Sathya Sai Baba News: Bharata Bhagya Vidhatha - Independence Day Drama

BHARATA BHAGYA VIDHATHA - INDEPENDENCE DAY DRAMA - 16th AUG, 2009

Sathya Sai Baba News: Where love for mother and motherland has often been referred to as a duty par excellence, by none other than the Avatar of the Age, Prasanthi Nilayam gets to witness flashbacks from Nation’s Freedom struggle, recurrently every year, on the occasion of National Independence Day, 15th August.

Nation’s Freedom struggle is itself a modern epic that has many a tale tagged with and every tale, upon exploring, would take one to greater truths of love for motherland and greater sacrifice; sacrifice often crowned with selfless ambition, often touching upon the uncanny spiritual touch it enjoyed cozying up.



“Bharata Bhagya Vidhatha”, meaning the “Dispenser of Bharat’s Destiny” was a portrayal of celebrity saint, Aurobindo Ghosh, whose undisputed role in Swaraj Movement aimed at National Independence was depicted with astounding precision bringing in subtler elements of his unflinching love and devotion to Bhagawan Sri Krishna that finally played a pivotal role for the country winning her Independence.

The drama begins with a scene from 1905 wherein men from the society, shocked and furious over Lord George Curzon’s decision to divide Bengal into two, were having a heated debate on the issue and the probable fate of the nation.

Igniting their passion came onto the scene three of the greatest sons of Bengal, namely, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore and (Maharishi) Aurobindo… whose oratory with fierce passion pepped the public up though Aurobindo remained aloof throughout.

It was an wonderful evening that heard echoing the beautiful story of “Divine Romance”, ringing again and again all over echoing the entire Sai Kulwant, filling the same with the pristine presence of Sri Krishna who was the Master Beloved for the evening.

The post graduate students of Sri Sathya Sai University literally lived out some of the most beautiful moments from the annals of Indian Independence history, all with Love for Bhagawan to make Him happy.



Earlier, before the commencement of the programme, the entire cast was blessed by Bhagawan in the the Bhajan Hall. The cast numbering over 120 made a wonderful effort attending the minutest details to make the presentation a remarkable success.

The entire drama with on the spot dialogue delivery coupled with songs, background music intertwined with commentary without any pre-recording was a unique attempt making it a grand success. After the programme the entire troupe was blessed with coveted photo session with Bhagawan.

Simple yet convincing settings, fiery dialogues, ever soothing background score, the theme song that heard often echoing passionately crying out for the enchanting Sri Krishna, superb acting and the Protagonist’s convincing portrayal of the identity of Aurobindo with ease and with great passion and devotion, in all, the drama was a classic endeavour reminding one and all of the Divinity behind India’s Independence.

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Sathya Sai Baba News: Aug 15th, Independence Day At Prasanthi Nilayam

63rd INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS - PRASANTHI NILAYAM - 15th AUG

Sathya Sai Baba News: The 63rd Independence Day of India was marked with the flag hoisting ceremony at the various educational institutions at Prasanthi Nilayam as in the rest of the country.

After the morning bhajans, the meeting of thyagajeevis and brahmacharis got underway again at the hall next to Swami's residence and continued till the special lunch arranged for them at the Canteen by Bhagavan at 1 o'clock.

In the evening, swami came for darshan to Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.40 p.m. as the bhajans went on and after His darshan round, sat onstage for nearly 30 mins before accepting arati.

After the three times 'Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu' chant, he asked the boys to chant the mantra again, so they chanted 'Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu' thrice, and then again 'Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu' thrice.

Swami interacted some more with a couple of students before He moved towards Yajur Mandir. He came to the hall where the thyagajeevis were assembled, and came to the stage there as Mr. B. N. Narasimhamurthy, Warden of the Brindavan Hostel, made a brief emotionally charged speech. Swami then accepted arati there as well before returning to his residence at 6.45 p.m

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Sathya Sai Baba News: Krishnashtami At Prasanthi Nilayam

SRI KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI - PRASANTHI NILAYAM - AUG 14th, 2009

Sathya Sai Baba News: The Sai Kulwant hall was decked for Sri Krishna Janmashtami from last evening with blue cloth decorations and a Krishna statue onstage. Bhagavan had come for darshan at 6.15 pm yesterday and had accepted Arati after more than 90 minutes of bhajans at 6.35 pm.

