SAINCIDENT Fan Repairman Dr R who was sleeping on the train which was speeding along the Sub - Himalayan jungle track, turned in bed and opened his eyes, for there was a strange smell in the compartment, something burning, he thought! The fan was emitting sparks, like a Catherine Wheel! There was no one else in the coach, except his wife who was fast asleep. There was no time to even think of a plan as he put out his hand and fumbled with the switch, but the fan could not be stopped as the sparks increased. \"Baba! O Baba, save us, O Baba!\" The prayer automatically rose from his heart, for Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was his never-failing successor. The train slowed down just a wee bit. He thought to himself that as the train came to a stop, he could wake the wife and both could get down and tell the guard. He rose and peeped into the darkness, far out into the oncoming stage. Suddenly he saw a man clinging to his door holding fast to the handle. How could have possibly hopped up the running train in that forest blackness? A nascent fire, a sneaking thief - what was he to do? The man said, \"I am a punkahwala; I come to repair the fan!\" He looked like a seasoned mechanic; he had a screwdriver in his hand; he wore a khaki shirt and drawers; he smiled appealingly. So, the doctor opened the door and let him in. The train gained speed. The wife too woke up. It was all so easy for his skilful hands; a few turns of the screw and tap or two at the proper place; the sparks ceased, the fan whirred, swift and safe. He was a silent, skilful hand. He then sat crouching in a corner and asked the doctor to lie down and sleep. His voice was so sweet, his kindness was so overpowering that the doctor lost all fear and suspicion. He laid himself down and turned away from him and dozed.
SAINCIDENT Fan Repairman But the wife had her fears as she had read and heard of robberies in running trains of her worst calamities and so, she had half an eye open to watch the stranger's slightest movement. And, even while her eyes were watching him, he disappeared!! A week later, they get a letter from Baba at Puttaparthi, \"How did you like my Punkah repair?\" Dr.R. himself narrated this wonderful incident when he came for Mahasivarathri to Puttaparthi. \"This is My Duty; when a call comes out of distress and devotion, I hasten to the rescue\", Baba said. And sure enough, Baba kept His word!
Music Journey (II) Contralto or Alto Types of Voices Lowest voice type (Lover range than Mezzo-Soprano) For females A common but rare voice type used for selected roles Vocal range: E3 - E5 Soprano Mezzo-Soprano Highest voice type Second highest voice type (Lower Only for females range than Suprano) Voice projects innocence and For females (Males optional) youthfulness Voice projects villainesses or Vocal range: C4 - C6 motherly type Vocal range: A3 - A5 Countertenor Bass Highest voice type (Similar to Lowest voice type (Lower than Contralto or Alto) Baritone) For males using falsetto voice For males Voice describes as Voice projects lowest and darkest 'otherworldly' tones (villain) Voice range: E3 - E5 Voice range: E2 - E4 Tenor Baritone Second highest voice type Second lowest voice type (Higher (Lower range than than Bass; common type of voice) Countertenor) For males For males Voice projects rich & dark tones Voice projects romance & hero (hero or villain) Voice range: C3 - C5 Voice range: A2 - A4
Music Journey (II) Range Vocal Weight Tessitura The lowest and highest note The heaviness or lightness The range of voice sung a singer can sing of the specific voice most comfortably Speaking Voice Factors Anatomy Determining How high or low anyone Voice Types The length of the vocal tract speaks (glottis to lips), size of vocal folds & body size Vocal Registers Timbre Bridge Location A range of tones in the The texture of voice The place where the voice human voice produced by transitions between vocal a particular vibratory pattern of the vocal folds registers
SAINCIDENT Vibuti Does It It was summer. Some Sai devotees had assembled near the leprosy asylum for Seva as soon as bhajans started the Students of the Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School had also gathered there. It was a sad sight to see the patients in the asylum. I wondered what karmic law had brought on this dreaded disease to the afflicted persons. As I was thinking about these things, an elderly gentleman, the leader of the Seva Samiti, came and said, “Why don’t you, being Swami’s students, come and talk to them?” I didn’t have enough courage to go in. I looked around and noted that even other friends were hesitant. We had to give in as the elders said, “Don’t worry, we won’t go into the interior. Just speak to them for some time.” A small boy came closer. The old gentleman told him: “See, they are Baba’s students.” His eyes glowed with admiration. We boys moved back a little.
