The Day the Divine Declared His Descent
The golden dawn of October 20th once again bathed the sacred sands of Prasanthi Nilayam in waves of devotion and gratitude, as alumnae from across Bhagawan’s Educational Institutions gathered in the hallowed Sannidhi to commemorate one of the most sanctified milestones in SAI history — the Avatar Declaration Day.
It was on this very day, eighty-five years ago, that a tender fourteen-year-old boy from Puttaparthi, little Satya, revealed to the world His divine identity. In a moment that changed the course of human destiny, He declared, “I am Sai Baba.” That pronouncement was no mere utterance — it was the cosmic assurance that God had once again descended amidst mankind, taking form as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba — the very embodiment of Sathya (Truth) and Dharma (Righteousness).
This year’s celebrations carried a unique radiance — a triple sanctity — as they unfolded in the glow of Bhagawan’s Centenary Year, coinciding with the festival of Deepavali, and the Avatar Declaration Day itself. The result was a luminous confluence of light — the outer lamps of Diwali blending beautifully with the inner illumination that comes from recognising the Divine within.
As the curtains parted, the beautifully decorated Sanctum Sanctorum radiated a divine glow, illuminating the eyes and hearts of the gathered devotees. A special throne, majestically placed on a pedestal, stood as the centrepiece of adoration — a silent reminder of the Lord’s Omnipresence.
The day’s proceedings commenced with a grand procession, heralded by the traditional Nadaswaram, Vedic chants, and the vibrant march of the Institute Band. The air was charged with reverence as each step of the procession seemed to echo a single feeling — gratitude for the Avatar’s descent and His infinite compassion.
A highlight of the morning was the panel discussion titled “Saakshaat Parabrahma Sai” (Sai, the Manifest Supreme Brahman), presented by alumnae of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus. With deep devotion and insight, the speakers reflected on the Purpose, Principle, and Path of the Avatar, offering the audience a spiritual exercise in Shravana, Manana, and Nidhyasana — listening, reflection, and contemplation.
They reminded everyone that the Sai Avatar did not come to attract followers but to transform hearts; not to found a new faith, but to renew the ancient one — the faith in Love and Righteousness. His life, they shared, was a living demonstration of divine love in action — an invitation for mankind to walk the path of service, selflessness, and surrender.
The celebrations concluded with a devotional musical offering, where the participants poured out their heartfelt gratitude through songs steeped in love and longing. The melodies seemed to rise heavenward, touching the very hem of eternity, as every heart silently echoed: “Thank You, Bhagawan, for coming to remind us of who we truly are.”
The Avatar Declaration Day is not just a remembrance of a historical moment. It is a personal call to transformation. It is a reminder that whenever humanity drifts into darkness, Love takes form to lead it back to Light. In the radiant stillness of that night, one truth resounded through every soul gathered there —
The Avatar has come. The Avatar lives. The Avatar loves — eternally.
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