SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI
PART - 31
(Continued from the previous issue)
PART - 31
(Continued from the previous issue)
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ACT VIIi - SCENE 4
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Sathya moves over to Kamalapuram along with Seshama, and is admitted to the High School there. The scene is a classroom, and the class is the one to which Sathya belongs.
TEACHER: [to boys] Attention! BOY: Sir, this is not a playground! It is a classroom!!
TEACHER: Silence, silence! I know that!! ….. I wish to tell you something very important. Sit down, sit down! …. Boys, all of you have joined the Scout movement to do social service and thereby serve the people as well as the country. If all the boys in India were fired with such enthusiasm, the country would become free and prosperous. Isn’t that so? Service will promote a sense of responsibility. Everyone must have a sense of service and responsibility. BOY: Sir, when does the Pushpagiri Carnival take place? |  |
 | TEACHER: Who is that boy so eager to do social service? [stares at the boy] … Now listen carefully. The Carnival will commence next Monday and last for ten days. All of you must get Khaki uniforms stitched, and perform service there for ten days. The expenses would be ten rupees per head. BOY: What expenses, sir? TEACHER: Don’t be impatient! I’ll give the break-up. There is the to-and-fro bus fare, and the living expenses for ten days. Now do you understand? BOY: Yes sir. TEACHER: All of you must participate without fail. Now, those who will come, raise your hands! Next, those who will not, raise your hands! ….[all boys except Sathya raise their hands] What’s this Sathyam? You will not come? Listen, You are the Leader of the class, and You have got to come! Now, raise Your hand! |
BOY: Why Raju, are you not coming?
BOY: Raju, if you don’t come, we will not go.
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BOY: Come on Raju, let’s all go together.
TEACHER: For serving the people, one must not go back but jump forward, understand?!
Teacher jumps and the boys laugh TEACHER: I’ll find out why Sathyam says He will not come. Sathyam my boy, You will come, won’t You? …… [turning to the boys in general] Well okay, you must pay ten rupees before Monday. Remember, everyone must come only in scout uniform, right? There goes the bell! Don’t forget my instructions, and come for the Carnival. CHORUS: Yes Master! TEACHER: Sathyam, You also must definitely come! Teacher leaves the classroom, and the boys surround Sathya. |  |
 | BOY: Raju, why are You saying that You will not come? SATHYA: Master said that one must come in uniform; that’s what I am thinking about. BOY: Ask Your people at home. ANOTHER BOY: Ask Your elder brother. Scouts must be in uniform while doing service. SATHYA: All right, I’ll think about it. Come, let’s go. BOYS: Come on, let’s take our books and go! |
SCENE 5
Seshama Raju’s house in Kamlapuram. Conversation is in progress between Seshama, his wife Suseela, her mother, and Sathya.
SESHAMA RAJU: Well, why are You so late? The School got over a long time ago. Where have You been roaming? When will You do the homework?
SATHYA: I have carefully heard everything said in the class, and I know all the lessons.
SESHAMA RAJU: You know everything? In that case, tell me what they taught You in the class today. SATHYA: Scout students are to go the Carnival in Pushpagiri. Master said that we must do social service. SUSEELA: Then, You also go along. SATHYA: To go to the Carnival, one has to pay ten rupees and stay there for ten days. For that reason, …… SESHAMA RAJU: It’s not even ten days since You joined the school, and already You are talking about Scouts, uniform, social service, etc.! You are being sent to school to study and not to spend money unnecessarily. There is no need to go to carnivals in order to do social service. |  |
MOTHER-IN-LAW: If You go away for ten days for doing social service, who do You think is going to do Your work here? There is so much work to be done here!
SUSEELA: Mother!
SESHAMA RAJU: [to Sathya] You had better forget about social service; instead, stay at home and study. Now go!
SATHYA: If Master asks?
SESHAMA RAJU: If Master asks, say that You have no money and therefore cannot go.
SCENE 6
The scene is the classroom in the Kamalapuram High School. The room is empty but for Ramesh, a dear friend of Sathya, who also sits by His side during class. Ramesh has keenly followed what happened in class – Sathya would not be able to participate in the Scout Camp during the Pushpagiri Fair, because He could not afford the Scout uniform etc. Ramesh’s father is well off. So Ramesh manages to buy an extra uniform. He packs it and now prepares to leave it in Sathya’s desk, along with a letter. Sathya comes and reads the letter. Ramesh hides himself and watches.
