Festivals
and Events
Ladies Day
Since 1995, the 19th of November every year
has been celebrated as Ladies Day. Bhagawan always emphasizes
the  greatness
of women and the ideal of motherhood and advises women about
the significant role they can play in the shaping of individual
and national Character. The Mandir is tastefully decorated
on this day and all the programmes are organized entirely
by women devotees. Bhagawan is welcomed into Sai Kulwant Hall
by a procession consisting of women students of the Anantapur
Campus of Bhagawan’s university chanting Vedam led by
the brass bands of the Primary school and Anantapur Campus.
There are colourful dances and other cultural programmes followed
by talks by distinguished women devotees of Bhagawan. After
these talks, Bhagawan blesses all with His divine discourse.
The students of the Institute and the Higher Secondary School
too present programmes.
Excerpts from
Bhagawan’s Discourses:
“Today women, because they are educated,
compete with men to take up jobs. There is nothing wrong in
going for a job. However, they must take care of their home
needs before taking up a job. When wife and husband go to
offices,
who will look after their children at home? As the mother
is not at home to guide them properly, the children go astray.
If both the parents go out for jobs, they may be able to satisfy
their desire for money, but there is every possibility of
their children getting spoiled, as there will be nobody at
home to discipline them. Whatever moral values you have learnt,
you have to teach your children. Whatever you have studied
will have value only when you care for your children's progress.
Education is meant to bring out the innate potential of an
individual.
This day is being observed as Ladies Day.
What does it mean? You think that this day is meant to do
some sacred acts, listen to Swami's discourse, etc. It is
not merely that. You should spend time in a sacred manner.
What you learn today should be an ideal for your lifetime.
Develop self-confidence. Under any circumstances uphold your
self-respect….
This day is very sacred. Griham Ammayi, the
mother of this body, used to speak to all with love. She could
never withstand the suffering of others. She would come upstairs
and plead with Me, saying, "Swami, they are in a sorrowful
state. Please call them and talk to them." Her heart
was filled with compassion. That is why her fame has spread
so much. In order to attain a good name, you have to utter
sacred words and help others. Whenever Mother Easwaramma would
come to Me with such a plea, I used to pretend to be angry
and chide her, saying, "Why are you coming here with
recommendations? I don't want to listen to them". But
she would persist. She would continue to plead, "Swami,
please take pity on them. They are in dire need of Your help.
Please talk to them once." It pleased Me to see her compassionate
and kind-hearted nature. Hrith + Daya = Hridaya meaning, that
which is filled with compassion is Hridaya (heart). But, today
man does not possess such a compassionate heart. He utters
harsh words and thereby is put to disrepute. One should talk
softly and sweetly. Never hurt others' feelings with harsh
words”.
- Divine Discourse: November 19, 2002
"This day of 19th November is celebrated
as Ladies Day in order to delve into the sacred qualities
of women and disseminate them. Women are the repositories
of Truth and Culture. Though earth is one, the plants vary
depending on the seeds sown. The womb of mother symbolizes
Mother Earth. As is the seed of thought sown in it, so is
the fruit it yields. You cannot expect mangoes by sowing a
neem seed. So, the mother should be filled with good thoughts,
good words and good deeds. Only then can her children be virtuous.
Today we find many children with bad character
and bad behavior. The reason for this can be attributed to
the bad thoughts of their mothers. Aryamba was a woman of
virtues and noble character. She spent all her time in the
contemplation of God and undertaking noble deeds. As a result,
Jagadguru Sankaracharya was born in her sacred womb. Noble
souls like Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa could attain
exalted positions in their lives only due to the sacred feelings
of their mother.
This land of Bharath has given birth to many
noble women like Savitri, who brought her husband back to
life; Chandramati, who extinguished wild fire with the power
of truth; Sita, who proved her chastity by coming out of blazing
fire unscathed; and Damayanthi, who reduced an evil-minded
hunter to ashes with the power of her chastity. It is because
of such women of character that Bharat (India) has attained
the reputation of being the land of plenty and prosperity.
It is the teacher of all nations”.
- Divine Discourse: November 19, 2000
"What we have to safeguard and protect today
are Truth and Righteousness and not the nation. When Truth
and Righteousness are protected, they will protect the nation.
Hence, righteousness should be fostered in the home. A home
is no trivial place. The home is the abode of Dharma which
protects and safeguards the country. The home is the beacon
which illumines the world and sustains it. Women should realize
that, irrespective of their education or position, their foremost
obligation is to protect the home.
Wherever women are honored there is prosperity
and happiness. Women should never be slighted or treated with
disrespect. A home in which the housewife sheds tears will
be bereft of all prosperity. This is the ancient conception
of the role of women in the home”.
- Divine Discourse: November 19, 1996
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