Vir Sanghvi - 'The Truth About Sathya Sai Baba'
Comments About → Vir Sanghvi - 'The Truth About Sathya Sai Baba'
Dear Mr Sanghvi,
As a reasonably aware citizen, I think that the duty of a journalist, as a professional, is to project the facts and the truth after doing enough home work demanded by the subject concerned so as to inform and inspire people to think on issues which affect people at large!
Your write-up bordering only on negatives, belies my expectations from a respected profession and a very respected person, known to have a good command over English language. I felt sad at the undignified language used. One may certainly differ in opinions on an issue or a personality, but decently, and without lowering one’s own dignity. In fact what is the real issue that is being raised in the article? Who is being awakened and to what “truth”, by the write-up? It appears to me as a reader that the writer is giving vent to some venom bottled up within him for long!
The writer needs to introspect and ask himself whether he is convinced of the points he is projecting and their veracity; has he really visited Puttaparthi or stayed there and observed enough, or is he writing on hearsay and hasty conclusions of a few?
As a citizen of this democracy I want to know if your facts are in place. If not, you will be guilty of misleading and making false news and doing a great disservice to humanity!
- Lalita Gupta (November 28, 2006)
As a reasonably aware citizen, I think that the duty of a journalist, as a professional, is to project the facts and the truth after doing enough home work demanded by the subject concerned so as to inform and inspire people to think on issues which affect people at large!
Your write-up bordering only on negatives, belies my expectations from a respected profession and a very respected person, known to have a good command over English language. I felt sad at the undignified language used. One may certainly differ in opinions on an issue or a personality, but decently, and without lowering one’s own dignity. In fact what is the real issue that is being raised in the article? Who is being awakened and to what “truth”, by the write-up? It appears to me as a reader that the writer is giving vent to some venom bottled up within him for long!
The writer needs to introspect and ask himself whether he is convinced of the points he is projecting and their veracity; has he really visited Puttaparthi or stayed there and observed enough, or is he writing on hearsay and hasty conclusions of a few?
As a citizen of this democracy I want to know if your facts are in place. If not, you will be guilty of misleading and making false news and doing a great disservice to humanity!
- Lalita Gupta (November 28, 2006)
Sunday was a depressing day for me for two reasons. First, I saw re-cycled, jaundiced and ill-researched vitriolic spouted on the pages of a newspaper that is regarded largely as a credible carrier of news and information to many parts of the country. Second, a person who I've grown to admire and respect for his views, his knowledge and his expression, fell very low in my esteem. The two reasons are connected and the person responsible for the undiluted venom on Satya Sai Baba is none other than the Editor-in-Chief of the Group (pardon me if I get the title wrong!), Vir Sanghvi.
I am not here to defend Baba, as I think He needs no defense. Therefore, while I could counter Mr. Sanghvi's Counterpoint point-by-point, I just do not have the time and inclination to expend on something so half-baked. Had this come from a blinkered-eye, religious bigot, one would have just turned the page over.
But, coming as it did from a respected journalist of Mr. Sanghvi's stature, all I can say is that, Mr. Sanghvi, you need much more than a sharp mind, a quick turn of phrase and an ability to appreciate the nuances of cuisine to delve into something that touches ones soul and knocks at the divinity within each one of us.
You need an open mind and open heart, ready to experience the bliss that divinity (and, yes, by that I do refer to Sai Baba) can confer on you. And when that bliss touches your life, you don't question the material worth of the ring or the locket or the ash or the all-pervading peace that has blessed you. You shed your cynical (and over-analytical) posturing and let simple faith carry you through the vicissitudes of life.
Perhaps if you'd done what a good journalist would do - that is, speak to people who have had direct and profound experiences - rather than take the arm-chair recourse to surfing the net and citing what a participant on a news channel had said a couple of days back, you would have learnt of the thousands of people who have experienced 'miraculous' cures that doctors and scientists have no answers to.
Next time, Mr. Sanghvi, take a detour from your beaten path and go down to Puttaparthi and see 'love in action' with your own eyes - no trashy web sites and recycled yellow media articles - try and understand the phenomenon with that sharp mind and then we'll perhaps better accept your expression of your first hand experiences.
Till then, don't mock faith and don't compromise your own credibility.
- Priya Sarkar (November 28, 2006)
I am not here to defend Baba, as I think He needs no defense. Therefore, while I could counter Mr. Sanghvi's Counterpoint point-by-point, I just do not have the time and inclination to expend on something so half-baked. Had this come from a blinkered-eye, religious bigot, one would have just turned the page over.