'Raju, if You do not come to the Carnival, none of us will go. If You come, all of us can go together, do service and also have fun. I had the feeling that You do not have a uniform. I have two new uniforms. One of these I have kept in the desk. Please take it, and come for the Carnival. Raju, Your friend is giving this with Love; therefore, don’t say no! You must definitely come to the Carnival. Accept the uniform. With Love, Ramesh.'
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Sathya thinks:
'Ours is the Ratnakara family that knows only how to give and not to take. Self-respect is its ornament, and helpfulness is its wealth. Friendship is like a flower; the fragrance must be inhaled and enjoyed and the flower must not be plucked. One must not become a burden to others but reduce the burden of others.'
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Sathya decides that He will not accept the gift of the uniform. He writes reply letter to Ramesh, and leaves it along with the uniform. He then leaves. Ramesh comes, picks up Sathya’s letter and reads.'Our friendship is sacred and charged with Love. That sanctity will disappear and Love will recede if there is money or material transaction. We must always stay together, sharing friendship and mutual respect, and not be driven apart by the exchange of money and materials. I am explaining all this via this letter so that you don't feel hurt. Take back your uniform. Thus, Sathyanarayana Raju.'
Sathya and Ramesh then meet.
RAMESH: Raju, I read Your letter. We cannot understand Your philosophical words. But if You are with us, we feel Blissful. We feel a fresh enthusiasm surging through us. That is why I am repeatedly pleading that You must come with us.
SATHYA: Ramesh, I understand your feelings. I’ll try and come. Okay?
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RAMESH: Okay!
(To be continued)
- Heart2Heart Team
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI
PART - 32
(Continued from the previous issue)
PART - 32
(Continued from the previous issue)
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ACT IX - SCENE 1
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SCENE 1
Sathya comes back home and ponders deeply. His teacher and classmates want Him to go with them to the Scout Camp. For that, He must have money. But His brother has told Him to tell the Teacher that there is no money. Is there any other way of generating at least some money? He hit upon an idea. He has just been promoted to the next higher class. He no longer needs His old books. They are in very good condition. Perhaps, He could offer them on sale and get some cash. He decides to go to the house of a boy He knows, who might like to buy His books. SATHYA: [standing outside the house of the boy] Kondalu, Kondalu!
KONDALU: [comes out] Raju, what brings You here?
SATHYA: You wanted old books, didn’t you? Look, I have brought them!
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SATHYA: I don’t use these for My study; that’s why they are looking new.
 | KONDALU: What is the price? SATHYA: I’ll give it to you at half-rate. KONDALU: Half-rate means? SATHYA: Ten rupees. KONDALU: Ten rupees? SATHYA: Yes, only ten rupees. With ten rupees, I can go the Pushpagiri Carnival and do service. That is why I am selling these books to you. |
KONDALU: I cannot afford that price. I have only five rupees that my father earned with great difficulty; and that too in small coins! Raju, I cannot give You ten rupees SATHYA: No problem; five rupees are enough, and take all these books. KONDALU: Here are the five rupees [offers the money]. SATHYA: Kondalu, study well. KONDALU: Raju, I can never forget Your kindness. SATHYA: See you soon! |  |
SCENE 2
Sathya comes back to His house with the cash, which is in the form of small change. Trouble is in store for Him. As He enters, the coins slip and scatter all over. Seshama Raju’s mother-in-law sees the money and becomes agitated.
MOTHER-IN-LAW: Oh my! So much money, so much money, money, money! Where did You get all this money from? Did You steal it from here?
SATHYA: I did not steal. I got this money by selling My old text books.  |  |
SATHYA: To Kondalu. He is very poor. If you want, I’ll call him and you can check with him.
MOTHER-IN-LAW: Oh, so you want me to ask him? You two are together playing a drama – You for him and he for You! My goodness, the mouse is the witness for the cat! Where did You get this money from? Let Your elder brother come, and we’ll settle this business once and for all.
Seshama Raju enters
 | SESHAMA RAJU: What’s all this noise? MOTHER-IN-LAW: No noise, son-in-law; just that He is saying that He got the money by selling His books. I am asking whether it is true or not. SESHAMA RAJU: Sathyam where did You get this money? I am asking you!From where did You get this money? Books are for studying and not for selling. We all are struggling so that You may study well and secure a very good job but You are selling Your books, pencils, and pens! We just don’t know when You will change for the better! SATHYA: It’s not that way brother; what I am trying to say is…… SESHAMA RAJU: Shut up! It You utter another word, I’ll lose my temper and I don’t know what I’ll do then. Get lost! |
MOTHER-IN-LAW: My money, my money!
