Two months since taking office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has effected significant changes across the spectrum of governance at the Centre, almost always without media attention. While experts on the Modi model of governance say that it will take six months for the changes to be visible, and two years before a new structure of governance is completed for ignition of the economy towards 15% growth, senior officials say that the difference between Modi and his predecessors has already become visible across the bureaucracy. "The difference is much more than the cosmetic effect of coming to work early", an official disclosed, adding that "what is changing is the pace and quality of decision-making, now that we have a PM who is fully involved in both the initiation of policy as well as monitoring its implementation".
Aware that the judicial system has become a bottleneck to growth, thanks to the inordinate cost and length of time of even routine litigation, the PM is setting up a National Litigation Data Grid (NLDG) "that would give immediate online information on every case being heard across the country, as well as the judges hearing the case". This would enable monitoring and feedback by the Supreme Court of efficiency in the disposition of cases, as also give the public accurate and real-time data about the progress of cases across the country. In addition, "the PM favours the appointment of 200 additional High Court judges to reduce the backlog", according to a senior official, who adds that "the objective is to ensure speedy justice and eliminate avoidable delays in the justice system".
A colleague pointed to the PM's directive that criminal cases against MPs be fast-tracked to ensure final completion within 12 months, and said that "the PM wants a similar result in all other cases as well". Efforts will, therefore, be ongoing "to utilise both modern technology as well as additional judges to ensure faster delivery of justice during the next five years". In the meantime, cases have proceeded even against very well-connected individuals, such as Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case and Karti Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, in a case involving an ambulance service in Rajasthan.
Unlike in the past, when ministers operated as mini-PMs, running their fiefs they saw fit, not bothering about directives or advice from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), these days there is constant monitoring of all ministries and their political and departmental heads. An example was a minister hailing from Maharashtra, who had gone on a stroll outside his residence dressed in jeans and sports shirt, only to get a call from the PMO that perhaps such attire was "inappropriate" for a Cabinet minister to don in public. Another minister was queried about a huge dinner that he was in the process of holding at official expense, and was told by a PMO official that such an expense was avoidable. The dinner was called off.
Ministers are being made to justify the trips they have made by itemising the work done during such sojourns. "The purpose is to create a culture of accountability at the top", an official said, adding that "the hardest working member of the Cabinet is the PM himself, who seldom works less than 16 hours each day".
Price rise has been flagged as a major concern, especially of food items. In this context, speculators (who were allowed to operate in an uncontrolled fashion by the UPA) are sought to be curbed by the creation of a National Food Grid (NFG). This would "give accurate online data on the 3,600 mandis or major food produce markets operating across India, and thereby weaken the agricultural mafias now controlling the supply of food items from farmer to shopkeeper", a senior official said, adding that "each of these changes is coming straight from the top". According to him, Prime Minister Modi is also ordering the fast-tracking of an Agricultural Corridor from Punjab to West Bengal. Along this corridor, which would be served by modern highways and rail links, "village clusters are to be set up where vegetables and other food items could get processed", including for export. "We hope to ensure that the farmer and not the farm product mafia gets the benefit of farm prices", a senior official said, adding that "ending speculation will cool down the inflation fever that the mafias have created". He expected that "the kingpin speculators will soon be subject to prosecution for the economic crimes they were encouraged to commit when Manmohan Singh was PM".
Another boost to economic activity being proposed by Team Modi is a "Green Corridor" between Rajasthan and Gujarat, which would use solar power to generate significant volumes of electricity. Similar corridors are being considered across the country, so as to ensure an eventual transition from fossil fuels to non-conventional energy sources. Transport of people and goods across the country is being sought to be improved by identifying railway lines that can be improved to double existing speeds, while bottlenecks in highway construction are being identified for removal.
Interestingly, forest and environmental clearances that were a major block to economic activity during the UPA decade, are now going online, "with clear instructions from the PM that decisions should be taken within 24 hours", except in rare cases. Rather than freeze or roll back economic activity as was the norm during the past decade, "this will be balanced against environmental needs so that any decision will be in overall public interest", including the right of citizens to income and occupation.
Although news reports have appeared about the PM meeting Aadhar boss Nandan Nilekani and continuing the Aadhar program opposed by the BJP earlier, "in reality the scheme being finalised is not the same as Aadhar", according to an official. Instead, what will get created is a database of "bona fide citizens", which will be handed over to the Ministry of Home Affairs to create a National Population Register, "so that there is a clear record of every genuine citizen" as distinct from those who have entered the country illegally. "The data will be used to ensure that welfare benefits reach only those for whom they are intended", rather than ending up in the pockets of politicians and officials, as has been the norm till now.
Importantly, keeping in view the need for food security, field trials have been cleared for 21 genetically modified foods, to supplement the five already okayed, which include brinjal, rice and cotton.
The Land Acquisition Bill passed by the UPA "has made it impossible to set up a large-scale industrial unit in India", according to a senior official. Accordingly, changes are on the anvil that would lower the proportion of those affected consenting to land being acquired from 80% to 50%, while the definition of those who are "project affected" has been limited to husband, wife and children rather than — as previously — the extended family. Also, the "lapse clause" will be removed, so that those setting up units do not invest funds in the fear that the land will someday get reclaimed by the original owner. The officials stressed that this list, although long, is "only indicative, and there are many more such innovations being considered".
The expectation is that within six months, the removal of the blockages created during the UPA period will result in an acceleration of overall growth to the double digit number in two years. "The Prime Minister may not be visible on stage or on television screens, but the effect of the change of government is being felt across the Central bureaucracy", said an official, who added that on 15 August, Prime Minister Modi will for the first time "reveal the road map for what he and his team propose to achieve during their tenure in office".
Article credits-The Sunday Guardian
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Showing posts with label Sai Baba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sai Baba. Show all posts
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Monday, July 4, 2011
Seized Satya Sai cash not trustworthy: Police
July 4, 2011 Deccan Chronicle Anantapur
July 3: The police is apparently certain that the Rs 35 lakh that was seized was not donated by 12 devotees for Satya Sai Baba’s Mahasamadhi construction works as had been claimed by the Satya Sai Central Trust members.
After enquiring with devotees who had supposedly donated the cash, which had been seized from engineer Harish Ananda Shetty while being taken to Bengaluru from Baba’s personal chamber Yajur Mandir, the police concluded that their claims were false. The bank transaction details furnished by the devotees were found irrelevant as the police realised that most of the transactions had been done six months back. The receipts on the bundles of the seized cash, however, showed that they had been withdrawn from various banks between 2007 and 2009. The police have thus intensified their probe and special teams have spoken to donors in Bengaluru and Chennai.
A police officer said that the Trust had been accepting donations in cash and gold from devotees and this became clear when Harish Ananda Shetty was arrested on June 18 adding that the bank statements produced by the donors were not connected with the cash seized. A police official said that cases might be registered against trustees Mr V. Srinivasan and Mr R.J. Ratnakar as they had found prima facie evidence after two of the three accused in connection with the case had confessed that the two trustees had handed over the cash to them in Yajur Mandir. It is being presumed that there is more treasure and the police think that the trustees have deliberately ignored to take inventories of all valuables.
It is also being wondered why the trust sought the government’s assistance on Saturday to appraise gold and silver as they had not done so when they had opened Baba’s bedroom and other private quarters a fortnight ago.
July 3: The police is apparently certain that the Rs 35 lakh that was seized was not donated by 12 devotees for Satya Sai Baba’s Mahasamadhi construction works as had been claimed by the Satya Sai Central Trust members.
After enquiring with devotees who had supposedly donated the cash, which had been seized from engineer Harish Ananda Shetty while being taken to Bengaluru from Baba’s personal chamber Yajur Mandir, the police concluded that their claims were false. The bank transaction details furnished by the devotees were found irrelevant as the police realised that most of the transactions had been done six months back. The receipts on the bundles of the seized cash, however, showed that they had been withdrawn from various banks between 2007 and 2009. The police have thus intensified their probe and special teams have spoken to donors in Bengaluru and Chennai.
