Dr. K. Sankarasubramanian joined Sri Sathya Sai Arts, Science & Commerce College, Brindavan, Whitefield as a student in the academic year 1974-75. He completed his B.Sc (MPC) in 1977. After completing his undergraduate degree, Swami permitted many students of his batch to continue to stay in Brindavan and do post-graduation in the Central College, Bangalore. He was one of the few who were appointed as lecturers in the Sri Sathya Sai Junior College and the Sri Sathya Sai Arts, Science & Commerce College at Prasanthi Nilayam during its inaugural academic year 1979-80. In 2018, he retired as Professor of Mathematics at an Engineering College in Chennai. As a member of the Sai alumni community in Chennai, he participates in various seva activities and is also a member of the Alwarthirunagar Samithi in Chennai.
Note: The printed version of Vidyullekha (Gurupoornima 2026) features an excerpt from this original article by the contributor. Only a few evocative elements of this narration were presented in print, given multiple constraints. The entire narrative is presented here, in the true voice of the narrator.
It feels blissful to ruminate about, recollect, and thereby relive those blessed moments spent in the close company of the Avatar, our beloved Swami, during the Kashmir trip in the month of June 1980. A year earlier, Swami, while casually chatting with the boys, would say, “Whoever gets a university rank, I will take him along with me to Kashmir in the near future!” We all know that the college at Prasanthi Nilayam started functioning from the academic year 1979–80. About ten of us had completed our postgraduate programs at Bangalore University just then. Some of us, along with some of our seniors, were appointed as lecturers at Prasanthi Nilayam and a few at the Brindavan Campus. During the first week of May 1980, we—those of us selected by Swami—received the message about the blessing from the Lord that we would be accompanying HIM to Kashmir on a long trip. Personally, it was an indescribable moment of delight.
01/06/1980
We took off from Bangalore by an Indian Airlines flight at about 11:00 AM to New Delhi via Hyderabad. We landed in Hyderabad (old airport) around 12:00 noon. Swami alighted and we all followed Him. We moved to a bungalow not far away from the airport, where devotees had gathered to have Darshan of Swami. We were treated to a sumptuous lunch there, and then we returned to the flight to continue the journey. As soon as the flight took off from Hyderabad, I started feeling nauseous and had to be taken to the restroom by brother Manoj Nakra, who was seated next to me. While I was returning to my seat, Swami, who was seated across from me in the aisle seat, smilingly asked me, “First time flying?”, to which I said, “Yes, Swami.” Then He opened the paan box on His lap and gave me a piece of clove to put in my mouth. Needless to say, all discomfort subsided immediately. We landed in New Delhi at about 3:30 PM, and the entire party was taken to Sri Sohan Lal’s home at Golf Links. We students were put up in a room adjacent to Swami’s room. Swami gave Darshan to a great number of devotees assembled in the open area. Swami also gave interviews to the celebrities Sanjay Gandhi and Vajpayee.
02/06/1980
After breakfast, Swami sent us—students—for sightseeing. In the morning we visited the Red Fort, Birla Mandir, and Raj Ghat. In the evening, we visited the Qutub Minar and the Ashoka iron pillar. We also drove around Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s residence, etc. In the evening, before dinner, Swami came to our room and distributed a sweater to each of us at random. Since they were of various sizes, He told us that we could take a different one if the size didn’t suit us, and then He went away. It so happened that the ones that I and Sri Ramakrishna Reddy received were of a larger size. So we tried to pick smaller ones from the carton. Meanwhile, others had gone downstairs for dinner as the dinner call had come. I was the last one to reach the dining room, just after Ramakrishna Reddy Garu. I was probably late by only a few seconds. But everyone was waiting to start reciting Brahmarpanam. Swami was upset. As soon as He saw me, He gave me a piece of His mind. I received a nice ‘dose’ in front of everyone. The next morning, we were to fly to Jammu.