SCENE 3
Sathya’s plan has been scuttled; He now has no money and therefore cannot go to the Scout Camp. Soon, His friends would be coming to pick Him up. He must dodge them. So, when the boys come, He pretends to have a stomach ache.
SATHYA: Oh, pain, stomach pain, stomach pain, oh, oh, ……
BOY: Raju, what happened to You? SATHYA: Stomach ache, severe stomach ache!
BOY: Oh dear! Why did You not take some medicine? Your pain would have come down.
SATHYA: No, I have not taken any medicine.
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BOY: Raju, we are going to the Pushpagiri Carnival. It is time for the bus to leave. Aren’t You coming? SATHYA: No, I am not coming. BOY: Raju, if You do not come, we too will not go. ANOTHER BOY: That’s right Raju, we will not go! THIRD BOY: None of us will go! SATHYA: You should not say that! All of you go to the Carnival, and I’ll come somehow or the other. |  |
BOY: You’ll definitely come, won’t You? SATHYA: I’ll come. I never break My promise. I always sustain those who have total faith and trust in Me. Now all of you go; I’ll find a way of coming to the Pushpagiri Carnival. CHORUS: Really? You’ll come? SATHYA: Definitely; I’ll come. BOY: OK Raju, we will go; come on, let’s go. |  |
(To be continued)
- Heart2Heart Team
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI
PART - 33
(Continued from the previous issue)
PART - 33
(Continued from the previous issue)
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ACT IX - SCENE 4
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SCENE 4
Sathya decides to walk all the way to the Pushpagiri Fair. The distance is about fifteen kilometres but He has no other choice; no money. He trudges all through the night and reaches the destination in the early hours of the morning. He catches up on some sleep, has a bath in the river there, and then heads for the Carnival site. On the way, while crossing a sandy patch, He finds a packet of beedies [native cigarettes] and a one anna coin. At that time, a man comes that way.
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 | SATHYA: [to man] Sir, are these beedies and this one Anna coin yours? MAN: Not mine, boy. Sathya buries the beedies in the sand, and keeps the coin. He continues to walk and arrives at the Carnival site. There He finds a petty gambler running a betting game. GAMBLER: Bet, man, bet! Sisters and brothers, come and place your bets! Offer salutations to Goddess Lakshmi and try your luck! Bet, bet, ….. A MAN: What are the odds? GAMBLER: An Anna for an Anna, a paisa for a paisa; it is fifty-fifty! Bet, come on, bet. |
Again the dice is thrown. GAMBLER: You are riding high! Great! Take your battery light! No magic, no witch-craft, no cheating, no betrayal. [to a spectator] Brother, are you from Srikakulam or Simhachalam? MAN: Velakulam. GAMBLER: My town. When I was young, I used to live there with an aunt of mine. MAN: Okay, I wager a beda or two annas. |  |
 | GAMBLER: Be careful; think and then place your bet. No bargaining! Oh great! This time I won; Goddess Lakshmi has favoured me! Ha, ha, ha! Bet, come on, bet! Bet and see your fortune. Paisa for paisa, one for one. ……. [to Sathya] What brother, will you play or just watch? SATHYA: I’ll see. GAMBLER: No use just seeing. Goddess Lakshmi radiates from Your face! Go ahead and bet! SATHYA: Okay, I’ll bet. GAMBLER: You will bet? How much? |
SATHYA: I’ll bet one Anna. GAMBLER: That’s it, that’s guts. Bet on any number. On what number do You place the bet? SATHYA: I’ll bet on two. Gambler throws the dice. GAMBLER: Two, two, two, two! This is called luck! Number two has turned up! An Anna with an Anna. I give you double, that is, two Annas. Will you continue playing or quit? SATHYA: I’ll play. |  |
GAMBLER: Look, I’m removing all this stuff. It’s only cash now.
SATHYA: I’ll bet two Annas. GAMBLER: You are doubling the ante? Well done. Keep it up and Goddess Lakshmi will lead You on to a fortune! Double, double, double …….Good!
Gambler throws the dice; Sathya wins again.