A police officer said that the Trust had been accepting donations in cash and gold from devotees and this became clear when Harish Ananda Shetty was arrested on June 18 adding that the bank statements produced by the donors were not connected with the cash seized. A police official said that cases might be registered against trustees Mr V. Srinivasan and Mr R.J. Ratnakar as they had found prima facie evidence after two of the three accused in connection with the case had confessed that the two trustees had handed over the cash to them in Yajur Mandir. It is being presumed that there is more treasure and the police think that the trustees have deliberately ignored to take inventories of all valuables.
It is also being wondered why the trust sought the government’s assistance on Saturday to appraise gold and silver as they had not done so when they had opened Baba’s bedroom and other private quarters a fortnight ago.
Kerala Temple Treasure worth $20 bn found, temple still counting
Investigators plan to pry open the final vault hidden deep under a centuries-old Hindu temple as police guarded round the clock the shrine where billions of dollars worth of treasure has been discovered.
Over the last week a seven-member team of investigators has broken into five of the related stories
six secret subterranean vaults piled high with jewels that have lain untouched for hundreds of years.
Onlookers and devotees thronged the shrine in the bustling centre of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's capital, as officials said treasure worth more than $20 billion had been found -- more than India's education budget.
Sacks filled with diamonds were piled next to tonnes of gold coins and jewellery, media reported, in the vaults of the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, the royal chapel of the former rulers of Travancore, now part of Kerala state.
"The current market value of the articles found so far by the committee members would be roughly 900 billion rupees ($20.2 billion)," one temple official who was not authorised to speak to the media said.
Investigators searched the vaults to draw up an inventory of the riches because of worry about security but they had no idea of the amount of treasure they would find.
Estimates of the haul's worth range across billions of dollars, with investigators unwilling to disclose the official amount and the ambiguity involved in valuing the priceless jewels and gold coins by weight.
Police set up a dedicated control room close to the temple on Monday, as state chief minister Oommen Chandy pledged full state security for the hoard and promised it would remain the property of the temple after an inventory was made.
"We are ready to protect the temple wealth. We will chart out measures for the permanent security in consultation with the Travancore Royal family, which administers the temple now, and the chief priest of the temple", Chandy told reporters.
Historians supported the estimates of the treasure's value, noting the lucrative trade routes that passed through the region for many centuries.
"Traders, who used to come from other parts of the country and abroad for buying spices and other commodities, used to make handsome offerings to the deity for not only his blessings but also to please the then rulers", said PJ Cherian, director of Kerala Council for Historic Research.
As estimates of the treasure's worth rise, a fierce debate is growing regarding what to do with the discovery, in a country where 450 million people live in poverty.
Leaders of the Hindu community want the wealth to be invested in the temple, while many intellectuals, including former Supreme Court judge Justice VR Krishna Iyer have suggested it should be used for the public good.
The government has said it would adhere to the Supreme Court's ruling on ownership of the treasure found in the temple, which is still controlled by the royal family unlike other temples in Kerala which are managed by the government.
The vaults were searched after a lawyer petitioned the country's top court to order the government to take over the temple as it did not have adequate security.
Several temples in India have billions of dollars worth of wealth as devotees donate gold and other precious objects as gifts to spiritual or religious institutions that run hospitals, schools and colleges.
The Tirumala temple in eastern Andhra Pradesh state is reported to have 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) of gold, a third of which it deposited with the State Bank of India last year, while spiritual guru Sai Baba, who died in April, left behind an estimated $9 billion estate.
Over the last week a seven-member team of investigators has broken into five of the related stories
six secret subterranean vaults piled high with jewels that have lain untouched for hundreds of years.
Onlookers and devotees thronged the shrine in the bustling centre of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's capital, as officials said treasure worth more than $20 billion had been found -- more than India's education budget.
Sacks filled with diamonds were piled next to tonnes of gold coins and jewellery, media reported, in the vaults of the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, the royal chapel of the former rulers of Travancore, now part of Kerala state.
"The current market value of the articles found so far by the committee members would be roughly 900 billion rupees ($20.2 billion)," one temple official who was not authorised to speak to the media said.
Investigators searched the vaults to draw up an inventory of the riches because of worry about security but they had no idea of the amount of treasure they would find.
Estimates of the haul's worth range across billions of dollars, with investigators unwilling to disclose the official amount and the ambiguity involved in valuing the priceless jewels and gold coins by weight.
Police set up a dedicated control room close to the temple on Monday, as state chief minister Oommen Chandy pledged full state security for the hoard and promised it would remain the property of the temple after an inventory was made.
"We are ready to protect the temple wealth. We will chart out measures for the permanent security in consultation with the Travancore Royal family, which administers the temple now, and the chief priest of the temple", Chandy told reporters.
Historians supported the estimates of the treasure's value, noting the lucrative trade routes that passed through the region for many centuries.
"Traders, who used to come from other parts of the country and abroad for buying spices and other commodities, used to make handsome offerings to the deity for not only his blessings but also to please the then rulers", said PJ Cherian, director of Kerala Council for Historic Research.
As estimates of the treasure's worth rise, a fierce debate is growing regarding what to do with the discovery, in a country where 450 million people live in poverty.
Leaders of the Hindu community want the wealth to be invested in the temple, while many intellectuals, including former Supreme Court judge Justice VR Krishna Iyer have suggested it should be used for the public good.
The government has said it would adhere to the Supreme Court's ruling on ownership of the treasure found in the temple, which is still controlled by the royal family unlike other temples in Kerala which are managed by the government.
The vaults were searched after a lawyer petitioned the country's top court to order the government to take over the temple as it did not have adequate security.
Several temples in India have billions of dollars worth of wealth as devotees donate gold and other precious objects as gifts to spiritual or religious institutions that run hospitals, schools and colleges.
The Tirumala temple in eastern Andhra Pradesh state is reported to have 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) of gold, a third of which it deposited with the State Bank of India last year, while spiritual guru Sai Baba, who died in April, left behind an estimated $9 billion estate.
Monday, June 20, 2011
TDP demands arrest of two members of Sai Trust
HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party has demanded that the two members of the Satya Sai Central Trust be arrested immediately in connection with seizure of huge cash that was allegedly being diverted from Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of late Satya Sai Baba.
Seeking arrest of Venu Srinivasan and R J Ratnakar, the TDP also demanded an enquiry by a Supreme Court judge in the diversion of treasure from the Trust and the involvement of some political leaders into it.
The main opposition party in Andhra Pradesh also pointed out that there were doubts in the minds of devotees about involvement of a state minister and the son of a Union minister in the illegal diversion of Trust funds.
In a statement here today, senior TDP leader and the Leader of Opposition in Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, Dadi Veerabhadra Rao, held chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy responsible for the 'murky' happenings at the Trust by remaining a mute spectator even as the reports suggested that huge cash, diamonds and other valuables were being clandestinely moved out of Yajur Mandir, the private chambers of Satya Sai Baba since he was hospitalised on March 28.
That huge amounts of cash secretly moved to other states became clear with the finding of only Rs 12 crore when an inventory was taken in the Yajur Mandir last week, he pointed out.
"While Ratnakar claimed that Rs 35 lakh seized from a car did not belong to the Trust, the Anantapur district SP asserted that the money indeed belonged to the Trust. The money was in fact seized from the driver of Venu Srinivasan of the TVS group. Why is the government not arresting Srinivasan, Ratnakar and the chief security officer of Prasanthi Nilayam in connection with the case," questioned Veerabhadra Rao.
Alleging that some state ministers were exerting pressure on chief minister from taking any action against the errant Trust members, Rao demanded that Kiran Kumar Reddy reveal their names.
"The happenings in the Satya Sai Central Trust are damaging the image of Andhra Pradesh internationally. The Chief Minister should take the blame for this as he failed to take necessary action at the right time," Rao said.