This morning, students from all three campuses of the University were present for darshan, along with a contingent from the institutions at Muddenahalli and Alike and a group of devotees from Maharashtra. Swami gave Janmashtami darshan clad in a yellow robe seated on the special white chair at 9.20 am.

After His darshan round, He moved to the interview room and emerged after nearly an hour to accept Arati onstage at a quarter past ten. He went to the interview room again briefly before returning to His residence in the car.



In the evening, the procession of cows from the Gokulam led by Swami's baby elephant arrived in Sai Kulwant hall at five o'clock as the bhajans began. Swami came in 15 mins later came onstage after blessing the quadrupeds during His darshan round. Krishnashtami songs were being sung as Swami gave darshan.

Once He sat onstage for a few minutes, He asked for bhajans to be sung, and prasadam was distributed. At 6.20, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

A meeting of the "thyagajeevi"s of the institutions at Muddenahalli and Alike along with many of those working at Bhagavan's institutions at Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan was arranged over the weekend at the hall in the building adjacent to Swami's residence. This evening after bhajan, there was an orientation lecture session there after the evening bhajan for an hour.

The falling week with three consecutive holidays ensured a quite a capacity crowd in Prasanthi Nilayam. In the morning, Bhagawan came out of His Abode after 9:20, donned in Yellow Robe blessing the vast concourse of devotees filled every available space in the spacious Sai Kulwant Hall.

Adding to this chunk of devotees joined the students from the three campuses along with a contingent from the Muddenahalli and Alike institutions and a group of devotees from Aksa village Maharasthtra.

The evening proceedings began at four with regular Veda chanting for an hour followed by Bhajans. By five o’ clock, the “Gokulam Procession” of cows and other quadrupeds, led by Little Sathya Geeta arrived at the mandir joining the devotees awaiting the Lord.

As the Lord made His grand entry, Bhajans gave way to Bhajagovindam followed by other keertanams and special songs. Bhagawan, enroute, blessed the Gokulam Procession of animals and birds, a traditional affair every year during the occasion, symbolizing the Dwapara’s age old tradition derived out of Lord Krishna’s greater affinity towards the quadruped…

Bhagawan Sri Krishna’s story is all about love principle and the students, including the tiny tots from the primary school make it a point to express their greater love for the Lord in physical and this was very much evident on the auspicious evening wherein students from all campuses vied to get a Divine Glimpse, a Divine Touch, a glance from the Lord to their “handiwork” greetings marking the special occasion. Sitting onstage Bhagawan asked for Bhajans to continue for some time before calling for Mangala Arathi.

A convention of ‘Thyagajeevi’’s of Muddenahalli and Alike Institutions and Brahmachari’s of Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan institutions was held, as a prelude to the a symbosium scheduled for 15th August, at the adjacent building to Bhagawan’s residence. Mr. Narasimhamurthy, Warden, Brindavan Campus addressed the gathering of 240 evincing details of the 15th August proceedings followed by a peptalk on the greater significance of the institution of Brahmacharya.

Quoting Bhagawan, he announced that, You have made the sacred decision in your life; hold on to it; you could not have done anything better… The symposium would continue on the 15th August with a morning session followed by another session after the lunch wherein eminent speakers from the all the campuses including Muddenahalli and Alike institutions would address the aspirants.

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Sathya Sai Baba News: Srikakulam Parthi Yatra Musical Dance Drama

SRIKAKULAM PARTHI YATRA - MUSICAL DANCE DRAMA - SAI BHARATI

Sathya Sai Baba News: 3500 devotees from the coastal district of Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam, have joined in a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam spanning for three days, from 11th to 13th August 2009.

Besides, there are groups from other parts of India and overseas countries, making every available space in Ashram a scarcity. All common halls and rooms in the Ashram are filled to the brim, creating a festive environment.his evening, the devotees from Srikakulam district were to present a drama.

Swami went for a drive at 11 am this morning, and came for evening darshan at a quarter past five. Once He came onstage, He asked for the programme to commence. The Telugu drama 'Sai Bharati' brought out the glory of Mother India as narrated by Max Mueller, Rabindranath Tagore and Gopalakrishna Gokhale.

The inspiring 45 minute presentation was filled with quotes and poems from Bhagavan's Discourses. Swami called up 'Max Mueller' and blessed him with a chain even as the drama was going on. At the end of the drama, Bhagavan went to the interview room and emerged with clothes for the participants. He went down among them for group photographs and once back onstage, blessed many items brought up to Him as prasadam was distributed before accepting Arati at 6.45 pm.

