Chikkaballapur (Karnataka): Former minister H.K. Patil has stressed the need to free children from mobile phone addiction and help them develop discipline, peace and contentment.
Speaking on the fifth day of the Navaratri celebrations at Sathya Sai Grama in Muddenahalli, Patil said many students found it difficult to stay away from mobile phones even for half an hour. He praised Sathya Sai schools for encouraging children to lead disciplined lives without excessive dependence on digital devices.
Recalling the establishment of a hospital in rural Muddenahalli, Patil said many had initially questioned whether people would travel there when Bengaluru had numerous hospitals and whether doctors would be available. He commended Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai for overcoming these challenges and realising his vision.
He said the organisation, which provides free food, education and healthcare, now aimed to establish a free residential school in every district of the country, requiring collective support from society.
‘Serve the Divine Mother’s children’
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, founder of the One World One Family Mission, said worshipping the Divine Mother becomes meaningful only when people also serve her children and respond to their suffering.
He described motherhood as an embodiment of forgiveness, kindness and compassion. Referring to Adi Shankaracharya performing the funeral rites of his mother, Aryamba, despite opposition from traditionalists, he highlighted the importance of fulfilling one’s responsibilities towards one’s mother.
He also recalled how Eashwaramma, mother of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, inspired his humanitarian initiatives by urging him to help people in distress.
Sadguru said compassion towards others was the true tribute to a mother. He added that the ideals of Vidya-dana (gift of education) and Aushadha-dana (gift of medical care), emphasised by Shankaracharya, were being advanced through the organisation’s free educational and healthcare services.
Navaratri rituals performed
Vidwan Subrahmanya Bhat of Sringeri explained the significance of Skandamata, worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri.
The celebrations included Lalita Homa, Sri Chakra Puja, Sumangali Puja and Kannika Puja.
Dr. B.N. Narasimha Murthy, president of the Prashanthi Balamandira Trust, and T.B. Jayachandra, Karnataka government representative in Delhi, attended the programme.