The police in Anantapur district had seized Rs 35 lakh in cash that was being transported in a vehicle, allegedly belonging to the Sathya Sai Central Trust, and detained the vehicle's driver near Karnataka border on the night of June 18.
Seeking arrest of Venu Srinivasan and R J Ratnakar, the TDP also demanded an enquiry by a Supreme Court judge in the diversion of treasure from the Trust and the involvement of some political leaders into it.
The main opposition party in Andhra Pradesh also pointed out that there were doubts in the minds of devotees about involvement of a state minister and the son of a Union minister in the illegal diversion of Trust funds.
In a statement here today, senior TDP leader and the Leader of Opposition in Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, Dadi Veerabhadra Rao, held chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy responsible for the 'murky' happenings at the Trust by remaining a mute spectator even as the reports suggested that huge cash, diamonds and other valuables were being clandestinely moved out of Yajur Mandir, the private chambers of Satya Sai Baba since he was hospitalised on March 28.
That huge amounts of cash secretly moved to other states became clear with the finding of only Rs 12 crore when an inventory was taken in the Yajur Mandir last week, he pointed out.
"While Ratnakar claimed that Rs 35 lakh seized from a car did not belong to the Trust, the Anantapur district SP asserted that the money indeed belonged to the Trust. The money was in fact seized from the driver of Venu Srinivasan of the TVS group. Why is the government not arresting Srinivasan, Ratnakar and the chief security officer of Prasanthi Nilayam in connection with the case," questioned Veerabhadra Rao.
Alleging that some state ministers were exerting pressure on chief minister from taking any action against the errant Trust members, Rao demanded that Kiran Kumar Reddy reveal their names.
"The happenings in the Satya Sai Central Trust are damaging the image of Andhra Pradesh internationally. The Chief Minister should take the blame for this as he failed to take necessary action at the right time," Rao said.
The police in Anantapur district had seized Rs 35 lakh in cash that was being transported in a vehicle, allegedly belonging to the Sathya Sai Central Trust, and detained the vehicle's driver near Karnataka border on the night of June 18.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Inventory of Valuables at Sai BABA Residence( Yajur Mandir)
Press Release 17th June -2011
Inventory of Valuables in the premises of Yajur Mandir
Prashanthi Niayam
The Trustees of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust respectfully entered the holy premises of the Yajur Mandir, the private chambers of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in the morning of Thursday, the 16th June, 2011, duly obtaining the key from the The State Bank of India, where it had been kept in safe custody. Apart from the 5 Trustees, and two members of the Council of Management, including the former Chief Justice of India, Sri.P.N.Bhagawathi, two other eminent judges. Justice Sri.A.P.Misra, retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Justice Sri.Vaidyanatha, retired Judge of the Karnataka High Court, were also present as independent witnesses. An assessor approved by the Income Tax Department of the Government of India, was aso present to assist in evauating gold, jewellery and siver. The sole purpose of the exercise was to make an inventory of the valuables within the premises in a transparent manner.
The Above inventory was taken over two days, June 16 and 17 2011
The summary of the inventory is given below
CASH:
Rupees 11,56,47,049.50 (Eleven crores, fifty six lakhs, forty seven thousand, and forty nine and paise 50 only)
GOLD
98 KILOGRAMS approximately as per valuer’s report
SILVER ARTICLES:
307 KG approximatey as per valuer’s repot
Cash as per the inventory has been deposited in the Bank Account of the Central Trust with the State Bank of India, Prashanti Nilayam
Gold silver and Jewellery was assessed by the the certified valuer approved by the Income Tax Department, Government of India.
Issued by the order of Board of Trustees, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
Inventory of Valuables in the premises of Yajur Mandir
Prashanthi Niayam
The Trustees of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust respectfully entered the holy premises of the Yajur Mandir, the private chambers of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in the morning of Thursday, the 16th June, 2011, duly obtaining the key from the The State Bank of India, where it had been kept in safe custody. Apart from the 5 Trustees, and two members of the Council of Management, including the former Chief Justice of India, Sri.P.N.Bhagawathi, two other eminent judges. Justice Sri.A.P.Misra, retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Justice Sri.Vaidyanatha, retired Judge of the Karnataka High Court, were also present as independent witnesses. An assessor approved by the Income Tax Department of the Government of India, was aso present to assist in evauating gold, jewellery and siver. The sole purpose of the exercise was to make an inventory of the valuables within the premises in a transparent manner.
The Above inventory was taken over two days, June 16 and 17 2011
The summary of the inventory is given below
CASH:
Rupees 11,56,47,049.50 (Eleven crores, fifty six lakhs, forty seven thousand, and forty nine and paise 50 only)
GOLD
98 KILOGRAMS approximately as per valuer’s report
SILVER ARTICLES:
307 KG approximatey as per valuer’s repot
Cash as per the inventory has been deposited in the Bank Account of the Central Trust with the State Bank of India, Prashanti Nilayam
Gold silver and Jewellery was assessed by the the certified valuer approved by the Income Tax Department, Government of India.
Issued by the order of Board of Trustees, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Press Release on 28th April by The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
Press Statement
Released by
The Trustees and the Council of Management of
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
ISSUED ON APRIL 28, 2011
1. The Trustees and the Council of Management of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust thank the representatives of the print and electronic media who are attending this press conference. Though the media wanted reactions from the Trust in the recent few weeks, the situation, particularly the declining health of Bhagawan Baba, did not make it possible for the Trustees to address any issue other than the treatment being given to Bhagawan Baba. Therefore, the delay in calling this press meet.
2. Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust was founded by Bhagawan Baba in 1972. It is a public Charitable Trust and has been engaged in service activities mainly in the field of Education and Health. Two associate trusts also founded by Bhagawan Baba deal with Medical Relief and Higher Education: they are the Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust which has been carrying out the medical relief activities has been taken over by Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust from Dec 1, 2010.
3. Bhagawan Baba has been the moving spirit for all these service activities. The Medical relief activity is carried out through two Super Specialty hospitals, one at Puttaparthi and the other at Whitefield, Bengaluru, and two general hospitals one each at Puttaparthi and Whitefield, Bengaluru. Medical relief has been provided to a large number of poor and needy patients without any distinction of caste, religion and language. The details of the Medical relief provided and the infrastructure which has been set up for this are available in websites of Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust (www.sssmt.org.in) and Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (www.srisathyasai.org.in).
4. In the field of education, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust runs two schools, one at Puttaparthi and another at Rajahmundry. Higher education is imparted by Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning at its campuses at Whitefield, Bengaluru, Anantapur and Puttaparthi. A new campus which is ready at Muddenahalli near Chickaballapur in Karnataka state is on the anvil of commencing its operations. The primary focus in all these institutions is value based education and character building.
5. All these activities are carried on in a spirit of service with the belief that love and compassion form the bedrock of spiritual evolution. Medical relief and Education is completely free. The resources are provided by the Trusts. The Trusts have a moderate corpus which fetches a reasonable return, which is augmented by voluntary contributions made to the Trusts by donors from India and abroad.
6. The activities of the Trusts are spread over the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The Trusts own and possess land and buildings which are required for education and medical relief activities. The Super Specialty Hospital at Puttaparthi is situated in a campus of about 105 acres of land.
Similarly the Super Specialty hospital at Whitefield, Bengaluru is situated in a campus of 52 acres of land. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has met the cost of construction of the projects for setting up the hospitals which was about Rs 65 crores for the Puttaparthi Hospital in 1991 and Rs 130 crores for the Whitefield Hospital in 2001.
7. The General Hospital at Puttaparthi is located on 7 acres of land. The Trust is also running a General Hospital at Whitefield.
8. Similarly in the case of Educational activities, the Anantapur campus for Women is located on a site measuring about 115 acres. The campus at Whitefield, Bengaluru comprises about 38 acres. The campus, known as Vidyagiri, situated at Prasanthi Nilayam comprising school, University, stadium, administrative buildings, planetarium, etc. is located in about 60 acres of land.
