A Day Before The Big Event

Happiness is a mere euphemism to describe the feeling of a student when touched by Sai. But the Pursuit of this Happyness doesn’t require accumulation of wealth, talents, expertise. It requires making Sai happy. That’s exactly what makes us so fortunate to be here, so that we regularly find ways to make Him happy.

Sports Meet is one such occasion. In a span of 5 days, Swami has visited the stadium as many times to watch our practice sessions. He makes sure that all the programmes by every campus are ready to perfection before they are put up on January 11. Today morning, He came to the ground at 9.30 am, when our march past was in session. After the march past, boys from Prasanthi Nilayam campus showed Him an item of Rollerblades. Unfortunately, today was not their lucky day. Perhaps, the excitement of Swami’s presence made them commit many mistakes. Some boys tripped and fell after they attempted the ramp jump. Swami was concerned and asked if the boys had enough protective gear. The teacher called a skater near Swami and showed Him the arm guard, elbow guard etc worn, that would be enough to protect the boy from a fall. Swami was relieved, and expressed His happiness at the efforts put by boys and girls for the event.

Another programme that’s on top of some people’s minds is the Sports Meet drama. It’s been quite a while since Swami had first seen the drama invitation card. We’ve been waiting for Him to come and see our practice in the college auditorium, but everyday, He’d come to the stadium and return back to mandir without having a glance at us near the auditorium. We were pretty disappointed, some were even skeptical that drama would be cancelled. The duration of drama well exceeds 1 hour, so there were plans to scrap some dialogues.

Today evening, some drama boys sat with a card to invite Swami again. He looked at the card and merely nodded at them. The rest of us were practising in auditorium, not expecting His arrival. At 5 pm, we got the message that Swami might be coming here. We were happy and rushed to the entrance of our college to invite Swami. Yet, some of us doubting Thomases were thinking He would proceed straight to the ground. Even Swami’s driver shared our opinion as He was quietly driving Him straight in the direction of stadium when suddenly, Swami motioned Him to turn and enter the college! It was an ecstatic moment as we rushed inside and went backstage.

It was 5.30 when the drama began, and the scenes were pretty long, so I felt Swami might not see the entire drama. In the first scene where Tulsidas sings Rama’s praise, He made a comment that Tulsidas must keep moving on stage rather than sing while being seated. This further added to my fears, but only later did I realize, how wrong I was. As the drama progressed, there were scenes of Hanuman’s first meeting with Rama and of His decision to cross Lanka and send Lord’s message to Sita. By the way, I forgot to mention that the entire drama revolves around devotion of Hanuman towards Rama; the life of Hanuman is portrayed as the ideal example for every youth.

There is a scene where Hanuman meets Ravana in court. It’s probably the only scene that makes Swami laugh a lot unlike others where Swami would get emotional. He was enjoying the dialogue between Ravana and Hanuman. Our teacher later mentioned that the verses used in that scene were actually sung by Swami in His younger days. Or probably, He was remembering those glorious days of Threta Yuga.

Swami was moved to tears by the songs. During the convocation drama, He had mentioned that our dramas should have more songs. He was very much impressed with the script and dialogues and asked our teacher as to who had written them. The teacher replied “Swami, our boys have written it.” Swami said, “No , tell me who are the boys.” One of the script writers was seated close to Swami and He got up. Swami asked, “So you have written the story. What books did you refer?” The boy replied, “Swami, whatever You have taught me, I have written here.” He was pleased.

After the drama (it was 6.30 pm ), the actors came down and sat near Swami as He got ready to leave. He looked at a boy and asked “Lakshmana?” the boy replied “No Swami, I am Sita” Swami smiled “Oh Sita!” He told us, “Very nice script, very nice dialogues, very good acting and Swami too is very happy (Chaala Baagundi).” One teacher asked, “Swami, when should we put up the drama?” The Vice Chancellor who was present there asked “Are you ready?” The teacher said, “Swami we are ready for any day.” Swami said, “Then put up the drama on 15^th.” January 15 happens to be the festival of Sankranti.

Swami couldn’t have made us happier. I’m sure tomorrow’s event will be a success as also the drama on January 15.There’s always this Divine Hand upon us to see it through. Touch wood!