Sai Ke Saath

Writing · e-book pages 12–14

SSSIHMS College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences — Beginning

Mr. Praveen Vemula

Introduction

With Divine Blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences came into existence on 1st September 2008.

Divine Message

“Swami willed that there should be a sufficient number of trained nursing personnel and therefore training facilities for nursing personnel will be established. It is easy for doctors to perform operations. The real difficulty is in taking care of the patients after the operations. It is easy to slice vegetables. But, to prepare a tasty dish out of that is very difficult. This task of “cooking” is done by the nurses. If there is no good nursing, even the operation may be a failure. Therefore in order to train a good group of nursing personnel, training facilities are being provided. All those who are pure-hearted and filled with a spirit of service, may approach the Director for undergoing training to serve in the hospital. They need not incur any expense. The entire training is free. Elsewhere, if people want to undergo such training, they have to pay all kinds of fees. Here nothing will be charged. Everything will be provided free. Only, we want persons with pure hearts to join the course. Today we have quite a large number of people working in our hospital. But, there is more work to be done because of the ever-growing number of patients seeking relief. Hence, we need many more nursing personnel. We are asking for nurses not for Swami’s sake but for the sake of the nation.”

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Poornachandra Auditorium, Guru Pournima message, 14 Jul 1992

14 Jul 92 Gurupurnima_Nursing

Beginning I was fortunate to hear the above Divine Discourse directly from Bhagawan as a school student and these words got imprinted in my subconscious mind. Several years passed and I was fortunate to be chosen by Bhagawan to train in Hospital administration at Loma Linda University, California and Marian Medical Center, California in the year 2001-02. I got the greatest good fortune of being accepted as a staff of the Holy Temples of Healing, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prashanti Gram on 18th September 2002 and was transferred to SSSIHMS, Whitefield in March 2003. In the year 2006, I was closing the Director’s office to go for lunch and went back inside to pick up some stuff I forgot. At this time, on the World space radio which was being played on the hospital PA system, I heard the exact same portion of Swami’s talk given on 14 July 1992 and I felt as if Swami was talking to me. I spoke to Late Dr. AN Safaya, Director of Hospital in the afternoon about this discourse of Bhagawan. Dr. Safaya said that for some reason known to Bhagawan, the nursing course did not start even though efforts were made many times. I am too old now, if you want you can make an effort.

With his permission, I approached the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. I was given to understand that we would need to have a faculty of medicine to start any medical related courses. Subsequently, Bhagawan made Dr. A.S. Hegde, Chief of Neurosurgery as Director. Dr. Hegde guided me to talk to somebody in the registrar office of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore. They gave the process to be followed to apply to the University.

In September 2006 during Sai Sannidhi Day, I had the good fortune to talk to Bhagawan and in that interaction, I prayed to Bhagawan to give permission to start paramedical and nursing courses in our hospital. Bhagawan said “Tapaka Chesukondi” meaning “Do it without fail”. Subsequently, Dr. Hegde visited Parthi to take Swami’s blessing. Swami was very happy and told us that we should find a good principal and start the courses. We immediately applied to M/s Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences for BSc courses in Nursing, Cardiac Care Technology, Perfusion Technology, Anesthesia Technology, Imaging Technology and Medical Laboratory Technology. Since we were far behind schedule in applying, we made a special request to Dr. S.Ramanand Shetty, Vice Chancellor and Dr. Vasanth Kumar S, Registrar. They were thrilled that a completely free, value based nursing and allied health college will be coming under their purview. They made an exception and called for a special meeting of the syndicate/academic council of RGUHS and approved the proposal. As a special gesture from their side, the syndicate resolved that the Institute need not pay affiliation fees permanently.

Next, we needed to get permission from the Karnataka Government, Medical Education department. Swami always puts the right people at the right time and right place. Sri Shankar Linge Gowda, was Secretary, Medical Education. He was one of the key people involved in praying to Bhagawan to open a super speciality hospital along with Late Sri J H Patel, Chief Minister of Karnataka. We, Mohan Das sir and myself reached his office at 2:30 PM and by 3:30 PM we came out with the letter of approval. He was very thrilled at the humanitarian work being done by the hospital and also he was thrilled that a completely free nursing and allied health college, first of its kind, was going to be started in Karnataka.

With Swami’s blessings, we put a notification in the Sanathana Sarathi. Two candidates applied, Mrs. A R Manjuri and Mrs. Roopa Devi. Recruitment Committee interviewed them and forwarded to Trust for approval. We went to Swami with approval copies and photos of selected candidates. Swami was very happy that we could finish the process so fast. He blessed the photographs of Mrs. Manjuri and Mrs. Rupa Devi and Mrs. Manjuri was nominated as the principal. That evening during darshan, Swami told one of the devotees, Mrs. Sheela Nayak that we are starting a nursing college in Karnataka and not

Andhra Pradesh. Mrs. Nayak was involved in earlier attempts to start the nursing course and had several interviews from Bhagawan in the process. She was later blessed with an opportunity to participate in the construction of the Nursing College hostel and now the college building.

With Bhagawan’s blessings approval from Karnataka Nursing Council and Indian Nursing Council was also received.

We put a notification in Sanathana Sarathi inviting applications from interested candidates and conducted an entrance exam to select the students in May 2008. The lists of selected students along with their photographs were specially blessed by Swami. He went through each and every photograph of students selected and blessed them. In the month of June 2008, the classes started. Doctors, managers pitched in to teach the students initially till Nursing college got its full complement of staff.

With Bhagawan’s blessings the college was formally inaugurated on 4th October 2008 by Sri Shankar Linge Gowda, Secretary, Medical Education, Dr. S. Ramanand Shetty, Vice Chancellor, RGUHS and Dr. Vasanth Kumar S, Registrar, RGUHS.

Subsequently, Swami specifically sent a few of the elders to start the Education in Human Values courses for these students so that they learn the eternal values of our blessed land Bharat. The EHV courses were adopted from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and contained lessons on unity of religions and timeless teaching of Bhagawan.

Out of His immense love for the students, Swami allowed them to participate in the sports and cultural meet of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning on 11th January and gave a wonderful trophy for their participation.

Swami continues to bless the nursing and Allied health sciences with wonderful students and teachers.

Writing · e-book pages 20–21

A College with a Difference

Mr. Shanker Jousula

Om Sairam! I thank Swami for providing this opportunity to express my joy of being a part of “Education in Human Values (EHV)” - program of this unique ‘College of Nursing and Allied Health sciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield.’

I congratulate one and all on the reaching the Crystal Anniversary mile stone since this college has started. It has gone a long way since it begun fifteen years ago!

In this college, in-addition to academics, lot of self-developmental activities and self-learning programs are included which take a significant amount of time in the student’s daily routine. You can imagine how much more time it would take to consistently organize these programs in spite of the aggressive schedule and studies, this college demands. Kudos to the faculty and staff in taking up and maintaining such unimaginable curriculum in its strides. Of-course all this was a part of the Divine plan of its founder – Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. One of such initiative is the EHV Program! I have been very fortunate to be a part of this wonderful program for the past six plus years. In-addition to becoming a crest-jewel in studies, the student comes out as a shining human being, with well-round personality and Character.

Bhagawan has said many times –“The end of
wisdom is freedom;
The end of culture is perfection; The end of
knowledge is love;

The end of education is character “

Like all Sai institutions, this college also emphasizes much on character building. The students have not only the opportunity to study the values, but also practice them whole heartedly. They are provided with ample opportunities and time to mould themselves, correct themselves, help themselves and others, lead and take up responsibilities. Many students are able to bring forth their talents, and abilities! Many discover after coming here, what they really can do! The college sincerely makes effort to allow students to pursue their inner promptings and be happy. Many excel in sports, dance, drama, art, and music to name a few skills. The students come from varied cultures from Kashmir to Kanya kumari and even many from abroad. They get opportunities to mingle, and learn from diverse cultures and know the strength of diversity and understand the true meaning of “unity in diversity. As the students progress, we do see a phenomenal change in their behavior and personality.

GOD gave you the time, space, cause, material, idea, skill, chance and fortune. Why should you feel as if you are the doer!

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

To be honest, I personally learn a lot during these classes. Many times, the books we read and re-read, reveal lot of new things, and enlighten us and interaction with the students offer us a lot of opportunities to delve within ourselves. So it is not just being a faculty member of EHV, but many times I have to admit myself like a student learning and implementing new and interesting things. The Vedic dictum – Om Sahna Vavatu, Sahanau bhunakti … fructifies its true meaning!

All the difference can be seen in the annual day celebration, when the students put out some wonderful professional performances, and exhibit their acting, dancing, and organizational skills! The college also celebrates most of the festivals in a small way and put up some competitions like Bhagavad Gita Chanting and celebrates the Gita Jayanti day at a grand scale. In the end the students and faculty truly experience a mini form of “Vasudeva Kutumbakam” and grow like a family! I am sure they will be major contributors to the Lord’s plan in uniting the World as per the His divine plan!

In the end I can submit that the following quote of the Bhagawan – the meaning of purpose of life can be easily experienced by those who want to.

As a sculptor reveals the beautiful figure from within the boulder, you too should cast off all impediments and encumbrances that conceal the Divinity within!...

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Too much food results in dullness of mind

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 22

Anaithum Neeve — Akhanda Para Brahman

Dr. Pritha L

Swami! the Lord of the universe! You are my father, mother, and protector. I have experienced His divine grace in my personal life on many occasions. Swami says, “Take one step towards me, and I will take a hundred towards you.” I truly experienced this. Every instance in life resembled a small infant grappling amidst the vast sea, striving to rise above the challenges. Oh Sai Murari, like Lord Krishna’s message to Arjuna, “Pavitranaya sadhunam vinashaya cha dushkritam” (Bhagavad Gita ch-4, Verse 8), you kept your promise of the protection of the good! You intervened to protect my mother when she was ill. His invisible hand guided my mother to Bangalore. The embodiment of benevolence, the all-powerful Lord manifested through individuals, forewarning of an impending severe and critical illness that my mother was about to confront. She was brought to the Temple of Healing in Whitefield, where the devoted and dedicated individuals working there extended their love and compassion, resulting in her miraculous recovery. The profound teaching of Swami, “Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray,” became unmistakably evident.

Beneath your protective embrace, hunger for sustenance has never touched us, but a hunger for knowledge arose, one that you generously fulfilled. Guided by the Supreme Lord, our students set forth on their life journeys, blessed abundantly with all that they require. We are deeply fortunate that you have led my son and our family under your divine embrace. The presence of kind-hearted individuals within our residential campus brings us immense joy. Gratitude flows from our hearts, Swami, for creating this harmonious and enriching environment, filled with bliss and opportunities, and for surrounding us with such wonderful souls.

Oh Divine Lord!, I have relished the essence of purity within the realm of Swami’s institution. The atmosphere of the Temple of Healing vibrates with the harmonious echoes of Vedam, Bhajan, and Satsang, all centered on the nurturing of human values and spiritual growth. In this sacred space, individuals can wholeheartedly embody Prapatti (Surrender) through their righteous actions (Pravritti) and liberate themselves from worldly desires and ego (Nivritti).

I beseech the Divine Mother to wield me as an instrument to carry out His divine duties and bestow His blessings upon all of us.

The greatest fear man can have is the fear of losing GOD’s Love.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 30

A Puppet in the Divine Hands

Ms. S. Vallishri

I was a girl with a strong-willed nature, refusing to listen to anyone and doing as I pleased. Prior to my introduction to Swami, my knowledge of spiritual figures was limited to Shirdi Sai. When my husband first showed me a picture of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, I struggled to believe or accept him as a divine being.

