January 01 , 2008
The Sai Students, alumni of the colleges at Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan, ushered in the New Year at Prasanthi Nilayam as they have been doing for the last few years. The Sai Kulwant Hall was full of devotees, and was tastefully decorated with flowers. Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall in His chair at 8.45 am in a procession led by the Sai Students chanting Vedam, with traditional fans and an umbrella to worship the Lord. After Swami came onstage, the Vedam continued for a few minutes, the University Brass Band played a few pieces, then Prof. G. Venkataraman was asked to speak. He welcomed the alumni and described them as the hope for a troubled world. Sri A. V. Gokak, the current Vice-Chancellor was the next to speak. His talk also centred around the transformational work done by the Sai Students. As the speeches concluded at 10.10, Bhagawan asked the students to commence their music programme. After a few songs, the alumni presented a song taught to them by Swami for Ugadi in 1985. It was already nearing eleven o'clock, so Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence. In the afternoon, Bhagawan arrived in His car at 4.45 pm. Coming onstage after a round of the Hall, He first called up the Bhangra dance group of the Sai Students and had their ten minute performance. The Orchestra prepared by the alumni was the next item, performing from the centre of the Hall with loudspeakers facing Bhagawan who was seated onstage. Short speeches followed, recollecting the golden years they had spent with their Lord. Swami then asked for the microphone and prepared to get up to speak, but listening to the pleas of the Sai Students, He remained seated and spoke for an hour.
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