On the 11th of August 2009, devotees from Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh put up a dance drama “Sai Bharati”, which sang paeans of praise on the greatness, grandeur and glory of the sacredness of this great land of Bharat. A beautiful backdrop with the hues of the Indian tricolour bearing the map of India formed the perfect setting for the dance drama.

Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 1715 hrs. to the chants of the Vedas. At the outset, the district president presented the programme for the evening and also gave a brief speech expressing his gratitude to Bhagawan for the opportunity to present a dance drama in His presence. He said that they were doing Seva in many villages of the district which included Deenajana Seva (service of the destitute). It was due to His grace that they could come to Prasanthi Nilayam for the past eight years, opined the speaker. After his speech, there was a mini procession of the cast came to stage to offer their obeisance.

The musical drama began with a dance by tiny tots carrying lamps in their palms to the song “Jaya Jaya Priya Bharata Janani Tri Divya Dhatri …” (Bharat is the divine motherland) which also happened to be the theme song of the dance drama. The drama was a medley of dance and dialogues depicting scenes from the hoary culture of Bharat eulogising its greatness.

The storyline runs thus: Three youth meet Max Muller, the famous Sanskrit philosopher from the West, Sri Bal Gangadhar Tikak, the great freedom fighter and Sri Rabindranath Tagore, the poet who penned the National Anthem of India and a freedom fighter in Prasanthi Nilayam. The dance drama is an imaginative portrayal bringing alive the three great characters of the past.

They are happy to be in the abode of peace. The three great men give their opinions on this sacred land of Bharat extolling its sanctity. Bal Gangadhar Tikak opines that Bharat is the land of sacrifice and spirituality and is based on the foundation of Indian culture. It will shine forth as a beacon for everyone.



A tiny tot Swati, brilliant in studies is encountered by Rabindranath Tagore who hears the child reel off the nursery rhyme “Ba Ba Black Sheep …” The poet is pained to know that children are being taught such rhymes in school which have no meaning. The teachers hesitate to teach the greatness of the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata to children. Max Muller says that even now his hair stands erect when he thinks that Rama and Lakshmana set foot on this land of Bharat.

He says that some people have a wrong notion that the Ramayana and Mahabharata belong to the Hindu religion. Bharatiya culture is based on Sanathana Dharma and not on any particular religion, explains the great German philosopher. Bharat is fortunate to have great souls like Emperor Sibi, Harischandra and Prahlada who demonstrated great ideals to the world. The word Bharat means ‘Bha’ (Bhagawan-God) ‘Rat’ (Rathi – attachment, love).

So, the Bharatiya is one who has love for God. Axioms like Isavasyam Idam Sarvam (the entire universe is permeated by God), Tattwamasi (That Thou Art) have originated in Bharat, says Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Modern inventions like aeroplanes, modern systems of medicine have their roots in Bharat. They were visualised by our ancient seers This land of Bharat has given birth to many noble women like Savitri who brought her dead husband back to life; Chandramati who extinguished wild fire with the power of truth; Sita who proved her chastity by coming out of blazing fire unscathed and Damayanti who reduced an evil-minded hunter to ashes with the power of her chastity. This land of piety and nobility attained plenty and prosperity and became the teacher of all the nations of the world because of such women of chastity, says Max Muller glorifying Bharat. (At this point, Bhagawan called the actor who played the role of Max Muller and materialised a gold chain for him.)

The drama ends with Max Muller praying for being born as a Bharatiya and Rabindranath Tagore reciting the immortal verse,

“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;

Where knowledge is free;

Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow

domestic walls;

Where words come out from the depth of truth;

Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;

Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the

dreary desert sand of dead habit;

Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action--

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”

All the artistes converge at the performing area and the theme song, “Jaya Jaya Priya Bharata …” is played again. Clothes were distributed to all the artistes. Bhagawan graciously went amidst them and gave them the coveted opportunity of being photographed with Him. He also lighted a lamp and cut a cake lovingly brought by them. Prasadam was distributed to all the devotees.

Continuing the tradition of senior staff who has done yeomen service in the Ashram, this evening it was the turn of Sri Narasaiah from Maintenance Department to offer rose to Bhagawan. Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 18:45 p.m. Thus, concluded the emotion-filled dance drama portraying the greatness of Bharat by the devotees of Srikakulam district.

An apt precursor to the ensuing Independence Day, 15th August!!!

On Wednesday, Aug 12th 2009, morning, the entire contingent of devotees took out a massive rally outside Prasanthi Nilayam showcasing district's cultural diversities.

