Birthday Celebrations Day2 - Evening

Nov. 18, 2023

Sairam,

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 98^th Birthday Celebrations

Date: 18-11-2023

Day2 – Evening

The evening programme commenced with a soul-soothing Vedam chanting by the Sivam Vedam group, setting a serene atmosphere for the auspicious occasion. The event marked the launch of a year-long training program on Jute and Maggam works titled "Sri Sathya Sai Prema Dhara."

1. Lamp Lighting Ceremony

The ceremonial lighting of the lamp was conducted with grace and dignity. Esteemed guests from the gentlemen and ladies' sections had the honour of inaugurating the event, symbolizing the enlightenment and unity that the program aims to foster.

2. Sri Sathya Sai Premadhara: Empowering Tribal Women through Vocational Training

Bhagawan’s love knows no bounds and it is beyond the comprehension of ordinary mortals. He showers HIS Bleesings on all and connects HIS children in unique ways. Today, I am honored to speak about a transformative initiative, "Sri Sathya Sai Premadhara" a unique collaboration between Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, Sivam, Hyderabad and the Telangana Tribal Welfare Education Society. This partnership symbolizes a confluence of compassion, education, and empowerment.

The heart of this initiative lies in providing vocational training to young women from the Tribal Welfare Education Society, Degree College, Shadnagar. In an inspiring move towards self-reliance and skill development, these students come to Sivam in batches of 15 for a month-long residential training program.

The beauty of this program is not just in its training but also in the holistic approach it adopts. While these students learn practical skills like jute bag making and makkam works, they are simultaneously immersed in a curriculum that encompasses finance, banking, marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship. This comprehensive training ensures that these students are not just skilled artisans but also capable entrepreneurs who can navigate the business world with confidence.

But Sri Sathya Sai Premadhara's commitment goes beyond vocational training. The organization takes complete responsibility for the residential and food needs of these students. It provides trainers, training materials, literature, and raw materials, ensuring that the students have everything they need to succeed.

Furthermore, the program is deeply rooted in the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Throughout their stay, the students are imbued with basic human values such as truth (sathya), righteousness (dharma), peace (shanti), love (prema), and nonviolence (ahimsa). These principles form the foundation of their learning, guiding them to lead lives of integrity and compassion.

Over the course of 12 months, our goal is to train approximately 100 young women in these specialized vocational courses. This initiative is not just about skill development; it's about shaping futures and building stronger communities. It's about empowering these young women to become agents of change in their communities.

As we embark on this year-long journey, we are filled with gratitude for Bhagawan's blessings and guidance. His teachings inspire our efforts and remind us of the power of love and service.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Sri Sathya Sai Premadhara for their dedication and hard work. Let us all pray for the success of this initiative and for the bright future of the young women whose lives it will undoubtedly transform.

3. Guests of Honour

Sri Kalyana Sundaram garu and Smt. Sangeetha Ratna Konijetti garu graced the occasion as the Guests of Honour. Their presence added dignity to the event, and their insightful remarks emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting traditional arts and crafts.

4. VILASINI NATYAM: Kathak Dance Performance

Sri Sanjay Joshi garu mesmerized the devotees with a captivating solo performance, showcasing the exquisite art of Kathak dance performance. The event was a celebration of rhythmic grace and artistic expression, leaving the audience enthralled. His performance was a spellbinding journey through the rich tapestry of Indian classical dance. The intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and seamless storytelling unfolded with finesse, captivating the audience from start to finish. Each movement was a testament to the artist's dedication and mastery of the Kathak tradition.

The event concluded with a heartfelt Bhajan, Swamy discourse, offering of harathi and the Divine darshan. The collective participation in these devotional activities created an atmosphere of peace and unity. As a gesture of love and generosity, at the end prasadam was distributed to all devotees.

The collective efforts of everyone involved contributed to an evening filled with spirituality, cultural richness, and the spirit of service

Jai Sairam

Ramesh