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226 SPIRIT AND THE MIND
Westernized food was served to the guests by students and professors from Sai Baba’s colleges—all dressed in white, immaculately clean, well-mannered, always courteous, pleasant, humble and happy. Every effort was made toward our comfort—from running errands to serving seconds to washing dishes and cleaning the grounds. How startling to find these very same helpers delivering profound and moving discourses in front of thousands in the large Poornachandra Auditorium during the course of the conference! Once finished, they quickly and without fanfare left the podium and hurried to their areas of duty—never once needing to show that they were anything but servants. What a lesson for my daughters—what a lesson in humility for me.
The intoxicating sights and sounds, activities and people were all being caught by many film crews, photographers and newsmen. Sai Gita, Baba’s pet elephant, dressed in full parade regalia, led parades and processions. Monkeys, donkeys, dogs, crows, water buffalo, lizards and roosters formed the varied animal contingent. Bagpipes and bands, drums, bugles and horns, provided a frenzy of musical sounds. Ceremonies, rituals, ribbon-cuttings, gar landings, fireworks, plays, dedications and discourses—songs, dances and performances by some of India’s foremost musicians filled the days with excitement.
Talks by a variety of distinguished men and women from different backgrounds and countries provided insight into the extent and significance of this international movement. Dr. V.K. Gokak— eminent writer, poet, professor and educator, past Vice- Chancellor of Bangalore University and past director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Simla, and author of over thirty books in English and Kannada—gave the opening address. He spoke of an emerging new world order in which we were all taking part— centered in a sense of brotherhood, unity and love.
Books from every corner of the world—foreign translations of Baba’s teachings as well as biographies of him—were presented. Golden Age 1980,l a compilation of articles from distinguished writers and educators produced by The Kingdom of Sathya Sai, a group of graduates from Sai Baba’s colleges, showed the Sai influence already present in every dimension and aspect of world society, as well as the great esteem in which he is held in his own country! He is now considered India’s most widely-respected and followed living holy man.