Avatar Declaration Day 2024 – Memories to bring back
Aum Sri Sairam
Sai Maata, Maa Baata,” is more than just a gathering—it’s a heartfelt tribute to Bhagawan Baba, nurturing a collective bond across generations. Since 2015, women alumni have come together on this day to offer their love and gratitude, celebrating with a series of thoughtfully prepared offerings. Each year strengthens their connection to Bhagawan and reaffirms the values instilled during their time with Him.
The celebrations commenced at 8 am with an atmosphere of reverence, as alumni gathered for a serene Veda chanting session lasting 20 minutes. This was followed by a vibrant and devotional procession, which started from Yajur Mandir and proceeded to Swami’s sannidhi. The procession embodied rich traditions, with Nadaswaram music filling the air, accompanied by the powerful chants of Vedam. Alumni carried Kalash and Deepams, symbolizing purity and divine light, and brought various offerings, including fruits, flowers, and dry fruits, to lovingly present to Bhagawan Baba.
Morning Programme in Sai Kulwant Hall.
The morning proceedings began by an inspiring speech from Mrs. Vishakha Pathak, a distinguished alumna and Gold medalist. She shared heartfelt experiences of how Swami played a profound role in fulfilling her dreams and shaping her life during her college days. Her words reflected a deep sense of gratitude, as she recounted the ways in which Bhagawan’s guidance and blessings had a transformative impact on her journey.
Following Mrs. Vishaka Pathaik’s inspiring narration, the alumnae offered nine beautifully arranged baskets, each symbolizing one of the nine forms of devotion,( Nava vida Bhakti) or nava vida bhakti, to Bhagawan Baba. These baskets contained thoughtfully chosen items representing each type of devotion, accompanied by handmade cards crafted with love and devotion.
As a collective offering, the alumnae immersed themselves in the powerful vibrations of stotram chanting, filling the Sai Kulwant Hall with an elevated and divine energy. They began with the Ragamalika Ganesha Stotram, honoring Lord Ganesha, followed by the Aapaduddharaka Stotram, dedicated to the universal energy that pervades all creation, paying homage to the divine feminine. To culminate their devotion, they offered the Sadguru Sai Stotram, reverently chanting, “Param Sadgurum Sai Natham Bhajeham,” as a tribute to Bhagawan Baba, their Guru and divine guide.
The proceedings reached a blessed peak when Swami graced the gathering with His Divine Discourse. In His message, Swami reminded everyone of the true purpose of the Avatar, emphasizing that material gains hold no significance to Him and are as trivial as a pin in the grand scheme. His words reinforced the importance of spiritual values, inspiring the alumni to focus on their inner growth and selfless service.
The morning session in Sai Kulwant Hall concluded with Aarti and Prasadam distribution.
As a heartfelt gesture of service, the alumni extended their support to Sri Sathya Sai Palliative Care in Puttaparthi by donating essential equipment, including a physiotherapy bed, wheelchairs, and walkers for the patients. This meaningful contribution reflects the alumni’s commitment to carrying forward Bhagawan Baba’s message of selfless service and compassion. By addressing the needs of the palliative care center, they aimed to ease the journey of those in need, embodying the values of empathy and service that Swami imparted to them.
11am to 1 noon – Satsang in Sai Hira Global Convention Center
After the morning session, all alumni gathered at the Sai Hira Global Convention Centre for an enlightening Satsang. The session began with Vedam Chanting and an Introduction by T. Sridevi. We had a Welcome Note address by Prof Kiran Bala Arora and a talk Ms. G. Usha, an ISRO scientist and alumna of the Anantapur campus. She shared some of her cherished experiences with Swami, highlighting the profound influence He had on her life and career. This was followed by an address from Prof. Raghavendra Prasad, the Vice Chancellor of SSSIHL, who warmly connected with the ex-students, emphasizing the importance of carrying forward Swami’s teachings.
The alumni were then honored to hear from Mr. R. J. Ratnakar, the Managing Trustee, who shared his insights and encouragement with the gathered alumni. The session concluded with a thoughtful Q&A segment, where the Vice Chancellor patiently addressed each question from the alumni, fostering an open and reflective dialogue.
Prof Soujanya Pudi addressed and explained in brief the process of the working of the New Portal Sri Sathya Sai Students- Alumni Portal. Dr. P.L. Rani, the Director of Anantapur campus had a wide array of ideas and discussions about the alumni Centenary celebrations of Bhagwan.
Evening Programme in Sai Kulwant Hall
The evening program in Sai Kulwant Hall began with Veda chanting by the alumnae, creating a sacred ambiance. The program featured an inspiring talk by Mrs. Bharathi Sanghani, who shared treasured memories from her college days with Bhagawan, particularly during the Sports Meet. She recounted Swami’s loving and unique ways of guiding each devotee, describing how He serves as the divine charioteer, steering lives onto the right path with gentle yet profound influence.
Following her talk, the audience was captivated by an enchanting audiovisual documentary on Bhagawan Baba’s life and teachings. It traced His journey from the declaration of His Avatarhood, showcasing His message that we are all “Prematma Swaroopulara”—embodiments of Divine Love—and “Divyaswaroopulara”—embodiments of the Divine Atma. The documentary also included heartfelt experiences from devotees
The evening continued with a heartfelt musical offering—a bouquet of soul-stirring songs presented at Swami’s lotus feet. Each melody resonated deeply, reconnecting every soul in the hall with the divine master, filling hearts with devotion and gratitude. This was followed by an electrifying performance by the Alumni Band, who presented a fusion of traditional and modern music. The vibrant rhythms and harmonious blend of styles uplifted the divine ambiance in Sai Kulwant Hall, creating an atmosphere where tradition and contemporary expression came together in perfect harmony, celebrating Bhagawan’s love and legacy.