SAINCIDENT Vibuti Does It Suddenly, he said, “Don’t be afraid. I won’t touch you.” We were `touched’ by this statement. Then he started speaking in Marathi, He was 12 years old and the disease was in its early stages. He said that he saw Swami in a dream and described how Swami comes out for darshan at the Prashanthi Mandir, and the college buildings. Through he had never seen swami he said swami often comes in his dreams. He said to us, “You are so close to Swami, please pray for my healing.” race of leprosy and he was fully healed! Then suddenly the elderly devotee said, “If anybody has the vibhuti given by Swami, why don’t you give it to him?” While going home for the vacation, Swami had given us vibhuti prasadam, so therefore some of us had vibhuti packets handy in our pockets. Immediately we gave the lad some packets.
SAINCIDENT Vibuti Does It Back at Prasanthi Nilayam after the vacation, we resumed our studies. One day I received a letter from the Samiti leader saying that the boy whom we had met at the asylum had refused to take any medicine and was only applying the vibhuti given to him and praying to Swami. The hospital authorities were a bit apprehensive about this and rather displeased with the Sai devotees for interfering with the treatment they were giving to the boy. After two weeks, when the doctors examined the boy. There was no trace of leprosy and he was fully healed!
Happy Lunar New To a year of great Year! fortune and success Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival is the most important cultural festival for the Chinese. Based on the Chinese lunar calendar. 2022 Chinese New Year will begin on February 1, and ends on the Full moon fifteen days later. It is traditionally a time to bring family together, sharing blessings with all loved ones. Home and family togetherness is significantly the focus of the Spring Festival celebration. Family is incredibly important in the Chinese culture. Many rituals are performed to signify a new start. And in preparation, all Chinese will carry out a thorough cleaning of their houses to rid of any inauspicious qi/energy of the old year. This is followed by decoration of home in red. In Chinese culture, the colour red signifies joy, celebrations, bestowing blessing of longevity, good health, peace and luck. Decorations will include red lanterns, red couplets, red banners, and other items that signify auspiciousness.
LUNAR NEW YEAR Year of the Water Tiger This year is the Year of the Water Tiger, and so Tiger images will appear on Chinese New Year decorations. The Tiger represent the value of Courage, Strength and Decisiveness. The main Chinese New Year activities include honouring ancestors as well as household and heavenly deities, reunion dinner with family on New Year's Eve, firecrackers, lion dance, giving red envelopes filled with cash and other gifts, visiting elders and friends to share joy and happiness. In the afternoon of the Lunar New Year’s Eve, the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the Heaven, the family gods and ancestors will be held. Honouring ancestors through offerings is a customary ritual to show respect and piety to ancestors. Festivities The New Year’s Eve feast known as the reunion dinner is an important event for all family members. Big families including several generations sit at round tables and enjoy the food together. Each food represents something they hope for in the New Year. There is symbolism in the food served. Noodles symbolises long life, dumplings for good fortune, and golden citrus fruits represent wealth. A further custom is to eat a new year sticky rice cake called niangao after dinner as it is believed that niangao signifies an increasingly prosperous year ahead. Chinese also send pieces of niangao as auspicious gifts to relatives and friends in the coming days of the new year, Parents usually give their children money in red envelopes after the reunion dinner, a traditional symbol of wishing them health, growth, and excel in studies in the coming year. Money in red envelopes is believed to bring good luck, so it is called lucky money. All married elders also give red envelopes filled with cash to the younger generation during the period of Chinese New Year.
