Easwaramma Day Celebrations
Shalini, the author of this article, is a child with sensory neural deafness in both her ears. She has been fitted with a cochlear implant in her left ear. Her parents have decided to keep Shalini in the mainstream system rather than using some special education program. She tries her best to be a “normal” child—including learning piano and dancing—both these art forms require extensive dependency on being able to hear. Recently she used her school dance teacher’s help to generate over $5000 for AG Bell Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with her type of disability.
On May 2nd, 2009, the devotees of the mid-Atlantic region held Easwaramma Day Celebrations at the Robertsville School, New Jersey. The program started at around 10 a.m. and concluded at 4 p.m. The celebrations were a grand success, elaborating upon Swami’s teachings on unity—the theme of this year’s celebrations. SSE children from various centers in New Jersey, New York City, and Pennsylvania participated in the Easwaramma Day program. A lot of SSE children drew pictures depicting “unity” as they perceived it. These pictures were displayed during the celebrations for everyone to see and were well appreciated. SSE children also displayed posters, describing their centers’ service projects and other center activities.
As part of the celebrations, various centers staged short programs depicting the theme of “unity.” One highlight of these activities was “We Are One,” a musical program. The musical was a grand event with approximately 18 children on stage singing bhajans in many languages and accompanied by various instruments—violin, piano, mridangam [drum], and the harmonium. There were three groups of singers who sang together as a choir.
In addition to the musical, there was a skit about God and how He tried to tell the world that there was no country that was superior. In other words, He was saying that all countries are equal, and we all have to be treated alike. Presentations by the Young Adults of the region included one on the preparation for a National Youth Conference.
Children from another center presented a skit about a child’s love for her mother. One of the presentations was about saving energy and how to help the planet reduce its waste by recycling more and saving electricity. During the breaks, there were charades and interesting quiz questions based upon Swami’s teachings.
All the programs were wonderfully done and showed the love and unity between SSE children who came together to make a loving presentation to our beloved Bhagavan. As a conclusion to the program, there was a rally. The rally was led and followed by the children. The main theme of the rally was “Unity.” The five human values as told by Swami were included in the signs held by the children. Swami says, “Unity is vital for all, wherever they are and whatever their country, religion or sex. Love should be the unifying source…” He also says, “Ten people doing one activity is better than one person doing ten activities.” One can never accomplish anything all by oneself. Working together makes complex tasks easier to do. Unity is very important for the world; it is very essential for our survival and to make the earth a better place to live in.
After the rally, there were closing prayers, and prasadam was distributed. Overall, the Eashwaramma Day program was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to come together and experience the bliss of unity and Swami’s love for all of us.
~Shalini Chalikona
SSE Grp. 3 Student, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