SATHYA: It’s good for Me but bad for you. | GAMBLER: Okay, double and double. I will give You four Annas. How much will You bet now? SATHYA: I’ll bet one Anna. GAMBLER: What do You mean one Anna, brother? ……..Goddess Lakshmi will fall down laughing!…… Bet four Annas and win eight Annas. SATHYA: All right, I’ll bet four Annas. GAMBLER: Aha! Keep betting like this, and Goddess Lakshimi will favour You with a big fortune. Bet, bet, and bet! |
GAMBLER: Ah………Aha! four Annas; four, four, four,……. [throws the dice but the result is not in his favour] What’s happening today? He’s on a winning streak! I am finished. I thought He was but a kid but He is shaving me bare! Okay, let go. Here are four plus four, Your eight Annas. How much will You bet now?
SATHYA: I’ll bet two Annas.
GAMBLER: Hey! Again two Annas? What do You mean by this brother? When Goddess Lakshmi is favouring You so much, You should bet eight Annas for eight. Bet, bet, come on, bet.
| SATHYA: I will bet only for four Annas. GAMBLER: Again You are saying four Annas? PARTNER: Hey you, shut up and do as He says. GAMBLER: Okay, bet something. SATHYA: Four Annas. GAMBLER: Four Annas it is….[the dice is thrown but the gambler again has poor luck]. This time also, Goddess Lakshmi has favoured You! Amazing luck! [aside] Looks as if He is going to shave me clean today!! |  |
PARTNER 2: When I see your ugly face, I don’t think we will win. Come on, let me change places with you.
GAMBLER: You shut up! What’s wrong with my face? It is the most handsome face in town! Actually, it is by looking at your ugly faces this morning that my luck has been ruined! Get out. [to Sathya] Brother, a deal, four Annas for four Annas. Grab, grab. Goddess Lakshmi has entered Your palm! I tell You what. Brother, this will be our last game. You have twelve Annas with You, right? Bet twelve Annas and win twenty four!
SATHYA: Twelve Annas are enough for Me. I will not play any more.
GAMBLER: Hey, what do You mean? I tell You, bet twelve and win twenty four! Continue playing and winning, playing and winning, You can walk away as a millionaire!
SATHYA: Twelve Annas are enough for Me.
 | GAMBLER: What my dear smart fellow?! You came with just one Anna and now intend to walk away with twelve Annas? You think only You are clever? You are just a kid, and You obviously do not know much about me! What do You think You are doing? I say, bet twelve Annas. SATHYA: No. GAMBLER: I say bet! SATHYA: I will not. PARTNER: Keep quiet, will you? Keep quiet. |
SATHYA: What is your game before Mine?
GAMBLER: True, true.
SATHYA: There must be a limit for desires. One must never have too many desires. Desire is the main reason for sorrow.
GAMBLER: He looks small but how sweet are His words! You know, there is sense in what He says. Brothers, from today, let’s close down this gambling and do something else from tomorrow. Aha!
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SCENE 5
Sathya finally arrives at the Scout Camp in the Pushpagiri Fair.MASTER: Oh, all of you are here! Attention! Stand at ease! My dear Cadets! Carnival is supposed to mean fun and frolic. But you should not think so. We are here to do social service, and it is service that will be fun and frolic for us. Cadets, now split into three groups. You, go near the Temple and the sacred tank. You will handle water distribution. You will serve the road coolies. I have already told you what to do and how to do.
SATHYA: Master, I have come.
MASTER: Hey, Raju has come!
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| BOY: Raju has kept His word and come! BOY: Raju will never break His word! MASTER: Raju, You too go along with them and perform service. SATHYA: Sir, I do not have a uniform. Is it okay sir? MASTER: Doesn’t matter if You don’t have a uniform. It is the determination to serve that is more important. All of you! Commence service activities in your respective locations, as per instructions I gave earlier. Go! Raju will be your leader. Go. |  |
Sathya leads the Scout Troop in rendering various types of service – crowd control, helping the aged, rescuing lost children, serving water, etc. Days pass quickly. One day, ….
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BOYS/CHORUS: Yes sir!
