AFVOA Newletters of Year 2007

Page 27 of 68 3. Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s visit entailed the conduct of the Ati Rudra Maha Yajna for the welfare, peace and prosperity of the people of Tamil Nadu and of the whole world. This was performed at Thiruvanmiyur from 20 Jan 2007 to 30 Jan 2007. The Yajna was performed in 11 Homa Kundams with 140 Ritwiks participating. Thousands of people were in attendance each day. 4. The other important event was the Thanks Giving to Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who made a resolve on 19 Jan 2002. I quote: “Today I have made a resolve. Chennaites suffer from acute shortage of drinking water. I have therefore decided to work towards bringing drinking water to Chennai no matter how difficult the task is. This wish of mine will fructify without fail. Success always springs from deep conviction”. 5. The project was completed in record time. There is now a free flow of water from Kandaleru Reservoir (AP) to Poondi Reservoir (TN). For this the Chennai Citizens Conclave, of which I am a member, cast a programme for Sunday 21 Jan 2007 at 11 a.m. at Jawaharlal Nehru indoor stadium. Sri Sathya Sai Baba was the central figure. Others invited were:- a. The Governor, CM & 2 Ministers from TN. b. The Governor & CM of Andhra Pradesh. c. The Governor & CM of Karnataka. d. The Hon. Home Minister and the Railway Minister of Govt. of India. Various heads of State spoke and in essence, as brought out by Mr. Shivraj Patil, the home Minister who said that if four Southern States could get together and co-operate, then the other states could also work in a similar manner. This would be good for the country. 6. What was noteworthy of this meeting was that there were about 25 to 30 thousand people in attendance. The volunteers in a quiet and unobtrusive manner ushered and guided the invitee VVIPs, VIPs, citizens and devotees. There was pin drop silence, a feeling of harmony and the whole atmosphere radiated with the spirit of Sri Sai Baba. The meeting was well conducted and the organizers undertook the Herculean task with Baba’s Blessings. 7. Finally Baba addressed and blessed the gathering. In brief he said – I quote. “For half a century we had received much love from the people of Chennai and we wished to do something to relieve their distress”. Unquote (by bringing water to Chennai). Further, he went on to say – I quote “Truth, righteousness, peace, love and non-violence are the five human values to be cultivated by human beings. Then your journey of life will surely become smooth and peaceful. This is my main message to you to-day. Truth is Eternal and Eternal truth will earn Eternal Peace for you”. Finally he said - I quote “There is only one Religion, the Religion of Love. There is only one Language, the language of the Heart. There is only one caste, the caste of Humanity. There is only one God, He is the Omnipresent”. 8. Many agencies were involved in organizing this meeting, which was unique and a splendid success, all with the guidance and blessings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Om Sai Ram.