9. As regards the schools, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust runs a school at Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh situated in a campus of about 25 acres.
10. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has also constructed an airport for the benefit of the devotees and patients in the year 1991. The airport is spread over150 acres of land.
11. The Prasanthi Nilayam campus is spread over 70 acres of land. The Trust also owns land and buildings in Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu. The extent of land is around 3 acres. The Trust also runs a community center known as Sri Sathya Sai Nigamagamam at Hyderabad which is spread over about 3.5 Acres. Another community hall known as Sri Sathya Sai Samskrutha Sadanam situated in Bangalore belongs to the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
12. In the recent news reports the value of the Trusts have been hugely exaggerated and it may be seen from the above that the lands are being used as an integral part of the educational campuses and hospitals. They are not meant for commercial use especially in the context of alienated lands which were given for specific purposes.
13. In addition to the above medical relief and education activities, the Central Trust has undertaken drinking water supply projects in Anantapur, Medak, Mahboobnagar, East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. The Trust maintained these projects for a year before handing them over to the Government. They have since been running smoothly. Besides these, a project for modernisation of the Kandaleru – Poondy canal for providing drinking water to Chennai city has been undertaken. Such water supply projects undertaken between 1995 and 2010 involved an outlay of Rs. 500 crores.
14. The Trusts of Bhagawan Baba have never made an appeal for donations. The income of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust has ranged from Rs 100 – 130 crores per year during the last 4 years. The expenditure for the same period has ranged between Rs 75 – 100 crores per year. It is therefore evident that the size of the Trust is modest.
15. For the medical relief activity, about 1000 persons are employed which includes doctors, nurses, paramedical and other staff. The educational activities involve a total number of around 250 employees. In addition, the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, which is a voluntary organisation of the devotees of Bhagawan Baba, provides volunteers to support these service activities.
16. Besides these, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has set up Sri Sathya Sai International Center at Lodhi Road, New Delhi. At the said Center, a school, a training center for Educare and International Center for dissemination of human values, a library and an auditorium have been provided.
17. Inspired by Bhagawan Baba, many schools are set up and charitable activities are organised by devotees in many cities in India and abroad. These do not come under the fold of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and they are owned and administered by separate bodies governed by their respective charters.
18. In light of the baseless, irresponsible and false accusations of defalcation of gold, valuable artefacts and even money, it is emphatically stated that these accusations are wholly untrue and it is believed that these have been engineered by certain vested interests with a view to defame the fair name of the Trust, its functionaries and the Trustees. There is no truth whatsoever in these allegations.
19. All transactions of the Trusts are duly accounted in their books of account. An experienced and qualified chartered accountant oversees the accounting and financial management. The accounts are duly audited by a reputed firm of Chartered Accountants based at Delhi. Periodical returns, accounts and audit reports as prescribed by law are duly filed with the concerned authorities under the Income Tax Act, FCRA and other applicable statutes. There is no proceeding initiated against any of the Trusts by any authority under any statute alleging any impropriety or violation of law.
20. The Trustees, functionaries and the members of the Council of Management have all been personally selected and placed in their respective positions by the revered Founder Trustee Bhagawan Baba. They are persons of impeccable credentials having served in various capacities in their respective careers. All of them serve the Trust in honorary capacity out of their devotion to the Founder Trustee, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, being motivated by His universal message to serve humanity – "Manava Seva is Madhava Seva. "
Released by
The Trustees and the Council of Management of
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
ISSUED ON APRIL 28, 2011
1. The Trustees and the Council of Management of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust thank the representatives of the print and electronic media who are attending this press conference. Though the media wanted reactions from the Trust in the recent few weeks, the situation, particularly the declining health of Bhagawan Baba, did not make it possible for the Trustees to address any issue other than the treatment being given to Bhagawan Baba. Therefore, the delay in calling this press meet.
2. Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust was founded by Bhagawan Baba in 1972. It is a public Charitable Trust and has been engaged in service activities mainly in the field of Education and Health. Two associate trusts also founded by Bhagawan Baba deal with Medical Relief and Higher Education: they are the Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust which has been carrying out the medical relief activities has been taken over by Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust from Dec 1, 2010.
3. Bhagawan Baba has been the moving spirit for all these service activities. The Medical relief activity is carried out through two Super Specialty hospitals, one at Puttaparthi and the other at Whitefield, Bengaluru, and two general hospitals one each at Puttaparthi and Whitefield, Bengaluru. Medical relief has been provided to a large number of poor and needy patients without any distinction of caste, religion and language. The details of the Medical relief provided and the infrastructure which has been set up for this are available in websites of Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust (www.sssmt.org.in) and Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (www.srisathyasai.org.in).
4. In the field of education, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust runs two schools, one at Puttaparthi and another at Rajahmundry. Higher education is imparted by Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning at its campuses at Whitefield, Bengaluru, Anantapur and Puttaparthi. A new campus which is ready at Muddenahalli near Chickaballapur in Karnataka state is on the anvil of commencing its operations. The primary focus in all these institutions is value based education and character building.
5. All these activities are carried on in a spirit of service with the belief that love and compassion form the bedrock of spiritual evolution. Medical relief and Education is completely free. The resources are provided by the Trusts. The Trusts have a moderate corpus which fetches a reasonable return, which is augmented by voluntary contributions made to the Trusts by donors from India and abroad.
6. The activities of the Trusts are spread over the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The Trusts own and possess land and buildings which are required for education and medical relief activities. The Super Specialty Hospital at Puttaparthi is situated in a campus of about 105 acres of land.
Similarly the Super Specialty hospital at Whitefield, Bengaluru is situated in a campus of 52 acres of land. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has met the cost of construction of the projects for setting up the hospitals which was about Rs 65 crores for the Puttaparthi Hospital in 1991 and Rs 130 crores for the Whitefield Hospital in 2001.
7. The General Hospital at Puttaparthi is located on 7 acres of land. The Trust is also running a General Hospital at Whitefield.
8. Similarly in the case of Educational activities, the Anantapur campus for Women is located on a site measuring about 115 acres. The campus at Whitefield, Bengaluru comprises about 38 acres. The campus, known as Vidyagiri, situated at Prasanthi Nilayam comprising school, University, stadium, administrative buildings, planetarium, etc. is located in about 60 acres of land.
9. As regards the schools, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust runs a school at Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh situated in a campus of about 25 acres.
10. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has also constructed an airport for the benefit of the devotees and patients in the year 1991. The airport is spread over150 acres of land.
11. The Prasanthi Nilayam campus is spread over 70 acres of land. The Trust also owns land and buildings in Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu. The extent of land is around 3 acres. The Trust also runs a community center known as Sri Sathya Sai Nigamagamam at Hyderabad which is spread over about 3.5 Acres. Another community hall known as Sri Sathya Sai Samskrutha Sadanam situated in Bangalore belongs to the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
12. In the recent news reports the value of the Trusts have been hugely exaggerated and it may be seen from the above that the lands are being used as an integral part of the educational campuses and hospitals. They are not meant for commercial use especially in the context of alienated lands which were given for specific purposes.
13. In addition to the above medical relief and education activities, the Central Trust has undertaken drinking water supply projects in Anantapur, Medak, Mahboobnagar, East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. The Trust maintained these projects for a year before handing them over to the Government. They have since been running smoothly. Besides these, a project for modernisation of the Kandaleru – Poondy canal for providing drinking water to Chennai city has been undertaken. Such water supply projects undertaken between 1995 and 2010 involved an outlay of Rs. 500 crores.
14. The Trusts of Bhagawan Baba have never made an appeal for donations. The income of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust has ranged from Rs 100 – 130 crores per year during the last 4 years. The expenditure for the same period has ranged between Rs 75 – 100 crores per year. It is therefore evident that the size of the Trust is modest.
