Sri Sathya Sai’s the 60th Birthday Celebrations at Vrindavan

Message to Bangalore during the 60th Birthday Celebrations at Vrindavan

The Sri Sathya Sai Organisation of Karnataka State organised at Brindavan, a week-long celebrations observing the 60th Birthday of Bhagavan from the 7th to the 15th of December 1985. Bhagavan reached Brindavan on 7th December where He was accorded a traditional welcome. The members of the Karnataka Trust, members of the Organisation, the staff and the students of the Brindavan Campus of SSSIHL, led Bhagavan in a procession to the Mandir amidst Vedic chants.

The Governor of Karnataka and his wife, Sri A. N. Banerjee and Smt. Banerjee, Sri Jagannatha Setty, Chief Justice of Karnataka and Prof. V. K. Gokak were present at the felicitation function held at Brindavan on the 9th. The veteran violin maestro Prof. V.C. Jog gave a recital. The well-known dance troupe ‘Prabhat Kala Vidari’, presented a dance drama in the college auditorium on 10th.

Bhagavan addressed the elite of Bangalore city at the Chowdaiah Memorial Hall in Bangalore, on the 11th. The Chief Justice of Karnataka, Sri Jagannatha Setty, was the Chief Guest on this occasion. He expounded on the meaning if real equality, which the systems of socialism and communism cannot provide. Bhagavan said:

“Real equality among men has to be achieved not by the equal distribution of material things but by the cultivation of love, which promotes a sense of the Divinity that is inherent in all beings. In this land of Bharat, through all the vicissitudes of history, Truth has been regarded as the highest value to be cherished by man. This is the essence of the cultural heritage that has been given down to us as Sanatana Dharma. The ancient sages emphasized the importance of Karma Yoga, the discharge of one’s duties in life in a dedicated spirit. Through Karma Yoga man achieves control of the senses and develops the qualities of universal love, forbearance and compassion.

Everyone should realise that the body has been given to us for performing selfless service. It should also be realised that nothing in creation is intended for the exclusive use of any one person. We should therefore discard the feeling: “These things have been given for my exclusive use, they are my own.” 

There has been talk of achieving equality in society. The equal distribution of wealth through socialism is declared as the ideal, but is it possible to bring about such equality? Even if material wealth is distributed equally, can you ensure equality in desires and aspirations? Only when you have equality in terms of desires and aspirations can you get true equality. By taking away a part of a rich man’s property and giving it to a poor man, you may give satisfaction to the latter, but what about the dissatisfaction caused to the man who has been deprived? You must look beyond material things to the Supreme Being who is the provider of all things. When you recognise the One as present in all beings and respect everyone as a manifestation of the Divine, you will achieve equality in the true sense of the term. All those who claim to be Bharatiyas should strive to bring about this kind of equality through love for all beings. 

A life without love is meaningless. The more you love, the more it grows. True love should be distinguished from attachment either to persons or things. Attachment is based on selfishness. Love is based on selflessness. Love is the fruit which is born from the flower of your good deeds. Only when we engage ourselves in selfless service can we experience the essence of this pure love. 

There is considerable progress today in various fields – scientific, economic, political and so on, but all man’s actions are motivated by selfishness. Man has become a plaything in the hands of his own selfishness. There is no unity among men. Unity can come only through Tyaga (sacrifice), not through the pursuit of desires and comforts. You must cultivate charity, which does not mean giving some money to a person in need or to an organization. Charity calls for the removal of all evil thoughts that are within you and development of a largeness of spirit. Charity will confer Purity, and through Purity, Unity will be achieved. Once you have Purity and Unity, you can realise Divinity. 

When you look around today you find that there is little evidence of sacrifice for the sake of society. A person may call himself a great devotee, or Sadhaka or scientist, but without a spirit of sacrifice there is nothing great in him. Seva (service) is the salt which lends savour to life. The spirit of sacrifice imparts fragrance to living. One may live for 60, 70, or 80 years but it will have no meaning unless his life has been devoted to the ennobling of one’s character and rendering devoted service to others. What you must aspire for are not buildings, positions, factories or industries. A good character is the greatest wealth you can acquire. More vital than the five Pranas (life breaths), Satya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa are the vital life-breaths for every one. Of these the greatest is Prema (Love). Fill yourself with love. Love should express itself in service to society. You should look upon society this way. We exist for society and society exists for the good of all. Try to sanctify your life by doing service and spreading joy and comfort all around.”

