| Monday, Jan 11, 2010
The Annual Sports and Cultural Meet of the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions got underway at the Vidyagiri Stadium this morning. Bhagavan arrived at the Stadium by 9.30 am, and was escorted to the stage by the marching bands of Anantapur and Prasanthi Nilayam campuses of the University. The spectators could watch the proceedings on two giant LED screens as the students marched past their Divine Chancellor.
As the ceremonial part of the inauguration concluded by 10.15 am, the Brindavan campus of the University presented their demonstration events – several dances, show-jumping on horses and motorbike stunts. The Prasanthi Nilayam campus and the boys’ section of the Higher Secondary School began their presentation at 11 o’clock. They had a giant backdrop of a golden icon of Kartikeya. Gymnastic events like basketball with trampolines and roman rings were interspersed with mass events like Chairobatics. Giant Chinese flags and kites led to the final event of Jeep stunts. It was past noon when Bhagavan accepted Arati and left for His residence, blessing the students on the way.
The afternoon proceedings began at the Stadium when Bhagavan arrived just after half-past four. The children from the Primary school welcomed Him, and presented their hour-long colourful presentation with panache. Gymnastics by the boys and dances by the girls were complemented by sprightly mass drills by tiny tots. The Anantapur campus of the Sai University then presented the concluding programme.
Their action-packed half-hour included flag drills, mono- and bi-cycle stunts, balancing acts with weight-lifting bars, huge hula hoops and colourful mass formations. The conclusion was very attractive, with students waving mult-coloured LED lamps in the gathering dusk, singing their final song. Bhagavan accepted Arati at a quarter-past six and blessed the entire congregation in the stadium with both hands before returning to Mandir. |
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