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(To be continued)
- Heart2Heart Team
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI
PART - 34
(Continued from the previous issue)
PART - 34
(Continued from the previous issue)
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ACT X - SCENE 1
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ACT X
SCENE 1
At the time Sathya went to the Pushpagiri Carnival, He had not yet declared to the world that He was an Incarnation of God, that He was a Poorna Avatar. That would come later, in October, 1940. But already, He was proclaiming His Message – Love, Compassion, Sacrifice and Selfless Service. He had no money, yet He went. In the process, He faced many difficulties. He showed by His own personal example, even at an early age, that if one wants to serve, then one must be prepared to face any number of difficulties. For example, with twelve annas, He had to sustain Himself for ten days. Food was no doubt inexpensive those days; still twelve annas was too small an amount for ten days. He ate only once a day, quietly, without letting anyone know when He ate and what He ate. When friends asked Sathya to join them for food, He would say, “I have already eaten.” If they refused to believe, He would hold out His hand, and they would get the smell of food! He would have just drunk water but yet, the hand would carry the smell of food! That was His miracle, performed out of love for the boys; Sathya did not want them to feel pain on His accoun.
The scene is the Carnival. Sathya is talking to one of His friends.
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BOY: Raju, are You eating every day?
SATHYA: Am I not buying and eating dosas everyday?
ANOTHER BOY: Raju, why don’t You eat with all of us?
SATHYA: Today, I have finished My meal.
THIRD BOY: Raju, You are not making it up, are You? Did You really have food today?
SATHYA: I really have eaten. If you want, you can smell My hand.
BOY: Yes, there is the smell of food.
ANOTHER BOY: Yes, it’s true.
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THIRD BOY: Yes, there is a smell.
FOURTH BOY: It is true, there is the aroma of food.
Carnival scenes. There is a small girl who is lost, and is crying. The scouts go to her to help.
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SCOUT: Don’t cry, dear! …….What’s your name?
SECOND SCOUT: With whom did you come?
ANOTHER SCOUT: Tell me, dear.
FIRST SCOUT: Did your mother come with you?
SCOUT: Who came with you? Tell us, won’t you? …….. Don’t cry!
Meanwhile, a boy picks the pocket of a man, and the scouts nab the thief.
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SCOUT: Hey, a pickpocket! Catch him! …. Come to the Police Station!
In between, the mother of the lost girl is located and the girl is restored to the lady.
SCOUT: [to lady] Please take proper care of your child, and don’t lose her like this again!
LADY: Thank you, my son; I will not lose her again!
Days pass and the Scouts continue to do a good job. They render a variety of services. Slowly, the time to leave draws closer. At that time, the Scout Master calls the boys and talks to them.
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MASTER: Students, you have all done hard work and good service during the past ten days. Good. You have earned a very good name for our School. Very good! Now, we shall return to Kamalapuram. I am giving all of you one hour in case you want to buy anything. At the end of that period, we shall all meet here again at this tent. Understand?
CHORUS: Yes sir!
Sathya is now with His friends.
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SATHYA: Ten days have gone by like ten minutes!
RAMESH: If You had not been here, it would not have been so nice!
BOY: Raju, we must hurry! Let us go and make purchases. Come on.
The boys now disperse to do last minute shopping. Sathya goes to a lady who is selling things that ladies normally buy. He purchases a few items from her, using the small change left over from the twelve annas He started with.
He is purchasing the gifts to present to His sister-in-law [Seshama Raju’s wife]. Raju’s friend who is with Him does not know this; he is curious and asks.
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BOY: Raju, for whom are You buying these flowers, fruits, turmeric, and vermilion?
SATHYA: For My sister-in-law, who is soon to become a mother. These are auspicious gifts.
BOY: Is that so?
SATHYA: [to lady] Mother, pack it quick please!
LADY: Will do. Here it is my boy! …… He is so adorable!
SCENE 2
Sathya returns to His brother’s house in Kamalapuram after an absence of ten days. His elders there had no idea where Sathya had gone. Seshama Raju is furious, and so is his mother-in-law. But Suseela, the sister-in-law, is more understanding.
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SESHAMA RAJU: Like a vagabond, You have been roaming for ten days without the elementary sense to take the permission of the elders, Your brother, and Your sister-in-law!
SATHYA: Brother, friends and Master compelled Me. I went because I don’t like to say no and refuse those who seek Me.
SESHAMA RAJU: May be, but even then, don’t You think You have to take our permission?
SATHYA: I went to the Carnival just for doing service.
SESHAMA RAJU: Oh yes! A great lot of service!! Don’t You know that Your sister-in-law here is in the family way? Poor thing, all by herself, she had to struggle to fetch water. Service must first be in the home, and then only outside.
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MRS. RAJU: Let go! Poor child, He has worked hard for ten days.
SATHYA: Sister-in-law, look, I have brought for you this flower, fruits and various other items.
S-I-L: Why all these things?
