You will always be fondly remembered in the Sai circle

Niroshan Srideva, a final year Medical student of Sri Jayawardanepura Medical Faculty lost his life at the hands of unknown murderers on Gurupoornima day, July 6, 2001 around 3 a.m. at his home in Colpetty.

Niroshan who had from the age of 8 followed the teachings of Swami Sri Sathya Sai Baba, found that living in a righteous way was more beneficial than anything else. He never transgressed Swami’s teachings. He learnt that the most desirable for human beings was a life dedicated to one’s and others’ welfare and followed his teachings to “help ever, hurt never”. He participated in all of SathyaSai Baba’s Seva (service) activities like visiting the Cancer hospital, orphanages, health camps, cleaning up of the Mandir etc. He was never seen idling as he knew idleness was the main foe in life.

He showed bravery by protecting his juniors from ragging at the Medical Faculty. He was humble and truthful and had great endurance. He knew that lust was an enemy in life and being greedy was the destroyer of all good qualities.

For him the perceptible Goddess was his Mother and the protector was his Preceptor Swami. In his short life, he had knowledge, strength, fame and merit.

In the Colombo Sai Samithi he joined as a Balavikas student at the age of eight, then became a Bajan singer playing his instruments, the harmonium and tabla. He was a Youth wing leader. He is still remembered as a role model for the Balavikas students by the Sai Samithi. He had read books written by Swami in addition to books on Buddhism , Christianity and other scriptures.

The sacrifice that he made by saving the life of his father from the murderers, cannot easily be forgotten. He really followed the rules of DharmaRighteousness. He could have easily escaped from them but without bothering about his life came forward to save his father.

I always think that if he was with me now, he would have been a consultant as he was a very clever student and wanted to be a Cardiologist. In the entrance exam his aggregate was one mark less than the cut off marks, but his prayers to Swami were answered by a telephone call from Puttarpathi at midnight reassuring him that he would be selected and according to Swami’s words, after a week’s time he received a letter from the University Grants Commission that he had been selected to do Medicine.

But why his life ended in this young age before he could sit for the final exam is beyond explanation. Only Swami knows.

Nirosha, you are affectionately remembered by all Sai devotees of Colombo annually at Swami’s birthday celebrations. I really appreciate their love towards you. You have left behind loving memories in the Sai circle.