Sports Meet Frenzy

06/01/2008

It’s 5 am in the morning. While some boys are practicing a military drill, some are doing the same on ropes. Some flex their muscles for a fish dive or somersault while a sizable group of boys learn to get coordination on some brisk dance movements. All this is happening as the chilling breeze teases our spirits to the point of sickness. Yet, the boys brave themselves against all odds, for they are protected by the warmth of a Mother’s love.

Swami is the motivation, the sole reason for these efforts, whose happiness is the ultimate goal of every boy and girl performing on January 11. He knows that too well, for, even as early as December 26, Swami came right down to the stadium to watch our march past practice and enquire about the events.

The youth from Maharashtra & Goa had come in large numbers for Swami’s darshan. Thus, we missed the opportunity of having His physical presence for our practice sessions as He was busy attending to their programmes. The youth presented a collection of devotional songs on the first two days. Yesterday, they concluded their trip with a drama on Shivaji. The drama gave many insights into leadership and values that Swami so often explains to us. Swami was very happy with their play. He materialized a chain for “Shivaji” and sat for group photographs with the entire drama troupe.

Earlier in the morning, few of us sat with a card for getting Swami’s blessings and informing Him about our drama for the Sports Meet. As Swami came in car, He looked at the card and called the two boys. They said “Swami, we want to put up a drama for Sports Meet”. Swami looked at the cover of card which read “Dearest Bhagawan we seek thy blessings”. As he turned the cover, there were photographs of the actors with their real names and their roles. The two boys were surprised by the way He was looking so intently at the photographs and enquiring about the boys. One of the boys later said, “Swami we need you to come and see our practice and give us advice.” He replied, “Do you want to put up the drama today?” the boy was taken aback “No Swami, we are still practising”. He said “chaalu” and moved on.

Today, Swami came to see the march past practice at 9am. I’m sure it must’ve been difficult for Him to sit around us as none of us had bath due to the morning practice, but He didn’t seem to mind. After the march past, Anantpur Campus teachers requested Swami to see their events. He initially agreed, but when the girls began performing their first programme (boring as it seemed), Swami decided to return back to mandir