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Sathya Sai Baba News: Gujarat Youth Programme

Gujarat Youth Programme - Sai Aapadbandhavaya Namaha

Sathya Sai Baba News: On course, embracing His Uncertainty, the week began on a similar note where the previous one ended, enacting a similar script that Prasanthi witnessed the previous evening.

Monday was the final day and the evening was the final session for the Youth contingent from Gujarat and they were pinning greater hopes taking inspiration from the previous evening when the UK group got their dues to turn an uncertain evening into twilight of merriment.

Repeating a script similar to that of the previous evening, the instructions came from the Divine Abode, amid bhajans, for the Youth to get set for a special session. Bhagawan came at 1735 Hrs and it took longer time for the programme to commence when final nod was given at 1830 Hrs. …And came the surprise; with the announcement came the call for Arathi…



Despite Arathi Lord was still onstage, first, blessing a Birthday boy profusely materializing a chain, and then overseeing the assembly as a Silent Witness. And at a time when all were expecting Bhagawan to retire to Yajur Mandiram, there came the second nod, this time for a skit entitled “Sai Aapadbandhavaya Namaha”.

The skit was based on actual experiences of Sai Missionaries, the Youth who were engaged in Sri Sathya Sai Village Integration Programme, popularly known as SSSVIP.

The scene was set from a village 65 kms from Valsad where in an epidemic broke out threatening lives en mass.

Villagers, while pondering as to how medicine could be made available on emergency despite adverse circumstances that included bad weather, floods and dilapidated road condition, with gross hesitancy finally decided to call up Vishal, the Sai volunteer who would spearhead the SSSVI Programme in the village.

Upon sensing the emergency Vishal, despite all anticlimactic situation rigorously pursues to motivate the youth and organize the doctors in no time to save the villagers from the life threatening epidemic.

In another instance Vishal saves two children from being run over by a vehicle, risking his own life, and the villagers in their merriment lavishes praise at Vishal hailing him as their savior; humbled by their simplicity Vishal educated them that it was Bhagawan, the indweller in Him, who worked through him to save the children.

The final episode was from a temple construction scene wherein Vishal wanted the villagers to urgently organize for bricks as there was an adverse situation prevailing with reference to the transport facility to bring bricks from outside.

Upon enquiring and coming to know that an year ago some unused bricks were buried at some place, despite their gross hesitancy, Vishal impressed upon the villagers to exhume the bricks to their surprise to find over 2500 of them in fine condition, sufficient enough for the proposed construction. .

Spirit of Unity and Greater Faith in the Divine was built in the said village brick by brick through many such incidents during their SSS Village Integration Programme, announced the Youth as the programme got to end and Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram.

God’s ways are mysterious and none can decipher or define His mystery. Prasanthi’s “Divine Workshop” brings inexplicable surprises, at times leading to suspense, taking one to greater uncertainty, that is verily Divine! Indeed Prasanthi is giving greater lessons to embrace His Uncertainty!!!

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Sathya Sai Baba News: UK Organizations Music Programme

UK Organizations Music Programme - Aug 09th, 2009

This evening, the UK group got permission to present their music programme at 4.30 pm while the Vedam went on and the students cleared the centre of Sai Kulwant hall for them.



Bhagavan arrived at 6.15 pm and the presentation began at 6.30 after His darshan round. The energetic programme was for just over half an hour, with a sitar solo and group songs.

Swami then asked them to sing bhajans. After 10 minutes of bhajans while prasadam was distributed, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 7.20 pm.

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Sathya Sai Baba News: 3 Days Parti Yatra Of Himachal Pradesh

Sathya Sai Baba News - SAI NAAM TAARAKAM - Aug 5th, 2009

3 DAYS PRATHI YATRA OF HIMACHAL PRADESH: Over 300 youth from the tiny hilly terrain of North India, Himachal Pradesh have joined in a Parthi Yatra to Prasanthi Nilayam for three days, from 2nd Aug to 6th Aug. The land that is popularly known as the land of Gods and Goddesses is blessed with abundant spiritual wealth conferred upon by Lord Shiva and Mother Divine.

Name of God was Ram and it was this Name that heard resonating repeatedly in the entire Sai Kulwant Hall on an auspicious evening that was doubly blessed by the propitious Rakhi Pournami, celebrated as Raksha Bandhan throughout India.

