December 5, 2006

The large numbers of devotees from Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh who had gathered here were much blessed this evening. After Bhagawan finished His darshan round at around 4.30 pm and went into the interview room, the Srikakulam devotees came in procession from the front entrance of Sai Kulwant Hall, with traditional drums and other paraphernalia. Bhagawan came out and sat onstage as the devotees passed by the front part of the Hall, with many troupes of dancers in different tribal costumes. Some of the dancers performed acrobatic feats which were well applauded. The procession was follwed by a musical presentation: more than a thousand teachers were gathered from Srikakulam along with the thousands of devotees from there, and they presented a programme of songs. After the half-hour programme, Bhagawan Blessed the gathering by speaking to them.

It was a Divine Discourse with a difference. Bhagawan was seated on His chair on the Western side of the stage, and spoke in Telugu with no translation. He enthused the devotees from Srikakulam, saying they were actually from the land of 'Sri' or plenty. Swami exhorted the teachers to lead their students in the right path in life, by personal example suffused with love. The real leaders of the country are the teachers, since they are the ones who mould the youth who are the future of the country, said Bhagawan.

After Swami's fifteen minute Message, He spoke to the district convener and then Prof Anil Kumar was asked to announce that all the devotees from Srikakulam were going to be provided food by Bhagawan tonight at the Canteen as Prasadam. Accepting Arati, Swami retired for the day at 6.20 pm.