15. For the medical relief activity, about 1000 persons are employed which includes doctors, nurses, paramedical and other staff. The educational activities involve a total number of around 250 employees. In addition, the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, which is a voluntary organisation of the devotees of Bhagawan Baba, provides volunteers to support these service activities.
16. Besides these, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has set up Sri Sathya Sai International Center at Lodhi Road, New Delhi. At the said Center, a school, a training center for Educare and International Center for dissemination of human values, a library and an auditorium have been provided.
17. Inspired by Bhagawan Baba, many schools are set up and charitable activities are organised by devotees in many cities in India and abroad. These do not come under the fold of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and they are owned and administered by separate bodies governed by their respective charters.
18. In light of the baseless, irresponsible and false accusations of defalcation of gold, valuable artefacts and even money, it is emphatically stated that these accusations are wholly untrue and it is believed that these have been engineered by certain vested interests with a view to defame the fair name of the Trust, its functionaries and the Trustees. There is no truth whatsoever in these allegations.
19. All transactions of the Trusts are duly accounted in their books of account. An experienced and qualified chartered accountant oversees the accounting and financial management. The accounts are duly audited by a reputed firm of Chartered Accountants based at Delhi. Periodical returns, accounts and audit reports as prescribed by law are duly filed with the concerned authorities under the Income Tax Act, FCRA and other applicable statutes. There is no proceeding initiated against any of the Trusts by any authority under any statute alleging any impropriety or violation of law.
20. The Trustees, functionaries and the members of the Council of Management have all been personally selected and placed in their respective positions by the revered Founder Trustee Bhagawan Baba. They are persons of impeccable credentials having served in various capacities in their respective careers. All of them serve the Trust in honorary capacity out of their devotion to the Founder Trustee, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, being motivated by His universal message to serve humanity – "Manava Seva is Madhava Seva. "
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Maha Samadhi of Beloved Bhagawan Baba
Wed, April 27, 2011:
Puttaparthi that sung lullabies to infant Sathya, that fondled and nurtured Little Sathya to Sri Sathya Sai and that received the abundance of His love and care over and over again during the past eight and a half decade finally earned a day to grieve, though the day will be marked in the annals of Divine History as the most significant of the day, when Avatar of the age was laid to rest. ...This is definitely not of her choice, but as fate would have it, a grieving Puttaparthi had to accept this present as well, as she has been receiving over the past eight and a half decade, in abundance.
It was a Divine Script that was written by Him alone and executed in His own inimitable fashion. For all the glory, happiness and bliss that she has received over and over again, when the final moment arrived, to bid farewell to the Soul of entire creation, she grieved and so were millions upon millions around the world.
Bhagawan who left His mortal coil on the 24th April 2011 was laid to rest in Sai Kulwant Hall this morning in presence of a huge assemblage of devotees, also attended by a host of political luminaries.
Earlier, the function commenced with an aalaap bhajan by noted classical vocalist Pt. Jasraj, that was followed by an hour-long bhajan by students. A host of prayers representing various religions, that included Jewish, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism followed before a set of selected bhajans, that were so dear to Beloved Bhagawan, was rendered by students bringing tears in the assemblage, taking one and all to nostalgic happy days with their Beloved "Swami".
Among the dignitaries present were both Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, EVL Narasimhan and Kiran Kumar Reddy, Senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Venkaiah Naidu, former Union Home Minister and Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil , Karnataka Chief Minister B S. Yeddyurappa, Telugu Desam Supremo and former AP Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, veteran VHP leader Ashok Singhal, AP Ministers Geeta Reddy, Raghuveera Reddy etc.
The Divine Physical Frame that was draped in Bhagawan's favourite orange colour was lowered into the Samadhi amidst vedic chanting. In a symbolic gesture, the ceremony was marked with gifting of a cow and clothes (godhaana and buudhaana). Special water collected various holy rivers across India was also sprinkled on the Divine Frame sanctifying the occasion.
Even as the first set of rituals were completed the curtain came down for the finishing touches of the tomb where Bhagawan was laid to rest. Incessant Sai Gayathri chanting continued for the next more than half-an-hour before the curtains went up for the public to have their maiden view of the Tomb of the Avatar of the Age...
As fragrant Vibhuti smell wafted in the air granting the nostalgia of golden days when Beloved spent time amidst on the same dais, and announcement came that darshan would commence at 11:45 hrs. As is the case in Shirdi, this Tomb of the Avatar of the Age would start speaking to His chosen devotees now on...and would be the solace for grieving devotees from around the world. Puttaparthi beckons, with much more intensity as our Beloved Lord Sri Sathya Sai would speak from His tomb from now on!!!
On this first evening of Maha Samadhi of Beloved Bhagawan, there was a change in programme scheudule. One hour Vedam chanting began at 1600 hrs. followed by bhajans at 1700 hrs. to end with Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs.
As darshan of Maha Samadhi commenced this forenoon at 1145 hrs. a continuous stream of devotees are pouring in to have a precious glimpse of the Maha Samadhi in Sai Kulwant Hall. Many faces are writ with deep emotion and suppressed feeling burst open at the site of Maha Samadhi.
At the end of Mangala Arathi, an announcement was made on the darshan schedule for the next two days. Darshan of Maha Samadhi, for tomorrow and the day after will commence at 0800 hrs. till 1200 hrs. and in the evening from 1600 hrs. till 2000 hrs.
Puttaparthi that sung lullabies to infant Sathya, that fondled and nurtured Little Sathya to Sri Sathya Sai and that received the abundance of His love and care over and over again during the past eight and a half decade finally earned a day to grieve, though the day will be marked in the annals of Divine History as the most significant of the day, when Avatar of the age was laid to rest. ...This is definitely not of her choice, but as fate would have it, a grieving Puttaparthi had to accept this present as well, as she has been receiving over the past eight and a half decade, in abundance.
It was a Divine Script that was written by Him alone and executed in His own inimitable fashion. For all the glory, happiness and bliss that she has received over and over again, when the final moment arrived, to bid farewell to the Soul of entire creation, she grieved and so were millions upon millions around the world.
Bhagawan who left His mortal coil on the 24th April 2011 was laid to rest in Sai Kulwant Hall this morning in presence of a huge assemblage of devotees, also attended by a host of political luminaries.
Earlier, the function commenced with an aalaap bhajan by noted classical vocalist Pt. Jasraj, that was followed by an hour-long bhajan by students. A host of prayers representing various religions, that included Jewish, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism followed before a set of selected bhajans, that were so dear to Beloved Bhagawan, was rendered by students bringing tears in the assemblage, taking one and all to nostalgic happy days with their Beloved "Swami".
Among the dignitaries present were both Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, EVL Narasimhan and Kiran Kumar Reddy, Senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Venkaiah Naidu, former Union Home Minister and Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil , Karnataka Chief Minister B S. Yeddyurappa, Telugu Desam Supremo and former AP Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, veteran VHP leader Ashok Singhal, AP Ministers Geeta Reddy, Raghuveera Reddy etc.
The Divine Physical Frame that was draped in Bhagawan's favourite orange colour was lowered into the Samadhi amidst vedic chanting. In a symbolic gesture, the ceremony was marked with gifting of a cow and clothes (godhaana and buudhaana). Special water collected various holy rivers across India was also sprinkled on the Divine Frame sanctifying the occasion.
Even as the first set of rituals were completed the curtain came down for the finishing touches of the tomb where Bhagawan was laid to rest. Incessant Sai Gayathri chanting continued for the next more than half-an-hour before the curtains went up for the public to have their maiden view of the Tomb of the Avatar of the Age...
As fragrant Vibhuti smell wafted in the air granting the nostalgia of golden days when Beloved spent time amidst on the same dais, and announcement came that darshan would commence at 11:45 hrs. As is the case in Shirdi, this Tomb of the Avatar of the Age would start speaking to His chosen devotees now on...and would be the solace for grieving devotees from around the world. Puttaparthi beckons, with much more intensity as our Beloved Lord Sri Sathya Sai would speak from His tomb from now on!!!