A musical offering entitled “Sai Naam Taarakam”, a composition of selected verses from the vast treasure house of traditional keerthanams, atypical from the normal tone n’ tenor, strung together as a single piece and sung in tune with the famous “Hanuman Chalisa” was the offering at the Divine Lotus Feet by the Youth on the auspicious evening.

Bhagawan has been stressing on the greater efficacy of “Naama Smarana” as the most potent tool to attain salvation…and the beautiful evening was made a “Keerthan Sandhya” when the Youth from Himachal Pradesh sung the glory of Ram Naam strung together with Sai Naam…and at the end it was “Ram Ram Ram Ram, Sai Naam Taarakam” that was resonating all over in Sai Kulwant Hall.

Earlier Bhagawan came out to the Sai Kulwant Hall at 1730 Hrs. and continued to sit listening to the Vedam Chanting till 1805 Hrs. before He nodded to commence the programme.

Started off expressing profound sense of gratitude addressing Bhagawan as Sathya Sai Parabhrahmam, while wishing the assembly on the auspicious occasion of Rakhi Purnima, the Youth from the state commenced their music programme invoking and inviting the Divine to their state of Himachal Pradesh.

Though the schedule for the evening had two more music sessions to follow, a classical presentation by Ms. Sunanda Sharma and another musical offering by the girls wing of the Youth group entitled Param Udhaarik Sai, a garland of five songs with a common thread of offering heartiest prayer to Mother Divine, Sai, The Divine Mother, the programme was cut short as Bhagawan called for Arathi after one song by the Sai Youth (Girls).

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Varalakshmi Vratam In Prasanthi Nilayam - 31 July 2009

Varalakshmi Vratam @ Prasanthi Nilayam - 31st July, 2009

Varalakshmi Vratam, propitiating the Goddess of plenty and prosperity, was observed and celebrated with devotional fervour in Prasanthi Nilayam on 31st July 2009.

1500 women from all over the world participated in the function held in Sai Kulwant Hall in the immediate Divine Presence of Bhagawan.

One of the most auspicious days dots in the Hindu almanac, Varalakshmi Vratam had its trails to Prasanthi Nilayam in the year 2000 when the festivity was celebrated for the first time in the Divine Presence. Ever since, the festivity has grown in stature earning a permanent place in the Prasanthi Calendar with thousands of women participating, propitiating blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth.

Varalakshmi Vratam At Prasanthi Nilayam

Popularly known as “Varalakshmi Vrata”, it is performed by married Hindu women on friday before the full moon day during the month of Sravana. The Vrata is performed more in the Southern part of India, especially in the states Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and also in some parts of Orissa and Maharashtra. Legend has it that this Vrata was suggested to Mother Parvati by Lord Shiva for wealth and prosperity.

On the scheduled day, the auspicious friday morning, Sai Kulwant was a scene of plenty and prosperity as 1500 housewives, shining in coloured uniform attire, assembled in the vast Sai Kulwant Hall awaiting to take part in the ritual. Assembled as early as at 7 am, it was a ‘perfect assembly’ wherein women participants joined the allotted lines with utmost discipline anticipating the Lord to come and bless the occasion.

The dais had a perfect setting with a mini temple of Goddess Varalakshmi having two idols forming the backdrop. A riot of flowers of various hues with buntings hanging from the top was heralding grandeur and auspiciousness of the occasion. Ashta Lakshmi, the symbolic representation of Goddess Mahalakshmi’s eight forces were also on display in front of the dais adding splendor to the impressive artistic decor enhancing the spiritual ambience at the venue.

Earlier the proceedings in the morning started with the regular Veda Chanting. Bhagawan who came at 9:40 and received with Poornakumbham to the accompaniment of Nadaswaram, took a detour to come on stage. The Veda chanting continued till 10 a.m. when Bhagawan nodded to start the proceedings of the ritual. The proceeding began with Bhagawan lighting the ceremonial lamp.

The items for the ritual includes Kalasha covered with mango and betel leaves filled with water symbolizing prosperity; coconut smeared with vermillion and turmeric powder will be placed on the Kalasha; a new cloth covered conically is placed on the coconut.

The ritual starts with the invocation of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Next to invoke is Goddess Varalakshmi and proceed according to 'Sree Sukta Vidhana' with 'Shodasha Upachara' or 16 forms of ceremonial offerings to Goddess Varalakshmi while reciting verses from the Sree Suktam.

