Story behind this Photo – 137 – Srinivasan & Srinivasan An early inspiration in seva. I don’t remember the exact year. I think it was 1979 or 80. I was living in Chennai in those days, where there had been ample opportunities for wonderful Sai Seva. An All India conference of Active wokers of Sathya sai seva organizations had been arranged, in Puttaparthi. It was a mini world conference. Our lovable All India President Sri. V.Srinivasan was in charge of this great event. Active workers from all states were scheduled to converge in Prashanthi Nilayam. The first task force was created By Sri. Srinivasan by constituting a Registration Wing, employing 17 handpicked seva dals from Chennai. I was one of the most fortunate member in that Registration wing. As a humble worker from Chennai, I used to draw inspiration from my name sake, Sri. Srinivasanji. On our first day in Prashanthi Nilayam, We were asked to attend meeting inside Purnachandra Hall, where guidelines were discussed, under the revered Sri. Indulalji. The 17 sevadals of Registration wing were directed to be present. I was wonderstruck to find that a small team of sevadals were allowed to sit in that meeting. So much meticulous planning! All pros and cons were discussed and clear cut instructions were given to us. We were told that the delegates may arrive in batches even in late nights, and that we should be available to receive them, guide them to their allotted accommodation places, and provide them food too, irrespective of arrival timings. Many delegates, from many states, both men and women, speaking different languages were expected to arrive. Our work was duly appreciated by everyone. It was not the end. After the conference was over, a special Padha namaskaram had been arranged for Top All India Officer bearers. Thousands of seva dals had been on duty in several assignments, and it was impossible to provide Padha Namaskaram for all seva dals. But our Adorable Srinivasan Sab, went the extra length to recommend to Swami to include these 17 seva dals of Registration wing also in this special Grace sessions. We hurried inside the Mandir to take our seats. I had posted another story, telling how I had waited for 16 years for a Padha Namskaram blessings from Swami. That thapas (penance), had been answered this day; my first Padha Namaskaram!!! Sitting inside Mandir, along with Central Trust members, All India President and All India office bearers, The State Presidents etc., was unbelievable. Swami walked amongst us carrying a plastic bag containing vibhuthi packets, blessing each and every one. It is in this Padha namskaram sessions that I prayed to Swami to conduct “Upanayanam” (sacred thread ceremony for my sons). Swami said yes, and Did perform the ceremony within a year. The great seva experience for me in Tamil Nadu, was a great motivation for further Seva Activities in the organization. I felt thankful to Sri. Srinivasan Sir, for providing this magnanimous chance to our group 17 humble sevadals. Sai Ram. .
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 09:30:57 +0000