. So we told the girls that we would no longer have meat in the house, but that they could eat it outside the home. But one day our twin daughters, who were about 7 years old, said to us, “Mommy—Daddy–we love animals too much.  We don’t want to EAT them!”  Their

Experiencing Divinity From Close Quarters… Former English Professor and Warden of Anantapur Campus of ‘Sri Sathya Sai University’, Prof. (Mrs.)  Jayalakshmi Gopinath, known as “Jai Amma” as Bhagawan would fondly call her, had the rarest heavenly boon of being in the Divine fold of Bhagawan from a very early age. …And right from the beginning of her stint with the Divinity Personified, the Professor has been learning invaluable lessons, most of them learnt at close quarters with Divinity, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai. Addressing the International Convention of Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Gurus, in the year 2001, the veteran professor spoke of some of the invaluable lessons she was fortunate to learn from her Beloved Lord. Given below is the transcription of her speech delivered during the International Convention of Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Gurus, held in the year 2001 in the immediate Divine Presence in Prasanthi Nilayam. My humble, prayerful, loving, and grateful pranams at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan Baba, the greatest Guru of gurus, the World Teacher, the Divine One. I am not using bombastic terms, when I say this string of adjectives as pranams, but I mean every word I say. Loving, yes. Who cannot love Bhagawan? Reverential and prayerful we definitely ought to be. We have got to understand, though we donot understand that He is Divinity Incarnate. Grateful, yes. We definitely have to be grateful for His Love, for His guidance, and for all that He has done and is doing for the whole of humanity. We are blessed, blessed indeed, all of us. Honorable members, Bal Vikas gurus, fellow pilgrims on this Divine Path – the Sai Path, I cannot do anything but say “I bow down to this whole spectacular gathering”. It is a tradition, especially in India, that a speaker pays his or her pranams to the gathering, to the assembly and so do I. What is it that I have to say today, in the presence of Divinity,Who is all-knowing? We have witnessed, as the previous speaker has said, the three days, when Bhagawan did not spare Himself; He did not spare any efforts to be with the delegates, to guide them, to teach them lovingly, and then tell us what it is that we have to do. Tirelessly, moment to moment, that is what He is trying to do to all of us, trying to teach us at the moment, in the context of what has to be taught to us teachers. I am a very simple teacher, I am not a guru of any sort, but I have understood one aspect of this great, great Guru – His love, His patience,and His wisdom. These are beyond human comprehension. I have witnessed many a time and experienced how Bhagawan synthesizes. There is absolutely no difference for Bhagawan between what is old and what is new, such as exists in our minds, because we have our preconceived notions. Our perceptions are limited and many a time, we do not want to change, unless the Divine One wills us to build up the samskaras and realize that it is this great Divine Teacher to Whom we have to submit. He synthesises ancient and modern learning, which seem diverse. The link between the two is not a subject we can study, not the manner in which we study, nor the books we read, but it is the way we interact – the guru and the students. And that, Bhagawan stressed, is love and love alone. He told us yesterday, when He was speaking: “All I require is your signature of love on the cheque of your heart. Well, that signature, if it is passed on to the bank where I am the Chief Manager, everything will be done, everything will be alright with you, and there you would have succeeded and that would have been an achievement, because you would have realized that love is the underlying principle in everything.” How far we teachers have practised what Swami has advised with so much concern and love, is what hurts me today. When Bhagawan said the other day; “I am talking less, because somebody remarked that I was talking too much.” Who is that person who had the heart to say it, leave alone the wisdom.We don’t know many things, though we think we know a lot. But where was your heart, when you said this? Well, if you think that you are much better than Bhagawan, why don’t you do the things that He has accomplished? Why don’t you build Super Specialty Hospitals and other projects that cater to the solace and the comfort, physical and mental, of people? Why don’t you install institutions of Education and teach all the students free of cost? Why don’t you give away gifts of love that He has been making, from the moment He proclaimed that He is Sathya Sai Baba? Why don’t you have the patience and love to carry on whatever you have to do? It went like a shaft into my heart, because I have known and experienced Bhagawan’s