Narayana Seva was organised at Brindavan on the 12th morning. The Bal Vikas students presented a cultural programme that evening. The singers Smt. B.K. Sumitra and Smt. Vani Jayaram performed before Bhagavan.

Bhagavan was the Guest of Honour in a function held at the Raj Bhawan (Governor’s residence) on the 13th December. Ashoknath Banerji the Honourable Governor of Karnataka hosted Bhagavan. 

Later, Bhagavan addressed the concluding session of a two day seminar at the College Auditorium in the Brindavan Campus on the 14th. This seminar was arranged by the Directorate of College Education of Karnataka. Bhagavan said:

“Educational institutions have the responsibility to give to society well educated persons who are competent and who are men of integrity and who can be relied upon to serve society with devotion and competence. The crisis in the educational field is well-known. Many attempts have been made to bring about changes in the educational system but it is forgotten that what gives education its true value and significance is its moral and spiritual content. In a world in which many technical and scientific changes are taking place, a balance has to be maintained between modernity and spiritual traditions and heritage of the country. The link between education and employment which has remained from the days of Macaulay has to be broken. Education should be for life and not merely for earning a living.

Without emphasis on character, educational institutions have become the abodes of indiscipline and disorder. Who is responsible for this condition? Teachers who are unable to understand the workings of the minds of the students are worried about how to deal with the situation. The students have no sense of discipline or respect for teachers. Both students and teachers are confronted with managements who are not primarily concerned with the real purpose of education. The result is we have students who indulge in agitations and teachers who are discontented. The managements for their part complain against the Government, but it is not the teachers alone or the students or the management or the government who are to be held responsible for this state of affairs.

The parents of the students have forgotten their own responsibility for developing in the young the right attitudes and behaviour. In the past, the family was the first institution in which the students imbibed the culture and traditions of the nation through stories about the great sages, saints and heroes of the past. By too much indulgence the parents are also allowing the students to have their own way and ignore what is good, noble and virtuous.

The teachers do not impart to the students the essential values of life to enable them to discriminate between what is right and what is wrong, what is true and what is false. Most of the problems in our country are created not by the uneducated or the illiterate but mainly by the educated persons. The reason is the educated persons have not had the right type of education.

There is too much interference by the Government in the educational system which accounts partly for the prevailing evils. Attempts to tinker with the system by altering the number of years at school and the number of years at college do not effect any fundamental changes. Whether it is 10 + 2 + 3 or 10 + 3 + 2 makes no difference to the end product of the system. The change in fact should begin from primary level when the children are in their most impressionable years. It is at that stage that discipline and moral values should be inculcated. Students who have been moulded on right lines in the early years by being filled with examples from our cultural heritage would develop into ideal citizens.

At the higher levels of education the major problem is caused by politics and the holding of elections in college associations. Elections to student bodies should go. They invoke not only considerable waste of money but result in divisions and conflicts between students. Changes are needed also with regard to examinations. Frequent postponement of examinations has become the bane of the educational system. The educational authorities should see that all examinations in colleges are completed by the first week of April so that the results are announced in the first week of June and all colleges are re-opened for the new academic year by the last week of June. Only then will students be able to plan their further studies. 

Teachers for their part should regard their vocation as a sacred duty. They have the responsibility to mould the future generations of young students both by what they teach and by their example. These teachers should inspire the students by example, by the way they live outside the classroom. If there are such teachers there will be no cause for students to go assay. One of the principal aims of education must be to make students self-reliant. They should not become degree holders going around begging for jobs.

I hope that you will devote yourselves to your duties with greater vigour and enthusiasm and bring about a transformation in the students. It should make them useful and worthy citizens of this great country.”