At the time of my marriage in March 2016, I was completing my first year of B.Sc. in Clinical Lab Technology in Coimbatore. Due to my husband’s employment at SSSIHMS-Whitefield and the availability of a similar course there, I found myself compelled to apply for admission. Admittedly, I had little interest in joining the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at SSSIHMS, Whitefield. However, due to the circumstances, I had no choice but to appear for the entrance exam in June 2016.

My first encounter with Swami happened virtually when I saw His photograph and said, “If you’re truly God, then I should NOT pass this entrance exam.” I made up my mind to intentionally mark incorrect answers for the questions I knew the correct answers to, ensuring my failure so that I could return to Coimbatore and spend two more years with my parents. However, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. To play a game with me, Swami orchestrated the situation. When the results of the entrance exam were announced, my name was not on the list. Thrilled by this outcome, I began my journey back to Coimbatore. However, a few days later, I received a call from the college, asking if I would still be interested in joining the course. I was shocked and puzzled, wondering how this could happen when my name was not even shortlisted. It was undoubtedly the unseen hands of the Lord at work, ensuring that my name was included in the final list, making me a student of the ninth batch of this esteemed institution.

Upon joining the college and hostel, I encountered numerous challenges during the initial days. One of the first hurdles was the need to communicate effectively in English, a language I wasn’t proficient in. I was comfortable conversing solely in my mother tongue, Tamil. Perhaps to ease my discomfort, Swami blessed me with a wonderful group of Tamil-speaking friends, and gradually, I adjusted to the new environment and culture. During my first visit to Puttaparthi in the first year of the course, I made a plea to Swami, saying, “If you perform a miracle, then I will accept you as God.” To my astonishment, Swami orchestrated an incident that I personally experienced and will cherish forever. This incident transformed my belief in Him and fortified my faith in His divinity. Gradually, changes began to unfold within me, even without my conscious awareness. I discovered new interests, such as learning bhajans and vedam. I could feel a transformative shift taking place within me. Needless to say, joining the Sathya Sai Institute and experiencing hostel life there brought color and meaning to my existence. Everything happens for our own benefit, often unbeknownst to us. But sooner or later, Swami ensures that we recognize the purpose behind it. Let us surrender ourselves to Him, and He will take care of the rest.

I am eternally grateful to the Divine Director for making me His instrument, guiding my every step, and weaving me into His divine story. I was, am and would love to forever remain - A puppet in HIS hands!

IX Batch

If you honour your mother, the Mother of the Universe will guard you against harm. -Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 31

Closer to Him

Ms. Meghna Rai

It all started when I dreamed of being among all the fortunate people who had the privilege to be called Sai Students. So with utmost sincerity and prayer I filled the form for Nursing Course in SSSIHMS Bangalore after completing my XII and to my surprise I was selected. Being a BalVikas student, and from a devotee’s family it was really a big deal. There was no room for second thoughts. That’s how the journey closer to him started in my life.

To complete the admission formalities I, along with my father came to Bangalore and took an accommodation in Gokulam. We were told by a canteen staff that there is a place called Brindavan which might be of interest to us. So, the very next morning we went to Brindavan and found some elderly ladies selling flowers in front of the gate. Without any idea what was to come, we bought some flowers and went inside. I was mesmerized by the sight. Then, we headed inside the hall where the portraits of Swami were being placed. Without any delay I, along with my father, started decorating the portraits with the flowers we brought and later took our seats for Bhajans. As bhajans commenced, I was fully engrossed within myself. A minute later, when I opened my eyes, to my surprise, I saw Swami walking on the stage from the ladies side towards the chair placed in the center of the mandap on the stage. I could not believe what I saw, so I rubbed my eyes but I could still see Swami on the stage. I thought my mind was deceiving and playing with me. Instead of looking at the stage, I closed my eyes and forced myself to believe what my mind said. After the completion of Aarti, I narrated the incident to my father. Even he said that I might be imagining things.

Days went by and I finally joined the college. We have a beautiful hostel where both morning and evening prayer sessions are compulsory. During the Morning Prayer session, Swami’s videos are played on the TV. One of the videos shown during the Morning Prayer session showed Swami walking on the stage of Brindavan exactly the same way I had seen and experienced a month ago. I was stunned. A chill ran down my spine. My heart skipped a beat and my mind went blank. I knew that I had to share this with my father, otherwise I would go insane. I waited eagerly for the weekly phone call and told him everything. Even he was surprised but was also overjoyed and was very thankful to Swami for his darshan to me. My father told me that my childhood dream of seeing Swami in his physical form came true. That day, I realized, Swami gives us more than what we ask for and indeed, I came one more step “CLOSER TO HIM”.

Discipline is the mark of intelligent living

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 38–39

Crystal Gazing for BSc CCT

Team CRYSTAL

The first ever CRYSTAL- an event by the students, for the students,

‘Sri Sathya Sai Cardiac Care Technology Refresher Course for Advanced Learning was held on May 28, 2023. This year, with the Divine Blessings of Swami, the long cherished idea of Crystal manifested in the form of an actual physical gathering. The event brought together students from Bangalore as well as other parts of Karnataka like Udupi, Devanagiri, Shimoga, Dharwad, Kolar, Mandya, Chitradurga, Hassan, Raichur and many more.

For academic learning and to nurture excellence in students, teachers invited several reputed, knowledgeable, and great minds as faculty members for the event.

The Director of SSSIHMS, who always encourages betterment in academics, provided his unwavering support for the event.

The Dean of RGUHS, Dr. Rajesh Shenoy graced the event with his presence as the Guest of Honour; his words were encouraging for students appearing for exams.

Various major areas of Cardiology for students appearing for exams were the highlight; many vast important subjects of the Cardiac Care Technology Course were discussed including ECG covering ischemic heart disease, chamber abnormalities, and brady and tachyarrhythmias in compact and interesting presentations.

Other parts of the course such as Echocardiography, basics of ultrasound, to discussion on complex congenital and valvular subjects and also invasive cardiology which included the basics of fluoroscopy imaging, materials, and procedures in cardiac cath lab were part of the session. The entire session was conducted in an interactive manner enabling students’ participation.

The knowledge of great minds such as

Dr. Srikanth Sola, Cardiologist, CEO and Founder of Device Earth, who also served as a Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, SSSIHMS;

Dr. Sathish Govind, Chief of Non-invasive Cardiology, NH, Bengaluru;

Dr. Vijay Sai, Professor and Senior Consultant at Vydehi Institute of Higher Medical Sciences and Research;

Dr. Vijay Kumar, Consultant, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research contributed greatly to enriching the event academically.

Work is worship, duty is God

--Sri Sathya Sai Baba

In-house faculty members Dr. Banajit Barooah, Dr. Reeta Varyani, Dr. Prayaag Kini, Dr. Gyan Ranjan, Dr. Subramanya Murthy, Dr. Deepak Valiya, Dr. Prasad also contributed enormously by shedding light on major concepts and on approach to exams. Ms. Yamini Yadav, one of our Senior Technicians also made a presentation.

The huge and overwhelming response to the conference was very encouraging to the entire team of CRYSTAL 2023. There were requests from students as well as technologists to accommodate a larger number, expressing keen interest to be part of such a knowledge-filled assembly.

The response received for CRYSTAL 2023 Conference has laid the foundation for it to flourish in the coming years.

Sairam,

Team CRYSTAL

Department of Cardiology.

The end of wisdom is freedom

--Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 40

Dove of the Orange Sun

Ms. Yaramanedi Manisha

Dearest Swami,

It was my long-standing wish to study in your educational institution and be called a ‘Sai Student’. During my school days, I tried many times to join your institution, but nothing worked out. I did not lose hope. In my heart of hearts, I had strong faith that, one day, You would yield to my fervent prayers. And finally, You did yield. On Oct 20th, 2018, I entered Your divine temple of healing as Your student.

My prayers were answered. But more than me, my parents were elated. Even the highest award or recognition, howsoever great, would not have given them the joy and pride that they got when they knew that I was finally a Sai student.

My good fortune was not merely because I got an opportunity to be Your student, but also the good fortune to become a teacher in our institute and guide the students, Your students.

In all these years, I have gathered so many fond memories during my stay in the hostel and college. As I offer my gratitude for all that You have given me, I can only promise You that I will always carry in my heart the principles that I learnt here and be the messenger of Your love.

Love you, Sai Maa.

The best way to love God is love all serve all

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 45

Grace of God

Ms. Hema L S

My Mother is a Sai devotee, she prays each and every minute to Sai and always seeks His blessing and guidance in daily life. Her desire was for my brother and me to study at Swami’s Institute since that blessed day in 2016 when we got to know of Sai’s Mission. She chose a college near Mangalore similar to Sri Sathya Sai Institute and she insisted my brother take up the entrance exam. My brother prepared for the exam well. A day before the exam, my parents and my brother travelled to Mangalore in our car. My brother wrote the exam but he did not get the seat. While they were returning home, a “miracle” happened which strengthened our belief in Swami. Here’s what happened: a big truck hit our car head-on and both vehicles were damaged but no injury was found on any of the people inside the car, not even a single scratch. The condition of the car was extremely bad; mirror, windows, and windshield were shattered; the whole car was damaged. We had to pay a huge sum to repair the car; so you can well imagine the extent of damage to the car. Yet the people sitting inside were saved without a single scratch by Swami’s Miracle! I sincerely thank Swami for protecting my family that day. The seemingly unfavourable result of my brother not getting admission in Mangalore became the reason for our entire family developing stronger faith in Swami.

My mother did not stop praying to Him. Her intense prayers were answered by Swami, and He blessed my brother and me with admission in His institutions in the same year, 2021! For this, we will be eternally grateful to Swami.

The lesson that I have learnt “have faith in Swami, He takes care of everything Always at the right time.”

Real happiness lies within you

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 46

Holding Hands

Ms. Subhashree Priyadarshini Katha

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge.

The father was scared that the girl might fall, so he asked his little daughter, “Sweetheart, hold my hand, so that you will not fall off the bridge”.

The little girl said, “No dad, you hold my hand “.

“What is the difference?” the father asked.

“If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are there that I may let your hand go, but if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens you will never let go of my hands” replied the little one.

So hold the hand of the person who loves you rather than expecting them to hold yours.

Dearest Lord Sai,
I want to hold Your hand and walk along with You

till the end of Self – actualization

XV Batch

Follow the Master, face the devil, fight to the end, finish the game

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 51

Home Far Away from Home

Ms. Apeksha Uniyal

Rays of sunshine spread far and wide, Illuminating the magnificent sights.

Tall trees and lush green grass, Soothe our eyes – a nature’s craft.

Ornate flowers adorning the path, Swaying and singing to the tunes of our heart.

Oh how lovely it is to be dwelling in a place like this.

A home far away from home.

Early line stride in a hurry to have food, keeping beat by the arati at Hanuman mandir - blessing us all like our mothers would. The spell-binding structure of the dome, speaking volumes in a silence of her own. Grateful pupils, moist eyes singing the glory of the lord with the passion of a blazing fire. Oh how lovely! People of diverse natures grow together, finding comfort and closure in the arms of one another.

A home far away from home.

Classrooms and halls filled with girls, chatting and bickering like children not on watch. Sometimes preoccupied with lessons and assignments, sometimes eyes laden with sleep lost last night Engagement in prayers, sports and special programs during festivals, finding ways to vent and rejuvenate despite what games life plays.

The enchanting Bengaluru sky never failing to give an outstanding backdrop.

Or our tiny vegetable garden flourishing under the hands of many skilled & unskilled folks The comforting stone slabs outside Karuna Hostel, a resting place for most, an eating place for some. The joy of having Masala Dosa on a Sunday morning or dozing off the whole day with maintenance rounds on tow.

Oh! how lovely it is indeed to reside in a place holding such memories.

A home far away from home.

Renunciation is the power of battling against evil forces and holding the mind in check -Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 52–53

Journey towards Him

Ms. Bhagyashree Dash

As I was Spacing out flash back of loads memory Came into my mind. I don’t know how that day went. It reminds me of days when I came to HIS (Swami’s) divine fold.

