Report From India

Sai Ram,

Below is an email just received from Sathya Narayanan. Sathya spoke at the Manhattan Center this past summer and was the featured speaker at the Flushing Center's Guru Purnima Observance. Sathya is responsible for reciting the Rudram (daily) at Swami's Ashram in Whitefield, whether Swami is in attendance or not.

Although the following update contains a few unconfirmed reports (which are stated as unconfirmed), I thought it was well worth sharing with everyone. It provides a bird-eye view of the preparations, as well as the genuine sense of awe and anticipation for the upcoming 85th Birthday of our beloved Bhagavan,

Enjoy...

"Om Sri Sai Ram dearest Sai Family, greetings and loving Sairams.

The following contents of this email is subject to change and is based on information gathered from various sources.

The 85th birthday celebrations are in full swing. Even though the organisers are keeping a low profile, it is learnt that it will be one of the historic events and will be remembered for generations. All ready all the THINK TANKS and top brass of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Mr.Goldstien, Dr.Reddy, Mr.Cheema and many others are already here to play their role in this historic celebration.The birthday programme would be held in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium as it is customary to celebrate the birthday once in five years in the stadium. Close to one and half million devotees from all over the world are expected and this itself tells how HUGE this festival is going to be. There would be hardly any place to stand and only Swami knows, whom He has chosen to witness this beautiful festival.Arrangements are being made for Swami to come into the stadium in the Golden Chariot this time. That will be a momentous moment for every one assembled.

There are also unconfirmed reports that the President and Prime Minister of India would attend the Convocation and Birthday celebrations.

There is also a mass marriage ceremony, which would be held in Sai Kulwanth hall. Swami will be blessing this huge mass marriage ceremony(for which names have already been registered) which (SWAMI WILLING) may happen either on the 17th November or 21st November 2010 All the BIG WIGS from politics, cinema, community would be present for this year's birthday celebrations. Arrangements are also made by ashram for free food seva for all the devotees, three times a day, for one full week. This will be a mammoth task for the authorities, sevadals in particular. Food counters will be placed at various places within the ashram premises and also near the Hill View stadium.

There are many other local devotees, organisations who are planning free food distribution for the devotees outside the ashram premises which would be very handy for every one.

The electricity department is working round the clock to provide adequate and uninterrupted power supply.A team of government doctors and para medical staff equipped with latest mobile hospitals would be operating for the whole fortnight.

The authorities are also busy laying new bypass roads to reach Puttaparthi without entering the main road, which passes through all the school buildings and to the bus stations.

Temporary bus stations are being planned at two places, one at the dead end of Chitravathi Road and one by the Hanuman temple. No vehicles would be allowed to pass in the main road and few thousands of security personnel would be looking at the security arrangements. There are many private schools, colleges which are planning some social activities like blood donations, planting trees etc on this holy occasion.

All these millions would be coming with just a small hope, to see Swami atleast for few seconds and wish Him a happy birthday... Not sure how many would be that fortunate, but our Lord's blessings are always with us no matter where we are and what He wants us to do.. Please click this link from sssbpt website for the detailed official programmes which are confirmed as of now..http://sssbpt.org/Pages/Pdf/Programme%20Sheet%20Birthday.pdf