SATHYA: I don’t know, I just felt buying these things, and that’s why I bought them.
Sathya tries to offer what He has brought, but they are snatched away by the mother-in-law.
M-I-L: Stop acting as if you have done something great or have brought silk sarees. There’s not a drop of water in the house to drink, and the throats are all dry. Here, take this and go and fetch water.
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Throws a couple of pots before Sathya, for Him to go and get water.
SATHYA: As you say.
Pleased with her action, the mother-in-law now takes the bananas brought by Sathya and starts eating them.
M-I-L: My, these bananas are good!
SCENE 3
Drinking water was an acute problem in Kamalapuram. Everyone had to fetch water from a well that was quite some distance away. This well alone provided potable water. Everyday, Sathya had to bring water from this well. The task was hard, and He was but a small boy; yet, He had to do the job.
One might wonder: “Sathya was God incarnate. He performed miracles. Why does God have to undergo suffering and punishment? Even if His elders gave Sathya tough tasks, could He not have used His miraculous powers to get water?” Bhagavan Baba has answered all such questions. He says that when God comes down as man, He will undergo suffering in order to show how man ought to face difficulties. In this case, Sathya never complained. He bore all inflictions cheerfully; and He never spoke ill of those who treated Him cruelly. In later years, Swami declared that people who treated Him badly were destined to do so as a part of His Divine Drama. He wanted to show humanity the meaning of forbearance; how else could He demonstrate it?
This scene opens with people drawing water from the well. Sathya comes there with His two big pots. Some are surprised; some pity Sathya.
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LADY: Boy!
SATHYA: Yes mother?
LADY: Can you draw water in such a big vessel?
ANOTHER LADY: Aunty! Do you see? This small boy is drawing and carrying water for his house. If I ask my husband to do the same, he complains about shoulder pain!
FIRST LADY: If you feel so sorry for the boy, then why don’t you help him?
SECOND LADY: Aunty, I wish I could but I am pregnant.
FIRST LADY: Oh I see.
THIRD LADY: There is the job of cooking waiting for me! I have to run home and do all those jobs!
FIRST LADY: That’s the way it is, my dear! There is always so much work and so much rush! I still have to draw two more pots of water. You go now.
Sathya returns home with the water. It was not just bringing water from afar; Sathya had to do a lot of household chores as well. He did all these cheerfully. At the same time, He did not allow these to affect His studies. He was demonstrating to the world that the human body is given just for service. In later years, Baba has repeatedly emphasised the importance of service.
SCENE 4
Sathya returns to Puttaparthi for vacation. His mother is giving Him an oil bath in the backyard near the well in the house.
V.RAJU [to Easwaramma]: Smear oil well and massage the body; it will do a lot of good. Also, put a few drops of oil in the ear; it will clean them.
EASWARAMMA: Will do, will do!
Easwaramma sees bruises on Sathya’s shoulder.
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EASWARAMMA: Oh my goodness! Sathyam, what’s this? The shoulder is swollen and seems bruised! Don’t You feel pain?
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SATHYA: When one carries water in pots suspended from a bamboo pole with slings, does it not cause swelling?
EASWARAMMA: You?! You carried water in a sling? What for, my dear?
SATHYA: Mother, there is acute water shortage in Kamalapuram, and one has to fetch water this way from long distances. Brother Seshama did not have time for this, and so I used to do the job.
EASWARAMMA: Seshama saw all this?! Didn’t he stop you?
SATHYA: Haven’t I already told you that he didn’t have time?
EASWARAMMA: Hmm. ….They made You carry water just because You were available!
SATHYA: Mother, what’s wrong with that? All the five elements are forms of God, and one of these elements is water. So I went to God, received the water of the sacred Ganges, filled the pots, and brought them home.
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EASWARAMMA: Sathyam, what kind of a story is this?! Didn’t Your shoulder hurt while You were carrying water? I never thought that Seshama would do such a thing!
SATHYA: Mother, I fetched water not only for Seshama’s house but for all the people in our street.
EASWARAMMA: Great! You and Your crazy actions!!
SATHYA: You are talking just like the others! No one can understand Me.
EASWARAMMA: Okay, my son, okay. …..[to daughter] Give me that……[to Sathya] Next time You go to Your brother’s house, don’t carry water like that. I can’t bear You suffering. ……[to daughter] Bring that water……[to Sathya] Tell Your brother gently, “I am sorry, I cannot carry water anymore.”