immense and unconditional love towards all of us. I have always wondered, when I have been alone with myself in my room; “God, what have I done to deserve this? Am I accomplishing what You wanted me to accomplish?” And my heart tells me, “No, the expectations, perhaps He had of you, you have not yet fulfilled.” Well, those are our limitations. That is all I can say. On this holy occasion, (Bhagawan says that every day is holy, every day is a festival) so many of us have gathered here at the Lotus Feet, in the Divine Presence of our beloved Bhagawan, (forgive me, if I repeat it again and again), the greatest of Gurus, the World Teacher, the Beloved One. If you have gathered here today, definitely, it is an auspicious day. May I, in this context, just relate to you how He has taught me many things? Way back in

Tsunami Of Divine Grace On Japan… During the most turbulent times, when Japan was hit by one of the worst ever natural disasters, earth quake and tsunami in March 2011, how the country suffered and during the most trying times how Bhagawan saved the land, protecting the country with His Divine Grace…Ms Kayoko Hira’s Ladies Day 2012 speech was revealing enough, giving  glimpses of Divine Grace On Japan. I offer my most humble pranams at the Divine Lotus Feet of Bhagawan. Revered elders, and my dear brothers and sisters, Sai Ram from all devotees of Japan. First of all let us pray for people who are suffering from hunger, poverty, war, conflicts, diseases and domestic violence all over the world. On March 11, 2011, a tragedy of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. 15 thousand people died and 3 thousand missing.  4 lakhs people became homeless. Suddenly small children became orphans, young brides became widows, homes were destroyed and nuclear power radiation gave fear of disease and death for millions. We, Japanese never forget that aid groups from all over the world came to Japan for rescue.  Many countries sent relief to earthquake victims and innumerable people all over the world offered prayer for Japan.  India’s Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, offered prayer at parliament.  254 countries and international organizations sent official letters of sympathy to our Emperor, Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Today, Japan is on the way of recovery. Many people lost their homes and jobs but the government provided housing and people survive on public assistance. It is a phase to focus on their employment stability and mental care. There are millions of episodes. Please let me share some of the most unforgettable one.  There was one Japanese youth working in one poor village in Africa.  When the villagers heard about the calamity in Japan, they wanted to do something to help Japan.  The village head told her that “We cannot send money to Japan. In this village, we can harvest only beans.  Please send our beans to the earthquake victims in Japan.” In Africa, 15 countries sent monetary donations to Japan, but 10 of them are called the poorest countries as their per capita gross national income is under two dollars. When we heard about this episode, many Japanese shed tears.  Seva is action from bottom of the heart, Love.  Quantity is not important.  The most important is quality and love. Please allow me to share Bhagawan’s grace upon Japanese victims of the earthquake. On 14th March 2011, Brother Hira telephoned Sri Chakravarthi from Tokyo to report the great national devastation to Bhagawan. Hira asked for Bhagawan’s permission and protection of life from intense radiation for the Sai Seva devotees to pass through nuclear contamination areas.  After a few hours Br. Chakravarthi informed that Bhagawan has most graciously given permission to start immediate Sai Seva to victims. Bhagawan said “I shall protect you all.  Go.” Convoys of Sathya Sai Seva trucks carrying hundreds of tons of relief supplies. 6000 litres of water, hundreds of thousands of meals, medicines, clothings were arranged in overnight operation. As all the roads were broken down, government had ordered civilian transport curfew. With Baba’s grace, Japan Police gave Sai Seva trucks “Priority Pass as Emergency Trucks”. Sai Seva Volunteers could not reach the site as Japanese military was trying to make temporary roads and bridges- Sai trucks were stranded- we prayed to Bhagawan intensely.  With Baba’s blessings we got a message from the police. Although all roads are blocked and broken a special empty cargo ship named “Miura” was especially dispatched overnight by Japan Coast Guard with a helicopter to transport all Sai Seva relief goods immediately to most afflicted areas. The captain of the navy ship thanked Bhagawan. Next morning we got the news Sai Seva was the first and best lifeline to be dropped by helicopter in coastal cities devastated by tsunami. Sai Seva devotees then moved to seaside city of Natori where damage and loss of life was the maximum. A Japanese Sai doctor named Hosokawa arranged through a nurse for food and water to reach the victims.  