Sairam. With the Divine Grace of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai, the third day of the Navaratri celebrations—held under the profound theme “Gāyantham Trayathe Iti Gayatri”—was conducted with grandeur and devotion at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Educare, Chromepet. The day’s events left an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of all participants and attendees.
Navaratri Chaturyam Session: The morning began with a vibrant group dance performance by the girl students of Class III, set to the spirited devotional song “Azhagaana Pazhani Malai Aandavaa!”. Their graceful movements and joyful expressions captivated the audience and set a divine tone for the day. Following this, the Class II boy students presented an inspiring and insightful Villupaattu on the Nine Codes of Conduct given by Bhagawan. Through engaging narration and relatable family-based examples, the children beautifully conveyed the essence of each code, leaving the audience deeply moved. Principal-in-charge, Ms. N. Vedhanayagi, felicitated the young performers with tokens of love and appreciation.
Navaratri Pravachan Session : The Navaratri Pravachan session commenced with a thought-provoking talk by Master Gokul Ganesh of Class XI on the significance of the Gayatri Mantra. Quoting Swami’s guidance, he emphasized that even if one does not know any other mantra, chanting the Gayatri alone is enough to invoke divine blessings. He shared a touching story of a student who, during a severe illness, found solace and healing through the Gayatri Mantra. When the student later had Swami’s darshan, Swami lovingly told him, “It is the Gayatri Mantra that gave you a second life.”
Sri J. Karthikeyan, Administrative Officer of SSSIE, then delivered a heartfelt discourse on Indriya Nigraha—Controlling the Senses—one of the Ashta Pushpas guided by Bhagawan. He began with the story of a sage who lost the divine opportunity to ascend to Lord Indra’s position due to a lapse in self-control, illustrating the critical importance of Vairagya (detachment).
He drew powerful parallels between Vairagya and a diamond (Vairam in Tamil)—formed under immense pressure, heat, and time. Just as a diamond emerges through hardship, so too must one endure trials to cultivate true detachment. Despite regular sadhanas, students may still be drawn to worldly pleasures due to a lack of Vairagya.
To illustrate this, he introduced the Fire Triangle concept:
• Firewood/Fuel – The senses
• Fire – Sensory engagement
• Oxygen – Temptation
While senses and sensory stimuli are inevitable, temptation can be consciously removed through practice. He explained how the mind, when tempted by a delicious item, urges indulgence. But with Vairagya, one can rise above desire and attain spiritual elevation.
Swami’s vision of the Gurukula system, as opposed to a day-scholar model, was highlighted as a means to help students master self-control and develop Vairagya. Swami categorized Vairagya into two types:
• Vegu jana Prayojanam – for individual spiritual progress
• Bahu jana Prayojanam – for the welfare of society
Sri Karthikeyan beautifully acknowledged the sacrifices made by parents, teachers, and the management, who embody Vairagya for the benefit of the students. He concluded by affirming that once Vairagya is attained, control over the senses follows naturally—but the path requires sincere effort and endurance.
Students were encouraged to consciously practice Indriya Nigraha and Vairagya, and to chant the Vishnu Gayatri Mantra as the designated sadhana for the day. The spiritually enriching session concluded with Mangala Arathi offered to Bhagawan, marking the end of a truly transformative day. Sairam.
Navaratri Chaturyam – Villuppaattu on the 9 codes of conduct given by Bhagawan
‘Azhagaana Pazhani Malai Aandavaa..” group dance by class III girl students in praise of Lord Sri Subramanya
Felicitation by Principal-in-charge Ms. N.Vedhanayagi
Navaratri Pravachan by Master Gokul XI on the significance of Gayatri Mantra
Navaratri Pravachan by Administrative Officer Sri J.Karthikeyan on one of the Ashtapushpas – Indriya Nigraha – Control of Senses
Primary Headmistress Mrs. K.Poongothai addressing the students on the Sadhanas of the day – being aware about the control of senses and chanting Sri Vishnu Gayatri’
Mangala Arathi
JAI SAIRAM
