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(Continued from page 10)
Tomorrow marks the commencement of holy Uttarayana. It is for this auspicious moment that Bishma waited for 56 long days lying on a bed of arrows to give up his mortal coil. Tomorrow the sun begins its northward journey, which is most auspicious. In olden days people used to sing songs describing the arrival of Sankranti: The sun appeared cool and serene; The day started getting shorter; The chill wind blew fiercely; The fields were filled with golden harvest. The farmers rejoiced in singing at night With the moon shining bright The buds of flowers blossomed Like garlands of pearls On the banks of rivers; Farmers were bringing home The newly harvest grain, Hailing the advent of The Joyous festival of Sankranti.
(Telugu poem)
Whatever I will has to happen and none can come in My way. I would like to mention one more point. Last year, on the 19th of November all the ladies gathered to celebrate Ladies Day. They said," Swami, we are wearing the saris gifted by You and experiencing the bliss of Your divine presenece. What can we do in return to express our gratitude to You? Please give us a chance to serve You." I replied, "You don't need to do anything, be always happy. That is enough." But some of them pleaded they be given a chance to provide food the Sevadals, who are coming in large numbers from various parts of the country to render services in Prasanthi Nilayam. I assured them, that I had already willed it and that it will materialize in a short time. I have willed that the Sevadals should be provided good food, entirely free of cost, for 365days a year. I have already made arrangements for this. I have got the sheds put up. All the necessary items like gas cylinders, utensils, plates, spoons, rice, dhals etc., have been already procured. None is aware of this. SATHYA SAI IS A SILENT WORKER (cheers).
From tomorrow onwards food will be served for Sevadals free of cost forever. Then I summoned the members of the Central Trust and asked them as to what work they were doing. "What is the use of occupying high positions if you do not discharge your duties sincerely?" People from all walks of life and from different strata of society, are coming to serve as Sevadals every year. I may give them food free of cost, but who will bear their travel expenses. The railway fare is increasing day by day. In olden days even 20 rupees were enough to reach Madras from here, but these days even 200 rupees are insufficient. I commanded them to approach the railway authorities for concession travels for the Sevadals. I talk sweetly, at the same time I am stern when it comes to a question of discharging one's duty. I told them either you do this work or resign. The Central Trust members have negotiated with the railway authorities and got the travel concessions sanctioned for Sevadals (cheers). Man plunges into action only when told strictly. The railway authorities were very happy. They thanked Me saying, "Swami, it is our good fortune that we got an opportunity to serve Your devotees." Not only this, in order to ensure that the Sevadals and devotees reach Prasanthi Nilayam, without any inconvenience, the central Government has sanctioned 50 crore rupees for the construction for a railway station near the petrol Bunk (cheers). We will have trains connecting Penukonda, Dharmavaram and Prasanthi Nilayam. The other day the officials of the railway department had a meeting in Delhi and arrived at this decision. Everybody should be able to reach Prasanthi Nilayam comfortably for Swami's 75th birthday. One may board a train either in Bombay, Madras, Delhi, Hyderabad etc. to reach Prasanthi Nilayam. Once upon a time this Puttaparthi was a small hamlet with a population of barely 100 people.
In such a small village as this, who would expect a University, an Aerodrome, a Super Specialty Hospital and a Railway Station to come up in such a short period of time? All these things are happening during the lifetime of the Avatar, which is unprecedented in the history of mankind. During the time of no other Avatar were such stupendous tasks achieved in such a short period of time. Many more wonderful things are going to happen. Today you are able to see Me from close quarters. But after some time you may have to see Me from a distance of a few miles. So make best use of the divine proximity of Sai. Once you lose this precious chance to serve the Lotus Feet, you will never regain it. Sai confers devotion, power and ultimately liberation on you. Never get misguided by the words of others. Keep this in mind and redeem yourself. (Telugu poem). I have taken upon Myself this suffering only for your sake and in response to your prayers I have decided to cure Myself now for your sake. "Don't give room for any anxiety. Now Swami is 100% perfect, perfect, perfect."(cheers). Follow Swami's command, earn a good name, secure good marks and set an ideal to the rest of the world. That is what I want.
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