LUNAR NEW YEAR Vegetarianism Some Chinese Buddhists abstain from meat consumption on the first day of the New Year. It is believed that this will enhance longevity. In addition, vegetarian dishes help to purify and cleanse the body as well as honoring a tradition that nothing living should be killed on the first day of the New Year. A traditional vegetarian dish called \"Lo Hon Jai\" or Buddha's delight is prepared on the first day of Chinese New Year using eighteen different ingredients as the Chinese believe that eighteen is a lucky number signifying wealth and prosperity. And each single one of the ingredients represents a certain symbolic meaning. Start the New Year with Good Thoughts Chinese strongly believe that what they do and say on the first day of the lunar year will affect their luck and performance during that year. So think good, see good, speak good and do good on the first day of the New Year is an important practice associated with New Year celebration. In many areas especially in the rural areas, it is customary to set off firecrackers for the celebration of Chinese New Year. It is believed that the louder the firecrackers, the better and luckier it will be for the upcoming year. Lion Dance The lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance performed on Chinese New Year and also on other important events, for receiving good fortune and to drive away evil spirits. In Chinese culture, the lion symbolizes power, wisdom, and superiority. The lion dance also creates festive atmosphere and brings happiness.
LUNAR NEW YEAR Family Reunion Traditionally, married daughters visit their parents’ home on the second day of Chinese New Year. They bring gifts and red envelopes to families and relatives. On this day too, people offer sacrifices to the God of Wealth, wishing for a luckier and more prosperous year. The seventh day of Chinese New Year is called Renri. According to Chinese legends, Renri was the day human beings were created by the mother goddess Nu Wa. It is celebrated as the common birthday of all human beings. Many will celebrate by eating a salad known as yusheng, and yusheng is considered as a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigour. It usually consists of shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments. On the eighth day, many Chinese return to work, and most businesses also like to reopen on day eight of the New Year. Eight is the luckiest number in Chinese belief. Prayer to the Lord of the Heavens The ninth day of Chinese New Year is especially important to the Hokkiens, a major group of the Chinese community who speaks in the dialect Hokkien. The Hokkiens believe that the ninth day is the birthday of the Jade Emperor, Thien Kong, who protected the ancestors of Hokkien people from ruthless army in ancient China. This day is regarded as the day of salvation by the Hokkien community. This is why the Hokkien people offer thanksgiving prayers to the Jade Emperor on this day. In Lunar calendar, this day starts at 11pm on the 8th day of the Chinese New Year. On this night, the Hokkiens set up tables draped in a red tablecloth, with special food to serve to the Jade Emperor. Some of the most popular items they must have are sweet cakes (thni kueh), red tortoise buns (ang koo), red-coloured buns (mee koo) and prosperity cakes (huat kueh). All these food symbolises prosperity and good fortune. The ancestors of Hokkiens were protected to safety in sugarcane plantations during the invasion by army in ancient China.
LUNAR NEW YEAR As thanksgiving, a pair of sugarcane plants is usually placed, one on each side of the offering table. The pair symbolises unity, cooperation and strength. Sugarcane symbolises harmony, which brings all good outcome. The straightness of the sugarcane stems is to ensure that the Hokkiens become a clan of honest and sincere people, and the cane stalk with multiple nodes symbolises continuous growth. The Hokkiens make piles of folded pieces of golden paper and hang them from the sugarcanes before being burnt as a thanksgiving offering to the Thien Kong. There will be fireworks and firecrackers that mark the beginning of the ninth day as well as the survival of the Hokkien people. All the light and loud bangs of the firecrackers do add an air of festivity on this day. During the fifteen day period, new year visits will be made to family and friends to show respect, to strengthen ties and to share joy. Lantern Festival The fifteenth day of the New Year is the Lantern Festival. It is the traditional end of the Spring Festival celebrations. The symbol of the circle is used frequently in Chinese culture and tradition. A circle is a sign of completeness and perfection, which is why the final day of the Chinese New Year is on the night of a full moon. Another reunion dinner is held with lanterns and oranges being a large part of the celebrations. It is customary to eat special sweet dumplings called tangyuan, which resemble the shape of the full moon. These round balls are made of glutinous rice flour stuffed with sugar fillings, symbolizing reunion. Tāngyuán literally means \"round balls in soup\". This festival is associated with celebrating and cultivating positive relationship between people, families, nature and the higher beings- as they are believed to be responsible for bringing light each year. Many of the traditions, celebrations and rituals mentioned are customarily practised throughout the fifteen days of the Chinese New Year. However there may be some differing practices based on the places of residence and the individual’s belief system. One common belief and aspiration among all Chinese is that the Spring Festival will bring a new start in one’s life, refreshing hopes for prosperity, health, wealth and happiness.