(To be continued)
- Heart2Heart Team
SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI
PART - 35
(Continued from the previous issue)
PART - 35
(Continued from the previous issue)
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ACT X SCENE 4
A few years pass. Sathya is now a bit older. The scene is Venkama Raju’s house in Puttaparthi. Seshama Raju has finished his work in Kamalpuram and has now moved on to Uravakonda. The members of the family are discussing what to do about Sathya. |  |
VENKAMA RAJU [to Easwaramma]: Easwari, our Seshama has been transferred to Uravakonda, and soon he will go there. It is good for Sathyam also to go there and continue His studies. That is the only way open. What do you say?
EASWARAMMA: What am I to say? ….. You have already declared that it is good and the only way open.
VENKAMA RAJU: Easwari, you don’t seem to like the idea.
EASWARAMMA: I don’t know….I just don’t understand anything ……You first sent Him to Kamalapuram for study; and now you are saying Uravakonda. …..I only know that my child will be away from me, and that is causing me pain. Other than that, I’ve nothing to say. Who can understand a mother’s anguish!
Seshama Raju enters
SESHAMA RAJU: Have no worry, mother. Sathyam will be with me and study under my care. Will not the elder brother feel responsible and be concerned about the welfare of his younger brother?
EASWARAMMA: Did I not send him to Kamalapuram, believing you would be responsible?
SESHAMA RAJU: Why then are you having doubts now about Uravakonda?
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EASWARAMMA: Seshama, it is not a question of doubts or hesitation……. I simply ask: Should a small boy have to go to so many places just to study?
SESHAMA RAJU: Mother, one must go where opportunities for study are available. It is my responsibility to see that Sathyam is properly educated. Just leave it to me and stop worrying.
VENKAMA RAJU: Seshama, as you say.
EASWARAMMA: Seshama, look for a house with good water supply!
SESHAMA RAJU: Mother, did I not tell you before that water scarcity was a problem with those other places? Tomorrow when I go to Uravakonda, my first priority to would be to look for a proper house, OK? ….. Grandfather, why don’t you also come with us to Uravakonda?
KONDAMA RAJU: Me? If you wish, you can come and see me here whenever you feel like it! For me, Puttaparthi is the entire Universe. ….. What do You say Sathyam?
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SATHYA: Not only for you, grandfather! No matter where I go, in the end I shall come back to Puttaparthi. Not only for Me but for one and all, this place is the entire Universe.
SCENE 5
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Sathya goes to Uravakonda with His elder brother Seshama Raju. He is admitted to the High School there.
The scene is the School Assembly that takes place before the classes commence. All the students are assembled there.
The Head Master of the School asks Sathya to lead them all in prayer.
HEAD MASTER: Students, we are reassembling after vacation for school commencement.
We will start with a prayer song by Sathya Narayana Raju, a smart boy from the Kamalapuram High School who has now joined us. Sathyam, come here and sing the prayer song.
Sathya sings, and His singing is greeted with loud applause.
TEACHER: What a wonderful song! My boy, who wrote it? Is it Rabindranath Tagore?
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SATHYA: No Master, I wrote it.
TEACHER: You wrote it! Such pure Sanskrit and at such a small age? Amazing! What beautiful lyrics, and how melodiously you sang! Very good, very good.
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HEAD MASTER: Students, this small song explains beautifully the concept of National Integration, as also Universal Love and Brotherhood. That is Sathyam’s greatness! From now on, Sathyam will lead the prayer sessions every day. Today’s session is over, and you may now go to your respective classes.
ACT XI
SCENE 1
The scene is Seshama Raju’s house in Uravakonda. Sathya is at home. The new academic year has just commenced, and Seshama brings new notebooks for Sathya.
SESHAMA: Sathyam, …..Sathyam, Here are Your notebooks. This one is for English, this one for Telugu, this for composition, this for mathematics, and this for rough work. When did they say they will give the text books?
SATHYA: In another two or three days.
SUSEELA [to husband]: You are just too much! This is only the first day, and He has just returned from attending a new School. Why talk books and lessons so soon?
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SESHAMA RAJU: Suseela, why does one go to School? Is it not for study? So, what’s wrong with my asking these questions? …[to Sathya] Well, have they started the lessons?
SATHYA: Today, we had Telugu and geography lessons.
SESHAMA: Very good. Are You paying proper attention to the lessons, or are You thinking about poems and songs?