But, coming as it did from a respected journalist of Mr. Sanghvi's stature, all I can say is that, Mr. Sanghvi, you need much more than a sharp mind, a quick turn of phrase and an ability to appreciate the nuances of cuisine to delve into something that touches ones soul and knocks at the divinity within each one of us.
You need an open mind and open heart, ready to experience the bliss that divinity (and, yes, by that I do refer to Sai Baba) can confer on you. And when that bliss touches your life, you don't question the material worth of the ring or the locket or the ash or the all-pervading peace that has blessed you. You shed your cynical (and over-analytical) posturing and let simple faith carry you through the vicissitudes of life.
Perhaps if you'd done what a good journalist would do - that is, speak to people who have had direct and profound experiences - rather than take the arm-chair recourse to surfing the net and citing what a participant on a news channel had said a couple of days back, you would have learnt of the thousands of people who have experienced 'miraculous' cures that doctors and scientists have no answers to.
Next time, Mr. Sanghvi, take a detour from your beaten path and go down to Puttaparthi and see 'love in action' with your own eyes - no trashy web sites and recycled yellow media articles - try and understand the phenomenon with that sharp mind and then we'll perhaps better accept your expression of your first hand experiences.
Till then, don't mock faith and don't compromise your own credibility.
- Priya Sarkar (November 28, 2006)
Dear Mr Sanghvi,
With due regards to your experience & expertise on Journalism, I think it is wrong to criticise someone who has done so much good for the society.
Even if you perceive him only from a social worker's point of view, you would find that to provide drinking water to hundreds of villages of Rayalseema is not an easy task. And the project would not have fallen into place so quickly, had not the people working on the project had so much faith in Him.
I'm sure people like PC Sorcar and other 'Rationalists' would have much to say on Sai Baba, but have these people, besides reiterating & conjuring false propaganda, done any good to the society?
And surely, the President Mr Abdul Kalam, or Chandra Babu Naidu, the ex- Prime Minister Mr Vajpayee or even for that matter Mr Shivraj Patil aren't exactly people with loads of free time at their disposal to be making regular visits to Prashanthi Nilayam.
I wonder Mr Sanghvi , if you have actually taken the time to go to Prashanthi Nilayam yourself? I have studied in His institution for 12 long years & I can say with my head held high, that I am proud to be a Sai student. I may not be exemplary, but yes I am principled to a very fair extent. I have been involved in several service activities while I was there & the statistics are immense. Such activites would have been impossible to execute elsewhere.
Have you noticed that despite the criticism Sai Baba faces, his fame only keeps growing by leaps & bounds ?? So surely there is more to him than creating Omega watches or the 'sacred ash' as you call it ???
Have you wondered why people from as far as Russia & even from a communist country like China would flock to have a mere glimpse of this entity ????
- Sirisha, Scotland, United Kingdom (November 27, 2006)
With due regards to your experience & expertise on Journalism, I think it is wrong to criticise someone who has done so much good for the society.
Even if you perceive him only from a social worker's point of view, you would find that to provide drinking water to hundreds of villages of Rayalseema is not an easy task. And the project would not have fallen into place so quickly, had not the people working on the project had so much faith in Him.
I'm sure people like PC Sorcar and other 'Rationalists' would have much to say on Sai Baba, but have these people, besides reiterating & conjuring false propaganda, done any good to the society?
And surely, the President Mr Abdul Kalam, or Chandra Babu Naidu, the ex- Prime Minister Mr Vajpayee or even for that matter Mr Shivraj Patil aren't exactly people with loads of free time at their disposal to be making regular visits to Prashanthi Nilayam.
I wonder Mr Sanghvi , if you have actually taken the time to go to Prashanthi Nilayam yourself? I have studied in His institution for 12 long years & I can say with my head held high, that I am proud to be a Sai student. I may not be exemplary, but yes I am principled to a very fair extent. I have been involved in several service activities while I was there & the statistics are immense. Such activites would have been impossible to execute elsewhere.
Have you noticed that despite the criticism Sai Baba faces, his fame only keeps growing by leaps & bounds ?? So surely there is more to him than creating Omega watches or the 'sacred ash' as you call it ???
Have you wondered why people from as far as Russia & even from a communist country like China would flock to have a mere glimpse of this entity ????
- Sirisha, Scotland, United Kingdom (November 27, 2006)
Dear Mr Sanghvi,
It is obvious that you haven't met Sai Baba and are trying to get your 10 minutes of fame from this article.
You should go and meet Sai Baba, bow in front of him, ask for his forgiveness and become enlightened.