That was the point, where my life turned - a great change happened unknowingly! It was in April, that year – everyone had lost hope in me. I was supposed to be a good student but the double whammy - addiction of Television & telephone –brought me down to ‘that’ state. God enters one’s life bringing hope in a hopeless situation.

Out of the blue, someone told my father about Sri Sathya Sai Institute &suggested that I apply for admission in Anantapur campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. But as ill-luck would have it, the last date for applying ended just a day prior to that day. The next option was the Nursing College of Swami’s Bangalore hospital. By that time, I only know Swami as a God whom my father was worshipping, nothing more than that. And I didn’t ever want to study in a nursing college. But it is said, “When HE calls you, you have no option.”

And the same thing happened. I just filled the form, under my father’s pressure and went for the entrance exam &interview. It was all happening too soon.

That was first time I went to Prasanthi Nilayam for HIS darshan on my way to Bangalore. The blessed atmosphere there created a great change in my thinking & perspective. As I sat admiring the beautiful Sai Kulwanth Hall, I remembered my mother’s anguish due to her anxiety over my future. A spontaneous prayer burst out in my heart “Sai, if you are God, let me get an admission in Your institute and lessen the worries of my mother. Then I will accept You as my God & my friend as well.” The audacious me wanted to test the glorious God.

Very soon I got an unexpected call letter from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences. My mother too, despite her prayers, did not expect that I would be selected - as I never studied even before exam or the interview. I still remember that sweet voice - it was Ramani ma’am who called me and said – better that I confirm that I would join, else my seat would be passed on to another applicant from the waiting list.

And now my mother, who never expected that I will get selected, didn’t want me to go that far away from home. But now my little ego was hurt – this God passed the test that I posed to Him. I told my mother that would definitely go there.

The rigmarole of preparations was on & soon the day came when I needed to leave to Bangalore. Little tests continued – we needed to report to the hostel on Wednesday, August 31st- “Karuna hostel-home away from home” as it was called. it appeared that we were late for reporting! But day being Wednesday, it was the day of the weekly Bhajan in “Sai Nagarjuna mandir” and as a result our reaching late could be ignored

The teachers of tomorrow are the students of today.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

My welcome to the hostel was nice but being far from my parents, I felt homesick. And I felt the cause for this distancing from my parents were my anger and ego.

Thus began a new chapter in my life; and HE entered in my life as a God as well as a friend through my entering the “Sai karuna” hostel and “Nursing College”.

When calamity approaches, discrimination departs

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 59

Kanula Mundara Kadali Aade Kanula Roopamu Neevu

Ms. Angondi Vaishnavi

“Sunsets are proof that endings are beautiful”, and so was the end to my tired evening. After a busy day’s schedule, I was going back to our Karuna hostel to relax. As I walked along with my friends to the dome area, we heard a loud call. We looked back and it was Shiva Anna - he manages Swami’s room. He asked us to sing bhajans, so we proceeded to Swami’s room. The place was already occupied by devotees. So we just prayed from far and left. As we were walking away we heard Shiva anna’s call again. He directed us to the Swami’s room and made room for all of us. We sat and followed the bhajans sung by the devotees.

While we were immersed in the bhajans being sung, Anna signaled to us to start the next bhajan. With heart felt devotion and love for Sai Maa, a bhajan flowed through us,” Sathya Swaroopini Maa Sai Prema Swaroopini Maa.”

As I was engrossed singing the bhajan, I felt a sudden pull on my back. I looked around in confusion and my friends asked me to look at the floor. My eyes sparkled with astonishment as I saw white footprints walking towards me. As the footprints passed by, the energy in me rose, voices echoed, the clapping sound enhanced, and soulful vibrations reverberated. I could not believe my own eyes, as I witnessed the miraculous incident for the first time in my life. The last footprint was on the mat which is placed as footrest for Swami. Even now, it seems unbelievable but the footrest stands as a proof for the divine footprints.

This makes me recall another incident. I had practiced a bhajan well but I could not sing in Brindavan on Shivaratri day. It was heart wrenching, and I was totally disappointed. But I never expected that Swami Himself would surprise me with His arrival, giving me overwhelming joy.” When it hurts, He knows how to heal the wound. What else does one need – being wrapped and drenched in eternal love and compassion is everything.

This proves that Swami loves us always, irrespective of our personalities. As we call Him ”SAI”, He responds “Oyi” (YES, I’M HERE). So never be disappointed with any situation, and remain positive. Just enjoy the present - we never know there might be surprises ahead waiting for us. We should embed the mantra — ‘This too shall pass’ – in our mind, whereby we might be blessed with amazing incidents which would be everlasting. Never lose faith in God as He is the only hope for us.

God is not to be spoken of as coming down or going up, since HE is everywhere

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 60

Listen

Ms. Bandana Basantia

Never neglect your physical well-being, study.
Obey the principles of simple living and high thinking,
Complete your tasks promptly, without any lingering.

Listen, character is a priceless possession, Be loyal to your nation fulfilling your duties with dedication. Remember, time and tide wait for none, Be steadfast and reliable when the need is on.

Listen, seize every opportunity that comes your way,
Appreciate and praise nature’s beauty every day.
Avoid wasting time in idle pursuits,
Respect others’ feelings and never cause disputes.

Listen, prioritize your studies, give them attention,
Be considerate towards everyone, practice compassion.
March forward step by step, steadily and strong,
A harmonious life awaits, where we belong.

Listen, strive to enhance your resources and skills,
Earn a livelihood, work hard, and pay your bills.
Maintain peace and order in the country and the world,
Honor and pay homage to your motherland, unfurled.

And in doing so, seek the grace of God above,
Lead a righteous life, filled with kindness and love.

XV Batch

Learn to speak what you feel, and act what you speak

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 64

Lord of Universe

Ms. Kidambi Vaishnavi Saranya

Lord of the universe, so divine and pure,

Whom we revere in our hearts are sure.

In prayer and devotion, we find solace in thee,

As we chant Your name, our souls are set free.

In Your presence, we feel profound bliss,

A gentle reminder of what we may miss.

You illuminate our path, unveiling our flaws,

Guiding us towards sacredness and noble cause.

Love and humanity, Your teachings profound,

In Your presence, pure divinity is found.

You shower us with love, protect and support,

Never leaving our side, our anchor and fort.

Hand in hand, You lead us through life’s quest,

With unwavering faith, we’re eternally blessed.

Deep-rooted within, Your love finds its place,

As Mother Sai, You grace us with Your embrace.

What is the unmistakable mark of a wise man? It is Love, Love for all humanity

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 65–66

Mahilas — The Silent Reformers of the World

Dr. Sai Ranjani

When we talk about Mahilas there are two predominant characteristics that stand out in them. One – they are the embodiments of Shakti. They have the ability to multitask. They perform so many roles at the same time. Be it that of a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, a daughter in law, a good office worker, a good colleague. All the roles she is able to perform simultaneously to the best of her abilities.

She is very fierce about her beliefs. When she knows something is wrong, she makes sure she expresses her opinion that it is wrong. In the same way, if she strongly believes that something is good, she will make sure that that message is carried forward and the transformation that she wants to see is done. The best example is mother Eshwaramma. She was so firm in her belief – that she wanted drinking water, education and free healthcare for the underprivileged – she made sure that this was enabled. Swami made sure that it was done to fulfil the desire of his mother. Behind every great leader there is a very strong mother.

The 2nd predominant quality or characteristic of a woman – is that she is an embodiment of love. She has immense patience and tolerance. She can stay up all night when her child is crying. She can care of a sick patient or a sick parent when they are not well. She extremely understands and can empathize. She listens to you, and is able to think from your perspective. She demonstrates tremendous fortitude and is steady in spite of all the multitude of roles that she does. She ensures she would do justice to all these roles.

Now given these two fundamental characteristics – the characteristic of being embodiment of shakti and embodiment of love – Women are the torchbearers of the World. HOW? You look at the education wing – we have balvikas. Majority of the gurus in balvikas movement are women. In fact swami himself was supporting the fact that women should be balvikas gurus. They relate to the children nicely, they are able to talk to them. I once had a student in the class who used to say “Mard ko dard nahi hota” and I dedicated the entire class explaining that it is fine – even gents can get upset, can have troubles and can express themselves. Such scenario where the child is able to open up and talk openly to the teacher is a very important role that the teacher plays. The gurus influence the child – who in turn is able to influence the family – who in turn will now start moving in the same path as the child is moving. Let me give you another example. I was once relocated to a place where I knew no body. I got in touch with the association over there – and got a list of all the children in the complex. They had collected the list for a sports day competition in the complex. I went door to door, spoke to all the parents and started the balvikas class. Once balvikas started, the parents were curious. What is this child doing – why is he saying these prayers – it is so nice that he is doing it. We must also do something.

All things in creation are subject to the law of change, and man, too, is subject to this law -Sri Sathya Sai Baba

So, balvikas lead to bhajan training for the elders, which lead to weekly Bhajan in the complex. The balvikas children used to set aside a fist full of rice – I’m sure majority of us gurus are doing it even now. That in turn led to Narayan Seva. The place where we used to distribute food –we started a medical camp. So, Narayan Seva led to medical camps. The simple act of balvikas, led to transformation of the individual, the family and led to transformation of the community around the place. Imagine what change can be done – if all of us Women take one step, and the ripple effect can be felt by the entire society and the entire world at large.

Jai Sai Ram

Each man carries his destiny in his own hands

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 72–73

Musings of a Middle-aged Teacher

Mr. Sai Kiran Javvaji

From childhood we have heard, read - Imparting Health & education are the noblest of all professions. I don’t really remember whether my teachers said so but now I know for sure - if at all a teacher said so, it must be out of experience!

But what experience - that of a satisfaction of his/ her students maturing into fine human beings or out of a sarcasm arising from the mismatch between expectations/ aspirations and the reality?

Being a teacher has so many advantages - you seem to be the recipient of a lot of gratitude; you are surrounded by many; you can have all the say in the group; you spend time with younger people which can keep you also young at heart; you have an opportunity to mould your protégés - it is almost as though you can re-live your younger days (through others’ lives) and make the changes you want to make to your ‘first living’.

Knowing all these possibilities, there was no reason why after 8.5 years of working as a manager in a healthcare facility, my heart did not jump with joy at the prospect of getting an opportunity to teach - when our institute decided to start a nursing and allied health sciences (paramedical) college. The enthusiasm was high but as oftentimes happens with human psyche - with high degree of involvement, high expectations accompany. Our mind has an amazing capability to be blind to some aspects and take cognizance of only the pleasant/ happier aspects.

It is said that among all the abilities man has been blessed with, one of the greatest is forgetfulness! If we were to always remember our worst times - most unhappy memories, the loss of a dear one, our worst performance - then we would forever be depressed & gloomy. This forgetfulness or ignoring something has been described by pragmatic people as ‘getting on with life’.

Coming back to the story - the euphoria of the starting enthusiasm died soon with the realization that there is a lot of hard work involved and the results are not always as wonderful as they appear in the beginning.

There is a potential for a lot of gratitude (considered among the highest qualities) but experience teaches that in most cases the expectations of the students are different from what you think they will like – probably resulting in more disgruntlement than gratitude! This is due to another great (!) attribute of the human mind: looking at the full moon intently; the mind focuses and observes only the couple of dark spots ignoring the cool & silvery shine. The students most often seem to not have gratitude for what all you do but develop a grudge for what they think you should have done but did not.

