Swami explained the significance of Lord Ganesha thus: Lord Vinayaka has an elephant’s head and trunk. It denotes that Vinayaka can be compared to an elephant in intelligence, which always thinks twice before setting its foot forward. Similarly, it is only after intelligent discrimination that Vinayaka moves forward. The four letters in the word Ganapathi (ga, na, pa, and ti) denote that Lord Vinayaka is full of vijnana, sujnana, and prajnana. People today forget the underlying meaning in the name ‘Ganapati’ and engage themselves in mere rituals. You may not perform any rituals, but, never give up worshipping Lord Vinayaka. (Divine Discourse, 18 September 2004).
When we reflect on the ideas of intelligence, action and worship, and the underlying meaning of the divine name, we see that Swami has also gently guided us through the paths of spirituality – Jnana, Karma and Bhakti. It’s in this spirit of reflection and reverence that we bring to you this edition of Vidyullekha.
The cover story captures some beautiful Ganesh Chathurti moments from our student days. Here’s an evocative line from the essay: “A senior professor vividly recalls that on the morning of every Ganesh Chaturthi, boys were expected to be at the Mandir for Darshan. Following this, Swami would accompany the students to the hostel. In the dining hall, everyone gathered as Swami delivered a discourse on the significance of the day. This was followed by Bhajans. At times he used to participate in the Puja being conducted in the hostel, inquiring about the little details that made the day.”
Bhagawan Uvacha recounts a beautiful event that took place in Sai Kulwant Hall leading to these words from Swami: “All scriptures such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and others illuminate the path that man has to take to attain the final destination — Divinity.”
In Love in Action, we share the story of Sri Sathya Sai Palliative Care Centre, capturing the service it does and the team behind it. In Gratitude corner, our vice-chancellor Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad reminds us of our duty to Swami’s education system. He writes: “Bhagawan always envisioned His students as ambassadors of His Integral Education System. Now, it’s our responsibility to reaffirm our commitment and offer support to our alma mater in every possible way, including mentoring of current students. Though the magnitude of our indebtedness may seem overwhelming, our dedication will ensure the continued elevation of our alma mater to higher levels”.
In From My Diary, Brother Siddharth Nayak shares a beautiful experience that led him to this epiphany. “Swami wore the cloak of an 80-year-old in a wheelchair, but that was for our learning. He still is the Master of the Universe, and we are all actors in His stage. We have an opportunity to play a part in His work, His work will happen anyway as per His will.”
In the same section, Brother C Chandrasekaran takes us to his student days in the 1990s. The experiences he shares are eternal. On seeing Swami, he writes, “The whole dimension of space disappeared, and it was the aura of orange that filled me all over. I started crying, oblivious of anything and anyone around.”
May this edition of Vidyullekha bring Swami’s love to us in abundance, lighting up the canvas of our lives. May His message resonate within us, guiding us through the upcoming year’s adventures. Carry His love to our near and dear ones and beyond, becoming the living message of Sai.
Finally, in the alumni profile section we cover the inspiring careers of Madhukar Bose and Gauri Shankar Nagabhushanam
We dedicate this edition at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan. Do write to us at Vidyullekha@saistudents.org with your feedback.
With gratitude and love, Team Vidyullekha Sri Sathya Sai Alumni
