Everyone knows it was India’s independence day on 15th August.

Amma came normally for bhajans and sang the following songs:

• Gopala Govinda Krishna
• Prapachamengum
• Ushakala Neram
• Man Re Sikh Prabhu
• Nin Ormakal Matram
• Awaken Children
• Om Namah Shivaya
• Jai Ma Ambe

It was India’s 60th independence day.
In the evening after the bhajans there was a program including the traditional Bharata Puja arranged by the students. There was also an exhibition depicting the 60 years of independence. The students had really prepared everything nicely as always with an evident love for their motherland – The first step in becoming a universal human being.

At the end of the program Amma gave an inspiring speech mainly on the topic of environmental devastation, global warning and the extinction of species, and the importance of counteracting them. She urged everyone to make a pledge to plant one sapling as often as possible to counteract deforestation. At the end of her speech there was a riotously fun version of the bhajan “Mata Rani” with many unable to contain themselves and starting to dance in bliss. When everyone retired to their rooms there was a joyful feeling pervading the whole place which really showed on all the faces.

A befitting and joyful celebration for the enduring freedom of this beautiful nation! May India for ever be free and inspire the world to ever greater spiritual heights!

Vishwanath
15 August 2007