LUNAR NEW YEAR How SSSIO Plans To Celebrate CNY? Since SSSIO started celebrating CNY in Prashanti Nilayam in 1997, the emphasis has been on promoting the core value of filial piety which is the cornerstone of Chinese culture and tradition. Sri Sathya Sai Baba had often stressed on the importance of Love and respect for parents. He had urged office bearers in the Sai organisation to actively promote this value. The Chinese New Year celebrations program in Prashanti Nilayam includes prayers for world peace, songs, skits, drama and talks focusing on theme on filial piety and other Chinese core values . Bro Billy Fong SSIOM
Inspirational Corner Sis Saraswathy Thurairaj
I am from Malacca. I have four siblings, one elder brother, two elder sisters and one younger brother. During my childhood, I was very playful, naive and pampered by my grandmother. I grew up without knowing any difficulties in life until one day; my mother passed away suddenly when she was only 42 years old. I was the one who found my mother dead in my house. At that juncture, I didn't even know that my mother had passed away until I held her; she was frozen cold. At that time, my elder brother was about to complete his tertiary studies while my two elder sisters were still in their tertiary education at KL. Only my younger brother and I were there at Malacca together with my parents and my maternal grandmother. My grandmother had to go through tremendous pain because her only child passed away before her. It was a devastating moment for my family. My younger brother and I were pretty young; we couldn't even digest that my mother was no longer there with us. At the same time, my grandmother was crying non-stop, thinking of her child. On the other hand, my father went into depression and he didn't go to work for days. Then finally, my grandmother had to get up to be the pillar of strength for my father, her son in law. She advised my father to go back to work for our sake. My father wasn't an ordinary personality. He was a very loving, caring and responsible man. He was a person with dreams and perseverance. He was a person with dreams and perseverance. My father had no bad habits at all; his only weaknesses were sweets and chocolates. My father was the best person I have ever met, and he is my role model, inspiration, and hero.
Then my elder brother got married, and I got the most wonderful sister-in-law. She was always there for us. I continued my journey because my family are my durable support. When I was waiting for my STPM result, my lovely grandmother passed away. Again, this was immense grief for me, but her spirit and love made me go on. Finally, I got the offer to pursue my degree at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. I was the first to go to a public university as all my other siblings went to private colleges for their studies. I was also awarded a scholarship from Yayasan Melaka whereby my fees were paid fully. A new chapter started for me in my university life. Those days there were no handphones, so I only called my father from the public phone. Unlike my friends sharing many stories with their mothers over the phone, I had only a few things to share with my father, but my father was everything for me. Hence, I studied very hard for my degree. I always made sure that I maintained my CGPA between 3.30 to 3.60. I graduated and obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) majored in Communication. My father and my elder brother witnessed me getting my scroll. My entire family was there with bouquets. My father told me that I shouldn't stop here. Thus, I enrolled in my Master's programme once again at UKM but part-time. I was working at one of the MARA colleges at Bangi. It was another new beginning for me. At that time, I was introduced to five different gurus. I knew that it was a calling to choose my Guru. However, I realised it is the Guru who choses us as His devotees. Finally, my colleague, my lovely Aruna Sreekumar akka, took me for a Bhajan at the Cheras Sai Centre.