Whenever and wherever you put yourself in touch with GOD, that is the state of meditation

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Call it ‘generation gap’ or whatever other terminology our dictionary is capable of; there seems to be a difference in the perception and importance that the teacher gives and the students understand. How much ever the teachers try imparting in myriad ways - explaining, consoling, cajoling, instructing, admonishing, punishing, etc (the traditional tenets of imparting a value in the order - saama, daana, bheda, danda) - it doesn’t seem to work and the ‘student psyche’ seems to have an over-powering effect to negate the teacher’s attempts of imparting ‘learning’. The frustration that the teacher finds himself in seems to be of an immeasurable proportion. Obviously it affects the teaching methods he/she uses, importance & attachment given to his/ her work.

A few more years pass by - and you have the students who left the portals of your institute (years ago) come back to you with their stories; their experiences in life, work, family, etc. And when they narrate - how the lessons you imparted to them during their student life stood them in good stead; how they felt that they should have put in practice what was told much earlier in their lives; how they achieved what they achieved, etc, etc – these sound like a soothing balm of old-timers for aches given by the recent batches. Now life of the teacher seems fulfilling. You understand that one day the student will understand the importance of what you said or why you said. The teacher gets back to the job of moulding the students - explaining, instructing, cajoling and admonishing - knowing that the student requires to go through this process of refinement whether or not the student understands its need at that time.

The experience also brings in a balance in the teaching methods of the teacher and his own reaction to the results or responses of the students. There is a detached attachment to the work one does. The achievement of this balance should be the meaning of the term ‘professionalism’ in the field of education.

Ultimately the teacher realizes that ‘yes’ the process of education is that of refinement. But it is fast paced refinement for the teacher whereas for the students, the refinement process is a seed in the womb of time which germinates only when opportune circumstances are provided in the ‘school’ of life. The earlier the teacher learns that it is his own attitude that is to be refined, independent of the way his students respond, the more mature would he become, and that would lead him to be a better, happier, satisfied teacher.

Call that an ‘education’ - one which educates the person who thinks he is imparting ‘education’.

Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank

Small minds select narrow roads; expand your mental vision and take to the broad road of

helpfulness, compassion and service

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 74–80

“Out of Syllabus” — Fifteen “notes” for CRYSTAL 15!!

Dr. Prayaag Ramdas Kini

This article is meant for those times when we feel all is lost .Everyone has gone through those times and you all will… but will always emerge victorious. Simply because God created the Key before He made the Lock and designed a solution before He made a befitting problem! It is a collection of 15 situations, stories, personalities, events and life-hacks that have inspired me on my tightrope walk of Life – 15 themes for a CRYSTAL 15 at SSSIHMS CON and AHS. Somewhere, I wish you identify with a few of them, imbibe learning and take inspiration to row your own boat in uncharted waters with the two oars being God and Hope. Everyone’s “Journey” is unique and individual but is ALWAYS an amazing teaching for all others. It is just how much we want to learn from it, because in Life, as in my subject of Cardiology, everything always seems “out of syllabus”!!

1. The Elephant Rope

A man was walking nearby a group of elephants that was halted by a small rope tied to their front leg. He was amazed by the fact that the huge elephants are not even making an attempt to break the rope and set themselves free. He saw an elephant trainer standing beside them and he expressed his puzzled state of mind. The trainer said “When they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it is enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.” Moral: It is the false belief of the elephants that denied their freedom for life time. Keep trying and do not get tied up with “Atychiphobia”– the fear of failure. The only one who really FAILS is the one who never TRIES!!

2. Narayana Murthy’s and Smt. Sudha’s Success Story – IMpossible ( Yes… I AM)

Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy, popularly known as Narayana Murthy or NRN Murthy was born into a middle-class family and facing several other hurdles despite showing significant academic brilliance during his childhood. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Mysore and went on to pursue his Masters at the prestigious IIT Kanpur. His story is a classic story of staunch middle-class Indian households where most of us come from. Mr. Narayana Murthy’s entry into entrepreneurship was filled with obstacles. At the time he had just met his future wife Sudha Murthy. However, her father did not appreciate Mr. Murthy’s entrepreneurial plan. He expected Mr. Murthy to have a job with a stable income like all our parents would. During this period Mr. Murthy founded a company in Pune called Softronics - an IT firm for the domestic market, a venture did not survive for long. Softronics closed down 1.5 years after its inception. Mr. Murthy then joined Patni Computer Systems as General Manager but did not agree with their management. Eventually in January 1981, Narayana Murthy met with 6 of his software engineering friends at his apartment to create a company for which Mrs. Murthy also played a significant supportive role.

When there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there will be PEACE in the world

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Despite the struggles, there was no stopping them now as their revenues touched $100 million by 1999. Today Mr. Murthy is worth $ 3.5 billion. Had he given up at his toughest times, there would not be an Infosys existing today!!

Moral: The heights achieved by great men, were not achieved by sudden flight, They, when their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night

3. Shark Bait

A marine biologist put a shark into a big tank at the time of a research experiment. Followed by that, he released some tiny bait fishes into it. As expected, the shark did not wait to attack those fishes and devoured them. Later, a clear fiber glass was inserted into the tank which partitioned the tank into two and the shark remained on one side. A similar set of bait fish was sent to the other side of the tank like earlier. And the shark attempted to attack those fishes but failed by hitting on the fiber glass.

The shark attempted for few days, obviously unsuccessfully, until it gave up. Later, the biologist removed the glass from the tank but the shark did not try to attack the small fishes. The shark always continues to see a false barrier in the tank and stopped his attempts.

Moral: It is quite common for many people to give up after setbacks and failures. Don’t give up!!

4. Thinking Out of the Box

Once upon a time, a merchant named Sam owed a huge sum of money to Tom, a money lender. The time came when the merchant ran out of the last chance given to him to give the money back. Sam had a beautiful daughter who was very affectionate with her father. Tom asked the merchant to give all the money back failing which he will marry his beautiful daughter. Tom was not at all good-looking and ill-minded and so the merchant was in dilemma. Tom proposed a new condition. There was a mix of black and white pebbles on the ground where they were standing. He will take two pebbles on both hands, one will be white and the other will be black. If the daughter correctly chooses the white pebble, then Tom will write off all the debt and leave the marriage proposal too. But if she chooses the black pebble, he will write off the debt but will marry the daughter. Tom bent down to pick the pebbles from the ground and the daughter noticed that he took black pebbles on both hands. The girl had three choices-to notify the same to her father which may provoke Tom, take the black pebble and sacrifice her life or simply refuse to take the pebble which might land her father into trouble. Before you read any further, imagine what would you do in this situation?

She took the pebble from his hand and ‘accidentally’ the pebble fell off from her hand to ground to join the other pebbles. She then said “Oh Clumsy me!!” and requested Tom to see which colour pebble was left in his hand to identify the colour she picked. Tom had no other choice but to show the black colour pebble in his hand and set both of them free.

Moral: Sometimes, life offers you situations which not only demands hard work and perseverance but some creative on-the–feet thinking which saves the situation. This is very important when you would work as nurses and techs tomorrow – your one act may save the team from being left red-faced.

The beauty of life depends upon our good habits

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

5. Climbing Mount Improbable

A climbing competition once happened in a community of frogs. Their goal was to climb to the top of France’s Eiffel Tower. A big crowd of animals gathered around the Tower to see this interesting race. They had come to cheer on these tiny contestants, even though no one really believed that any tiny frog could ever reach their goal. As they milled about on le Champ de Mars, loud discussions raged about the chances of the frogs. “No way anyone will get to the top!” said one. “Yeah, it’s just too far for the poor buggers” agreed another. The contestant frogs heard all this chatter and began to have serious doubts about having set such a lofty goal. But it was too late to cancel the race now. Invitations had been sent. Guests had arrived. The show was on. With great fanfare, the race began. One by one, the frogs fell back and onlookers kept pitying their plight. Until there was one tiny frog left. He kept on going until he reached the top and shook hands with the birds waiting to greet the winner at the top of the world. They flew him down to the Award Ceremony and to a standing ovation. When the commotion had died down, everyone wanted to know how he had done it. “How did you do that, hero?” the interviewer croaked pleasantly. The winner just remained mum. The question was repeated again and again much to the chagrin of the crowd. Suddenly, the mother of that frog hopped ahead panting “Sorry… You need to speak up much louder, sir. My son is quite deaf!”

Moral: Be deaf, but selectively! Be deaf to other’s negative opinions. Be deaf to pessimism. Think ‘I Can!’ and you will. There is no gain without pain. Often time’s disappointments are “opportunities in disguise”

6. Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand

Once a professor entered the classroom with a glass jar, rocks, pebbles, and sand. The students were amused to see what he was up to. First, he started filling the rock parts into the jar until he could not add any more. He asked the students if the jar was full and everybody nodded yes. He then started putting the pebbles inside the jar which went inside through the small gaps and he shook the jar to allow the pebbles to get into those vacant spaces in between the rocks. He asked the same question to the students and they again said that the jar was full. Finally, he poured the sand inside the jar which went through the minute gaps and got filled in the jar. Yet nothing was overflowing much to the surprise of the students who apparently “answered wrong” thrice! The professor explained that this is how you should set priorities in life. Rock is like your family and your Health, while pebbles are like your career while sand is like the least priorities in life and unnecessary quarrels and egos. If you put sand on the jar first, it will get easily filled up leaving no space for rocks and pebbles.

Moral: Get your priorities right in Life. A billionaire once said “You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone to bear the sickness for you”

7. Only Struggles help develop strength

One day a man was passing by a garden when he saw a butterfly cocoon which was about to open, He saw a small opening on it and watched the several hours of struggles the butterfly came through to get the body out of it. After many hours, it seemed that the butterfly stopped trying as there was no progress. He thought to help the butterfly by cutting the cocoon with a scissor. So the butterfly came out easily but the wings were shrivelled and the body was tiny and withered. Unfortunately, the butterfly was not able to take flight and spend the rest of life crawling with a wounded body.

Good company is important, it helps to cultivate good qualities

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Moral: Struggles are Nature’s way of sharpening your axe. Nothing that was worth achieving was ever easy. Thomas Eddison once said- I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.

8. Seeing opportunity in obstacles

Once there was a king who was curious but wealthy. He decided to test his fellow people to know who has a got a good attitude in life and who would spare some time for country’s progress. He placed a huge boulder right at the middle of the road and hid in a nearby place to see if anyone would make an attempt to move it off. He saw some wealthy merchants and courtiers passing by the road. None of them made any attempt to move it off but simply walked away while some others blamed the king for not maintaining roads. Later, a peasant came the way with a load of vegetables and saw the boulder. He kept his load down and tried to move the boulder away. After strenuous effort, he succeeded in moving it away. He saw a purse lying in the place of the boulder. It contained many gold coins and a note from the king which read ‘this is the reward for the person who moves the boulder away’.

Moral: It is quite common for people to run away from problems and obstacles. Remember, HURDLES in a RACE come on the correct track, not outside of it!! Invest some time to enjoy obstacles on your way and experience many unseen and surprising presents.

9. Shake off problems

A man and his donkey were on the way to grazing while the donkey fell into a huge pit. The man was shaken and tried hard to pull off his favourite donkey up to the ground. Despite his strenuous attempts, he failed to bring the donkey back. But he could not leave the donkey to starve and die with pain for days. So he decided to bury him alive and make his death smoother. So he started pouring soil over the donkey in the pit. When he poured the soil, the donkey felt the load and shook it off and stepped on it. He did the same every time when the soil was poured on his body. In the end, he reached the ground level and easily walked away to graze in the green pastures, thanking the merchant for deliverance!

Moral: Do not choose to live with your problem. Just shake them off stand on them, stamp them and step up in life after learning from them. Every bad experience is a new learning. Get the positives out of it and work towards your goals. The negatives do not matter. Neither to you … nor to the world!!