On this first evening of Maha Samadhi of Beloved Bhagawan, there was a change in programme scheudule. One hour Vedam chanting began at 1600 hrs. followed by bhajans at 1700 hrs. to end with Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs.
As darshan of Maha Samadhi commenced this forenoon at 1145 hrs. a continuous stream of devotees are pouring in to have a precious glimpse of the Maha Samadhi in Sai Kulwant Hall. Many faces are writ with deep emotion and suppressed feeling burst open at the site of Maha Samadhi.
At the end of Mangala Arathi, an announcement was made on the darshan schedule for the next two days. Darshan of Maha Samadhi, for tomorrow and the day after will commence at 0800 hrs. till 1200 hrs. and in the evening from 1600 hrs. till 2000 hrs.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Millions wait in Que to have a Darsan of their "Beloved Bhagavan"
Defying all Barricades and all security arrangements Thousands of Devotees are pouring in to Prasanthi Nilayam (Puttaparthi) to have a last look at Bhagavan Sai baba's mortal remains laid midst of flowers and bhajans at Sai Kulwant hall where Baba use to give Darsan to lakhs fo devotees till 25th of March 2011.
Police and the local administration of Puttaparthi had a taste of the tough time they will have over the next two days.
The devotees turned restive as the gathering swelled to over 50,000 by 6.30 pm on sunday evening.
The endless que is continuing from Sunday afternoon onwards and increasing every minute pass by.
An array of Local,National and International Media is covering the event to the world as well.
Elaborate arrangements are being made by the Authorities to have a
peacefull days of mouring in the Abode of peace.
The entire Puttaparthi town is in mourning with all business establishments shut. Even hotels have downed the shutters. No vehicles are being allowed to enter the town as the number of devotees is expected to touch one lakh on Monday as they are arriving from not only Karnataka and Andhra, but also from Maharashtra, Mumbai, Delhi and abroad.
Police and the local administration of Puttaparthi had a taste of the tough time they will have over the next two days.
The devotees turned restive as the gathering swelled to over 50,000 by 6.30 pm on sunday evening.
The endless que is continuing from Sunday afternoon onwards and increasing every minute pass by.
An array of Local,National and International Media is covering the event to the world as well.
Elaborate arrangements are being made by the Authorities to have a
peacefull days of mouring in the Abode of peace.
The entire Puttaparthi town is in mourning with all business establishments shut. Even hotels have downed the shutters. No vehicles are being allowed to enter the town as the number of devotees is expected to touch one lakh on Monday as they are arriving from not only Karnataka and Andhra, but also from Maharashtra, Mumbai, Delhi and abroad.
Swami's Samadhi Arrangements
Sai Kulwanth Hall, the venue for all the "historic" events in Parthi, will also be His Samadhi temple (tomb) in future.. Swami's divine body will be brought to the ashram around 4pm from the Super Speciality Hospital..there are already arrangements being made in the Sai Kulwanth hall. Swami's Samadhi would be on the dais from where He used to watch us all while we sing His glory. At present there are white curtains around the stage and the recently erected elevated wooden dais, is now completely removed. Any moment, they will start digging the dais. Meanwhile, the final darshan of Swami's BODY would start from 6pm, 24th april and the darshan will continue on monday, tuesday as well. in the morning of wednesday, the burial will be performed.
Police are making all the arrangements for the final darshan. I think Swami's body will be placed in the middle of Sai Kulwanth hall and ladies and gents would be allowed separately into the hall for the final darshan.
It is still unbelievable to know that we wont be able to see our beloved Lord in Puttaparthi. We devotees should not forget the great services rendered by the doctors in Super Speciality Hospital. Even though they tried their best, perfectly following Swami's message of KARMA YOGA, they(doctors) and We knew from the day one that it will be Swami's FINAL DECISION that will matter.We should also have to appreciate the patience and hardwork of Sri Sathya Central Trust and its members who tried their best to give ultramodern medical facilities to Swami in no time, all praises to Minister Geetha Reddy for all that she has done being a bridge of love between governemnt and devotees.
All the ministers, governors are reaching Puttaparthi. The Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sri.Ashok Chavan have already come to Parthi. Sonia Gandhi, Prime minister Manmohan Singh, L.K.Advani, Ms.Jayalalitha and many other top leaders have expressed their deep condolences on Swami's Divine Departure. The government of Andhra Pradesh has declared 4 days of mourning.
It would be a very sad day for Sachin Tendulkar as his birthday unfortunately coincided with Swami's Physical Exit. He is also coming to Parthi tomorrow for the final darshan.
Since his hospitalisation, Swami was in headlines. while reporting they also spoke all the good work Swami had did and also His miracles. many people who were not in Sai Fold who were watching this did get an urge to have darshan of this great Avatar and hoped for one physical darshan but little did they knew that it was too late..
Looks like the final darshan will also be shown live in various TV channels as the arrangements are already being made
Police are making all the arrangements for the final darshan. I think Swami's body will be placed in the middle of Sai Kulwanth hall and ladies and gents would be allowed separately into the hall for the final darshan.
It is still unbelievable to know that we wont be able to see our beloved Lord in Puttaparthi. We devotees should not forget the great services rendered by the doctors in Super Speciality Hospital. Even though they tried their best, perfectly following Swami's message of KARMA YOGA, they(doctors) and We knew from the day one that it will be Swami's FINAL DECISION that will matter.We should also have to appreciate the patience and hardwork of Sri Sathya Central Trust and its members who tried their best to give ultramodern medical facilities to Swami in no time, all praises to Minister Geetha Reddy for all that she has done being a bridge of love between governemnt and devotees.
All the ministers, governors are reaching Puttaparthi. The Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sri.Ashok Chavan have already come to Parthi. Sonia Gandhi, Prime minister Manmohan Singh, L.K.Advani, Ms.Jayalalitha and many other top leaders have expressed their deep condolences on Swami's Divine Departure. The government of Andhra Pradesh has declared 4 days of mourning.
It would be a very sad day for Sachin Tendulkar as his birthday unfortunately coincided with Swami's Physical Exit. He is also coming to Parthi tomorrow for the final darshan.
Since his hospitalisation, Swami was in headlines. while reporting they also spoke all the good work Swami had did and also His miracles. many people who were not in Sai Fold who were watching this did get an urge to have darshan of this great Avatar and hoped for one physical darshan but little did they knew that it was too late..
Looks like the final darshan will also be shown live in various TV channels as the arrangements are already being made
Swami wanted every thing to be given for "free" when people don't even smile for "free"
Swami was the only "power" in the world who wanted every thing to be give for "free". In the times when people don't even smile for "free", Swami has given world class medical services completely free to every one. There came one suggestion from some one requesting Swami to charge "little bit" to the rich who can afford to pay, and Swami our kind Lord said, there is no difference between "poor man's heart" and "rich man's heart' who could ever tell this.
Some years ago, in Kodai kanal, some officials were briefing Him about the arrangements for Eswaramma day and when one officer said, "Swami tomorrow we will have poor feeding", Swami corrected him saying, Sai's feeding can never be "poor feeding" you rather say "feeding the poor". Such is the kindness of Swami.
Swami who has given every thing to the devotees, has also given nutririous food to all at affordable price. Apparently couple of years ago, some one from the South Indian Canteen went to Swami and said, Swami our canteen has incurred great loss. So we have decided to raise the price from Rs.6 to Rs.10 for a full meal. Swami looking at him bit seriously said, if you irritate me like this, I am going to give the food for free. when it is Swami's canteen, why are you worried about the loss. It is my "business". Can any one do such Divine Business?
Some years ago, in Kodai kanal, some officials were briefing Him about the arrangements for Eswaramma day and when one officer said, "Swami tomorrow we will have poor feeding", Swami corrected him saying, Sai's feeding can never be "poor feeding" you rather say "feeding the poor". Such is the kindness of Swami.