That was the first time I saw Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in my life. My father was an ardent devotee of Lord Muruga, so we prayed only to Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lord Shiva, and Amman. I have never familiarised with any gurus before. However, deep in my heart I knew, it was time for me to be guided by a Guru. But the question here is, who is my Guru? During that Bhajan, I prayed to Swami and told him, now I got to know five different gurus, but who should I choose? Please show me a sign if You are my Guru. To my surprise, Swami appeared in my dream that night, and I knew at that moment that Swami was my Guru. Then, I met Meena akka at UKM, who was doing her PhD. She then took me to Dr Renu's house Bhajan, and later I got with Kajang Sai Centre as they were moving to a new building in 2003. Together with Meena akka and many other youths, we were all preparing for the opening ceremony of the Kajang Sai Centre. Then, I got introduced to Swami's teachings. I was a very active youth participating in Blood donation, orphanage service, community projects, family day, etc. I was so attached to the Kajang Sai Centre that all the uncles, aunties, and youths were my family. They even chartered a bus to attend my wedding reception in Malacca. Swami blessed me with unconditional love from all of them. I got married, but my final thesis for my Master's was still pending. Swami once again sent me Dr Sugumaran to assist me in my thesis completion. He asked me to place my thesis at the Kajang Sai Mandir before submission. He always told me that
whatever happens, believe in Swami and surrender to Bhagawan. I also received support from my lecturer, the late Dr Ganakumaran and Aruna akka with her entire family for my thesis. My husband, Sivakumar Ratnasingam was also a strong pillar of support for me. Once again, I made my father proud because I obtained a Master of Arts degree. Another new chapter began in my life when I got pregnant after my graduation. My father was staying with me in Kajang, and I did all my duties for my father. My father was my child as I bathed him, shaved his beard, cooked for him, took him for his regular hospital check-ups, etc. Besides, I never failed to attend weekly Sai Bhajans. My service in the Sai organisation continued, although not as much as before. I always owe so much to the Kajang Sai Mahilas; they were lovely to do a special prayer before I was admitted to the hospital for my delivery. Saras Dass Akka, Aunty Vasantha, Aunty Rao, Sister Shanti Naga, Sister Suseela and many other mahilas chanted Gayatri Mantra 108 times before I went to the hospital.
I held Swami's photo with me all the time. I only chanted Gayatri Mantra while having my contractions. Unfortunately, my baby's heartbeat started dropping, and the doctor had to do an emergency caesarean. I was unconscious, and the operation was successful. My lovely daughter was named Shavitri Sivakumar, and the first place we went to from the hospital was Kajang Sai Centre where Saras Dass Akka and all the other Mahilas waited for me with Aarti. Although I don't have my mother with me, the Sai mothers were always there for me. I laid my daughter at Swami's feet and was thrilled with all the blessings Swami has showered me with. However, I went through postpartum depression as my delivery was not a normal delivery. I forced my husband to take me back to see the specialist at HUKM. The chief gynaecologist told me that I was one of the blessed patients. If the doctor who attended my case, Dr Wong, delayed my emergency caesarean by 9 minutes, my child would have cerebral palsy now. Her umbilical cord was strangling her neck, and she was suffocating with less oxygen. I just burst into tears when I heard this as Swami has blessed me for the seva/service I did unknowingly in the past. Before I got married, I used to go to one of the Sai sister's houses to help her with exercises for her cerebral palsy child. Today, Swami has saved my child, and I realised why Swami always asks us to do Seva. Life is a circle, we will not always be up there, but one day we too will come down. I could only Thank Swami for the unconditional love he is constantly showering upon my family and me. Sadly, three months after my baby was born, my loving father passed away. Although he was not there physically with me, I knew he was always there, blessing me
together with my late mother and grandmother. Swami did not stop to test my faith in Him. When I was seven weeks pregnant with my second child, unfortunately, I got the worst asthma attack until I was admitted into the ICU. I was diagnosed with pneumonia and was given very high doses of medication. Before I was discharged, when they scanned me, the doctor told me that I was no longer pregnant. I was once again devastated. At that moment, I had nowhere to turn to except Swami. I prayed so much for my baby. I went to two other private gynaecologists and another family doctor who is very dear to me. All three of them said that there was no sign of my baby upon scanning me. My family doctor advised me not to be sad as I am still young, and he was very confident that I would get pregnant again. I cried my lungs out. I was distraught and didn't know what to do. I felt that I was going crazy. He advised me to see another famous gynaecologist at KPJ Kajang, Dr Bala. He asked me to do dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage. Ever since I knew Swami, I have only chanted the Gayatri Mantra for everything. When my car doesn't start, I chant Gayatri Mantra; when my fridge doesn't get cold, I chant Gayatri Mantra; when I misplace anything, I chant Gayatri Mantra. With Gayatri Mantra, all my worries and problems always find solutions. Even in that devastating state, I only chanted Gayatri Mantra.