The nurse said she had not slept few nights and was looking exhausted.  Her house had been drowned in the tsunami- her old mother died in the tsunami, still she continued her duty to serve patients.  Dr Hosokawa offered a room and transport but she refused.  Then Hosokawa gave her a photo of Baba saying He is God, He can do anything for you.  Pray to Him because you are sad, lonely and exhausted. After a week, the nurse gave a letter to Dr Hosokawa and said she prayed to Baba.  Her only wish was to get the dead body of her mother from the tsunami washed ocean so she could do her duty of cremation as a daughter. Baba blessed her.  She went to the sea shore early morning and among thousands of drowned bodies- only her mother’s body was found and she cried “Sai Baba Is True God”. Dear Sisters and Brothers, although Bhagawan Himself was preparing to leave His very own body in the next few days, yet He answered the prayers of unknown mothers… daughters seeking His grace. Sai ladies of Japan though very small in number continue to ardently love and serve Bhagawan.  The Sai ladies of Japan have endeavoured to learn and practise Sai teachings which are so different from daily Japanese life style.   We have workshops on making Rangoli, cooking Indian Prasad and making Indian style garlands etc.  They have also translated Easwwaramma books, Divine teachings on foods and a number of Swami’s discourses. Over 300 original Japanese language melodious Sai bhajans have been made.  Bhagawan loved Japanese bhajans and encouraged us to sing in Japanese language. Japanese ladies are called YAMATO NADESHIKO.  YAMATO means Japan.  NADESHIKO is name of flower.  Ladies are flowers in the world. Flower can make people happy, decorate home beautifully

Let Our Minds Become The Throne Of God! Phil Gosselin, Zonal Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations – North America also the Chairman of Zone 1 of International Organisation gave an inspiring speech on the 23 November morning in Prasanthi Nilayam, reminiscing his precious memoirs and perceptions… My most heartfelt and humble pranams to our most Beloved Lord, distinguished guests, revered elders, dear Sai brothers and sisters, fellow pilgrims in this life… How sublimely awe-inspiring it is to be before the ‘Samadhi’ of our Lord before you all, in the heart of His ashram. This is the sacred place He has given to us. We are His People and this is what He built and sanctified for us. Thanks to Swami’s Grace and the efforts of the devotees we can see His House is thriving. If I may, on behalf of the international devotees, we thank the volunteers, ashram management and the central trust for all their care and dedication and selfless service. This House of Sai contains millions of memories for all of the devotees of more than 6 decades. My own favourite memories of Birthdays go back to the early 70’s -Sai climbing the mandir roof and unfurling the flag and showering flower petals on us below, Sai being anointed with oil by chosen couples till He is drenched with oil, Sai loaded with garlands by devotees up to His eyes and then lifting them off His head like the Krishna child. Besides we blessed thousands to be here at this sacred moment, there are all the millions who couldn’t be here but are with us in their hearts in the fullness of Sathya Sai. They will be looking to share with us the celebration of the redeeming Birth of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai. One of the myriad blessings given by Sai to bridge to the vast outer world beyond India is His International Sathya Sai Organisation. There are already more than 40 Sai schools, 29 EHV Institutes, 2000+ Centers, more than 40 Medical clinics, over 100,000 patients have been helped. But as Swami is interested in quality over quantity, it is most important how hearts are touched one at a time in so many ways. Just a sample showing there is no corner of the Earth that hasn’t been inspired by Sai. whether it is in working with disabled children in Belarus or Laos, whether it’s building homes for the needy in Trinidad or Indonesia, whether it’s disaster relief in Haiti or Guatamala or Japan or NY, whether it’s giving EHV training in China or Lithuania, whether it’s expressed in pilgrimages from Turkey or Poland, whether its students at Sai schools in Ecuador or South Africa, helping the homeless in Paris, giving relief even in Afghanistan, giving birthing kits in Papua New Guinea, receiving positive high level recognition and interest from Governments in Uganda, Venezuela, Guyana, presenting Parenting workshops in Oman, presenting musical programs in Hungary, having faculty teaching EHV at a prestigious Technical Institute in Mexico, giving dental camps and veterinary camps, presenting medical conferences, I deliberately mention some lesser known places and activities. No doubt you’ve heard of even larger National Sai Organizations and activities. These are all ripples of the Love of Sathya Sai expanding ever outward. Growth continues and accelerates expressing more and more the Brotherhood