77th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT PRASANTHI NILAYAM

The grand procession of four bands --two from the primary school, the band of the Anantapur Campus, and the Institute Brass Band-- followed by Nadaswaram & Veda chanting, all by His students, brought Bhagawan to Sai Kulwant Hall. The beautifully decorated hall was literally overflowing with the multitudes of devotees assembled from all over the world. One could hardly see any space around but for the thousands of heads of the devotees assembled to have a glimpse of their beloved. Each one wanted to wish their Lord and craned their heads for a better darshan of their dearest Swami.

Bhagawan most graciously and gently walked on to the veranda of the mandir where numerous cakes had been arranged by the students, staff, and devotees to wish Him "Happy Birthday". Bhagawan lit the candles and cut the cakes one by one to the tunes of "Happy Birthday" by the band. Swami then blessed the visiting President of India, His Excellency Sri A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, and his staff, as they were about to leave for the airport.

Bhagawan blessed all with His Benedictory Birthday Message. Prasadam was distributed to one and all. Swami Himself distributed prasadam to many of the dignitaries and elders on the portico.

In the afternoon at 4.30pm, there was a music programme. Mrs. Praveen Sultana rendered a few mira bhajans and the compositions of Ustad Dilshad Khan. The famous Dana Gillespie sang a few devotional songs. The institute students and few professionals provided the instrumental support. Swami Blessed the participants. The programme concluded with arathi.