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Transformation of minds: Sai Baba’s greatest miracle

To Raj Chengappa’s column “Ground Zero” titled “Sathya Sai Baba and life after death” (Apr 29) I would like to add that it is a coincidence that I also met Sai Baba on his 60th birthday at Puttaparthi in 1985 when I was posted at Bangalore as Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor at Army School of Mechanical Transport. Sathya Sai Baba’s demise at Puttaparthi will leave millions of his followers feeling orphaned. Revered as a ‘living god’ by his devotees, he was regarded as an avatar of Shirdi Sai Baba. His devotees came from across the world and spanned all classes, castes and religions. He spoke of the unity of all religions. Sai Baba was known for his ‘miracles’. His greatest miracle has been the transformation of the minds of the people who came in contact with him or otherwise.

History is replete with examples when avtars have been criticised and even crucified. Hence Sai Baba has been no exception. However, it is the enormous philanthropic work for which he will be remembered for generations to come. He set up scores of hospitals and clinics that provided medical treatment of the highest quality. Importantly, the poor could access this treatment for free.

Sai Baba also established educational institutions of higher learning, some of the finest in the country. Drinking water projects quenched the thirst of residents of Chennai and several semi-arid districts of Andhra Pradesh. Sai Baba’s charisma attracted both the elite and the downtrodden and he devoted much of his energy and wealth to serving society globally.

Dr P K VASUDEVA, Panchkula

II

The article has highlighted the faith shown by his devotees in their Bhagwan. The writer has narrated the devotion of his devotees. I have also attended the prayers done in the name of Sathya Sai Baba by his followers at their home and had a chance to take vibhuti. I met some of his devotees and felt their faith in Sathya Sai Baba as he had helped them in one way or the other. But now the controversies after his death are not in good taste.

R. K. CHAUHAN, Kurukshetra

III

It seemed as though readers of The Tribune eagerly awaited the story. The write-up was unique and reflected on the writer’s meeting with the Baba. The narrative was engrossing.

But it was difficult to judge whether the writer is a rationalist or a devotee.

L R SHARMA, Haripur, Sundernagar

IV

The article elaborating the life and teaching of Sathya Sai Baba was interesting. Sathya Sai Baba’s love for human beings was irrespective of colour, caste and religion. His work for the poor and rich alike is commendable. The service of humanity is a universal religion.

However, his controversial miracles to attract public attention towards his teachings are not rational. The theory of reincarnation is also not credible.

VED PRAKASH CHOPRA, Ludhiana

V

The article about Satya Sai Baba was honest and sincere. When Satya Sai Baba came the world was more than prepared to believe in him. His mission as he often said was to change the human mind so that the mind sees love as the only religion and the language of the heart the only language. India has to spread his message of love for humanity.

PRAKASH NARAIN, USA

VI

Religious faith and rationalism are poles apart. Thus when any rationalist speaks or writes about the former it always makes sense.

The article too was sensible and interesting and concluded on a prudent note that “if” Sai Baba’s followers would “practice what he preached” they would not need to wait for his “reincarnation”.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

Language of the elite The article “At the crossroads of language” (Apr 25) by Geetanjali Bhagat aptly brought out the divide between the poor and the rich, the urban and the rural people in the context of English language. In the age of globalisation where English is playing a pivotal role in bringing the people of different nations together, it is dividing our society. The elite urban class as well as the upper middle class start teaching English to the child right from the cradle (even their dogs understand commands in English) whereas his rural counterpart is exposed to the English language late in life, which deters him from expressing himself in the global language. We have to make it the language of the masses, not of the classes. In rural schools children do not understand English without its literal translation into mother tongue. Then there is no environment at home or in the society in which they live for the language to flourish. Children use the rote method to get promoted to the next class without going into the depth of the language. English language has to be taught as a medium to express oneself and interaction with others. Communication is not just speech or language. It also conveys demeanour, body language and a right way of putting across ideas. While urban children acquire all this, their rural brethren reap the harvest late in life if at all they get an opportunity. Learning process is also hindered due to class consciousness as well as social and cultural barriers. Due to this dichotomy rural and poor children have low self-esteem, less confidence and an inferiority complex which hinders their progress in the language. Rural children should be given a chance to listen to standard English sounds in connected speech and to get acclimatised to the English speaking environment. Musical notes can be used at initial stages of teaching and students should be taught the use of dictionary. PRABHJOT KAUR, Jalandhar