The International Sai Organisation have taken up an unique intiative to help devotees from around the world to have Bhagawan's Darshan in Prasanthi Nilayam during the 85th year of Bhagawan's Advent. The First batch of international devotees’ came from the Uinted State of America and they had thier presentation, USA Unison Singing Program, on the evening of the 29th of June in Bhagawan's presence at Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam. The group that had a total registered strength of around 700 comprising of devotees from 89 centres across the US, a first of its kind happening in the history of the US Sai Organization, had an yearlong preparations in the run up to the pilgrimage.
Coming with the backdrop of this yearlong preparations, the group also had a successful USA pre-world conference held in Orlando, Florida. The conference had the unique themes of Sai Ideal, “God Is!”, “I Am I!”, “Love All, Serve All!”, developed from nine selected Divine Discourses.
The group had hectic rehearsal sessions in Prasanthi too, twin sessions per day, ever since their arrival on 23rd June to make it a perfect presentation to the Lord. Celebrating its presence with the Omnipresent One in physical frame, they sang in unison a series of songs in various languages, namely, Latin, Spanish, English etc., accompanied by fine music scoring. These songs were thematic, revolving around the discussed theme of the conference, ‘Sai Ideal’.
Starting with a initial set of offering as a prelude to the presentation followed by prayerful introduction, hymns in praise of Lord Ganesha, Sai Gayathri etc., the troupe moved on singing a dozen compositions including Adoramus Te Christi , a combination of the traditional Christian prayers, Love All Serve All, a mix of several languages, Hine Ma Tov U’manayim, a medley of three Jewish songs, God Is, Sai Me Caigo, a Spanish devotional, Stand Together, I am I, Awesome God, You are the Rhythm, Surrender to the Feet of the Lord, Our only God, Come and Go with Me to the Land to end with the famous devotional number across the US in praise of Bhagawan. Bhagawan sat through the session that lasted for more than an hour and upon the programme, Bhagawan interacted with the conductor for sometime before asking the group to commence bhajans.
Bhajans continued till 1950 hrs. when Bhagawan called for Mangala Arathi. A mention should be made of the active participation of the Alumni of Sri Sathya Sai University, resident in the US, in various areas of preparations in the run up to the programme.
Over the years many US groups representing individual centres have made it to Prasanthi Nilayam; significantly, this is the maiden attempt at coordinating the pilgrimage of a large number of devotees from across the US, coming from various centres. This exercise is expected to bring greater harmony and unity in the Sai fraternity across the vast US continent, opined a senior official from the Organisation.
The second batch is scheduled to arrive on the 5th of July that would comprise of among others a small contingent of Native Americans as well. It was simple and disciplined devotion that was on display with hundreds from across the seven seas pouring their hearts out and singing in unison in His immediate presence.It was a journey back to Him in style.