10. Let go of your stresses

A psychology professor entered the classroom with half a glass of water in his hand. The students expected the old common question “was it half empty or half full?” But to the surprise, he asked them “How heavy is this glass of water?” The answers given by the students ranged from 7 oz. to 25 oz. But the professor replied that the actual weight of the glass with water does not always matter but how long you hold the glass is what matters. If you hold the glass for a minute, you will not feel much weight. But if you hold for 10 minutes, you will feel a little more weight and it gets heavier for you with hours. If you hold it for the entire day, then your hands would go numb and pain. Similar is the case when you carry stress with you. If you think about it for a while and leave it, then there is no problem but if you think about it for hours, it starts becoming a problem and it becomes worse if you sleep with it.

You cannot see ME, but I am the light you see by. You cannot hear ME, but I am the sound

you hear by. You cannot know ME, but I am the truth by which you live

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Moral: You should learn to let go of your stresses and never sleep with it. If you can do something about it, just do it. In the other case, just leave it and work towards your goals or else it just kills your productivity.

11. Value yourself - you are your best friend!!

A speaker started off his seminar by showing a $20 to the public. He asked the people “who wants this?” There was no surprise to see that all of them lifted their hands. He offered to give the money to one of them but insisted that he will do something to it. He crumpled the paper money and showed it again to the crowd and repeated the question. Still, everyone raised the hands. He then put the money into the ground and stepped on it and then raised it again and offered it to the public. The people gathered there still showed interest to take that money despite seeing how dirty the note was. He told the public “No matter what I did to this money, you all still wanted this. You all went in favour of my offer just because the value of the money never decreased despite what all I did to it. Similarly, value yourself despite the painful conditions or failures or how people treat you. If you do not value yourself, no one else will value you… If you do not devalue yourself, no one will dare devalue you!! ”

Moral: Value yourself irrespective of the failures or obstacles and do not degrade yourself just because of the temporary setbacks. You have been created COMPLETE by the Universe!

12. Sharpen your ‘axe’

There was a newly joined woodcutter and the king was really impressed by his dedication towards his work. Out of encouragement, he started giving his best in work and cut 18 trees in the first month and the king was glad. The next month he put in the same effort but could cut only 15 trees. And the third month, he still tried his best but could cut only 12 trees. The king visited him the third month and talked about his decrease in productivity. He explained that he might have lost his strength or got too old to do the work. The king asked him “when was the last time you sharpened your axe?” To the surprise, he has not even done it once in the last three months. That was the only reason why he could not cut more trees.

Moral: It is good that you put in a lot of effort and hard work to work towards your goals. But you should balance your life priorities and invest time in rejuvenating and refreshing to sharpen your axe!!

13. Jack Ma and the story of Alibaba - Fall till DEFEAT bows down to allow success!!

Jack Ma is a person with whom “Rejections” are synonymous. You would not believe the number of times this man has been rejected and failed. In his early childhood, Jack Ma failed his Primary School examinations, not once but twice! He failed thrice during his Middle School exams. When applying to universities after High school, Jack failed the entrance exams thrice before finally joining Hangzhou Normal University. He even applied and wrote to Harvard University ten times about being admitted – and got rejected each time. This was only during his education! He recollects in his interview, “When KFC came to China, 24 people went for the job. Twenty-three people were accepted.

Be ever watchful to see that you strive to take in more and more of GOD into you

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

I was the only guy who was not.” He was also one of the 5 applicants for a job in the Police force and was the only one getting rejected after being told, “No, you’re no good.” Also, in his entrepreneurial undertakings, Jack Ma went on to fail in two of his initial ventures. But that did not stop him in any way from dreaming bigger. With 17 of his friends he started Alibaba despite starting at the age of 31 and never having written a single line of code or selling something to anyone. Today Jack Ma runs one of the biggest E-commerce networks in the world. Only second to Walmart now in terms of sales per year, Alibaba has become the E-commerce giant that Jack Ma had envisioned.

Moral: With a positive demeanour to him, the one who himself draws inspiration from within is the real-life ‘Forrest Gump’. Such a person never considers himself disadvantaged due to events that occurred to him. “We should keep fighting. We should keep changing ourselves. We should not complain.” - Jack Ma

14. The hardest Journey – 0 to 1!!

The idea of going from zero to one sounds simple in concept. But, it is a huge challenge that requires you to show your idea is strong enough to build anything from scratch, and it is very possible that none of your ideas will ever reach proof of concept. During the zero to one stage, access to guidance and coaching is limited. Unlike going from one to 10, the path to success has not yet revealed itself. You may receive some advice and tips here and there, but it is ultimately up to you to navigate your way through your ideas. A journey in dwindling twilight is often more scary than the eventual destination in the dark!! Whether it is starting a Jogging routine, working on a new research paper, or deciding what you will do with your life, there is always an uncertainly in that 0 to 1 corridor… So START!! Rest will follow!!

Moral: The start (Confidence) is the most important part of a 100mtr sprint race though sustaining speed (i.e. Discipline) is also paramount. Don’t give up what you start, go on .Your journey is a silent inspiration to many, beginning with yourself.

15. The “Jewel” (ratan) of India - Ratan Tata - Where you start NEED NOT DETERMINE where YOU CAN REACH

Ratan Tata is an inspiration because he is a self-made man. Though he was born into a wealthy family in India in 1937 he did not inherit his father’s business empire. He started out as a simple clerk in a small company and worked his way up to become the chairman of one of the largest conglomerates in India. Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, the Tata Group has become one of the most respected business conglomerates in the world. These investments have not only created jobs and generated economic growth, but also contributed to the modernisation of India. There is a famous joke we recount often in Mumbai about a foreigner who landed at the airport on Air India, was driven by Tata Nexon, drank Tata Tea on the way, crossed Tata Cancer Hospital on the way to reach his host hotel, the Taj Mahal hotel (Owned by Tata Sons) where he used Tata Linen and Internet, relished food cooked in Tata Oil (TOMCO), was gifted a Titan watch… and the list goes on and on!!! No group can claim to have such diversity. Sri Ratan Tata himself is an active philanthropist, supporting a number of causes both within India and internationally by way of Tata Trust.

If you honour your mother, the Mother of the Universe will guard you against harm.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

His leadership during the Mumbai attacks on Hotel Taj Mahal in 2008 and during COVID-19, and another story of declining to attend a function by the British Asian Trust where he would be felicitated by Prince Charles himself because his dog Tango was ill, are legendary. Sri Tata has been a major driving force for the Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini project with a vision to reach quality education to the ill-connected interiors of the country.

Moral: We make a Living with what we Get, we make a Life out of what we Give. Sri Ratan Tata showed by example that “where we start is not necessarily linked to how high we can fly!”... Literally!! Air Asia proves it!!

The attempt to write this article is a SINGLE TICK

I will succeed only if there are TWO TICKS by the end of it

Good Luck and May Bhagawan Baba guide you all… Always and All ways!!

The same current activates all

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 87

Reliving My Life-affirming Experience in His Institution

Ms. Sangita Sharma

It is a great privilege to be asked to write about my experiences as a student at SSSIHMS. I came from the extreme north eastern corner of India, the small beautiful state of Sikkim where people are ardent devotees but unaware of this magnificent institution, especially those living in the villages. I was one of them. Becoming aware of His institution and how I came to write exam is a story, an obvious miracle that I can only feel but do not know how to express.

There is saying, “the whole world is one single tree, the different countries are its branches and its root is God’’. Clearly, Bhagawan made me join His mission. Upon joining the institution, I found it a little challenging to follow the discipline early on, but I persisted. As days passed by, I suffered from bad thoughts like suicide and gloomy images from my years at high school. But I did not have the courage to share this with anyone and the worry was making me hollow from the inside.

Bhagawan could not stand to see me suffer, that is why He called me to His institution. Just a few months before my first year exam in college, I experienced similar distressing thoughts. This time, I could not sit back without sharing. So, I approached my beloved teachers. I am ever grateful to them for helping me with therapies and keeping me and my thoughts fully centered on Swami. They did not give up on me and I came out from the illness, forever. Some of my classmates poked fun at me saying that I was experiencing examination fear and language barrier but Swami knew exactly what I was going through. If I had not secured a seat in His institution, those despairing thoughts would have destroyed me!

It has been five years now since that incident. I only know how much Swami pulled me towards His divine chakra. As a seed finds fulfilment in a fruit bearing tree, man finds fulfilment in a purposeful life, and I got that at SSSIHMS. I am very grateful for my seniors, friends, and all my teachers who stood by me. I intend to carry Swami’s teachings forever with me. Thank you, dearest Swami for calling me to You just in time!

Currently, I am working in His institution at Puttaparthi. I never thought I was going to complete my three year tenure appointment. But right now I have only eight months left and I am really going to miss every moment of my life at SSSIHMS when I leave. It is all because of Swami’s love and the permanent tag that I have been given – that of Bhagawan’s student. I can now proudly say that I graduated from His college!

Have constructive thoughts, consoling words, compassionate acts

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 88

Riddles

Ms. Kriti Rai

1. It weighs next to nothing but no one can hold it for long. What is it? 2. I am the beginning of everything, the end of time and space, the beginning of every end, and the end of every place. What am I?

3. You can see me in water but I never get wet. What am I?

4. Where is the place where today comes before yesterday?

5. What ten letter word starts with gas?

6. What has hands but no legs, a face but no eyes, talks but doesn’t hear? 7. Say my name and I’m no more. What am I?

8. I am a God, a planet and I measure heat. Who am I?

9. My seas have no water, my forest has no trees, my land has no grass no cars and my deserts have no sand. What am I?

10. What begins with “e” ends with “e” and has only one letter?

11. I start with M and end with X. I have a never ending amount of letters. What am I? 12. I’m tall when young, short when I’m old. What am I?

13. What can be held in the left hand but not in the right hand?

14. What colour can you taste and even eat?

15. I’m the only part of the human body that gave itself its name. What am I?

Answers:

1. Breath 2. The letter ‘e’ 3. A reflection 4.Dictionary 5.Automobile 6.A clock 7.Silence 8.Mercury 9.A map 10.An envelope 11.Mailbox 12.Pencil or candle 13.The right hand or arm 14.Orange 15.Brain.

Where there is FAITH, there is LOVE; Where there is LOVE; there is PEACE; Where there is PEACE; there is GOD; Where there is GOD; there is BLISS

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 97

Saath Tere Main Hi Rahoon

Ms. Anegondi Venkata Shiri

The Sri Sathya Sai College of Nursing & Allied Health Science is celebrating its Crystal Anniversary with joy. As a part of this celebration, the institute has put forth many programmes and activities. Seva Sathi is one such activity performed by the students.

The autumn month of February was spreading its love in the air. It was in this month that the 15th batch of AHS students got the opportunity to be a part of the Seva Sathi programme. This programme, as the name indicates, means ‘Service Companion’ guiding patients through the magnificent temple of healing. In the initial days of Seva Sathi, I was a little nervous but the badge “SEVA SATHI” adorned on my apron led me forward.

I would like to narrate an incident in which a child’s life was touched by Swami.

One day a woman approached me with her child in a wheel chair. She asked me to guide her towards the cardiology department. As we walked towards the premises with the towering dome, her eyes and heart were glued to the beauty of infrastructure and serenity of the place. She joined her palms involuntarily gazing at the magnificent picture of the Divine form. Pearls of gratitude trembled down her cheeks as she surrendered herself and was pulled back to her past. In response to my request, she narrated the incident which directed her here.

She was wife of a daily wage worker hailing from West Bengal. She had a child of seven years who was diagnosed with a cardiac disorder. The woman could not afford to get her child treated. Along with the child’s deteriorating health, the family’s financial condition too was deteriorating.

Drenched in grief while she offered her prayers to Swami, she heard a knock on her door. When she opened the door she saw a young boy. He offered her a food packet with Vibhuthi. She received humbly accepting it as a sign of help from God. The concept of food relieved her heart. She put Vibhuthi on child’s forehead and went to bed.