Sri Sathya Sai Baba 60th Birthday Celebrations at Vrindavan

The 60th Birthday Celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Vrindavan marked a historic and spiritually uplifting occasion for devotees from across India and around the world. The sacred atmosphere of Vrindavan was transformed into a vibrant center of devotion, gratitude, and divine joy as thousands gathered to celebrate the sixtieth year of the Avatar’s earthly mission. The event was not merely a birthday celebration; it was a profound spiritual gathering that inspired devotees to reflect upon Baba’s message of love, service, and self-realization.

As the auspicious day approached, the entire ashram was beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and colorful festoons. Devotees arrived in large numbers, eager to participate in the sacred celebrations and receive Baba’s blessings. The air was filled with devotional singing, Vedic chanting, and heartfelt prayers. Every corner of the ashram reflected an atmosphere of purity and reverence, creating a spiritual environment that touched the hearts of all who were present.

The celebration highlighted the immense impact of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s mission on humanity. Through His teachings, educational institutions, hospitals, water supply projects, and countless service initiatives, Baba demonstrated that true spirituality must express itself through love and selfless service. Devotees used the occasion to express their gratitude for the guidance, compassion, and inspiration they had received through His divine presence.

One of the most memorable aspects of the celebrations was the deep sense of unity among devotees. People from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds came together with a common purpose—to honor the Avatar and strengthen their commitment to spiritual living. The gathering beautifully reflected Baba’s message that all religions lead to the same God and that love is the universal language that unites humanity.

Special devotional programs were organized throughout the celebrations. Bhajans filled the atmosphere with divine vibrations, while cultural presentations conveyed spiritual values and inspiring messages. Students from Baba’s educational institutions offered performances that reflected discipline, devotion, and gratitude. Their participation demonstrated the success of Baba’s educational philosophy, which seeks to combine academic excellence with character development and spiritual awareness.

The 60th Birthday Celebrations also provided an opportunity for devotees to reflect on the significance of human life. Baba repeatedly taught that life’s true purpose is to realize one’s inherent divinity and to serve society with love and compassion. His discourses during this period emphasized the importance of truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence as the foundation for individual and social transformation.

Many devotees experienced moments of profound spiritual inspiration during the celebrations. The mere presence of Baba brought feelings of peace, joy, and inner fulfillment. His compassionate glance, gentle smile, and uplifting words touched countless hearts and strengthened the faith of those who had gathered to celebrate this sacred milestone. For many, the event became a life-changing experience that deepened their spiritual commitment and understanding.

The occasion also served as a reminder of Baba’s vision for a better world. He consistently encouraged individuals to move beyond selfish interests and dedicate themselves to the welfare of others. Through service activities and spiritual practices, devotees were inspired to become instruments of divine love in their families, communities, and workplaces. The celebrations reinforced the idea that true devotion is expressed through noble thoughts, selfless actions, and unwavering faith.

Another remarkable feature of the event was the spirit of gratitude that permeated every activity. Devotees reflected on the countless ways Baba had transformed lives through His teachings and grace. Stories of personal experiences, spiritual growth, and divine guidance were shared, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and devotion. These testimonies strengthened the collective faith of the gathering and highlighted the far-reaching influence of Baba’s mission.

The 60th Birthday Celebrations at Vrindavan remain a cherished chapter in the history of the Sathya Sai movement. They symbolized not only the completion of sixty years of Baba’s earthly life but also the continuing expansion of His message throughout the world. The occasion inspired devotees to renew their dedication to spiritual values and to carry forward His mission of love and service.

Today, the memory of Sri Sathya Sai Baba 60th Birthday Celebrations at Vrindavan continues to inspire seekers everywhere. The event stands as a shining example of devotion, unity, gratitude, and spiritual awakening. It reminds devotees that the greatest gift they can offer the Divine is a life lived according to His teachings. By practicing love, serving humanity, and cultivating awareness of the divine presence within, individuals can honor Baba’s legacy and contribute to the creation of a more peaceful and compassionate world.

Man should aim at being Siva, not Yama