Listening to the mythological tales of Markendaya & Prahalada, one may feel that it’s utopian to believe that tiny tots can be God loving and disciplined at a tender age. Swami however showed us that love for God can be instilled irrespective of the student’s age. The primary school children joyfully interacting with Swami created a heavenly spectacle. The little boys and girls entering the mandir in the divine presence with folded hands in disciplined lines, children jumping to catch the chocolates He threw, His patting the cheek of a little one or individual conversations with them……these are sights to behold for the sages praying for ages for the Avatar to bless mankind with His divine leelas.

Swami’s expression would exude great pride when the Primary School kids performed in His presence  – be it at sports & cultural meet or chanting vedam in the mandir. It still is a divine mystery how Swami would, and continues to attract love, reverence and devotion of tiny tots. The teaching staff’s unwavering dedication, instilling devotion in those tender hearts, exemplifies true yeoman service. The next few pages capture the divine bond of love between the Lord & His little children which will be worth emulating for ages to come. For this bond has taught that God is not an abstract concept that needs to be kept on a pedestal for occasional contemplation. God can be Loved, a little child can consider Him as his or her best friend and offer all joys and sorrows to the Praana Sakha Bhagawan.

On 9th February 1978, the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Nandavanam, Ootacamund, was inaugurated as the first Primary School started by Bhagawan Baba. Bhagawan had sent Dr S Bhagavantham for the inauguration. Bhagawan is seen in the porch of the building during an event. Above the porch on the first floor was Bhagawan’s residence.

Taken in early 1980s, this is on the day of inauguration of the Sri Sathya Sai Primary School at Prasanthi Nilayam.

Serving food to children in the Primary School during the early 1980s. An image that captures His Love for children & His legacy of service

Swami with Primary School students in early 1980s. In the early years this area was the School assembly hall. Many times children would assemble here and wait for Him by singing Bhajans when Swami would go for a ride, especially on Sundays. On many occasions, Swami would turn His car into the Primary School and bless the children, instilling in them the belief that Prayer is a direct call to God.

Mrs. A.K. Verma seen at the Lectern leading the prayers was the first Principal of Ooty School Mrs Verma was affectionately addressed as “Mother” by the Students, Teachers and Parents of the Students. This is the second playground of Ooty School. Sometimes the morning School assembly was held here, weather permitting. Roy Aunty is on the harmonium and many teachers can also be seen in this photograph. The pink building seen in this photograph is the new dining hall and dormitory that Swami inaugurated in 1981 as the School’s strength grew.

Around 1983-84, Swami got a Ganesha Temple inaugurated in the Second playground of the School. It was in this playground in 1978 that Swami took Individual polaroid photographs with each and every Student of the School, both boys and girl students. This is a treasure for generations to come for these lucky Students and their families.

Due to the cold weather, Ooty school had dining tables. Swami is seen here serving food to the Students. Helping Bhagawan in this service, is the School Principal, Ms AK Verma. Mother as she was affectionately addressed, had fought for India’s struggle for Independence. She had worked with illustrious freedom fighters and had travelled the world before dedicating herself to Bhagawan’s mission.

Across all His education institutions, one can see the deep involvement of Swami in every minute aspect of planning and execution. This is an image of the inauguration of an elephant slide in 1981 in the Primary School at Prashanti Nilayam. Among Children, He was a Child.

‘When among children, I am a child’ As Swami climbed up the famous elephant slide, the children got excited that Swami may actually slide down! This slide was inaugurated on the boys side.

1981: With students at the slide in the Primary School at Prashanti Nilayam. Swami inaugurated this slide on the girls side and actually walked down the entire slide.

Bhagawan with the working force involved in 1981. “Always have gratitude to those who serve”. He taught by example throughout His life to always acknowledge and appreciate working staff who toil for our well being.

Students eagerly waited for the annual Prize distribution ceremony at School. Those days Swami would personally distribute the prizes to the winners with His divine hands.

The below image is of a dance drama titled ‘Radha Krishna’.

Pics from 1980s : Such was Swami’s bonding with the little ones of the Primary School that the tiny tots would rush to Brindavan during their vacations for having His Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhashan.

Drama by Primary School boys in the 1990s.

1993: Drama in the divine presence by the students of the Primary School

1992: Sports Programs of Primary school always added colour and joy to the Jan 11 event. A young girl student giving a card to Swami during the 1992 Sports meet.

1998: Primary School had its own band. One by the boys and another by the girls.

Ladies day dance program in the 1990s at Sai Kulwant Hall. The Primary School girl students would lead the vedam chanting and dance recitals.

2000s: Bhagawan with the Primary School boys in the Sai Kulwant hall.