O When the Saints go Marching in...............

July 26,2007


Lo and Behold! the message has arrived. In my limited years of a Sai student life, i've rarely seen an event as magnanimous and vibrant. it only echoes the zest of the Youth. This World youth conference is an experience to remember a lifetime.
On the previous day, the students of the institute and the delegates from all countries were given a bag which contained a book having experiences of the youth from across the world, a japamala, a notepad, pen and so on.
The next morning at 6.30 am, all of us, the delegates and students, totalling about 6000, assembled near Chaitanya Jyoti museum from where the procession for the conference began. it was led by Vedam group, band groups from university and flag bearers of different nations. As the youth marched towards mandir singing bhajans and chanting the vedas, one could imagine a huge army marching towards its master.
The procession lasted about 1 hour and when we reached the gates, Swami welcomed us, fresh in His orange robe as if a mother was waiting for her children after a long time.
There was hardly any corner of Kulwant Hall, which was spared some item of decoration. From Chinese lanterns to banners containing Swami's sayings, each contributed its bit to make the hall a Vaikunta Mahasabha.
the opening address was given by Michael Goldstein, Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. He spoke of significance of youth in world stage as leaders of tommorow Swami's role in inspiring them. The Sai youth needs to draw the love from their Source and spread it across the world, he said.
Mr Goldstein's address was followed by that of the International Youth coordinator, Mr. Shitu Chudasama. He thanked Swami for His permission and His active participation in overseeing the arrangements.
It was about 10 am before the most awaited moment came i.e. Swami's discourse. i'll cover it in my next post.

After Swami left to Yajur mandir after discourse, we had the first session of speakers Mr Sanjay Sahani and Mrs Mallika Srinivasan. this was followed by a question and answer session by a panel of speakers. Around 12.30 pm, we left for lunch.
During the Q & A session, we got news from Yajur mandir that Swami had consented to the basketball match and that he would be present there at 4 pm. So, around 2.30pm, all of us, the students and delegates, assembled at the International indoor stadium for the basketball match. the mood in the stadium was very lively even before swami's arrival ( after all youth power).the delegates seated were practising mexican waves too.
Swami arrived at around 4pm and blessed the players from India and Sri Lanka. We thought Swami would soon return back as He was more interested in giving discourse that he mentioned in the morning. But to our surprise, swami sat the entire match and was very keenly observing it. He was asking his attending regarding rules of the game! the match wasn't worth watching but our Swami doesn't disappoint anyone. He almost shed a tear when one of the Sri Lankan players fell down. The Indian team eventually won (because of height factor), but Sri Lankans played a good team game. During match intervals, there were dance performances by students of a popular dance school.
Swami returned back to His residence at around 6.30 pm. Truly, it was a very memorable day for all of us. Sai ram.