Devotees continue prayers for Satya Sai Baba’s speedy recovery

This was the refrain of all in the town – from foreigners to local residents – that Satya Sai Baba should get well soon.

“We will be happy and prosperous only if swami is well,” said Chennamma,a roadside vendor on the Prashanti Nilayam road.

“It is really unfortunate that this situation prevailed. We pray for his recovery,” Dileep Kumar Parida,a devotee from Bhubaneswar said.

“We have come here for the treatment of our relative in the super-speciality hospital. We like this place very much. I only pray that Baba recovers fast so that his good service continues,” said Pyara Singh from Amritsar.

The Satya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,the super-speciality hospital where Sai Baba is also undergoing treatment,offers free treatment to patients.

“We are sure he will get well and give us darshan soon,” said Dolly and Rashree,Indian-origin devotees from South Africa.

Meanwhile,the town,which wore a deserted look yesterday,witnessed some activity as some shops were opened.

A steady stream of devotees was witnessed to the Prashanti Nilayam complex where Satya Sai Baba usually gives darshan.

However,the police restrictions continued on the movement of vehicles and gathering of people.

The restrictions were imposed as a group of people allegedly tried to attack the car of a senior government official two days ago.

Some devotees expressed anger over the heavy presence of policemen in the town.

“What are these policemen doing here? This is an abode of peace. There is no problem here,” said Sai Ganesh,a devotee from South Africa.

Shops were closed voluntarily by the shopkeepers out of their love and respect for Sai Baba and the section.

144 of CrPC was imposed as a precautionary measure,a police official explained.

According to a health bulletin issued by the doctors this morning,the condition of Satya Sai Baba was improving though he continued to be on dialysis for kidney functioning and on ventilator for assisting his respiration.

85-year-old Sai Baba was admitted to the hospital on March 28 following problems related to lungs,chest and kidneys.