Then they chant Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamam. Nine types of sweets as well as savories are offered to the Goddess. Hymns are sung in praise of the deity. Another woman is invited; who is considered to be Goddess Varalakshmi and sweets as well savories are offered. In Prasanthi Nilayam, in the Divine Presence, it is Sai Mahalakshmi who is adored and invocated as Varalakshmi during the rituals.



Commencing the proceedings with Ganesha invocation the Chief Priest gave a scintillating display of anchoring, detailing the procedures interspersed with commentary on the greater significance of the ritual in the Divine Presence.

Propitiating Sai Mahalakshmi, praying for world peace as a universal common goal, he continued the proceedings breaking into a poem singing the glory of the attributelss Lord Shiva. Calling Prasanthi Nilayam verily the Kailasa, the Chief Priest commented that Lord Shiva with His consort and all the ganas are very much in Prasanthi Nilayam and it was our great good fortune to celebrate the auspicious occasion in the Divine Presence.

The ritual for the day commenced at 10:00 am lasted for forty-five minutes. The Chief Priest went on narrating the greater significance coupled with step by step instructions for the participants to proceed with the ritual.

Bhagawan is the Silent Witness who confers His Blessings in most subtle way. Throughout the ritual He was onstage watching the proceedings silently. Upon the end of the forty-five minute long ritual Bhagawan went for a complete round of the ‘disciplined assembly’ blessing the participants.

At the end of the puja, the Chief Priest narrated the story of how the 'Varalakshmi Vrata' came in to practice: In Kailasa, Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva as to whether there was any form of worship that women could perform for fulfillment of all their desires.

Then Lord Shiva suggested that by performing the Varalakshmi Vratam on the first friday of the Hindu month of Shraavana, a women could attain all her desires such as a long & happy married life, being blessed with children and grandchildren, leading a healthy & prosperous life dedicated to right living and spiritual growth.

After attaining these instructions, the ever compassionate mother appeaed in a dream of a pious lady by the name of Charumathi, instructed and guided her to perform the Varalakshmi Vratam. Upon waking up, she narrated the dream to her husband and her in-laws and they encouraged her to perform it. So Charumathi performs the vratam along with many other married women and they were blessed with all auspiciousness and prosperity.

After the story session, the ladies tied sacred thread on the right hand wrist of each other and exchanged prasadam and other articles of worship. The session concluded with Arati around 11am. A sumptuous feast was arranged for all the participants in the South Indian Canteen.

Musical Concert by Anuradha Sriram

The evening was turned into a musical twilight with a scintillating classical rendering by well known carnatic vocalist cum playback singer Anuradha Sriram taking the stage, enthralling the Divine and the capacity audience with her touch of mesmerizing devotional numbers.

Invoking Bhagawan addressing Him as Father, acknowledging His omnipresence in her life as a guiding force, the singer said that it was a homecoming for her and it was her great good fortune to be in His presence singing her heart out for Him.



Matching the perfect ambience set up by the hallowed presence of Bhagawan, the celebrated singer matched her class with elan rendering a diverse collection of devotional numbers that lasted for seventy minutes. Singing both Carnatic and Hindustani, Mrs. Anuradha often crossed the language barrier rendering pieces from Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and even from Marati.

Starting with “Vatabhi Ganapathim” in Hamsadhwani, she moved on to “Marugelara…” followed by a special song on the occasion titled, “Ye Bhagyatha Lakshmi Bhagyatha…” invoking the presiding deity for the auspicious day with passionate calling… While M.S.Subalakshmi’s famous number on Bhagawan Sri Krishna “Kurai Onrum Illai Maraimurthi Kanna…” would have taken the Divine to the wonderful days of the illustrious singer singing in His presence, another number, Lataji’s original piece on Shirdi Sai, “Mere Sai Teri Murat Rahe Man Mein…” was a touching experience for the audience as the singer went ecstatic with Sai in physical listening to her passionate plea…She sang…”Tumhi Mere Maatha… Tumhi Pitha Hamare….”

These numbers were received rounds of applause. A Thukkaram Abhang describing the beauty of Vittala in Pandarpur, a composition in Rudrapriya Raga on Mother Divine were the other numbers before signing off with the famous meera bhajan "Payoji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan"! The singer was accompanied by Sudheendra on the Mridangam Mrs. Nalina Mohan on Violin, Rajendra on Tabla and Puranik on Harmonium.

Bhagawan blessed the artiste with a chain and followed it up with sarees. Accompanists were also blessed with sarees and safari pieces. This was followed by a short stint of Bhajans by students before Mangal Arathi was offered.

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