Finally, I got the strength after a few days to do D&C with Dr Bala. When I saw him, I started crying profusely. He advised me not to feel miserable and then scanned me. I was shocked to death to see the screen as my child was moving actively in my stomach. After four doctors confirmed that I am no longer pregnant, it was a total miracle that now my child is back, my little Vindhiya Sivakumar. I almost fainted with joy. I thanked Dr Bala so much. I knew Swami had never failed to shower his miracles and blessings on me. My wish came true when I delivered her as a normal delivery. Once again, I felt his presence in my life. Later, when my children were grown up, I moved to another Sai Centre because of their tuition time clashing. However, I never stopped doing centre cleaning at Kajang Sai Centre with Brother Naga and his family. At the new centre, Swami chose me to be the Education Coordinator in charge of Balvikas. During this period, I was doing my PhD, and I received a MyPhD Scholarship from the Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi Malaysia. However, nothing stopped me from doing Swami's work. This responsibility came unexpectedly. I refused to take up the position as I was more interested in continuing as a Balvikas guru. But, I realised I wasn't the one to decide when I asked Swami during one of the conventions I attended in Ipoh. During that period, Swami's Vibuthi was materialized everywhere around Swami's chair. So I asked Swami to tell me whether I should take up this post or not. To my astonishment, Swami said yes through the Yes/No note I picked up. Then I started my chapter as an Education Coordinator. I did many activities for the children. My most significant
achievements, together with all the Sai gurus, were the weekly Sai Got Talent, in which all the children were given a chance to showcase their talents. With Swami's Blessings, three special children also showcased their talents. Besides, Sai Ponggal Villa with Love Nature Theme, Sai in house Sadhana camp, Yoga International Day, Zumba, Telematch, Guru Poornima Celebration, National Thevaram competition, Swami's Birthday Drama and Birthday Celebration, regular Art classes, Online weekly Balvikas classes and many more activities. I also got good cooperation from some youths, namely Barath Nair, Sharanya, and others. I used to stay back in my university until night-time, planning and doing Swami's work. I completed my entire research thesis by then and as usual, I placed my thesis in front of Swami at the mandir before submitting them to my university. Whenever I do this, I surrender completely to Swami and have faith that everything will be taken care of. Unfortunately, due to some differences of opinion, I was compelled to resign from my position. This came as a big hit because ever since I have known Swami since 2001, Swami has never pushed me away. I was confused and discouraged. I was not even given a chance to complete the year, especially for my Group four students. Deep in me, I knew there must be a reason for this. Many of my gurus were there for me, namely Aruna akka, Sister Siva, Aunty Anuradha, Sister Girja, Sister Saras Ramky, Sister Shangkari, Sister Vizalee, Aunty Mahree and many more. Hence, I started reflecting. Why has Swami done this to me? Finally, he has revealed all the answers to all my queries. Today, I know Swami wanted me to become a better person. I finally realised what Swami's teaching was.
