Puttaparti, April 10: In 1977 Philips, an Italian, found himself at the crossroads. He felt dejected, remained disturbed with the ups and downs in life and felt that it was not worth living anymore.
But on one fine day, his friend gave him a piece of advice. He told Philips to read a write-up on Satya Sai Baba in a local magazine. This led him to visit Puttaparti in 1978 and since then, Philips has made it a point to visit Puttaparti every year without fail.
“I have been visiting Puttaparti for peace of mind and drive stress out of me. It was Baba’s spiritual teachings which kindled hope in me that I can lead a much better life,” recalls Philip, who is clad in a simple white kurta and pyjama.
“I came here in search of peace and when I returned to my country I was a happy and contented man,” says Philips in English tinged with Italian accent. He makes it a point to visit the town at least once every year and spends several days here along with a group of friends.
Like Philips there are hundreds of foreigners camping in Puttaparti who say they came here to be relieved of stress. They say that the Baba taught them how to lead a simple and happy life.
“The main advice Baba gives everyone is to be happy and not to be ambitious. I often read a magazine, People, on Satya Sai Baba that is available in Italy,” says another Italian, Echcu.
They all have learnt living a happy and contented life. Yet, one thing is bothering them all without exception: Baba’s health. “It is very disturbing to learn of his illness. Through TV we are keeping track of his health,” Echcu says. Like Philips, Echcu too has been visiting Puttaparti for the past 32 years.
There are several foreigners who have even bought flats and made Puttaparti their home away from home. Everyday, they actively participate in prayers and other spiritual programmes inside Prasanti Nilayam.
After the Baba was admitted to the hospital, these foreign devotees performed a ‘homam’ and other rituals for his well-being.
“We have always felt that even in the absence of Baba, his preachings and philosophy always guide us and make us visit Puttaparti again and again,” Echcu asserts.
Locals say that the visits by several foreigners, particularly women, have been increasing of late. Most of the women and their children dress up like locals and mingle with everyone with ease as if they hail from this land.
“It is all about the faith one has in the baba. If someone does not have faith, it is his choice,” says a 32-year-old Japanese national.
Asked about the various controversies surrounding Puttaparti, they all say in one voice that Baba never forces anyone to come and visit him.
–Agencies