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The Enchanting Flute of Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia
When the compere introduced Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, the audience quietened in expectation of a musical journey to Sri Krishna’s haunts in Vrindavan, so sublime is his playing known to be. Recipient of many awards including the Padmabhushan, Pt. Hariprasad’s ensemble also featured another flutist (Rakesh, his son), a tambura player and a tablist. As soon…
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Performances: Sri. Jagjit Singh’s Bhajans
Sri. Jagjit Singh’s Bhajans, Begin the Morning of Amma’s Birthday 27 September 2003 Not long after the sun rose on the morning of Amma’s Birthday, the distinctive bassy voice of Sri. Jagjit Singh drew the massive crowd into a devotional mood. Singh has thrilled audiences across the world with his original renderings of classical ghazals,…
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Bharata Natyam by Padma Subrahmanyam
In Praise of India: Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam performs Bharata Natyam “Amma is symbol of spirituality. India has a lot to give to this world, and Amma is doing that. God has given us this human form for a very special purpose. We have to live this life for love and harmony, like Amma.” – Dr.…
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Amma & Amritesh
Seven year-old Amritesh was glad to give an interview. “More questions!” he pleaded, wanting to continue talking about the precious time he spends with Amma. Amritesh and his younger brother, Anurup, were participating in the Amritavarsham50 celebrations. They live at Amritapuri. For the majority of the Women’s Initiative, Amritesh had a prime seat: right on…
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Amma in the Mail
Special Cover Honoring Amma Released 27 September 2003 Minister Thirunavukkarasu presents Amma with the special cover In commemoration of Amritavarsham50 and Amma’s life of love, compassion and selfless service, India’s Postal Department issued a special cover [envelope] and cancellation stamp on 27 September, the day of Amma’s birthday itself. The stamp was handed to Amma…
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Amma Gives a Piece of God
Amma Gives a Piece of God to All 27 September 2003 Welcoming all of Amma’s children from around the world, Amma’s chief disciple, Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, shared with them his thoughts about Amma after spending 24 years at Her side. “Amma is the greatest miracle that has ever happened in my life. I don’t want…
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Padapuja
27 September 2003 Everything was waiting: Amma’s chair, the tray heaped with lotus petals the purnakubham, Amma’s disciples, Her devotees. There wasn’t an inch of free space in the stadium—all together more than 150,000 people were waiting in a prayerful mood to witness Amma’s birthday padapuja. When Amma walked to the stage that morning, She…
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Interviews – Mohammed Yasin
Shri. Mohammed Yasin, Deputy Inspector General of Cochin, Kerala 20 September 2003 “She is like a mother to all. I look upon Her as an excellent human being; She is always serving humanity, She has nothing of Her own.” —Shri. Mohammad Yasin “I’m preparing myself for seven nights without sleep,” Cochin’s deputy inspector of police, Shri.…
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Interviews – Shri. Gyanesh Kumar
Shri. Gyanesh Kumar, IAS, District Collector of Ernakulam District One of the key figures in the Cochin administration is the district collector of Ernakulam. Shri. Gyanesh Kumar, a senior IAS officer, has been serving for a couple of years now in this office. One of his most visible achievements thus far has been the renovation of…
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Interviews – Rev. Takeda Hakusai
Rev. Takeda Hakusai, Buddhist Priest 24 September 2003 Devotees gathered as early as 5:30 a.m. to witness the auspicious beginning of the Amritavarsham50 Celebrations. The traditional Ganapati Homa was being performed by a multi-national team of priests trained in the ancient art of Vedic fire sacrifice. The ceremonial flames rose up under the woven palm-leaf roof…