SWAMI’S 100TH BIRTHDAY (23/11/2025)

Sairam. The Shata Varsha Janmotsavam, the 100th birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, was not just a date but a worldwide celebration of gratitude from millions touched by His love. Living by the words, “My Life is My Message,” Bhagawan embodied truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence—standing as a beacon of hope and a caring guide for all. Reflecting this global devotion, the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Educare, Chromepet, Chennai hosted a jubilant and spiritually charged celebration. The event was a beautiful amalgamation of devotion, discipline, talent, and deep-seated reverence, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the heavenly days when Swami physically graced the mandir.
The auspicious day commenced with the hoisting of the Prasanthi Flag by the chief guest Honourable Justice Sri V. Periyakaruppiah, Former Judge, Madras High Court & Former Judicial Member, Armed Forces Tribunal, Chennai, symbolizing the establishment of peace and purity. The stage was then animated by students who did compering in the sacred forms of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and an ideal Sai student. Their compering was a vibrant and soulful narrative that wove the entire celebration into a divine tapestry, connecting ancient wisdom to Bhagawan’s contemporary message.
A spectacle of pure devotion unfolded as the lovingly adorned picture of Bhagawan was carried by students on a beautifully decorated, resplendent palanquin. He was welcomed in a grand, colourful procession accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the band and the sanctifying chants of the Vedas. The students offered a melodious and heartfelt ‘Swagatham Song’ to greet their Lord. Once Swami was enthroned on stage, the assembly resonated with the powerful verses of the ‘Jai Vijayee Bhava’ Stotram. A visually stunning ceremony followed, where the chief guest along with Class XII students lit one hundred luminous lamps arranged around a breathtakingly intricate Rangoli of Bhagawan, marking the 100th birthday celebration of Bhagawan and symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance with His wisdom.
The formal function commenced with an insightful welcome address by the Correspondent Sri S. Loganathan. He eloquently highlighted the profound significance of the celebration, recalling Bhagawan’s playful query, “Why sing Happy Birthday?” and offering the poignant answer: it is an expression of our boundless gratitude. He welcomed and appreciated the involvement of Dr. K. Hariharan, Managing Trustee of the Sai Educare Trust, Dr. Umasivaraman, Educational Advisor, and Mrs. J. Geetha, Principal of DAV School, Adambakkam, for their invaluable and timely support to the school. He then shared the touching insight that Swami, in His omnipresence, had orchestrated the event by sending the chief guest.
Following this address, the assembly team presented a soulful yet electrifying rendition of devotional songs. The cultural feast continued with Sai Ganapriya – the SSSIE Fine Arts Department, offering a mesmerizing fusion ensemble entitled “Jaya Sathya Sai.” This was followed by a graceful and delicate dance, “Sai Vandanam,” performed by the primary girls. A deeply impactful drama, “Your Life is My Message,” was presented by the Primary Mahila students under the guidance of Sri C. Manikandan, Headmaster of the Middle and Secondary School. It powerfully emphasized that the transformed life of every Sai student is the most potent testament to Bhagawan’s message.
Then, after the presentation of the profile of the Chief Guest, Honourable Justice Sri V. Periyakaruppiah, by Sri Thyagarajan, Spiritual Co-ordinator, SSSIE, the gathering was blessed with an inspiring address by the Chief Guest, who spoke with heartfelt candour about his spiritual journey into Swami’s fold and the experiences that shaped his life. He reminded the audience of Swami’s eternal presence, saying: “I am within you as well as in others.” He advised the students to cultivate love towards everyone, for where there is love, there can be no enmity. He highlighted Swami’s message that every day is His birthday, not just today, and that Swami blesses us on all days just as He does on the birthday.
He further reflected that it was only through the thavam (penance) performed that all of us have come under the grace of Bhagawan.
Justice Periyakaruppiah deeply appreciated the devotional expressions of the students through song, instrumental music, and dance, remarking that he could see only Swami reflected in the faces of the children who performed. He shared his wish to visit Puttaparthi for the centenary celebrations, but joyfully observed: “Puttaparthi is here today. Everything that is followed at Parthi for the birthday celebrations is being followed here as well.”
He encouraged the students to aspire to join the civil services and uphold the spirit of the nation, urging them to take full advantage of the wonderful opportunities for study provided by the institution. At the same time, he cautioned against the hazards of mobile phones and social media, noting: “There are many lies and only a few truths. Take only the truth and what is needed, and avoid all that is unwanted.”During the prize distribution session, students who won prizes at various outside competitions were felicitated. Correspondent Sri S. Loganathan, joined by the dignitaries, also honoured three dedicated educators who received the prestigious Best Teacher Awards for the academic year 2025-26 : Mrs. Poongothai, Headmistress(Primary), Mrs. Rajalaksmi, PGT(Department of Commerce), and Mrs. Mrs. Ramana, TGT, (Department of Mathematics). As the event drew to a close, Principal-in-charge Ms. N. Vedhanayagi proposed a gracious vote of thanks, appreciating everyone who contributed to the celebration’s success.
The program culminated in the Jhula Seva for Swami. As students mellifluously rendered the birthday and Jhula songs, a wave of divine tenderness swept through the gathering. The ceremony concluded with the sacred Mangala Arathi offered by the chief guest, filling the atmosphere with blessings, followed by the distribution of sanctified Prasadam. Sairam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JAI SAIRAM