October 15, 2009 – “Sathya Kathalu” Drama by Tamil Nadu Sai Youth

The youth from the state of Tamil Nadu were jubilant after a successful music programme the previous day. A music programme is usually considered a success when it enthralls the audience and they respond in a thrilled manner. In Prashanthi however, it is a success when the Lord beams with joy. And on those occasions when the programme achieves both, it is definitely a success!

The youth had all reasons to cheer and that day, Swami had permitted them to stage a drama entitled, "Sathya Kathalu" which punned on the word Sathya meaning, "True stories" or "Stories of Sathya (our Swami)". The backdrop and actors were all ready by 3:30 p.m. itself and the Sunday crowd in the hall joined them as they awaited the Lord. The Veda chanting which began at 4:00 p.m. ceased at 5:00 p.m. and in the silence that prevailed, one could sense the prayers of the participants for His arrival.

Swami arrived for darshan at 5:50 p.m. He was in a new chair and as always He looked beautiful! Moving through the ladies side, He arrived at the centre where He spoke to some of the participants as to the name and theme of the drama. Then, He moved to the gents’ side and completed the darshan rounds gliding past the students from the University and schools.

Arriving on stage, He sat for a while listening to the Veda chanting. Then looking at one of the students in the first line He seemed to confirm, "Drama?" The boy nodded in agreement. Swami asked for the Veda chanting to halt so that the programme could begin. The initial offering of flowers and cards was made and Swami blessed them. Then calling the State President of Tamil Nadu, Swami asked him to get the programme started with an announcement.

The announcement introduced the programme and it began with the great freedom fighter, Subramanya Bharathi arriving eagerly to see the development in his homeland, Tamil Nadu. [He is known as Mahakavi Bharathi, meaning, ‘the Great Poet Bharathi’ as he is celebrated as one of India's greatest poets. Bharathi was prolific and adept in both prose and poetry forms. His compositions helped rally the masses to support the Indian independence movement in South India.]

So on the stage Bharathi is accompanied by the celestial sage Narada. The drama depicted true stories of transformation in three villages of the state.

The first episode was in Karisangal where the Sai Youth abolish the stigma of untouchability and bring love and harmony in the society, winning the hearts of all in the village. The second episode depicted how the youth brought about harmony in the village of Malliankuppam torn apart by communal and caste segregation by the sheer power of Love.

The final episode was thrilling for all to watch. Set in the village of Melakavetti, it depicted the fate of a poor person struck with paralysis. Everyone had given up on Subbayya and had reached a stage of cursing his wretched existence. The youth took up his case and nursed him daily with love and empathy. This inspired the villagers to come up with a proposal wherein one family of the village would take care of Subbayya for one day in a month. Slowly, that village transformed into an ideal Sai village.

The climax of the story came when Subbayya gets a dream of Swami massaging him all over and the next day, during bhajans, he is completely rid of his paralysis! Witnessing the tidal wave of the Sai movement overcoming all obstacles and achieving the dreams he treasured in his poems, Bharathi is thrilled and overjoyed.

Swami seemed very happy and pleased with the drama. His body seemed to quiver with emotion at the devotion exhibited by the youth tending to Subbayya. And when the bhajan, "Deena Dukhiyon Se Prem Karo" began at that very moment, many eyes turned moist in the hall. It was such a powerful message that to please Swami, one has to love and serve the sick and the forlorn. Seeing Swami emote is such an inspiring and powerful experience. When the characters in the drama nursed Subbayya and the bhajan was on, the mood of service pervaded the entire hall.

Swami's strong reactions when He seemed so touched at the marvellous service would have sprung the feeling in every heart that, "I too must do this in my own way and please the Lord!" The drama on stage inspires one to do well in the drama called life. Swami does not speak anything but the message is powerfully driven into every heart.

As the drama concluded, there was a final song during which all the children and youth who were part of the drama made a formation in the front. There were two triads of girls who had acted in the drama. One of them belonged to the so called "untouchables" who had been touched by Him. Swami called them to the stage. The Lord asked them their names and the girls after telling Him the names, asked Him, "Swami please come to Chennai."

Swami - When should I come to Chennai?

Girls - Come whenever you want Swami.

Swami- I will come right away. Will you take me with you?

The girls had no response and Swami smiled. He created a small golden necklace for one of the girls and put it round her neck. She was so lost and happy. Swami also adjusted it so that the pendant came in front. He asked for sarees to be brought and personally distributed them to the girls. Then He agreed to their request of padanamaskar after which He told them all to go down.

He asked for safari cloth pieces to be distributed to all the participants and personally checked to ensure that all had received. Finally, Swami moved down the stage to pose with the children for a photograph. He guided the photographers to various points to ensure that all had been covered and He spoke to the participants as He moved up the stage.

Arriving on the stage, He asked two students, "How was the song in the drama?" The students were appreciative of it and Swami told the State President and youth leader, "These boys are also singers. They sing very well in a good voice." He then asked them to sing two alaap bhajans. There was enthusiastic following for the bhajans. After the bhajans, He received aarthi.

There was a gleam of joy in His eyes and blessed indeed are these youth for they granted Him so much joy. And this joy was not just the successful presentation of the drama but the tremendous service activity they had done in the villages of their state. Swami granted them abhayahastha at least 5-6 times and that spoke of the happiness He had experienced. Blessing everyone once again, Swami moved to the car and retired for the day as prasadam was distributed.

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