03/06/1980
We all had woken up by 3:00 AM in order to get ready to fly to Jammu by a smaller aircraft exclusively filled by our party. Swami was up and ready by 4:00 AM. As He walked into our room, He happened to see some waiting outside the restroom and some still sleeping in all sorts of odd postures. That led Him to make fun of the scene and laugh as He walked out. We managed to reach the airport in time and boarded flight IC 421 to Jammu via Chandigarh.
There was a huge crowd of devotees waiting at the Chandigarh airport. After the flight touched down, Swami accepted the request of the devotees, alighted from the flight, went towards them, and blessed them. We then proceeded onward and reached Jammu at 9:00 AM. The then General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Lt. Gen. Malhotra, welcomed Swami and the party at the airport. From here onwards, he took charge of all the arrangements, including accommodation, the local travel itinerary, security, etc. We then moved from the airport to the Army Officers’ Mess for breakfast. Swami also blessed the devotees assembled in the hall there. We then journeyed toward Udhampur, where the Headquarters of the Northern Command of the Indian Army is located. This time, all of us students, as well as Swami Karunyananda, travelled by an air-conditioned luxury bus specially arranged by a devotee of Swami named Sri Ved Prakash Gupta of New Delhi. From here onwards, all our local trips in Srinagar and the surrounding areas were made using this bus. We reached the bungalow, “Tara Mount,” the official residence of Lt. Gen. Malhotra Ji, by noon. We had lunch and rested for the afternoon in the army barracks, which had been specially furnished for us. In the evening, there was a public meeting arranged at the Army Gymkhana Club Ground in Udhampur, where the audience consisted of army jawans. Swami gave a discourse and there were bhajans. After dinner, we had a stroll with Swami on the sprawling lawns in front of Swami’s residence under the cool moonlight.
04/06/1980
The next morning around 8:00 AM, we left Udhampur and started our journey toward Srinagar along the scenic mountain road. After a short distance, Swami came into our bus. All along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, the Chenab River kept us company. We enjoyed many breathtaking sights of nature along the way. It was great to watch Swami excitedly showing us the beautiful scenery. At one point, Swami stopped the bus and we all got down to immerse ourselves in the grandeur of Mother Nature. I remember Swami Himself standing at the edge of the road, looking at the turquoise-green river speeding along the path between two tall mountains, and telling us, “All of you see the grandeur of God’s creation” It was one of those unforgettable moments. We passed through a town called Kud at 5,000 feet and moved on to another famous spot called Patnitop at 7,000 feet, where we had snacks and tea.
After a half-hour break at Patnitop, we moved on with Swami in our bus, passed through the famous Banihal Tunnel (2,547 meters long), and reached a place called Verinag. Many people were waiting at what looked like a Travelers’ Bungalow to have Swami’s Darshan. Swami was very happy going near them, taking their letters, creating Vibhuti for some, and talking to a few. We then had our lunch there. When we started to resume our journey, the people there were so moved that they began throwing flowers and sugar candy into the bus. When we neared Srinagar, Swami got down from the bus and got into the Mercedes driven by Col. Beri. We reached the residence, “Prasad Villa,” of Gen. Malhotra in Srinagar at around 5:00 PM. At that time, bhajans were being sung by the devotees in the shamiana erected near the residence. Devotees were deeply moved to see Swami. They were all in profuse tears. At that moment, Swami looked at us and said, “I brought you all here just so that you can see what devotion is and how people far away are pining for Swami.” I heard this clearly, as I was standing near Him at that exact second. We were wonderstruck to see that the sun hadn’t set even at 8:00 PM. So, we took a walk along the lawns and then had dinner late before retiring for the night in the dormitory that had been arranged for us.