- J Chandra, USA (November 28, 2006)
It is obvious that you haven't met Sai Baba and are trying to get your 10 minutes of fame from this article.
You should go and meet Sai Baba, bow in front of him, ask for his forgiveness and become enlightened.
- J Chandra, USA (November 28, 2006)
Dear Mr Sanghvi,
I am an admirer of your writings and certainly did not expect you to write the kind of article that has been printed in the Hindustan Times of Sunday, 26th November, 2006. Many journalists write paltry articles about petty issues, but it is disappointing when a journalist of the caliber of Mr.Sanghvi writes something so unnecessarily destructive.
Let me clarify that I am biased neither for, or against Satya Sai Baba. I know many good people who swear by him, but I do not know anyone who has spoken about any harm he has done to anyone, or any misuse of money. On the contrary, what I have heard about the charities he sponsors is awesome.
Even a simple housewife like me can see the evil misuse of religion and faith that seems to increase steadily. As a result, people are losing faith even in simple human values. Faith is a sustaining power which mankind can ill-afford to lose. What will this article achieve? Only that the sentiments of some good people will be hurt, the faith of some will reduce, and donations - along with the charitable work will reduce. Who does this article help? Maybe you are indulging in some satisfaction of pseudo-intellectualism?
There are enough examples of religious heads who have lead hoards of people astray; who have created cults which can only be deplored, and who have made a racket of religion. These would have been worth an expose`, because it would have warned innocent people from allowing themselves to be mislead. I did not see a single example in Mr. Sanghvi's article, about anyone being mislead by Satya Sai Baba.
Intelligence and the power of the pen are tools that can achieve miraculous results. It is disheartening to see them being used for meaningless negativity.
- Poornima Toolsidass (November 28, 2006)
I am an admirer of your writings and certainly did not expect you to write the kind of article that has been printed in the Hindustan Times of Sunday, 26th November, 2006. Many journalists write paltry articles about petty issues, but it is disappointing when a journalist of the caliber of Mr.Sanghvi writes something so unnecessarily destructive.
Let me clarify that I am biased neither for, or against Satya Sai Baba. I know many good people who swear by him, but I do not know anyone who has spoken about any harm he has done to anyone, or any misuse of money. On the contrary, what I have heard about the charities he sponsors is awesome.
Even a simple housewife like me can see the evil misuse of religion and faith that seems to increase steadily. As a result, people are losing faith even in simple human values. Faith is a sustaining power which mankind can ill-afford to lose. What will this article achieve? Only that the sentiments of some good people will be hurt, the faith of some will reduce, and donations - along with the charitable work will reduce. Who does this article help? Maybe you are indulging in some satisfaction of pseudo-intellectualism?
There are enough examples of religious heads who have lead hoards of people astray; who have created cults which can only be deplored, and who have made a racket of religion. These would have been worth an expose`, because it would have warned innocent people from allowing themselves to be mislead. I did not see a single example in Mr. Sanghvi's article, about anyone being mislead by Satya Sai Baba.
Intelligence and the power of the pen are tools that can achieve miraculous results. It is disheartening to see them being used for meaningless negativity.
- Poornima Toolsidass (November 28, 2006)
Pity such "champions of truth" such as Vir Sanghvi are resorting to petty tactics to besmirch the holy name of Sai Nath.
Let him try and expose the Christian and Muslim leaders for their hateful tirade against the Hindus from ages that too in their own land? I am sure Sanghvi lacks the spine to do this. The words - he is definitely the best oxymoron. Google search on Sai Nath, blar, blar, blar!
That was the ultimate. These whites can derive sexual relationships from almost any damn thing like if we scratch our ass because of itching!
I'd suggest Sanghvi read: http://om-sathya-sai-baba.blogspot.com/2006/11/truth-about-sathya-sai-baba.html
- Krishnan, Bangalore, India (December 14, 2006)
Let him try and expose the Christian and Muslim leaders for their hateful tirade against the Hindus from ages that too in their own land? I am sure Sanghvi lacks the spine to do this. The words - he is definitely the best oxymoron. Google search on Sai Nath, blar, blar, blar!
That was the ultimate. These whites can derive sexual relationships from almost any damn thing like if we scratch our ass because of itching!
I'd suggest Sanghvi read: http://om-sathya-sai-baba.blogspot.com/2006/11/truth-about-sathya-sai-baba.html
- Krishnan, Bangalore, India (December 14, 2006)
Dear all,
Beloved Swami thinks that people who write defamatory pieces about him do so because either it is their only way earn a living or to make some extra money. So, scandal and gossip mongers are the highest tax payers.