Swami who has given every thing to the devotees, has also given nutririous food to all at affordable price. Apparently couple of years ago, some one from the South Indian Canteen went to Swami and said, Swami our canteen has incurred great loss. So we have decided to raise the price from Rs.6 to Rs.10 for a full meal. Swami looking at him bit seriously said, if you irritate me like this, I am going to give the food for free. when it is Swami's canteen, why are you worried about the loss. It is my "business". Can any one do such Divine Business?
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Bhagavan Baba's body to be kept for "last darshan". two days Monday and Tuesday
Puttaparthi: The body of spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, who died on Sunday morning, will be kept at Prashanti Nilayam - his ashram in this pilgrim town - for two days to enable devotees to have a "last darshan".
According to the statement released by Sathya Sai Central Trust, the body will be kept at Sai Kulwant Hall at 6 pm on Sunday. The body will lie there on Monday and Tuesday.
The trust is silent about the last rites but it is likely to be performed on Wednesday at Prashanti Nilayam with full state honours. The trust has appealed to devotees have a last glimpse of Baba in an orderly manner.
According to the statement released by Sathya Sai Central Trust, the body will be kept at Sai Kulwant Hall at 6 pm on Sunday. The body will lie there on Monday and Tuesday.
The trust is silent about the last rites but it is likely to be performed on Wednesday at Prashanti Nilayam with full state honours. The trust has appealed to devotees have a last glimpse of Baba in an orderly manner.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has left His divine body
April, 24, 2011: Prasanthi updates: Sai Baba Health News - Sri Sathya Sai Baba Health News: Puttaparthi: Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has left His divine body at the Sathya Sai super speciality hospital at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district today
Puttaparthi: A brief statement issued by Dr. A. N. Safaya, Director of the Institute, said "Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left his earthly body on April 24, 2011 at 7.40 a.m. due to cardio-respiratory failure. Bhagwan 's body will lie in State at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days -- Monday and Tuesday. Arrangements will be made for darshan after 6 p.m. today at Sai Kulwant Hall. We appeal to all to remain calm and have darshan in an orderly manner" -
Puttaparthi: A brief statement issued by Dr. A. N. Safaya, Director of the Institute, said "Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left his earthly body on April 24, 2011 at 7.40 a.m. due to cardio-respiratory failure. Bhagwan 's body will lie in State at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days -- Monday and Tuesday. Arrangements will be made for darshan after 6 p.m. today at Sai Kulwant Hall. We appeal to all to remain calm and have darshan in an orderly manner" -
Bhagavan Baba - Stand By for an Important announcement at 11 A.M IST
April 24 2011: An IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT to be made at 11.00 am local time
Bhagavan Baba April 23rd Evening Medical Bulletin
Sat, April 23rd Evening's Medical Bulletin released by the Director, SSSIHMS
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in a very critical condition of health on the 27th day of His treatment in this hospital.
He is still breathing with ventilator support. The episodes of low blood pressure are still a cause of great worry to the doctors treating Him.
Bhagawan Baba continues to be under constant attention of the panel of doctors attending upon Him.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in a very critical condition of health on the 27th day of His treatment in this hospital.
He is still breathing with ventilator support. The episodes of low blood pressure are still a cause of great worry to the doctors treating Him.
Bhagawan Baba continues to be under constant attention of the panel of doctors attending upon Him.
Friday, April 22, 2011
23rd April Morning Updates- Bhagavan Baba
The official Medical Bulletin at 8 A.M
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in the same critical condition as yesterday. He continues to be very critical.
He is still on ventilator support. A cycle of slow haemodialysis has been completed on Him this morning.
He continues to be under close scrutiny and round the clock treatment by the panel of doctors attending upon Him.
Five layers of security have been thrown around Puttaparthi
The Andhra Pradesh government stepped up security at Puttaparthi and its neighbouring areas on Friday.
Police reinforcement was rushed in and giant LCD screens put up at vantage points in Puttaparthi, Kothacheruvu and nearby villages. Barricades were set up in and around the super-speciality hospital where Sathya Sai Baba is being treated. Two helipads are being constructed at feverish pace at a private airport nearby to allow VVIPs to land. The Hill view stadium in the town, with a capacity of 50,000, is also being readied.
"Police have also erected barricades on all the roads leading to the town and are checking every vehicle entering the town.According to police sources, five layers of security have been thrown around the town to prevent any incident.Police have also beefed up security around the airport, railway and bus stations and other installations in the town.
Senior police officials from all parts of Rayalaseema are rushing to Puttaparthi. Anantapur range Deputy Inspector General of Police Charu Sinha and Anantapur Superintendent of Police Shahnawaz Qasim are camping in the town and supervising the security arrangements."
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in the same critical condition as yesterday. He continues to be very critical.
He is still on ventilator support. A cycle of slow haemodialysis has been completed on Him this morning.
He continues to be under close scrutiny and round the clock treatment by the panel of doctors attending upon Him.
Five layers of security have been thrown around Puttaparthi
The Andhra Pradesh government stepped up security at Puttaparthi and its neighbouring areas on Friday.
Police reinforcement was rushed in and giant LCD screens put up at vantage points in Puttaparthi, Kothacheruvu and nearby villages. Barricades were set up in and around the super-speciality hospital where Sathya Sai Baba is being treated. Two helipads are being constructed at feverish pace at a private airport nearby to allow VVIPs to land. The Hill view stadium in the town, with a capacity of 50,000, is also being readied.
"Police have also erected barricades on all the roads leading to the town and are checking every vehicle entering the town.According to police sources, five layers of security have been thrown around the town to prevent any incident.Police have also beefed up security around the airport, railway and bus stations and other installations in the town.
Senior police officials from all parts of Rayalaseema are rushing to Puttaparthi. Anantapur range Deputy Inspector General of Police Charu Sinha and Anantapur Superintendent of Police Shahnawaz Qasim are camping in the town and supervising the security arrangements."
Bhagavn Baba 22nd Evening Medical Bulletin released by SSSIHMS,
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues in the same clinical condition as He was in the morning. There is no sign of change in His health condition. He continues to be in the same critical state of health.
He is still supported by ventilator and is on CRRT system of dialysis.
His blood pressure and heart rate have been stable for the last 12 hours and are supported by necessary drugs.
The panel of doctors treating Him is keeping a close watch on His health.
He is still supported by ventilator and is on CRRT system of dialysis.
His blood pressure and heart rate have been stable for the last 12 hours and are supported by necessary drugs.
The panel of doctors treating Him is keeping a close watch on His health.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra -Chant for Bhagavan's Recovery
OM. Tryambakam yajamahe
Sugandhim pushti-vardhanam
Urvarukamiva bandhanan
Mrityor mukshiya mamritat
OM. We worship and adore you, O three-eyed one, O Shiva. You are sweet gladness, the fragrance of life, who nourishes us, restores our health, and causes us to thrive. As, in due time, the stem of the cucumber weakens, and the gourd if freed from the vine, so free us from attachment and death, and do not withhold immortality.
The great mantra dedicated to Shiva as Mrityunjaya is found in the Rig Veda. It is called the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, the Great Death-Conquering mantra. It is a mantra that has many names and forms. It is called the Rudra mantra, referring to the furious aspect of Shiva; the Tryambakam mantra, alluding to Shiva's three eyes; and its is sometimes known as the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra because it is a component of the "life-restoring" practice given to the primordial sage Shukra after he had completed an exhausting period of austerity. The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is hailed by the sages as the heart of the Veda. Along with the Gayatri mantra it holds the highest place among the many mantras used for contemplation and meditation.