To her surprise, in her dream, there appeared a bright flame of light with a blurred form. That flame created a pavement leading to a palace. The blurred form and the child walked into the palace. In a snap of time, everything vanished. The woman tried all means possible to find the palace. And then she found out that ‘the palace’ was the “Temple of Healing – SSSIHMS” and the divine form was Swami Himself.

In subtle ways, He was guiding her to get the cure for her child. Swami guides the ones in need, regardless of the form. He is the script writer, director of our lives. In fact, He is the indweller who acts through us. We are just His puppets, in His show. This is just one incident in the golden era of 22 years of SSSIHMS, which embraces countless number of lives, touched by His love.

The end of knowledge is LOVE. The end of education is character

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 98–99

Sai and I Sai

Ms. Komal

What SAI Means to me?

A little background on the initial chapters of my life: I was a girl-child from an orthodox middle-class family in a typical village in Haryana. My aspirations were limited, and with minimal education, I anticipated becoming a housewife at a young age. The sole breadwinner in my family was my father, tirelessly striving to make ends meet. Fortunately, I was privileged enough to attend a small private school within the village—a convenient and affordable option that offered safety. Destiny or perhaps Divine intervention played its part when my parents decided to transfer me to Swami’s school called Sri Sathya Sai Jagriti Vidya Mandir (SSSJVM) in a nearby village. This decision was influenced by one of my father’s friends. I consider this as a turning point, as a rebirth - I couldn’t have fathomed the life that awaited me after this school change.

I studied at SSSJVM until my 10th standard. To my amazement, this school was established by the first batch of MBA students from Swami’s institution, brother Amar Vivek. He presented his vision to Swami, requesting the establishment of a school for children in the late 1980s. Interestingly, I was unaware of this story until I enrolled in Swami’s Nursing College in Whitefield, Bangalore. After completing my 10th standard at SSSJVM, I had to join another school nearby for my higher studies. Nevertheless, I remained connected to SSSJVM by regularly attending Bhajan sessions and utilizing their facilities for additional study hours in the evenings, given the intermittent electricity supply in my village during that time.

One evening, my teacher, whom I affectionately refer to as “Guruji” - Dr. Vinod Singhal, approached me to discuss filling out an application form for admission in the Nursing college at Whitefield. After our conversation, I spoke to my parents about it. As expected, they were initially hesitant due to the significant travel distance from our village to Bangalore. However, through divine intervention and the convincing efforts of me and Guruji, we eventually managed to persuade them. I filled out the entrance exam application form, travelled to write the exam, and was blessed to be selected for the Nursing course, thanks to the divine blessings of Swami. This was in June 2012.

Going back to January 2011: a few months before Swami left His physical presence, a group of students from SSSJVM, including me, had the good fortune of visiting Puttaparthi for Swami’s Darshan. We had prepared a drama presentation to perform in front of Swami. Unfortunately, the presentation did not take place, but we were blessed with a special Darshan inside the Mandir.

During our interaction with Swami, brother Vivek was discussing our academic performance, and Swami spoke a few words. At that time, I couldn’t fully comprehend what Swami said, I was simply mesmerized by His physical presence. However, looking back and reflecting on those words, I believe Swami may have expressed, “I know her, she is my child. I know her past, present, and future. I am going to take her into my fold.” The reason I share this here is that I have witnessed the unfolding of these words in my life until today.

LOVE is the scarcest article today

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

How Swami’s Nursing College moulded me?

Swami’s Nursing College has had a profound impact on my growth in all dimensions. It has transformed me into a completely new individual. It has helped develop my personality, instilled good manners, taught me self-reliance, and dedicated service to others.

How can I confidently make these claims?

From being a lazy girl in my first year, struggling to motivate myself to even go for a morning walk, to becoming the sports meet coordinator in my fourth year, is no small feat. From initially struggling to keep up with the daily classroom schedules to receiving a Gold medal in my final year, it is undoubtedly His grace.

I recall an incident that is etched in my memory. It happened during my clinical postings and is associated with a patient with heart problems, unable to eat due to a procedure he underwent. I approached him, spoke to him, and ended up feeding him. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he expressed how it reminded him of his mother. This incident exemplifies the power of the teachings imparted by Swami’s Nursing College.

Another incident that stands out is during our community postings when we collected clothes and donated them to a poor family in the community. The classes on Education in Human Values have had a profound impact on our lives. It was during one of these classes that I discovered the school I attended was actually started by a student of Swami—a fact I was unaware of until then. The teachers’ dedication to shaping the lives of students in Swami’s Nursing College is truly remarkable. They invest their hard work in moulding students in various domains.

Life after SSSIHMS-CON (Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, College of Nursing): As they say, staying on the same path can be challenging once you are out of the familiar environment. However, luckily for me, nothing has changed. I always remember to follow one teaching of Swami, and that takes care of every aspect of life.

While working elsewhere, I talked with a patient’s family. They asked me where I was from and where I had completed my nursing education. After mentioning Bangalore as my place of study, they remarked that I appeared different from others in terms of behaviour and conduct. As the conversation continued, I discovered that the family was closely related to one of the doctors working in SSSIHMS-Bangalore, and they themselves were ardent devotees of Swami. In everything I do, I understand and firmly believe that it is He who orchestrates all. We are merely puppets in His show. As I reflect, I can’t help but feel that it is only Swami who leads and guides me in all my endeavours, protecting and guiding me along the way.

Sai Ram.

GOD is neither distant, nor distinct from you

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 105

Sai — Maatha Pitha Deena Bandhu Sakha

Mrs. Rupa Devi P

The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences in Whitefield is a place of profound dedication, commitment, love, and healing. It provides free medical care to the sick and ailing; aiming to cure not only the body but also the mind, transforming each patient into a healthier and happier human being. The grand mission of this institution is to offer high-quality medical services to all, regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender, or financial status, enveloped in an atmosphere of love and care. It is, without a doubt, a Temple of Healing.

Bhagawan Baba envisioned an adequate number of trained nursing personnel to serve in His Temple of Healing, leading to the establishment of the SSSIHMS College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences on September 1st, 2008. Swami often states, “My students are my property,” and it is by Swami’s divine will and grace that I have been given the opportunity to care of HIS property - HIS students, right from the inception of the College.

Over the fifteen years of the institution’s journey, both staff and students have been blessed by Swami’s grace in countless ways. Among the many instances, our institution being recognized by the Indian Nursing Council stands out as a testament to Swami’s blessings. Moreover, sincere prayers to be a part of SSS educational institutions’ participation in Grama Seva, Sports & Cultural meet were answered with Swami’s infinite mercy. The sports and cultural meet held on 11-Jan-2011 was particularly special as it was the last meet graced by Swami in His physical form. Our prayers for the inclusion of the SSSEHV course in our curriculum to impart value-based education were also answered, thanks to Swami’s benevolence. In our day-to-day work, we feel Swami’s unseen hand guiding us in incomprehensible ways.

Personally, I have been profoundly touched by Sai Maa’s grace and mercy. Sai is undoubtedly the Divine Doctor, enshrined in this Temple of Healing, reassuring every patient with divine grace. Just like everyone experiences ups and downs in life, I too faced moments of helplessness and despair due to personal circumstances, and I felt distant from Swami’s presence. However, an event of divine revelation restored my faith in the divine protective umbrella. One morning, for no apparent reason, I collapsed and was unconscious for a brief period. When I regained consciousness, I found that the lunch offered to me was the same menu traditionally served only to postnatal mothers. This incident made me realize that Sai Maa showers love and care on us even without us being aware of being under His divine care. Swami, the all-knowing, acknowledged my innermost feelings and touched my heart deeply.

There is nothing more I could ask of our beloved Swami than to make us worthy recipients of His grace and to sincerely pray for His constant guidance in being exemplary role models for our students. Swami’s presence and love continue to inspire us, and we are committed to upholding His mission of selfless service, compassion, and healing for all those in need.

Mine, not thine; this sense of greed is the root of all evil. This distinction is applied even to GOD! -- my GOD, not yours! Your GOD, not mine!

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 106–107

SSSIHMS Nursing College — Centre for Spiritual Transformation

Group Captain K.K.V. Yasas

Introduction I was overjoyed though skeptical, when I was offered to take up teaching of nursing students in EHV as part of Awareness Syllabi. Long years with the Defense forces, had made me to wander away from realities, and I was wondering how this would come in the way of taking up this assignment. Lessons in Transformation at Individual Level During the very first year, teaching the very first Course at the Nursing College, I came across two students sitting on the staircase steps, deeply engrossed in discussing some issue. On enquiry I found that they were distressed in finding a way to offer their gratitude to the teachers at the Nursing College. This taught me a personal lesson that Gratitude is an all-encompassing important aspect of Human life, and I began to put this in my personal day-to-day life practice, ever since. Needless to stay, this aspect was passed on to the students as well.

It is an awesome experience to see students from various states and different cultures, taking up Nursing as a profession. Swami speaks about Unity in Diversity. This institution is an excellent example where one can see how students adjust with each other, support each other and blend into the concept of such Unity in Diversity. Though externally I was their teacher, internally I would salute them every day, for their ability to showcase Swami’s teachings in real time and so early in Life. This in turn gave me an opportunity to study Unity in Diversity in depth and bring it back to the students to enhance their perception in this regard. It was a blissful experience, seeing Muslim students taking up Hindu God roles, and Christian students talking about the Gayatri Mantra, during their presentations in class, depicting various religions. Very few in the world outside are even aware, let alone think and practice this Unity in Diversity. This helped me view the world outside as one huge family of which Swami describes it as “Vasudeva Kutumbakam”. It was this concept which encouraged me to treat the students as my own daughters and grandchildren and gave me spiritual closeness with them, to realize my own self. Students as Loving Mothers It was a fabulous experience learning Dharma formally from Swami. Stri Dharma and Purusha Dharma attracted me a lot and my vision towards Stri as Mothers and how they are the most powerful beings on the earth and beyond look at them in awe, gratitude and wonder. But for the opportunity to serve at the Nursing College, such vibrant, auspicious and elevating thoughts and spiritual wisdom would never have dawned on me.

Silence is the speech of the spiritual seeker

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

This gave me lot of opportunity to see the motherly aspect in all the nursing students, and encourage them to help their mothers and household during their leave. For the first time in my life, using the gratitude aspect that I learnt from the very students whom I taught, and the role of mothers and how they impact the family, society and nation, I taught a daily prayer about the Five Mothers, to all students in all my classes. It is now more than 13 years that the Five Mother prayer has stuck with me on a daily basis, which I do twice in a day, remembering Mothers both when I get up from bed and when I go to sleep. But for the wonderful student children at the Nursing College this would not have been possible. Aum Bhoomi Mataya Namaha Aum Veda Mataya Namaha Aum Gau Mataya Namaha Aum Matru Bhoomi Mataya Namaha Aum Mama Mataya Namaya (Salutations with gratitude to my loving Mother Earth, Veda Mata, Mother Cow, Motherland Mother and lastly our own physical mother).

Today after many long years, I see those Nursing students whom I had the privilege to teach, as Mothers leading a healthy life. I see them in facebook and all over the globe, well entrenched in spreading Swami’s divine message through their selfless service. Yet another aspect which gave me immense pleasure was sharing the glory of the Power and Potency of Gayatri Mantra with these students. Many students benefitted directly as well as indirectly and they shared these inputs in the classes. Some of them told me how they moved from being dull and sick, to becoming intelligent and healthy.

Remembering the Nursing College, the Principal, the Professors and other teachers and all the students during the Crystal Anniversary celebrations, is indeed a great treat. It is Swami’s grace that I could be part of this mission. My profound gratitude and salutations to our dearest Swami for the same. I take this opportunity to wish all those behind the everyday functioning of this grand institution, and salute them towards their commitment and love for Swami, love for fellow human, and love to serve as their fundamental thought in their blood, on the occasion of the Crystal Anniversary Celebrations. All of you will be ever in my thought, mind, and heart. Loving Sairam

Service springs out of LOVE and it scatters LOVE in profusion

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 116–117

Student Life at SSSIHMS: Divine, Inspiring and Fulfilling

Ms. Jyoti Mangar

“My students are my only property,” declared Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Since then, this unique relationship between Swami and His ‘property’ has been a matter of interest to all. Among the several magical memories that a Sai student carries of their life, the best memories are those of the time spent at SSSIHMS – our home away from home.

