Celebrating The Chosen Mother - Easwaramma Day
Easwaramma Day is celebrated on 6th May every year to honour the life of Mother Easwaramma, the beloved mother of our dear most Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. On the 6th of May 1972, Mother Easwaramma’s soul was chosen to ascend and merge with the divine source, the Bramhanda Nayak, the cosmic creator who is none other than her beloved son. This day is an opportunity not only to pay homage to the great woman who gave birth to the divine incarnation, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba but also to learn more about Swami’s teachings on the role of women in society and how mothers should be treated.
Mother Easwaramma, born ‘Namagiriamma’ to her parents, was given the name ‘Easwar- amma’ by Swami’s grandfather, Kondama Raju, for being a man of wisdom and foresight, he knew that she would soon become the mother (amma) of the entire world (easwara). Easwaramma lived a life of service, love, and devotion to God, which continues to inspire devotees worldwide. Every year we celebrate this day as a reminder that noble souls like hers must be remembered and celebrated forever.
The significance of Easwaramma Day is that it celebrates the life of a woman who is a role model for many women across the globe. Mother Easwaramma was a woman of great strength and character who was deeply committed to her family and community. Her legacy continues to inspire people today, and her simple yet profound life reminds us that we should all strive to live a life like hers.
Easwaramma Day is also celebrated to raise awareness about the role of women in society. Easwaramma was a woman of exceptional character who embodied love, compassion, and selflessness. Her life serves as a reminder that women have an essential role to play in the betterment of society. Baba often spoke about treating women with respect and dignity, especially showering care and respect for mothers. He believed that women should be treated as equals and that their contributions to society should always be well recognised and appreciated.
Swami had a beautiful and special bond with His mother. From a young age, He showed deep love and respect for his mother, well beyond his years. Swami said, "In the circumstances that prevail today, there are very few who honour their mother. Your mother carried you in her womb for nine months and gave you birth after undergoing many difficulties and hardships. Forgetting such a mother is like forgetting God. This amounts to forgetting yourself." (Ref: Easwaramma Day, Divine Discourse, 6th May 2008.)
He taught us that mothers are the first teachers of a child and that they play a crucial role in shaping the child's character and personality - "Mother is your first teacher. It is the mother who feeds and nourishes you. It is on the lap of your mother that you grow up and experience all types of happiness. None should forget the love that he receives from his mother. First and foremost, our mother deserves our highest respect." (Ref: Easwaramma Day, Divine Discourse, 6th May 2008.)
Mother Easwaramma asked for three selfless promises to be fulfilled by Swami. Those three promises expanded into massive humanitarian endeavours, offering free education, medical care, and clean drinking water to those in need. Swami even lovingly inaugurated the women’s college first, emphasising the importance of education for women. These simple requests by His mother to have developed into state-of-the-art institutions reflect the regard and love Swami held for his mother.
On Easwaramma Day, we are reminded of the power of a mother's love and the importance of treating women with respect and dignity. Mother Easwaramma inspires us to honour the sacrifice and devotion of all mothers and to strive for a world where women are equally valued and empowered. On this auspicious day, let us remember the teachings of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and rededicate ourselves to the service of humanity and the spread of love and peace in the world. May we continue to celebrate Easwaramma Day each year with increasing zeal by remembering her exemplary life, performing selfless service for the needy, and singing the glories of God.
Jai Sai Ram!
- Ekta Pathak
(Young Adult, Sai Centre of Howick and Pakuranga)
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