of Man, the Fatherhood of God. To share one small personal interaction, Swami presided at a very special family occasion. He also invited a Persian Gulf sheikh and veiled women. Swami materialized Islamic script for them and then a Cross for us and He showed it and said to them “See Christians”. I saw them later at the airport leaving and we shared a look that said Sai had lifted us way beyond ethnicity, race and religion and custom to a sublime place of Brotherhood. Though we shared no language, “There is only one language; the language of the Heart.” At the same time that we’re being internally transformed by Sai, He is changing the world. History is on the move. We dare to believe that the World will come to Unity in the not distant future and that a Golden Age of love and peace is more than a Utopian dream. It’s as though Sai is saying “Now that I have no body just see what I can do” They used to say the Sun never sets on an empire. As we know political empires come and go but no star ever sets on Sai’s Empire of Love. And Sai is also beyond this world. Renowned British scientist Frederick Hoyle famously said “not only is this world more unusual than we conceive but more unusual than we can conceive”. We respond “not only is this world filled with Sai’s Love more than we conceive but more than we can conceive.” Whether we’re exalting or lamenting, young or old, healthy or infirm, in pleasure or pain we’re all in this together and together we’re all moving across the universe. For example, Science confirms we’re speeding along 1600 km an hour as Earth turns, and at the same time proceeding 100,000 km/hr as we go around the Sun, and we’re rotating around our galaxy 1,000,000 km/hr.  And our galaxy is approaching another at a speed that can’t even be measured by present science. Not only is this world more marvellous than we conceive, it is more marvellous than we can conceive. But just as we’re spectacularly unaware of our own mortality, it turns out we’re spectacularly unaware of where we’re going and of what’s going on around us. All the more reason to never let go of Sai’s Lotus Feet. In this world really speaking we can say He is the only One Who truly knows Who He Is and what He’s doing. Speaking of the distant corners of this universe—when someone in an interview asked Swami what direction their altar should face, He replied “North South East and West are all man made– In space there is no such thing. Even

Vice Chancellor’s Address – XXXI Annual Convocation Of SSSIHL Addressing the graduands of the year, welcoming the Chief Guest for Convocation 2012, Vice Chancellor Prof J Sashidhara Prasad delivered the Welcome Speech on 22 November 2012, on the occasion of XXXI Convocation of SSSIHL in Prasanthi Nilayam. Aum Sayeeswaraya vidmahe Sathya Devaaya Dheemahi Tannah Sarvah prachodayaath I offer my most humble, respectful and loving pranams at the lotus feet of my beloved Swami. This is the second convocation to be held after Bhagawan Baba left his physical form and assumed all pervading universal consciousness. We can feel His divine presence watching this ceremonious function wherein His children whom He always considered as His property are receiving the degrees to walk into the world carrying His message of Love. I am sure that the graduands of this hallowed Institution will be the torch bearers of the vision and mission of revered Bhagawan and thereby fulfill His dream and will of a peaceful world. Esteemed Chief Guest of the day Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former Vice-Chancellors, Members of the various Trusts, Board of Management and Academic Council, Members of the faculty, distinguished invitees and guests, Graduands of the year, students of the University and my dear  brothers and sisters, Loving Sairam to each one of you! I deem it a great privilege to extend a most cordial welcome to all of you to the thirty first Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Justice P N Bhagwati took over the responsibility of Chancellorship of this University founded by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba twenty months back after beloved Swami left His mortal coil.  In spite of his old age and health problem, Justice Bhagwati has been taking keen interest in the development and growth of the University and his advice and guidance are always readily available whenever we approach him. We miss his presence today as he has been advised by the doctors not to take up travel. We are honoured to have Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy, during the years 2000-2009, and presently DAE Homi Bhabha Chair Professor at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). He was the youngest Director of BARC after Homi J Bhabha. Dr. Kakodkar has worked for the development of the atomic energy programme in India throughout his professional life. Undeterred by the restrictions imposed by the international community, he succeeded in developing various systems for the pressurized heavy water reactor, in building the Dhruva reactor