SATHYA: I listen carefully in the class. And brother, I sang the prayer song. The Head Master liked it very much and has asked Me to sing the prayer song everyday. The Telugu Teacher asked Me who wrote the song.
SESHAMA: Who wrote the song?
SATHYA: I wrote it.
SESHAMA: Fits in! …… That’s why I keep on stressing that what You need are not songs, poems and prayer but study. Study is most important; concentrate on that!
SATHYA: Hmm.
SUSEELA: Sathyam, what’s that prayer song? Sing it once.
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Sathya sings
SESHAMA: Very good! You sang very well.
SUSEELA: My dear boy, the song is very nice!
SESHAMA: In addition to singing, concentrate also on Your studies. Mother and Father have entrusted You to my care. Therefore, study hard and make sure I get a good name!
SATHYA: Have no fear, brother. In days to come You will know more about Me, and then you will recognise Who exactly I am.
SESHAMA: I don’t want words but action!
SATHYA: You will see for yourself!
SCENE 2
Sathya’s class in the Uravakonda High School.
TEACHER: Among the Nations of the world, our sacred land of Bharat has a unique place. Our culture and strict adherence to moral values have earned great fame for the country. You must speak in English about the greatness of Bharat. Can you explain the geographical greatness of our country? English only. Who will do it? You Suresh, ….. Gafar Khan, …… Krishna Rao, ……..Ramesh, …..Ramesh,…Subba Reddy, ….Bangaru…..Sit down, you useless fellows! Is there no one who can say what I want in English?
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SATHYA: I can explain, sir.
TEACHER: Yes?
SATHYA: [Speaks in English].
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TEACHER: Very good! Did you notice how beautifully Sathyam spoke? And you, all of you are absolutely useless! Teaching you is like making an offering to stone. Yesterday, I wore my throat out, teaching you that lesson; and today, when I ask you to repeat it, you are all standing like flag-posts! …. I know how to punish all of you….Sathyam, come here….. Look, squeeze the nose tight with Your left hand, and slap hard on the cheek with Your right. They will not get any sense till they are punished…….. Why this stony stare? These are Your teacher’s orders; go ahead and do as told.
Teacher calls out the serial number of the students, while Sathya pretends to punish. This makes the teacher angry.
TEACHER [to Sathya]: What’s the meaning of this? When I tell You to slap, You are patting their cheeks as if You are applying sandal paste! Don’t You know how to slap? … Come, I’ll show You…COME HERE!
Teacher repeatedly slaps Sathya very hard.
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TEACHER: This way, this way, this way, this way! ………It is a student’s duty to obey the Teacher’s command, understand? Now go and sit in Your place.
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The bell rings, and the teacher leaves. Students then crowd around Sathya.
RAMESH: Raju, why were You so silent when the Master was thrashing You so severely? You did not even cry; why?
SATHYA: The teacher is Guru, and Guru is equivalent to God. It is therefore not proper to insult or show disrespect to the teacher. The teacher did not punish Me for lack of knowledge of the subject. I was at fault; I did not exactly do what the teacher commanded Me to.
SCENE 3
Seshama Raju’s house in Uravakonda. Seshama comes home from outside. He calls and his wife opens the door. As per Indian custom, he washes his feet before entering. His wife is concerned that Seshama is using too much water.
SESHAMA: Suseela, …….Suseela!
SUSEELA: Yes, …coming!
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Seshama washes his feet.
SUSEELA: Great! There is only one pot of water left, and if that also is exhausted, we will have no water for tomorrow.
SESHAMA: That’s no problem. We can always send Sathya to fetch more water; if He makes two trips, we will have four pots. Where is He?
SUSEELA: It’s an hour since He went out. I sent Him to get a bundle of firewood, since our stock is exhausted.
SESHAMA: I wonder whether He is fetching firewood or lost in storytelling.
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Sathya comes
SUSEELA: There He comes, even as we are speaking about Him!
SESHAMA: Why so much delay in getting the firewood?
SATHYA: Brother, near our house there were only small twigs. So I walked a mile to collect these. They are from the forest and will burn well.
SESHAMA: Hmm…. There is no water in the house. Get up early in the morning, and bring four pots. Don’t forget!
SATHYA: Brother, I don’t forget anything!
SESHAMA: Alright. Deposit the firewood in the kitchen, wash Your hands and feet, and come. Your sister-in-law will give You something to eat. After that, go and study Your English lessons. Go now.
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(To be continued)
- Heart2Heart Team
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