In His presence – Beyond time, Beyond stage
In 2015, the first alumni drama was performed. The applause was loud, the success undeniable, yet the cast and crew couldn’t shake the sadness that Swami wasn’t there to witness it. A few days later, in a dream, the team found themselves seated before Swami. The room was heavy with silent anticipation until someone gathered the courage to ask, “Swami, were you not happy with the drama?” Swami’s response was simple yet profound: “The fact that I am here with you is proof enough that I liked the drama.” At that moment, silence turned to joy as they realized that His presence was eternal — unbound by the years He walked among them.
This very yearning to feel His presence and carry His message forward drives them to perform. It is not merely an act; it is a spiritual commitment, a chance to relive the days spent as students in Puttaparthi, where the seeds of devotion were first planted.
Sleepless nights are spent piecing together dialogues, and recording sessions stretch into the early hours, driven by a singular purpose — to perfect every emotion and gesture. Alumni from over 40 batches unite, setting aside personal struggles to channel their love for Swami into their performance. The preparation, which begins months in advance, reveals the essence of what binds them: the love that God is. Even though the tasks may seem mundane, they are, in truth, reflections of the divine play.
As the drama enters its tenth year during the centenary of the Divine, little is known to the audience about the untold stories behind each scene. Behind the curtain are tales of failure, patience, and redemption, of rediscovering their connection to the Lord. And sometimes, these stories emerge from moments of doubt — those times when we mistakenly believe we are alone in our journey. These moments push us to act, to seek answers that only the Divine can resolve.
We are but human, fragile and flawed, wandering through life’s storms. In the aftermath of chaos, when the tempest quiets and the path behind us lies clear, we pause to reflect. There, on the rain-soaked earth, we see only a single pair of footsteps trailing through the storm’s fury. In anguish, we cry out, “God, where were You? Why did You abandon me when I needed You most?” And in the stillness, a voice responds, “My child, I was always with you. Those footsteps are not yours — they are mine. When the storm raged and you could walk no further, it was I who carried you.”
Faith, like love, is a quiet strength — unseen but unfailing. In those moments when we feel forsaken, it is not the absence we endure, but His eternal Presence we embrace.
Sai NAAM : Rekindling Divine Bonds
The annual Sai North America Alumni Meet (Sai NAAM) in Atlanta this year stood as a testament to the enduring love and unity inspired by Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Alumni from across North America came together, answering Swami’s divine call to “Come together, spend time with each other, and spread ANANDA amongst each other.” Participants, spanning generations from their twenties to sixties, gathered to relive the sacred moments of their student days and reconnect with the essence of their alma mater.
The day began with Suprabhatam and Nagar Sankeertan, infusing the space with devotion and nostalgia. Alumni and devotees of the Atlanta Sai Center had beautifully adorned Swami’s altar and chair, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of being in His physical presence. Sessions throughout the day included inspiring talks, experience-sharing, and discussions on ways to support and express gratitude to the alma mater. Bhajans resonated with heartfelt devotion, and a soul-stirring musical offering brought the alumni closer to Swami’s omnipresence.
The meet was not only a time for connection but also for service. Alumni prepared peanut butter sandwiches for the needy, singing bhajans as they worked. This simple act of love transformed into a divine offering, with each sandwich infused with prayers and care. The synergy of service and devotion exemplified Swami’s teachings, filling the room with vibrations of compassion and unity.
Sai NAAM reaffirmed the alumni’s commitment to Swami’s declaration: “My students are My property.” The gathering not only rekindled the joy of being Sai students but also strengthened their resolve to carry forward His legacy of love and service, spreading His message across borders and generations.
Alumnae Activities in Indianapolis, USA
Guided by the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, alumnae from the Anantapur campus in Indianapolis have dedicated themselves to heartfelt service, spreading love and compassion in their community. Following Swami’s principle of “Love All, Serve All,” their activities reflect a deep commitment to His message of selfless giving.
On the first Saturday of every month, alumnae, alongside local Sai Center devotees, gather at the North United Methodist Church to serve meals to those in need. From 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, they lovingly prepare and distribute simple yet nourishing meals, including cheese sandwiches, vegetable sandwiches, bananas, oranges, and protein bars. Their efforts go beyond the act of feeding, as they ensure the space is left clean and welcoming, embodying Swami’s ideal of service with humility and respect.
Every winter, these alumnae extend their love through a Winter Drive. Together with the Sai Center devotees, they distribute new coats, socks, gloves, hats, thermals, and care packs to help the needy brave the cold. This annual tradition is a tangible expression of compassion, ensuring Swami’s message reaches those who need it most. These activities are more than just service—they are an offering of love, a way to keep Swami’s teachings alive. Through these acts of kindness, the alumnae not only bring comfort to others but also experience the fulfillment of serving selflessly. They continue to light the way with love, reminding us that even simple acts can transform lives and bring joy, as Swami’s presence is felt in every heartfelt gesture.
A Symphony of Love: The Alumni Band
Every December, the alumni band comes together in a heartfelt tradition that transcends borders and time. Musicians from across the globe unite to recreate the magic they once shared during their student days as members of the university band. This gathering is not just about music; it’s a celebration of shared memories, camaraderie, and devotion.
The alumni band officially began in 2007, making this their 18th year of performances. However, their journey began two years earlier, when informal meetings laid the groundwork. Back then, the lack of instruments and a dedicated practice space posed significant challenges. Slowly but surely, instruments were acquired, and the super-speciality hospital in Whitefield became their rehearsal haven, offering a place to play every weekend.
Preparations for the performance begin months in advance, with alumni gathering in Bangalore starting in November for weekend practice sessions. What once relied on long-distance calls is now organized seamlessly using Google Forms. Each piece is carefully selected and arranged through a collective effort, with suggestions from many helping to shape the performance. The alumni, who learned composition and arrangement during their time in the institute, take charge of crafting the music for the meet.
This year, the band will perform pieces such as The One, Dance of Krishna, Mahadeva Maheswara, The Quest, and Sankara Siva Sankara. Sometimes thematic, sometimes a collection of emotions, the music always carries one purpose: spreading joy.
Music, after all, is the language of the soul. It touches hearts, transcends barriers, and unites everyone in love. The alumni band’s performance is not just an event—it’s a celebration of the divine, a testament to how music binds us to each other and to the memories that define us.