One of the special things that we got to experience during our stay in Sai Karuna hostel is the love of our dear Sai Meera maa (Ms Sai Meera was the warden of Sai Karuna nurses student’s hostel at SSSIHMS). She was Yashoda Maiya for all hostellers. The other special thing I remember is beginning our early hours of the day with the chanting of “Omkara” and “Suprabhatham”. The chanting helped awaken the divinity within us and spread holy vibrations all over. On Thursdays, we used to do Nagar sankeerthana – we would go around the campus singing the sweet name of the Lord.

Sai Karuna brought out the latent potential in me by providing me with endless opportunities, including public speaking, bhajan singing, Vedam chanting, conducting cultural events, and building leadership qualities. As emphasized by Bhagawan Baba, “unity is divinity”. In accordance with His teaching, every hostel room was shared by students from various states. We were also allocated days for cleaning our rooms and arranging a shrine for our regular individual prayers. To make us more self-reliant, we are assigned duties such as line in-charge, altar in-charge, maintenance in-charge, gardening in-charge and so on. Work became worship when performed with divine feelings.

On Sundays, we were divided into groups to clean the hostel along with its surroundings. Ours seniors visited and judged the hostel rooms and gave away prizes for the best-maintained rooms. Every act became sacred as it was performed with a pure heart. There was no discrimination amongst student or teachers based on religion, caste, or economic status.

It would be unfair not to mention our canteen food which was always nutritious and served with the “Brahmarpanam” prayer sanctifying it, in turn keeping all the girls physically healthy. The schedule of our hostel was framed based on Bhagawan’s directions. The disciplined life in the hostel helped transform the lives of students. In this age of rapid technological developments and the material attractions, we were taught the significance of living our lives with human values through good actions and good wishes that flow from the heart of the teachers, mentors, seniors as well as the youngsters.

Ignorance is the most important cause of sorrow

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

We were equally inspired by the selfless dedication of our teachers, the way they took care of us – whether it was food, health, behaviour, dress-code, or studies – was truly remarkable. Students struggling with their courses were provided extra attention. In all the activities we performed from morning to night, Bhagawan was our motivator. We placed Him above everything and followed our daily routine happily. After living in Sai Karuna for four years, I have been shaped into a young lady ready to serve humanity and become the messenger of His divine mission.

Dearest Sai Maa, I would like to take this chance to offer a big “THANK YOU” to you for blessing us with all the amazing experiences and memories for life. Gratitude is all I can give back to you!

Once we surrender our mind to GOD completely, HE will take care of us in every way -Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 118–119

The Annual EHV Cultural Fest and Gita Jayanthi Celebrations

Shri K. Uma Maheshwar Rao

Aum Sri Sai Ram

The students of Nursing College are blessed by Swami to have Awareness Programme as a part of their regular academic studies. The programme is spread over 7 semesters covering various areas like 1. Education for Transformation in the First Semester 2. Unity of Religions in the Second Semester 3. Eternal Values for the changing world in Third Semester 4. Study of classics-I Bhagavatha Vaahini in Fourth Semester 5. Study of classics-II Ramakatha Rasa Vaahini in Fifth Semester 6. Life and it’s quest in Sixth Semester

7. Bhagavad Gita in Seventh Semester It is noteworthy that eminent scholars have come forward to handle the Awareness Programme on a voluntary basis to assist the College administration. If academic education contributes to the education for living, the Awareness Programme forms the education for life, thus making it a holistic education as advocated by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

To add to the theoretical knowledge, an attempt is being made since 2011 to translate the ideals into action by organising annual functions covering all areas of learning. This is called Annual EHV Cultural Fest and is normally organised at the end of the academic year, mostly on the last working day before the students’ annual vacation. Besides, Gita Jayanthi is observed on the specific day of Marga Suddha Ekadasi which falls during December every year.

It is noteworthy to mention here that the Gita Jayanthi function celebrated in the year 2010 received the Blessings and Appreciation of Bhagawan since College of Nursing happened to be the first institution to commemorate the function.

Initially from the year 2012-2014, talented students from all semesters used to be involved in the EHV Programme. But when it was found that paramedical students will be leaving the college at the end of 6th semester and it was found inconvenient for all semester students to participate in the month-long rehearsals, this function began to be organised only by ongoing 6th semester students. This change proved to be beneficial for two reasons. Primarily all students could be involved in the Programme and gathering them for rehearsals at a common time also became very convenient.

As an added attraction and with the cooperation of the Director and the Principal, an open invitation was also sent to all parents to attend the Programme as special invitees. This move not only enabled a large number of parents to directly witness the performance of their wards but also participate in sharing their observations. When the College of Nursing is commemorating it’s Crystal Day Celebration, we humbly submit that 11 EHV Programmes have been organised successfully almost every year except in the year 2020-21 during COVID pandemic. Finally, I would be failing in my duty if I do not express my gratitude for the continuous cooperation given by

All spiritual practice must be directed to the removal of the husk and the revelation of the kernel

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

1. Successive Directors of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences.

2. Dr. Manjuri, the Principal and staff of the College.

3. Kumari Tejaswani, the young and dynamic dance teacher for functioning as the only choreographer for all dance programmes since the beginning.

4. All dignitaries who obliged to be Guest of Honour during different years.

5. The technicians who set up and managed the audio and video systems in the Dhanvantari hall.

6. All students and others who extended their cooperation in editing and extending technical support to organise the programmes.

7. All EHV Faculty members for extending their full support.

A man’s well-being depends upon his degree of contentment

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 125–127

The Chosen Ones

Ms. Akriti Adhikari

You are reading the story of a nurse who enjoys lighting up people’s heavy hearts with her ready smile. People often remember her for her warm and friendly behaviour. I am Akriti Adhikari from the beautiful hills of Kalimpong, a girl belonging to a very humble background who was chosen to be a part of SSSIHMS CoN by His divine grace.

Let me take you through my story of becoming Swami’s student. I heard about Balvikas when I was 7 years old. Balvikas: Bal meaning child and vikas meaning development. Balvikas is an informal institution where kids are taught about spirituality and God, helping them turn into better human beings. It intrigued my interest and before long I joined the program. I grew up watching Swami’s students from Anantapur and Prashanthi campuses – that motivated me, creating a desire in me to join Swami’s institute in future. One of my teachers, Nirali Gurama, pushed me to participate in multiple activities in Balvikas which helped me gain the inner strength and confidence required to face small and big battles of life.

As an eight-year-old girl, I decided to become a vegetarian even though chicken was my favourite dish. I gave up meat because by then it was ingrained in my mind that eating non vegetarian food would go against people who have accepted to chant vedam. I wanted to learn vedam as those vibrations mesmerized me. Since then, I have been learning vedam.

A phase in my life came where I was exposed to the reality of life. I had a realization that it is not going to be easy. Life had a different plan for me. I gave my 12th board exam and convinced my parents to allow me to fill up Anantapur campus’s admission form (part of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning). My application was accepted and I received a call letter. My feet were not on the ground, it felt like I conquered the world. I knew I was capable of doing anything. I was excited and had even prepared hard for written entrance test, which I cleared. Let me mention here that my confidence was so high that I took my parents to Puttaparthi to show them what their girl was capable of achieving. Then it was time for the final round which was the interview “the big event in my life that would lead me to MY place.” The interview went very well and I was pretty sure that I would get selected as, in my heart, rejection was not an option.

In anticipation of a very positive outcome, I came back with my parents. Meanwhile received my 12th board results, and to my surprise or let me call it a SHOCK, I did not clear my exam. An atmosphere of disappointment crept into my house, and deep in my mind I could not just believe it. How could it be true? I checked my results multiple times, I was in complete denial but my parents’ face told me they were suddenly unsure about the person I was. My future looked gloomy and grey. I stayed home for one entire year, my confidence was at its lowest. I could not face the people around me. I was so conscious about my reputation in society. I had tasted failure for the first time. I looked like a wilted flower even to my own self. I decided to lift myself up but nothing seemed to assuage the pain I felt. It was the longest one year of my life, but now it was time to rewrite the board exam. I wrote the exam and cleared it this time.

The mind fixed in the awareness of the ONE is line a rock; unaffected by doubt, stable, secure

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

One fine day, I went to the town with my mother. Oh what a day it was! I still get goosebumps thinking about that day. I met an old friend who shared with me the most important piece of information I needed at that moment. No wonder they say, “God’s timing is always perfect.”

It was about the availability of the application form of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences College of Nursing. My mother’s face had that instant spark, a spark of hope as she had always wanted me to be in a medical profession. For me, it wasn’t just about a career in nursing, it was rather an opportunity to become Swami’s student. With mixed feelings - less hope and more fear, I filled up the form. The fear was if the same story would repeat! My application was accepted and I received my call letter but this time I had a grounded attitude. I was neither happy nor sad. I somehow convinced my father to come with me this time to Bangalore. I arrived at SSSIHMS hospital and we stood in a queue at gate number 2 and my first glance at the hospital’s structure: it was stunning. An energy pulled me towards it, I only wanted to belong there. I held my father’s hand and kept telling him repeatedly that I did not wish to go anywhere else.

It felt like the hospital was the only place meant for me, the soul inside me knew it for some reason.

It was time for the written exam and we were asked to enter inside. The amount of preparation I had done proved to be fruitful and I cleared the examination. But there was a bigger battle waiting for me. Next morning I woke up to conquer it this time. I decided to give my best and leave the rest to almighty. I stepped into the interview room with all the confidence I had and I must say that I gave my best. With constant hopes and prayers in mind, I went back home. Each passing day was an anxious wait. It felt like an emotional torture. The pressure reflected on my mother’s face too. I woke up and went to bed each night with the same amount of stress in my mind. On one such late night, I was wide awake thinking whether I would get selected. My mind was tired of thinking the same as I fell asleep and a miracle happened. It would not be appropriate to even call it a dream as I still clearly feel it in every cell of my being. It was more real than the reality itself. I have never felt anything as soothing as that.

I got a dream in which Bhagawan Himself told me that there is nothing to worry and that He would take care of me. That was my first experience of witnessing Bhagawan in His physical form. I still feel the calmness from His smiling face. I opened my eyes to the best morning ever, the calmness I experienced from the dream that I had the previous night was the ultimate form of blessing. I shared my dream with my mother and for a fraction of second she had a smile. But she held back her excitement and asked me to at least wait until I got an answer from the institution. I knew it in my heart that Swami would take care of it. A few days later, I checked the website and the final list was out. A mix of emotions – of fear and excitement – crept in instantly. I was nervous, my shivering fingers scrolled through the name list and my heart wished for my eyes to find my name. Despite Swami’s reassurance in my dream, I was nervous - my heart was in my mouth till I found my name. I was overjoyed. I ran to my mother and asked her to cross check it. My mother confirmed it for me.

LOVE lives by giving and forgiving. Self lives by getting and forgetting

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

I hugged her tight as I lived the best moment of my life. I sat back and took a moment to visualize Bhagawan and thanked Him for making me understand that there is nothing better than the God’s plan. I joined college and spent the best ever four years of my life. Those four years were the enlightenment period of my life; it was nothing like a regular college. The learning program in the institute is so well designed that I not only learned what was taught but also regained all the confidence I had lost during my not so best days. It moulded me into the best version of myself.