05/06/1980
This was our first morning in Srinagar. Let me mention this here: it became our routine that we would all assemble in the morning around 7:00 AM in the drawing room right opposite Swami’s room. Swami would come and settle down on a sofa. Some of us would do Pada Seva while the rest stood around. Swami would ask, “What is the program today?” and Gen. Malhotra Ji would share the plan for the day to seek Swami’s approval. Thus, today after breakfast, we moved toward Shalimar Garden with Swami, passing by Dal Lake on the way. As we walked inside the garden, people started crowding around upon seeing Swami. So, Swami had to cut short His visit and return to Prasad Villa. As per Swami’s command, we spent a little more time there, even though we felt impatient to return. After we got back, Swami gave us all 200 rupees each and asked us to go shopping. In the afternoon, we went out and bought a few items of our own individual choice. In the evening, we had a lovely session on the lawn in front of the residence with some bhajans and divine creations. Swami gave a beautiful watch to Gen. Malhotra. With Swami’s permission, we presented Gen. Malhotra and Sri Sohan Lal Ji with a few gifts we had purchased earlier. Then we had dinner and retired for the night. Invariably, every night before Swami retired to His room, we used to take Padanamaskar.
06/06/1980
This morning we left at about 9:30 AM for an exclusive rest house in a village called Dachigam, about 15 miles from Srinagar. This place had been a favourite retreat of the rulers and has now come under the jurisdiction of the Government of J&K. Special permission is required to use it. We spent some time on the lawns and had our lunch in the open before moving to the rooms for a short rest.
Within an hour or so, there was a message that Swami was calling us. We hurried out and saw Swami walking briskly toward the boundary fence on one side. We crossed through a makeshift door along the fence and found a sandbed near a small rivulet. Swami drew a figure in the sand. He made a mound of sand, inserted His hand, and pulled out a Sphatika Lingam. He said, “This is the Sphatika Lingam which Adi Sankaracharya planted in Amarnath, and which no human being has seen so far. You need not go to Amarnath. I have brought that Lingam for you all to see.” He showed it to everyone present. He didn’t stop at that. This time, He brought out a golden Vigraham of the divine pair, Badari Narayana and Lakshmi, from the sand, just as is present at the shrine of Badarinath. Swami then placed both these creations on a plate with sand as the base, and passed it around for all to see. Then He handed over the miniature golden statues of Badari Narayana and Lakshmi to Mrs. Malhotra. We then had tea and a bhajan session before returning to Srinagar. In the evening, Sheikh Abdullah visited along with his wife. Swami gave them an interview for thirty minutes. After this, we had our bhajan session on the lawn. The day ended thus, and we retired after dinner.
07/06/1980
This morning we left for Gulmarg at 9:00 AM. We arrived at the house—named Dagger Hut—of Maj. Gen. K.B. Mehta, the Divisional Commander in Gulmarg. We had tea and snacks. After a few minutes, we travelled for about 6 km, with Swami leading us in the car, to the ropeway station. By this mode of transport, one reaches a point at a height of 1,200 feet. If you trek further up the steep mountain, you reach a plain valley called Khilanmarg. Swami stood outside the station and watched attentively as we climbed into the slowly moving ropeway (it was a mere hanging bench in those days) in pairs. Then He returned to the house of Maj. Gen. Mehta. Now came a little drama. We just went about as guided by the army personnel who were with us. After we alighted at the other end, we saw that it was a mountain slope filled with pine trees. Just then, they told us that we could ascend further up the mountain by trekking to reach Khilanmarg, and we agreed. So, we started trekking briskly along, which was an additional height of 1,400 feet. It took some time, but we finally reached the plain, which was full of snow. Right ahead of us at the far end, the mountain rose to a peak. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves throwing snowballs at one another, completely unaware of what was happening back at the Gulmarg residence. Because we had trekked up, we were late, and Swami became physically anxious about us, enquiring why we hadn’t returned yet. Consequently, wireless calls and messages were darted to the army personnel with us regarding our location. Swami did not have lunch. We rushed down immediately and reached Dagger Hut around 2:30 PM. It was difficult to look at Swami’s face. He had refused to eat lunch despite repeated pleas from the people around Him. Swami said, “I am not shouting at you only because all these guests are around. You should have returned early.” Then He insisted that we have our lunch. After a few minutes, everything returned to normal. Swami created and gave a ring to Maj. Gen. Mehta. We then returned to Srinagar and reached Prasad Villa by 6:30 PM.
