March 14, 2009: ‘Educare’ Drama by Sai Youth from Bihar and Jharkand

"God's delays are not His denials", is a popular saying and many are familiar with this phrase. But only a few have experiences that match the richness of this saying. The devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand were blessed indeed to receive this fulfilling experience. After presenting their holy Holi programme on March 11, they awaited the Lord’s green signal to stage another programme. When the permission did not seem to come by, with heavy hearts they packed their bags. It was then that they heard the joyful news that Swami had consented to have their drama on the evening of March 14! Many of the participants were actually in the train, moving away from Puttaparthi, though their hearts were always here. They all literally ‘stopped in their tracks’ and returned in all enthusiasm.  And thus it was that their stay at Prasanthi Nilayam was extended by another day.

	All eyes are on the gracious form of the Lord

After arriving for darshan that day, Swami briefly paused at the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall to observe the large backdrop on ‘Educare’ that had been erected. He also interacted with a few children, and then completed the rounds on the gents’ side before arriving on stage.

	Swami materializes a gold chain for Mr. Stalin, the Mayor of Chennai city				The drama eulogises the gurus of the old style gurukulam education system

Ministers from the state of Tamil Nadu had come to have His darshan. Swami blessed them as He moved from the stage towards the interview room. For Mr. Stalin, the Mayor of Chennai city, Swami materialized a gold chain and gifted it in his hands. Also, seated on the stage were the medical students of Dr. H. S. Bhat, considered as the father of urology in India, who had all come to Prashanthi Nilayam to pay homage to their guru and of course the Sadguru, the Sai Avatar! In the morning and afternoon, they had honoured the humble and genius octogenarian, and in the evening, they sought blessings of Swami. The Lord blessed them all and accepted their letters. All had beaming smiles plastered on their faces and some of them offered a rose to Swami. A few others also had the good fortune of exchanging a few words with Him.  Swami then arrived on the stage and asked for the programme to begin. The State President of Bihar and Jharkand and the youth leader showed Swami the photos and the card. Swami seemed to study them quite intently and then blessed them. Next, two boys came up on the stage and after making offerings to Swami, returned to get the drama started.

	The impressive tricolor dance pleased Swami				The drama depicts how vices take hold and destroy the youths' character

The presentation traced the roots of Educare from the gurukulam days where the Guru personally taught everything for life to the disciples. Then, it depicted the current scenario where the vices take hold of the children in their early years and remain as their deceptive companions throughout their lives. Man has reached such a stage where he is better off dead than alive! In sharp contrast, was presented the Sri Sathya Sai System of Educare where character is given top priority. Bringing out the colours of loyalty and patriotism, the drama depicted the story of an individual who spurns rich offers to go abroad in order to serve his motherland. On this note, there was a "tricolor dance" which concluded with an impressive formation. Swami seemed very happy and immediately went down the stage amidst the children. As He moved through the lines, He asked each and every boy his name! Thus, there was a roll call of the divine kind, and smiles blossomed everywhere. He then posed for the group pictures. And after this, asked for safari cloth pieces to be brought. 

	Bhagavan gifting safari cloth to all the boys				A circle of love around the Lord of Love

Swami presented the first cloth piece to the youth leader, who also happened to be a participant in the drama. Then, calling the other participants, Swami began to gift each one lovingly. Not one was missed and all crowded around Swami as they received the gift of Love. Swami then returned to the stage where He blessed prasadam to be distributed. Afer this, aarthi was waved and as Swami moved towards the car, the medical students again sought His blessings and Swami sweetly obliged. Blessing the Tamil Nadu ministers once more, Swami retired for the day.

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