starting from the conceptual stage, in rehabilitation of Madras Atomic Power Station Units 1&2 both of which at one stage appeared to be on the verge of being written off following failure of the moderator inlet manifolds, and in conceptualization and development of Advanced Heavy Water Reactor that realizes the next generation objectives through innovative configuration of present day technologies besides use of thorium. Dr. Kakodkar has been a key contributor to India’s strategic programme. He was among the chosen few involved in the first successful Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Experiment that India conducted on May 18, 1974 at Pokhran. And later, he played a key role in the series of successful Nuclear Tests conducted during May 1998, again at Pokhran. India also demonstrated nuclear submarine power pack technology under Dr. Kakodkar’s leadership. Dr. Kakodkar’s sterling leadership led to a significant boost to India’s nuclear power programme notwithstanding the uranium supply constraints. As a result and with the completion of projects already underway, India’s nuclear generation capacity is set to reach 10,000 MWs as well as poised for a rapid scale up thereafter. The comprehensive and robust programme under Dr. Kakodkar’s leadership has earned India a distinctive status as a country with advanced nuclear technology. Notable also are his innovative contributions to human resource development activities. Establishment of NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), DAE-Mumbai University CBS (Centre for Basic Sciences) and HBNI (Homi Bhabha National Institute) are expected to result in a fresh wave of human resource development, generating greater experimental capabilities and bringing in linkage between basic research and technology development for the acceleration of India’s multifaceted atomic energy programme. His contributions to the Energy Sector, promotion of higher education and research, societal development and culture through his active participation as the leader/member of several Commissions and Advisory bodies are noteworthy. He is a Fellow of all the National Academies of Science and Technology and has been conferred honorary doctorate from eighteen universities including IITs. He is the recipient of Padma Sri in 1998, Padma Bhushan in 1999 and Padma Vibhushan in 2009. He has several international recognitions notably Rockwell Medal for Excellence in Technology, Member of World Innovation Foundation, USIBC Award for Expansion of US-India Trade Relations and Officer del ’Ordre de la Legion d’Honneur  by President of French Republic, 2011; the highest civilian honour of France. Major National Honours and Awards run to three pages and I am afraid I cannot read through them. I had the privilege of interacting with him during my tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore particularly when the National Neutrino Observatory was taking shape, which is expected to throw light on the birth of the universe. Dr. Kakodkar is the illustrious son of illustrious parents Smt. Kamala and Shri Purushotham Kakodkar, who were involved with the freedom movement along with Mahatma Gandhi and had undergone imprisonment. His mother brought him up with great patriotic spirit. It was with this patriotic zeal that he was instrumental in initiating the nuclear treaty with the US Government. It paved the way for nuclear technology collaboration with the countries across the globe. I very warmly and affectionately welcome him. It has been a year and a half since our beloved Swami, the Divine Chancellor, left His mortal coil to assume His infinite cosmic form. During this time, there was an element of scepticism in some sections of society about the sustenance of His Institutions, without realizing that Bhagawan in His all pervading

Chief Guest’s Convocation Address – XXXI Annual Convocation Delivering his convocation address, the Chief Guest, Dr. Anil Kakodkar stressed that Sri Sathya Sai Instsitute Of Higher Learning has a strong spiritual basis and social foresight that enables students to remain rooted in India and her value system even as the students scale new heights in terms of higher education. Prof.J. Shashidhara Prasad, Vice Chancellor, members of Board of Management, members of Academic Council, members of faculty, students, their parents, distinguished invitees, ladies and gentlemen. Let me at the outset thank Prof. Shashidhara Prasad, Hon. Vice Chancellor of the University and authorities of the University for their Kind Invitation to be a part of this convocation. Shri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning founded by Bhagwan Shri Satya SaiaBaba is special in many ways. Apart from catering to needs of modern higher education for a large number of students, the institution has strong spiritual basis with social foresight that enables students to remain rooted in India and her value system even as the students scale new heights in terms of higher learning. As a University this institution does incorporate several features