While I write this, I recall Sai Meera maa (Ms Sai Meera was the warden of the Students hostel at SSSIHMS) who deserves an honourable mention for all the love and support she provided to me. She was inspiring. There are a few words which remind me of my hostel days: JAI SAI RAM, JAI HANUMAN, MAKALU, DHUNAPOTU etc. Soon after my graduation, I got the opportunity to serve the hospital for three years and those days of service and learning provide me utmost satisfaction and joy. Nowhere else in the world would I ever get to experience the kind of learning SSSIHMS provided me.

Today, as I write this article, I still continue to serve humanity. Having said that, I would like to conclude with a thought: without His Will not even a leaf will move. Having that faith in Him, I surrender myself at His Lotus Feet.

When there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation, there will be PEACE in the world

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 128

The Divine Mother’s Invisible Hand

Smt. Saroja Krishnamurthy

It gives me immense pleasure to share an incident we experienced as a family, in 2016. It was a very busy day for my son, who had to take a flight from his work place to Bangalore. After reaching the airport, he took a cab and reached home around midnight. Since it was quite late and he was too tired, he went to bed.

Next morning around 7.30AM there was a person at the door. When my husband opened the door, a short man stood at the door step, mentioning my son’s name and asking whether he resides there. He was holding a wallet which contained quite a few credit and debit cards and currency notes. He quickly handed over the wallet to my husband and told him that he found it lying on the road. As soon as my husband heard this he was very much touched, with the extreme sense of kindness, honesty and concern in the man. He seemed to have such a parental love in him, that he was very particular that the wallet be given safely to my son. So my husband, being greatly moved by the man’s love and concern, he profusely thanked him for his act of kindness. As a mark of gratitude, my husband pulled out a 500 rupee note and offered it to him, but the man refused it and quickly moved away bidding goodbye. Immensely touched by the very sweet behavior of the person I ran behind him to ask him where he stayed, for which the man signaled as if he is all over the place and within a few minutes walked away. We have been residing in that locality but had never seen this person before.

My husband woke up our son and asked him about his wallet. My son was almost shocked to find it missing. Then he was told about the stranger who came to return it. He then realized that the wallet would have fallen off from his pocket when he got down from the cab the previous night. He wondered how it could be safe, on the road for so many hours with so many people moving around since it was a very busy area. My son could see the Divine hand in it. He immediately could sense that the gentleman who came to return the wallet was none other than Swami Himself.

He analyzed the whole incident and he was immensely touched with the highest sense of kindness and immense love which can be given only by Swami. The Lord came home in search of him to hand over his wallet. He looked back, into the situation… what would have happened if at all the wallet which had many cards and various identity proofs, would have got into the hands of some unscrupulous character. It was indeed very scary even to imagine. My son went to Parthi to thank Swami from the depth of his heart, for saving him from this disastrous incident.

That is the inexplicable Divine love of Swami!

Swami is Love Incarnate and He expects nothing from us. He just gives and gives. Let us be ever grateful to our Dearest Swami for always being with us, in us and around us. This is the Wonderful Divine bond that gives us this bliss.

What is meant by the phrase “to know GOD”? It means “to love GOD”

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 132–133

The e-pic “Unknown”

Mr. D. V. Chandrasekhar

An X-citing insight crystal clear, for SSSIHMS CON-AHS XV souvenir, An X-perimental poem to X-plore “X”; that’s me, dear! Before you X-claim, I implore, just give me an ear! Read on! after I X-press, I hope your spirit will cheer!

Oh! Science is west, spirituality is east, and never the twain shall meet! By the word of GOD, this myth faces a philosophical defeat, bittersweet, Mark my words, “East is east, West is west” is an old refrain, my dear Twain! At SSSIHMS, Science and Spirituality, the inseparable twins, in healthcare intertwine. A fusion of trends of modernity and tenets of eternity, of East and West, A holy confluence and a healing concoction, delivering healthcare at its best!

My views and so is my thinking, many-a-time - Lateral,
behaviour precisely mathematical, sometimes seems paradoxical,
Metaphysics embedded in the jargon of physics radiological,
X-amine me carefully, Nothing can be more logical!

In the darkness of a king’s prison was Lord Krishna born,
to cure suffering man from illness of the world.
In the X-treme darkness of a scientist’s lab, I too was born,
to decipher the illnesses of man in this mortal world!

In 1895, Roentgen accidentally discovered my mystery, My story, very novel, incidentally, created “Nobel” history. I Journey through every ”body”,Unraveling the human tapestry, My story in your medical record... still creating your history!

A Life-saving accident! perhaps the best of oxymorons was born, Providence destined me to be named as X - Famous as unknown! If Neil Armstrong met Roentgen, he would have X-tolled his new find, A minor accident for a man, a major breakthrough for mankind!

When patients pose, radiographers expose,
Shadows of objects, I superimpose,
Like a visual poem, an image I compose,
a pic replacing a thousand words verbose,
to help physicians detect and diagnose,
Abracadabra! It’s more than magic, I suppose!

In the realm of medicine’s fine art, a symphony of science, state-of-the-art, With the touch of radiographers’ skilled hands, truly smart. Unveiling secrets of the human body - God’s intricate work of art.

Make the home a seal of harmony.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Within my limits, a radiological marvel, a life saver,
Beyond my limits, a pathological boomerang, a silent killer,
In ancient tongues, the message loud and clear,
“Na shreyo niyamam vina” - A caveat, always remember!

Take a deep breath and hold! No, its not “Pranayama”
That’s a CXR for diagnosis, to save your prana from yama!
Guided by limits, ever alert, radiographers ensure,
with ALARA principle, patients’ safety, they secure.

To formally get introduced - take a course in B.Sc (MIT),
X-perience it @ SSSIHMS, a blessing from the Almighty,
“Educare is bringing forth what’s latent”, our creator says,
X-actly what X-Rays do! sincerely and silently, by HIS grace!

On a lighter note, I, i.e, X, was named “unknown” Once Twitter, now X - I have gained renown!

A film to CR to DX, from a pic to an e-pic - transformation epic! My claim to the hall of fame! Even without a name!

I am the I behind the “eye”, the cause of what is seen,
I am the main force behind the scene, yet remain unseen!
Enlightenment latent in the invisible rays - X-traordinary,
Spirituality is but, to discover the X-tra in the ordinary!

CT, Cath - My X-tensions, into sophisticated cousins, have grown, How-much-so-ever technology advances, please don’t disown, I hope and pray I will never become Ex- and be left alone, Forever in the service of man, I wish to remain, X - the unknown.

Your’s truly anonymous,
X-Rays.

Department of Radiology and Neuro Surgery

Have no desires to place before GOD, whatever HE does with you, however HE treats you, is the gift that HE likes best to give you!

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 134

Saga of Love

Ms. Bhagyashree Dash

Wondering around & around.

There is no hope, no happiness and also no love

I don’t know, what to do & how to do…..

Suddenly a flash of dazzling light

blinded my eyes,

I found myself dumbfounded with the beauty of it

As I was astonished;

A mesmerizing eye Connected with me.

Tears rolled up from my eyes,

as HE Smiled at me.

A purple light passed from HIM to me

Covered my heart with love;

as I found my destination.

Love all beings; that is enough

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book page 147

Thoughtful Prayer

Ms. Prajna Paramita Mohanta

Cring………Cring………

Ohh, it’s 5.15 am. OK, five minutes more (to sleep). Then I will get up. After five minutes the same: Bell rings. “Oh God…This Amma will not leave,” was the common refrain of most students.

Anyway, I got ready and reached the prayer hall in time. Chanting Aum Kaara 21 times was really a long period along with suprabhatam. Those continuous repetitions would allow me to have a nap in between before ending. Followed by a quick round around the hospital building, doing some exercises beyond the body’s limitations. Waiting for the trainer to say, “OK, that is enough for today’s session.” Taking a long deep breath for relaxation and running to the dormitory.

This is how I was following my schedule in those early days after getting admission at SSSIHMS. Finally, end of the first month, the day came when Sir (In-charge of morning prayer session) announced prizes for students who had the highest attendance. Unexpectedly, I got second prize. I was happy, not because I got a lovely gift but for my ability! Days passed and subsequently I received prizes many times. Those little gifts were my motivation, but I started questioning myself, “Should I go to the prayer for these temptations?”

I started thinking “what is the benefit I can get from prayer?” That thought made me analyse what I was doing and how to do better. I started accessing knowledge on chanting Omkaara and suprabhatam and tried to practise in a better way. I would like to say here prayer helps us to control our senses, purify the heart, and awaken the soul and consciousness to establish a rapport with GOD. Is there an easier method to connect with God? I felt it. As most of you know, Om chanting helps us regulate our breathing. It also bestows on us mental calm and peace. Our power of concentration and memory power increases. What more do I need as a student?” This had a great influence on me. In fact, before any event, we pray to God. I hope we understand the meaning as early as possible. Finally, I would say with every single chant of AUM, we are marching one step closer to Swami. Sooner or later, we are sure to reach His lotus feet. Sai Ram!

The heart of man, which is now allowed to lie fallow, has to be ploughed by spiritual exercises like repetition of GOD’s name

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Writing · e-book pages 153–154

Vidya in Vaidyaalaya

Mr. Sai Kiran Javvaji

It is oft quoted - Imparting Health & education are the noblest of all professions. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba made these professions ‘divine’ in His institutions by inculcating the aspects of service and spirituality to the practice of these professions. Traditionally, the ‘nobility’ of ‘health’ & ‘education’ lay in the ‘attitude of service’ with which these were to be practiced. The ‘Guru’ & the ‘Vaidya’ imparted education & health respectively, not in any expectation of a return, leave alone livelihood. However, with times, the outlook of man has changed to seeing ‘personal benefit’ in anything that he does rather than the outlook of service or contributing to society.

Even these ‘noble’ professions came to be seen as ‘lucrative’ careers & businesses and not as service to society.

The game-changer that Bhagawan is, He built institutions with completely different mottos as compared to the ‘professional’ institutions of health & education.

His dicta was – it is the society’s responsibility to cater to the health & education needs of individuals and therefore they should be provided free of cost. He took ‘money’ out of the ‘equation’ – from the point of view of the beneficiaries.

Swami said that money and education, affordability and health care delivery should not be linked. And with His institutions, whose combined life spans cross a century, He has demonstrated a practical working model – not a single rupee is charged for imparting health and education in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences. In His own words, an Acharya is one who puts into practice and then preaches; and Swami no doubt, is not only an Acharya, He is the Guru of Gurus (Gurunaam Guruhu) And the blessings are not limited to the recipient patients & students; even the health care providers and the teachers are also the blessed beneficiaries of Sai institutions. Not only do they get a platform to practise their professions in their truest noblest forms, they also have an opportunity to spiritualize their lives – truly, they get the double benefit of iha & para.

In the year 2008, Swami gave us the special gift of combining health & education by opening the college of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences which is dedicated to imparting of health care education. Personally, for me, it was a lovely blessing. When I was pursuing my education in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, I had one thought – having come to Swami, I would not go back. I would like to stay here even after my education. And seeing my teachers in the college, I was considering ‘teaching Science & Mathematics’ as one of possible ways Swami could keep me at His institutions – as if I could decide or provide options to The Omniscient and Omnipotent One. When Swami gave me the opportunity to work at the hospital, I took it up gratefully, whole-heartedly. But when the college opened in 2008, He satisfied my thought of being a teacher.

The students of this college get the perfect blend of the right attitude and skill-set. They can be the apt messengers of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and bring back & live the ‘nobility’ that healthcare is supposed to be.

Life is a challenge meet it

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

On this 15th anniversary of the college, I pray to Swami to bless us all - the students and teachers associated with the college with the service attitude, nobility & humility and make the intended goals of the college come true. I humbly offer my gratitude to Bhagawan for giving us this golden opportunity to bask under the wish-fulfilling tree of His daya and His institution.

Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank

Make your life a rose, that speaks silently in the language of fragrance

–Sri Sathya Sai Baba