Be Exemplary Citizens…

Be Exemplary Citizens…

A group of Sai devotees once requested Bhagawan to inaugurate a new temple in their town. But Bhagawan refused to comply with their request on the ground that black market cement was used for constructing the temple. When the devotees pleaded not guilty, Bhagawan revealed to them that the so called Sai devotee who had donated some cement bags for the construction of the temple had illegally saved them from out of the cement allotted to him as a contractor for constructing a dam. Hence Bhagawan’s refusal.

A Vedic scholar was asked by Bhagawan to get out of His presence when he was seated in the midst of some students and other devotees at Whitefield. When the Pundit showed signs of bewilderment as to why Bhagawan was so harsh to him, He admonished the latter, saying that it was a crime for a Vedic Pundit to profess to be a Sai devotee and at the same time to indulge in illegal malpractices by way of lending money to poor and illiterate villagers without proper licence from the Government, and that too, at exorbitant rates of interest.

The third incident relates to a Commercial Tax Officer in Orissa, who once made use of his official jeep to take his family and a few neighbours to visit a cave temple of Shiva in the interior of a dense forest on a 3000 feet high mountain. On their way back the jeep got stuck in a hill stream and refused to budge an inch. The dark night was gathering fast. An hour’s struggle to extricate the jeep was in vain. The officer was terribly scared, because the jungle was known to be infested with wild animals as well as dacoits, and his party consisted mostly of women and children. As he happened to be a Sai devotee, he fervently prayed to Bhagawan in utter desperation. Lo and behold! There appeared on the spot four Sathya Sai Sevadal volunteers who rescued the party by pulling out the jeep, and then vanished in a second. Thus, by Bhagawan’s grace, the officer and the party reached home safely. However, Bhagawan taught him a lesson not to misuse the Government vehicle for private purposes, by immobilising his jeep and thereby creating panic in him and his party.

About a decade ago, a recluse of forty-five summers by name Kalpagiri came to Prasanthi Nilayam. No one could guess that this so called “monk” was a wolf in the garb of a sheep. Four years earlier, he committed a ghastly murder and to escape from punishment by due process of law, he made good his escape by donning the saffron robe and wandering in the Himalayas and other places of pilgrimage. As soon as the Omniscient Baba saw Kalpagiri in the darshan line, He called him inside and told him during the interview: “My dear Kalpagiri! How can the saffron robe or visits to Rishikesh and other holy places rid you of the sin of murder? Enough of your roaming in the guise of a Sanyasi for the last four years. Go now to the Police station and surrender yourself there. Experience your Karma by receiving the punishment due to you according to the laws of the land. When the death sentence is declared, file your clemency petition to the President. I will save you. You will not be hanged. You have My protection to atone for your heinous sin, through devotion, in this very birth. Come on, this sacred saffron robe does not befit you. Take this white cloth.” Saying so in a tone that combined love and sternness, Bhagawan gave Kalpagiri a white dhoti.

Accordingly, Kalpagiri surrendered himself to the Police. The case was taken up. Though he confessed his guilt, the judge awarded him the capital punishment, as the crime was of a heinous nature. In line with Bhagawan’s direction, a clemency petition was submitted to the President of the Indian Union. Eventually, Kalpagiri received the President’s pardon. Death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment and Kalpagiri became an ardent devotee of Bhagawan, spreading his beneficial influence on the other convicts too.

In conclusion, it may be seen from what is stated above that where there is a will, there is a way either to scrupulously abide by the Governmental rules and regulations or to violate them for selfish reasons, in disregard of the common good for which such laws are made by Government.

Be Exemplary Citizens – A Sacred Call To Duty, Character, And Service

Be Exemplary Citizens is a meaningful message for every person who wishes to live not only for personal comfort, but also for the welfare of society. A nation becomes strong not merely through buildings, wealth, technology, or power, but through the character of its people. When citizens live with truth, discipline, compassion, and responsibility, the whole country receives strength.

Many people speak about rights, but forget duties. Rights are important, yet duties give them meaning. A good citizen does not ask only, “What can society give me?” He also asks, “What can I give to society?” This attitude changes ordinary living into noble living and makes daily life a form of service.

Be Exemplary Citizens teaches that citizenship begins with character. Honesty in work, respect for elders, kindness toward the weak, discipline in public life, and care for the environment are all signs of a responsible heart. A person who cheats, wastes, harms, or spreads hatred cannot build a peaceful society.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often emphasized that education should create good character and service-mindedness. Knowledge without values can become dangerous. Intelligence without compassion can become selfish. True education should make a person humble, helpful, truthful, and aware of the divine presence in every being.

Be Exemplary Citizens becomes meaningful when we practice goodness in small daily actions. Keeping our surroundings clean, following rules, speaking respectfully, helping someone in need, avoiding corruption, and protecting public property may look simple, but they reflect inner discipline. Great nations are built by such small acts of responsibility.

A good citizen also respects unity in diversity. India and the world are filled with different languages, religions, cultures, and traditions. These differences should not become reasons for hatred. They should become expressions of the richness of creation. When we respect others, we honor the same Divine who lives in all hearts.

Be Exemplary Citizens also reminds us that service is one of the highest duties. Society has many people who suffer silently: the poor, the sick, the elderly, the lonely, and the helpless. A noble citizen does not ignore their pain. Even a small act of kindness can bring hope to someone’s life.

Discipline is another important quality. Freedom does not mean doing anything without concern for others. True freedom must be guided by responsibility. Road discipline, public cleanliness, honest work, peaceful speech, and respect for law help create order and harmony. Without discipline, even freedom becomes restless.

Be Exemplary Citizens finally teaches that love for the nation should be shown through conduct. Patriotism is not only singing songs, waving flags, or celebrating special days. These are beautiful expressions, but true patriotism is seen in honesty, hard work, unity, sacrifice, and service to fellow citizens.

A responsible person does not spread negativity carelessly. Words have power. Gossip, insult, hatred, and false information can disturb society. A good citizen speaks with awareness and chooses words that bring peace, truth, and understanding. The tongue should not become a weapon; it should become an instrument of harmony.

Young people have a special role in building society. Youth should not waste energy in laziness, addiction, violence, or meaningless distractions. They should develop discipline, good habits, respect for parents, dedication to studies, and a spirit of service. The future of a nation depends on the purity and strength of its youth.

Spiritual values make citizenship sacred. Truth keeps public life clean. Righteousness guides action. Peace controls anger. Love unites people. Non-violence prevents harm. When these values enter daily conduct, society becomes healthier and more compassionate. A citizen guided by values becomes a blessing wherever he lives.

Prayer, meditation, namasmarana, and seva help purify the heart. Prayer gives humility, meditation brings calmness, the divine name purifies thought, and service removes selfishness. A person who grows inwardly becomes more useful outwardly. Inner transformation and social responsibility should go together.

In the end, Be Exemplary Citizens is a sacred reminder that every person has a role in creating a better world. We do not need to wait for others to change first. We can begin with our own thoughts, words, duties, and actions. When citizens live with character, unity, discipline, and love, society becomes peaceful, strong, and blessed with divine grace.

Most Eligible Candidate…