Anantapur

Very long tiring travel! Threat of floods throughout. All rivers and channels on the way flowing to the brim. As night dawns the route looked very rough and water flowing over road at one or two places! Yes! It was travel to Puttaparthi from Chennai! I know it is place of Sai baba! I have listened to his speech in Chennai once! I have listened to his speech in you tube channels. But not a staunch follower of him. This first time travel is for a purpose. My Daughter in law Akshaya’s convocation. After a night’s rest today started to Mandhir. We were told that by 8.30 we have to be at the place. Otherwise we can not attend the function. No cellphones, bags allowed inside. We entered before time chappals were relieved at the chappal stand. Ganesha was adorned in silver kavacham. After praying him we went towards the hall. White and white volunteers greeted on both sides with folded hands saying Sairam! They reminded that cellphones are not allowed inside. We were guided to our row. Ladies and gents separate places! All girl students were wearing white sarees and they covered their shoulders by the end of saree! There is no exception. Even parents were advised to pin their sarees after covering the hands up to elbows. The hall looked like olden days Palace. High ceiling! The stage is wide! On top Om symbol, on left and right side huge portraits Jesus, Mosque, Sikh Guru were displayed! On the sides Ramayana Maha Bharatha scenes were drawn! Golden colours! Chandeliers! Wide screens for live coverage! There were about 1000 people in the hall. But the silence was note worthy. At about 9.15 Chief Justice of Supreme Court Shri. Ramana entered the Dharshan hall, and prayed there. Sharp 9.30 the function started with chanting of Vedhas by Students. Ir was so fantastic that I went into a trance like situation. Chief Justice gave away Golden medals and awarded Phd to the students. In his address in English Chief Justice mentioned that his wife was a student of this Institution. In the last 10 mins he switched to Telugu when there was thunderous applause. It showed majority were Telugu speaking people in the hall. Then Baba’s recorded speech in Telugu translated by someone in English was played. Baba stressed on Culture. He said Education and culture are two wheels of a cart or cycle. Nowadays the wheel of culture is not found in the system. His expressed his love towards Students. Saibaba’s intention is perfectly implemented in this institution. Culture is given the foremost importance. National anthem was sung at the end. Then there were announcements about drama by students this evening. Santhi manthram was chanted which had a mesmerising effect on me. Finall aarthy was performed in the stage. The Cente of stage was occupied by a vacant chair which was used to be the seat of Saibaba as Chancellor of University. Aarthy was performed towards the Chair only. Saibaba is guiding the institution even now. It was a spiritual experience for me. Many time I became emotional. In his speech Bava mentioned students should know who they are. This is the teaching of my Guru Ramana Maharishi. Portraits and pictures of Bhagavan Ramanar , Kanchi Magan used to be hanging around in our home. After entry of my first daughter in law in our home Sri Seshadhri Swamigal joined to bless us. Now after Akshaya’s entry in our home Sai Baba would also be blessing us in our Puja room! Om Sri Sairam🙏🙏