\"The End of Education is Character\", which means it is not a must for you to be with the organization to serve and continue Swami's teaching. You should be able to stand up individually to do His work everywhere you go. I also realised some other pertinent points, such as your age, gender, years of service, number of activities involved, etc. do not determine Swami's love for you. Your Vasana, how much you have evolved in Swami's teachings that matter. One of the most valuable lessons I learned in Vedanta is to perform your duty without any expectations, and the fruit will come to you. Furthermore, we should not despair with any discrimination. Believe that no one can take away anyone's rice bowl. What is meant for you will eventually come to you. Only time will teach you the most powerful lesson and heal any painful experiences. Just keep your faith and believe in yourself to the fullest. Today, I am not attached to any centre, but my children still go to Balvikas and follow Swami's teachings. Swami teachings have merged in me & I found my path to serve. Currently, I gather all the weak students in my university & conduct weekly enrichment classes with them independently. I also have few plans for the community which I want to take up solely. I also have completed my STP modules which I left before with another group and facilitator. I also have another Sai Happy Satsang group with a beautiful Sai facilitator. Furthermore, I also have joined Sister's Lakshmi's Lalitha Sahasranamam chanting group, where I am blessed to sing Swami's Bhajan weekly. I have been blessed with many other classes & people who always come forward for my family & me.
Even in my PhD journey, I had undergone tremendous challenges. My primary supervisor died of sudden lung failure, I realized that my entire life was full of challenges since I was young, but Swami has always been there for me. I am blessed with a wonderful and supportive husband, loving children, my loyal pet dog Roja, fabulous siblings, a beautiful sister-in-law, and all my marvellous Sai family who are always there for me. I wish I could inspire others, especially the youths, through my journey. I have always carried this quote with me since I was young, \"If you want to be what you want to be, believe in what you want to be, and you will be what you want to be!\". Finally, I fulfilled my late father's dream. I have gotten the highest qualification, and I was awarded Doctor of Philosophy from International Islamic University Malaysia. Today, with Swami's Blessings, I am Assistant Professor Dr Saraswathy Thurairaj. Thank you, Jai Sai Ram.
Saincident Safety Pin We were returning from His presence on the 18th day of January 1968, from Puttaparthi to Madurai. We started our journey after morning darshan. My husband, our three children, and I were in the car. Our youngest was three years old then. We were about 30 miles from Salem, where we proposed to halt for the night. We were already late since we spent some time in Bangalore. as night was approaching. Our car started giving trouble, the driver’s skill and resources of intuition failed to solve the trouble. There were no houses or shops anywhere near us as we were stranded in a patch of deserted land. The car had come to a stop as none of the gears could be worked, despite the frantic efforts of my husband and the driver. We tried to halt some passing trucks, but the drivers shouted back that they did not know much about Fiats. Others turned their noses at us and drove past. We were resigning ourselves to a night spent in the dark with hunger and fear as companions. Suddenly, a white Fiat car drove up and stopped just by the side of our vehicle. Our driver hurried out to open the bonnet and as we plead for help, after explaining to the occupants what the trouble was. The car had two persons in it, one whom we took to be the owner. The owner was the first to speak he did not wait to be told what the matter was with the car. He asked my husband rather sternly for a safety pin and, when that was handed over to him, he instructed the driver we could hear him quite clearly, as his voice was sharp and penetrating to get under the car and fix the pin to the nipple. The driver did what he was told it took him only a few seconds. Then, we were asked to proceed to Salem and take the car to any workshop there. The car started without any difficulty and we drove smoothly. The other Fiat came behind us for some minutes and then shot forward at great speed, and soon vanished from view. We reached Salem and took the car to a workshop. There we found that the gear rod was broken in two as they wondered how we could come all that distance with a broken gear rod. They took three hours to get the thing welded! They found no safety pin, and nobody could say where the nipple was!
Sathya Sai Journey 1990 1990 Sanathana Samskruthi, Sri Sathya Sai Baba the Eternal Heritage inaugurated the 65 Feet high statue of Hanuman Museum was inaugurated at Prashanti Nilayam. 1991 1991 Sri Sathya Sai Airport inaugurated at Prashanti Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospital Nilayam inaugurated by the then 1995 PM of India Sri Sathya Sai Drinking 1995 Water Supply Project- Anantapur in conjunction Sai Kulwant Hall was with Swami's 70th Birthday inaugurated in 1999 Prashanti Nilayam Sri Sathya Sai 1997 International Centre at New Delhi inaugurated First Sai Youth World Conference attended by (www.saidelhi.org) thousands of youth from hundreds of countries.
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