50 years of Sathya Sai Movement celebrated at Prasanthi Nilayam

Puttaparthi (Anantapur): Sri Sathya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam founded by Bhagavan Sathya Sai has celebrated its 50th anniversary here on Sunday amidst nostalgia with speakers associated with the Baba going down the memory lane.

The Sai movement was founded this day five decades ago in a humble manner by the Baba. The celebration commenced with regular Rudram chanting alongside a procession comprising Poornakumbham, Vedam, batch-wise symbolic representation of 50 years of existence followed by the Anantapur Brass Band.

A dedication song 'Sai Ram Teri Sharan Mein Aaye Hey Hum' set the tone for proceedings, followed by the Anantapur Brass Band offering three scintillating pieces. Director of Anantapur Campus Prof Rajeshwari Patel in her welcome address hailed the unique beginning in 1968 that has become the magnificent edifice now.

Commenting on the societal impact of mission having a chain reaction touching and transforming many lives, Dr Rajeshwari expressed hope that Bhagawan's students will turn to become men and women of sterling character whom Bhagawan can use to transform the world at large.

A coffee table book 'Sai Sannidhi' done by an alumna Soundarya Preeta was released jointly by the Vice Chancellor Prof KBR Varma and GSRCV Prasada Rao, member secretary of the Trust.

The book is a pictorial representation of the '50 year-long' bond of love between Sai and His students at the Anantapur Campus. The chief guest for the session was Rozario G Ashiatto from Philippines. Narrating her first visit to Bhagawan in 1999, she said that her visit resulted in a complete personal transformation into a better individual.

The last speaker for the session, Ms Sumana Murali spoke of Guru Dakshina that students owe to Bhagawan after learning the art of living and art of being at His Lotus Feet. The celebrations concluded with Bhajans and Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.