that are considered important. I am planning to deal with some of these features in general terms in this address. Convocation is a special day in the academic calendar of a University. It marks the culmination of a phase of learning. Having satisfied that the student is now ready, as a worthy citizen, to face and contribute to the world at large; the teachers deliver the final advice and blessings for further journey that student is embarking upon. It is a solemn occasion for the students and also for the teachers. The bond between the teachers and the students that is supposed to have been built through years of mentoring brings in an emotional content to the Convocation day. I wish to use this occasion to thank all teachers who in their own way have contributed to shaping the young minds while they are with the University. I congratulate all students graduating today. Some of you who are being specially recognised deserve our highest appreciation. All of you have gone through your respective courses of studies and have been adjudged to be worthy of the degrees that are being awarded to you. You are now ready to face the exciting world out there. You have to be an important part of the nation building process through your respective capabilities that you have acquired here and elsewhere. Today there is ample scope for innovation and entrepreneurship. The way our country is evolving, the opportunities for the capable ones will continuously expand. I wish all of you graduating today a very successful career ahead. May all your dreams be fully realised. Higher Education and Socio-Economic TransformationEducation is the key ingredient in character building and socio-economic transformation. Done properly, education can empower our huge human capital to be a major constructive force to propel inclusive growth of the nation as a whole. High quality higher education that empowers our youth, has the potential to cause a quantum jump in socio-economic status of poorer families in a single generation. Inclusive access to such higher education can thus transform our strong demographic advantage into significant enlightenment of the society and wealth generation being added at the base of the pyramid. The socio-economic scene around us is transforming itself at an accelerated pace as a result of demographic shifts, impact of new technologies, the growing economy and several other developmental initiatives. Knowledge is now an important factor in economies world over, a trend that is likely to be increasingly dominating the global and national scene. We thus need to quickly align our education system to the needs of changing knowledge driven paradigms in the best interests of our socio-economic development; while remaining consistent with our cultural values and traditions. The so called A3 (Anyone, Anywhere and Anytime) connected society, that is fast emerging on one side and the digitally illiterate across the digital divide on the other, both constitute major socio economic challenges that can be handled only on the basis of widest possible access to appropriate education delivered urgently. While future holds great potential if we are able to manage the challenge of providing quality education to all, there are serious threats on the horizon if we are not able to do so quickly. Urgent actions are thus necessary on this front to quickly reduce the disparity gap as we move up the economic growth path, lest serious problems as a result of frustrated aspirations surface and create potential threats that might become difficult to contain and our youth force, which is a powerful engine of growth and development could well turn in to a major destructive force. Our large youth force must be provided with opportunities for constructive engagement in a manner that fulfils their aspirations. Luckily the possibility to widely use modern technologies in education does provide an opportunity to create such wider access to good quality education at a fast enough pace to overcome these challenges successfully. New Education ParadigmThere are even more fundamental reasons for seeking to change our education system. A new paradigm where an earlier era of education being driven by intellectual culture of enlightenment and economic circumstances of industrial revolution is expected to transform to an era of education through group learning and collaboration taking full advantage of information available to students through multitude of information technology platforms all around us. In this context, I would encourage all of you to take a look at an interesting video on the changing education paradigms at [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U ] which effectively brings out the need for change. The challenge before us is to be able to make the necessary transitions at all levels in our education system. Clearly this would require sustained efforts on part of a large number of individuals and institutions. Some of the key challenges that we need to address are:# To create and nurture a holistic