Press Release by Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust 21 April 2011
SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL TRUST
PRASANTHI NILAYAM
Date: 21-04-2011
BABA'S MEDICAL CONDITION:
The series of daily medical bulletins issued by the Director, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram, has been giving the health status of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba from time to time. In spite of the best treatment given to Him, in consultation with leading doctors in India and abroad and also the teams of doctors deputed by the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Bhagawan's health condition has deteriorated. The bulletins issued by the Director have been mentioning the names of prominent specialist doctors who had been called in for consulation from time to time and also the response of Baba's vital organs to the treatment. The information in the Director's bulletins is in accordance with medical ethics.
While the response of the vital organs have been varying - good on certain days, sluggish on other days - the improvement has been generally slow. During the last 24 hours, Bhagawan's health condition has deteriorated further, causing concern.
CERTAIN REPORTS IN THE MEDIA:
It is unfortunate that at a time when we are facing a grave crisis, there has been a series of calumnious reports by a couple of newspapers. Some news channels of electronic media are also indulging in sensational and totally false reporting. The reports contain absolutely false, unsubstantiated allegations imputing financial irregularities, defalcation of funds, commission of illegalities, violation of laws, denial of proper food and nutrition to Bhagawan Baba and wrongfully holding Him in confinement, etc. Sensational and mischievous headlines like "Baba Bandi", "Puttaparthi Lo Dongalu Padaru", "Jabbu Lo Baba, Dabbu Lo Shishya Pramukhulu", "Bangarum Paaya", "Devanahalli daggara pattukonna customs adhikarulu" etc., are being employed.
The above allegations are totally false, motivated and are made with sole objective of creating confusion in the minds of public and the devotees in particular, as well as defaming the trustees and the Secretary of the Trust, who are distinguished themselves in public life, and have been handpicked and appointed by Bhagawan Baba Himself. All these allegations are attempts to defame Bhagawan Baba and His institutions, which have been rendering yeomen service to humanity in an exemplary manner for several decades.
Suitable legal action will be initiated against the offenders of law at the appropriate time. All of us are preoccupied and deeply concerned that Bhagawan Baba's health should get back to normalcy. No other concern, no other thought is at present in the minds of the trustees and all the devotees at this point of time.
We strongly appeal to the general public not to be misled by such outrageous efforts but be firm in their resolve and faith in Bhagawan Baba and pray for His speedy recovery.
RESPONSE OF ADMIRERS AND DEVOTEES OF BHAGAWAN:
There has been a ground swell of prayers, bhajans, yagnas all over the world praying for Bhagawan's health. Mass processions comprising people of different faiths - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and all others - are being conducted in various parts of India and abroad. There has been a 48 hour continuous bhajan in Sri Damdama Saheb Gurudwara, New Delhi with participants from all faiths. Email messages are pouring in from all over the world praying for Bhagawan's speedy recovery.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The trustees and the members of the council of management, including the Secretary of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust deeply appreciate and are gratified by the strong and vigorous support extended to, and the confidence expressed in them, by one and all.
Jai SaiRam
Signed by the trustees of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
PRASANTHI NILAYAM
Date: 21-04-2011
BABA'S MEDICAL CONDITION:
The series of daily medical bulletins issued by the Director, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram, has been giving the health status of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba from time to time. In spite of the best treatment given to Him, in consultation with leading doctors in India and abroad and also the teams of doctors deputed by the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Bhagawan's health condition has deteriorated. The bulletins issued by the Director have been mentioning the names of prominent specialist doctors who had been called in for consulation from time to time and also the response of Baba's vital organs to the treatment. The information in the Director's bulletins is in accordance with medical ethics.
While the response of the vital organs have been varying - good on certain days, sluggish on other days - the improvement has been generally slow. During the last 24 hours, Bhagawan's health condition has deteriorated further, causing concern.
CERTAIN REPORTS IN THE MEDIA:
It is unfortunate that at a time when we are facing a grave crisis, there has been a series of calumnious reports by a couple of newspapers. Some news channels of electronic media are also indulging in sensational and totally false reporting. The reports contain absolutely false, unsubstantiated allegations imputing financial irregularities, defalcation of funds, commission of illegalities, violation of laws, denial of proper food and nutrition to Bhagawan Baba and wrongfully holding Him in confinement, etc. Sensational and mischievous headlines like "Baba Bandi", "Puttaparthi Lo Dongalu Padaru", "Jabbu Lo Baba, Dabbu Lo Shishya Pramukhulu", "Bangarum Paaya", "Devanahalli daggara pattukonna customs adhikarulu" etc., are being employed.
The above allegations are totally false, motivated and are made with sole objective of creating confusion in the minds of public and the devotees in particular, as well as defaming the trustees and the Secretary of the Trust, who are distinguished themselves in public life, and have been handpicked and appointed by Bhagawan Baba Himself. All these allegations are attempts to defame Bhagawan Baba and His institutions, which have been rendering yeomen service to humanity in an exemplary manner for several decades.
Suitable legal action will be initiated against the offenders of law at the appropriate time. All of us are preoccupied and deeply concerned that Bhagawan Baba's health should get back to normalcy. No other concern, no other thought is at present in the minds of the trustees and all the devotees at this point of time.
We strongly appeal to the general public not to be misled by such outrageous efforts but be firm in their resolve and faith in Bhagawan Baba and pray for His speedy recovery.
RESPONSE OF ADMIRERS AND DEVOTEES OF BHAGAWAN:
There has been a ground swell of prayers, bhajans, yagnas all over the world praying for Bhagawan's health. Mass processions comprising people of different faiths - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and all others - are being conducted in various parts of India and abroad. There has been a 48 hour continuous bhajan in Sri Damdama Saheb Gurudwara, New Delhi with participants from all faiths. Email messages are pouring in from all over the world praying for Bhagawan's speedy recovery.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The trustees and the members of the council of management, including the Secretary of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust deeply appreciate and are gratified by the strong and vigorous support extended to, and the confidence expressed in them, by one and all.
Jai SaiRam
Signed by the trustees of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Bhagavan Baba 22nd April Morning Medical Bulletin
22nd April Morning Medical Bulletin released by Director, SSSIHMS, at 0800 hrs.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba still continues to be in a very critical state of health.
His respiration is supported by ventilator. He is put on CRRT system of dialysis to assist the functioning of the kidneys.
The response shown to the treatment continues to be minimal by all the vital organs.
His heart rate and blood pressure continue to be low and they are supported by drugs.
There is no significant change in the overall clinical condition since yesterday. The doctors, however, are continuing their vigorous, round the clock treatment.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba still continues to be in a very critical state of health.
His respiration is supported by ventilator. He is put on CRRT system of dialysis to assist the functioning of the kidneys.
The response shown to the treatment continues to be minimal by all the vital organs.
His heart rate and blood pressure continue to be low and they are supported by drugs.
There is no significant change in the overall clinical condition since yesterday. The doctors, however, are continuing their vigorous, round the clock treatment.
Bhagavan Baba Evening Medical Bulletin on 21st April
Evening Medical Bulletin released by Director, SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram at 1700 hrs.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in a very critical state of health.
There is very poor response from the vital organs of the body to the treatment. The intermittent episodes of low blood pressure are persisting indicating that the heart is quite weak.
The parameters of the functioning of the various organs of the body are also erratic. Every attempt is being made to keep them in the normal limits by the administration of appropriate drugs.
The breathing is still asstisted by the ventilator. One successful cycle of low haemodialysis was conducted during the past 12 hours to assist the kidney functioning.
Doctors are continuing vigorous efforts to make the vital organs recommence their function.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba continues to be in a very critical state of health.
There is very poor response from the vital organs of the body to the treatment. The intermittent episodes of low blood pressure are persisting indicating that the heart is quite weak.
The parameters of the functioning of the various organs of the body are also erratic. Every attempt is being made to keep them in the normal limits by the administration of appropriate drugs.
The breathing is still asstisted by the ventilator. One successful cycle of low haemodialysis was conducted during the past 12 hours to assist the kidney functioning.
Doctors are continuing vigorous efforts to make the vital organs recommence their function.
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