The Glory of the Divine Name
I can’t believe it, but it did happen to me. In February 1985, I casually participated in the 8th All India Music Competition sponsored annually by the Sur Sangam Club, Jaipur, [North India]. Just by singing a simple bhajan [holy song] in praise of Swami, I secured a second position in the women’s group.
You may wonder why this achievement so important to me? I belong to a family of Sai devotees and have been singing bhajans since the age of four or five. I had received no special training in music until I was in High School, when I took vocal music as one of my optional subjects. I had heard this particular devotional song: Prem Swarupa Jagat Ke Swami (set in rag Bhopali) sung at the Sathya Sai College, Jaipur, during Swami’s last visit. I was so enamored of the melody that it lingered in my mind and I sang it on some occasions—each time it was greatly applauded.
Last year, when I joined Maharani’s College, Jaipur, I was asked to sing this same devotional song for our first introductory program. At once it caught the attention of the Music Department, where there was no dearth of talent with girls doing postgraduation in music. But I was selected to sing this same piece for other college programs, and despite the variety in song and dance items this special bhajan always received great applause.
I had no courage to enter the abovementioned competition. I knew I stood no chance. I had no guru or regular training like the other entrants coming from different parts of the country. Someone had brought me a form and I reluctantly filled it. I was called for the preliminary test. I felt lost in the crowd; I knew no one who would accompany me on the instruments, but I sang with Swami’s image in my heart and was selected.
There were four such elimination rounds at the district and state level. Each time I went quite diffidently, and unexpectedly I reached the finals at the AllIndia level. Then a complication cropped up! The dates of the competition clashed with my Vocal Music Practical examination in College. With a heavy heart I would have to forgo the Sur Sangam finals. The next day, I was relieved and happy to learn that my College examinations had been postponed for a week. Again, it was His help.
My mother accompanied me for my final performance. The auditorium was full of music lovers, cameramen, and the Press. A solemn row of judges including two noted Cine Music Directors, occupied the first row. I was cold and clammy and my throat was dry. My name was number eight on the list. As the lights came on, my mother reassured me. She said, “I can see Swami sitting smiling on the dais. Keep your courage.”
After listening to the seven wonderful performances preceding me with semiclassical and film songs and their accompanying musicians, I decided not to take my turn and be the laughing stock. I was almost hustled onto the stage in a daze. I thought I’d step down without uttering a note. But Swami came to my rescue. Two well-known musicians appeared from the wings and volunteered to play for me. I prayed for a second and started to sing. It seemed to me that Swami was singing through me—melodiously, appealingly—my favorite bhajan. Everyone said it was well sung.
The competition was tough. A simple bhajan stood no chance against the latest film hits. It was late evening by the time the results were announced. I was quite despondent. But my name was called out and I stood 2nd in the Women’s Group. Tears of joy and humility streamed from my eyes. I thanked Him a million times. It was the sheer magic of the Divine name—I was merely the instrument singing His glory. He gave me so much recognition and acclaim at such an inexperienced stage. I feel quite humbled.
It was at His instance (in my dream) that I started observing a fast and `Saraswati’ sadhana [spiritual effort] on Wednesdays. Despite my chronic allergic throat problem, He gives me the grace to sing His name.
In my own humble way, I can only offer my Merit Scholarship award for the Sathya Sai Education Trust.
May we all unite in chanting the glory of the name Divine!
~Priya Pota, 2nd Year Arts, Jaipur.
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Sept. 1985