A milk vendor will remain in a poor small dwelling, after all!
So, it is natural that Sanghvi and other journalists' aim to make some fast buck and get more media attention. In fact writers will not think twice if they have to write scandalous articles on Mahatma Gandhi, King Ashoka and Buddha as well. But if they are asked to write negative articles about some Christian or Muslims leaders they will run for cover.
Mr Rationalist, have you the energy and capacity to offer a morsel of food to a hungry dog? You are selfish and cunning. How dare you make nasty remarks about Swami and his projects?
- Gundappa Srinivas, Bangalore, India (December 18, 2006)
Beloved Swami thinks that people who write defamatory pieces about him do so because either it is their only way earn a living or to make some extra money. So, scandal and gossip mongers are the highest tax payers.
A milk vendor will remain in a poor small dwelling, after all!
So, it is natural that Sanghvi and other journalists' aim to make some fast buck and get more media attention. In fact writers will not think twice if they have to write scandalous articles on Mahatma Gandhi, King Ashoka and Buddha as well. But if they are asked to write negative articles about some Christian or Muslims leaders they will run for cover.
Mr Rationalist, have you the energy and capacity to offer a morsel of food to a hungry dog? You are selfish and cunning. How dare you make nasty remarks about Swami and his projects?
- Gundappa Srinivas, Bangalore, India (December 18, 2006)
A good journalist like a good scientist should first get all information on his subject, then make a neutral and unbiased deduction based on facts. Vir has amply shown that he has taken the easy way out. Did he even go to Parthy once? Did he just rely on yahoo etc as his source?
Baba is a convenient soft target for guys like Vir who every now and then like to exercise their "journalistic muscle". He wouldn't dare to write about powerful politicians or someone like Balasaheb knowing well what the repercussions would be. Also one feels that Vir had a hidden desire to be a fiction writer.
Any amount of good done is good enough, so what is the sense of trying to downgrade the efforts of the Sai Trust (Free super specialty hospitals/ water project) by comparing it with other spiritual groups. Besides, how much does Vir know about the Ramakrishna Mission in the first place?
I have had the privilege of serving in Baba's hospital. I have seen the poor, non-devotees shed tears of relief when they find someone there to take care of their loved ones, providing expensive treatment without any desire for nothing. Millions have found relief through the water project even in cities like Chennai where the politicians will spend crores on their weddings but won't care for their thirsty citizens. How dare Sanghvi downgrade such noble efforts?
I have had the rare opportunity to work in close proximity of Baba and as such I know Him to be an ocean of purity. In His presence I become keenly aware of all my faults and there is an urgent desire in me to be a better person. For His sake I want to love and serve everything from an ant to a human. If a PC Sarcar can similarly influence a MTV generation like me then he is God indeed. Those people who make filthy allegations really need to look in their own hearts where such thoughts have be entertained.
To doubt is easy to have faith is difficult. Vir should rethink his claims of being a Sri Shirdi Sai follower, or some day he'll realise that he has been cutting the very tree on which he is sitting.
- Naresh, Mumbai, India (December 19, 2006)
Baba is a convenient soft target for guys like Vir who every now and then like to exercise their "journalistic muscle". He wouldn't dare to write about powerful politicians or someone like Balasaheb knowing well what the repercussions would be. Also one feels that Vir had a hidden desire to be a fiction writer.
Any amount of good done is good enough, so what is the sense of trying to downgrade the efforts of the Sai Trust (Free super specialty hospitals/ water project) by comparing it with other spiritual groups. Besides, how much does Vir know about the Ramakrishna Mission in the first place?
I have had the privilege of serving in Baba's hospital. I have seen the poor, non-devotees shed tears of relief when they find someone there to take care of their loved ones, providing expensive treatment without any desire for nothing. Millions have found relief through the water project even in cities like Chennai where the politicians will spend crores on their weddings but won't care for their thirsty citizens. How dare Sanghvi downgrade such noble efforts?
I have had the rare opportunity to work in close proximity of Baba and as such I know Him to be an ocean of purity. In His presence I become keenly aware of all my faults and there is an urgent desire in me to be a better person. For His sake I want to love and serve everything from an ant to a human. If a PC Sarcar can similarly influence a MTV generation like me then he is God indeed. Those people who make filthy allegations really need to look in their own hearts where such thoughts have be entertained.
To doubt is easy to have faith is difficult. Vir should rethink his claims of being a Sri Shirdi Sai follower, or some day he'll realise that he has been cutting the very tree on which he is sitting.
- Naresh, Mumbai, India (December 19, 2006)
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