SRI SATYA SAI BABA

CHAPTER -7

                                       

                                                  SRI SATYA SAI BABA 

Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba as he is reverentially called is a miracle man to many, just a magician to some, God incarnate to the very devoted followers, great social and economic developer to those who lived near to him, source of inspiration and guide to some, in short, a great and many splendored soul which helped a large number of human beings in many ways.

However viewed, reviewed, analyzed and criticized the fact remains that he has left his imprint in terms of real economic and social development not only through development of infrastructure but also through real empowerment of villagers especially women; he has left an everlasting impact in the lives of many across the globe who have either actively sought his help or who came into contact with him providentially; he has injected and imbued with  confidence and motivation in many who happened to have approached him when they have left all hopes and interest in life; he has cured many of their incurable diseases; he has released many from the prisons of emotional turmoil; he has transformed many from the clutches of psychological problems; he has inspired many to take to selfless service to society and sharing of  knowledge; he was  instrumental in making many to contribute to care for the poor in around the areas where he lived and moved about. So in terms of the sheer improvements, imprints, impact and inspiration he has effected he richly and rightly deserves all the praise and platitudes irrespective of all the tall claims of fanatic

followers who imagine miracles or the harsh criticisms of small group of  ordinary mortals who refuse to accept facts enlisted above.

He was preaching peace, harmony, happiness, honesty and humble humanitarianism based on care and compassion for other human beings beyond restraints of religions and the constraints communal divisions, of course with recognition and respect for the higher or superior or invisible divine power with the necessity to take care of the economic, material and environmental welfare of the society at large. These he did through various means and many of the institutions created by him stand testimony to these facts. Baba inspired His followers to reach out to the poorest of the poor and wipe every tear from every eye as idealised by Mahatma Gandhi. This concept has been described as "spiritual socialism" by critic-turned-believer RK Karanjia in his book "God Lives in India". Baba re-defined the psychology of human personality; chemistry of human rhythm; physics of gravitational force of love; sociology of inter-human contours and philosophy of life.

His greatest  contribution  to socio –economic development apart from many other works is bring clean water to the many in  the dry areas of Anatapur. In 1994, Baba made a moving reference to the difficulties experienced by the people of Rayalaseema region in getting safe drinking water and suggested that the century-old problem needed urgent attention. In 1995, he added a new dimension to his societal mission by the trust, undertaking work to provide good and safe drinking water to as many people of Anantapur district as possible in the shortest possible time, irrespective of the difficulties experienced and the cost.

Tapping ground water was considered as an option, but was ruled out because of the fluoride problem. It was decided to use rainwater by drawing water during the monsoon and storing in special reservoirs.

Most of the water sources were in the northern part of Anantapur district and the terrain to the south sloped upwards. Hence, bringing water to the southern region needed creation of large number of pumping stations to pump water against gravity. This called for extensive civil and engineering work. In spite of all the difficulties, the water was made available to Anantapur district in 18 months. After a year of regular operation, the entire water works was handed over to the people of the state as a gift. The scheme covers 750 villages and provides water to over one million people

His hospital was inaugurated on November 22, 1991. After its inauguration, the super specialty hospital has conducted many major heart surgeries and catheterisation procedures. Specialist surgeons from reputed hospitals, both from India and abroad, voluntarily take leave from their regular work and come to Puttaparthi and perform operations free of cost. Same is the case with nursing services.

Here are some of the gems of his wisdom and ways

“My objective is to establish unity in mankind, to reveal the aspect of the Divinity latent in man, and that God must be the only goal in life.”

 “It is also my duty to make you realize the kind of relationship that should exist between fellow human beings.”

“I have come not to disturb or destroy any faith, but to confirm each in his own faith, so that the Christian becomes a better Christian; the Muslim, a better Muslim; and the Hindu, a better Hindu.”

“Service to man is service to God” and to “Love All Serve All—Help Ever Hurt Never.”

"Hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray".

Baba was an inexhaustible reservoir of pure love who tried to kindle the "lamp of love" in every heart. Prof. Baranowski, a regression therapist and bio-magnetic specialist from Arizona University, who captured radiations of various hues, flowing from Baba's persona, with "Kirlin" camera, declared Him as "Love" walking on two feet.