17/05/2026
The 180th edition of Samarpan at Brindavan marked a significant milestone in a beautiful spiritual initiative organized by the alumni of the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions. The word Samarpan itself means total surrender and offering at the Divine Lotus Feet, and the gathering reflected this spirit through devotion, gratitude, and heartfelt sharing.
The speaker for the occasion was Sri Laxmikanth Nagulapalli, an alumnus who completed his entire higher education journey at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Prasanthi Nilayam from 1993 to 2001, pursuing B.Sc., M.Sc. in Chemistry, and later an MBA.
Coming from a humble farming family in the remote Nagar Kurnool district of Telangana, he studied in a Telugu medium school and faced severe financial difficulties and academic anxiety while aspiring for higher education. During one such deeply emotional moment, he prayed sincerely before a photograph of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. That very night, Swami appeared in his dream and lovingly assured him, “Come to Me, I will take care.” This divine assurance transformed the direction of his life and became the turning point that brought him to Swami’s educational institutions.
Entering the university environment was itself a challenge because of his Telugu-medium background and lack of fluency in English. Yet, through determination and Swami’s grace, he successfully cleared the entrance process and interview, eventually becoming a student under the direct guidance of Bhagawan.
During his student years, he had the blessed opportunity to serve in the divine motorbike pilot team and witness several instances of Swami’s omnipresence, compassion, and healing power. He narrated how he was cured permanently of chronic asthma and also recovered from a severe bone injury after Swami jokingly instructed him to “throw the leg into the Chitravathi river,” turning a simple remark into a divine act of healing.
One of the most touching incidents shared was a family experience dating back to 1979, long before he became a student. A visiting astrologer reportedly witnessed Swami physically walking through the corridors of their remote village home during the night, protecting the family from negative energies and black magic. For the family, this became a powerful confirmation that Swami’s grace had always surrounded them, even before they consciously came into His fold.
Professionally, Sri Laxmikanth carried forward the lesson taught by his father about perseverance and steadfastness. He spoke about “staying the course” despite changes and challenges, a principle that guided him through a successful 24 year corporate career in the asset management industry. He currently serves as a Zonal Head at HSBC Mutual Fund.
Alongside his professional responsibilities, his devotion continued to express itself through seva and music. He composed several devotional songs that were later broadcast on Radio Sai Global Harmony, including Shivam Shivam Sathya Sai, which became the official theme song for the Shivam Mandir in Hyderabad, and another heartfelt composition titled Palukave Swami.
In the concluding part of his talk, reflecting on the passing of his parents and the inevitable ups and downs of life, he emphasized one of the most profound lessons imparted by Swami — true sadhana lies in constant inward contemplation. Swami taught His students to look within, remember His words, and maintain an unbroken inner connection with the Divine amidst all circumstances. The talk ultimately became not merely a narration of miracles and experiences, but a deeply moving reminder that surrender, gratitude, and inner transformation are the essence of the spiritual journey.
Jai Sai Ram
Samarpan means ‘offering’, ‘total surrender’. This is an initiative by the alumni of Sri Sathya Sai Institutions (Sri Sathya Sai Students) as an offering in ...