08/06/1980
After breakfast, we students went to the famous Shiva Temple atop a hill (which was visible from Prasad Villa), wherein the deity had been installed by Adi Shankara Himself. We returned at 10:45 AM. Sheikh Abdullah came again and had an interview with Swami. Swami gave him a gold ring with ‘SA’ inscribed on it. In the evening, there was a public meeting featuring bhajans and Swami’s discourse. Being a Sunday, a huge crowd had gathered on the lawns and the slope leading to Prasad Villa. Later, on the lawn during our private gathering, Swami gave a talk on the Gayatri Mantra. He also created a watch for Col. Beri. The day ended thus, and we retired for the night after dinner.
09/06/1980
After breakfast, we left for Pahalgam at about 9:30 AM. We reached a beautiful location adjoining a river flowing at a depth of about 200 feet, with a mountain on the opposite bank. It was modeled after an army camp, since Swami wanted to see the daily life of jawans (as mentioned by Gen. Malhotra). As we were walking into the shamiana set up there, Swami picked up a button rose along the way and blew on it, turning it into a silver ring, which He gave to Col. Beri. After some time, we had lunch. After lunch, Swami retired to a caravan (usually used by the Commander) that looked like an old train compartment with windows. Swami posed for photographs. We also took a group photograph with Swami standing at the door. There were a few tents erected for us to rest in after lunch, and we had a wonderful experience resting inside them.
We left that location at about 2:45 PM and the whole party reached a riverside area. There was a spacious wooden balcony overlooking the Lidder River, which was in spate at the time. After a light tiffin and tea, we had a wonderful session sitting at His Lotus Feet. Swami created a ring for Col. Kaul and a diamond ring for Gen. Malhotra. At the end of the session, Swami said, “Let us all go down the stairs to the riverbank.”
As we all started going down, Swami Karunyananda—as usual, the most dynamic person among us all—rushed first to feel the water on his feet. As he went and stood on a small rock whose height was only a little above the water level, Swami came from behind, smiling and signaling us to keep quiet. He caught hold of Swami Karunyananda’s robe and gave a slight jerk as if pushing him into the flooding river. Swami Karunyananda was a bit startled; when he turned around and saw Swami, he said, “I know that it is only You, Swami.” Then Swami laughed and said, “Keep quiet. I know you got scared.” and we all burst into laughter. We then moved on and came to another riverbed, though this time the flow was limited. Again, a sandy spot was found. It was a bit sunny, so an umbrella was held for Swami. Just as in Dachigam, Swami unearthed a “Sri Chakra Meru” (a hemispherical Sphatika on the surface of which the Sri Chakram is inscribed) with a golden base. Swami’s image could be seen inside it. He gave it to Mrs. Malhotra. This was followed by what Swami called a Chidambara Lingam, which He gave to actor Manoj Kumar’s mother-in-law. Then, as we walked back to the bus from that spot, Swami, not wanting to wear chappals, walked barefoot and stood in the water for some time, lifting His robe and dhoti a little. It was an unforgettable sight. The water was very chilly, and we were not ready to wet our feet. We reached back to our place by 7:00 PM.
10/06/1980
After breakfast, Swami sent us to take a boat ride on Dal Lake while Swami Himself went around in the car. Two to three of us occupied one boat each, and we were taken to a small island in the center of the lake that has four Chinar trees. Hence, the place is known as Char Chinar. It was a memorable experience. We returned by 11:30 AM. In the evening, the then Governor of J&K, Sri L.K. Jha, visited Swami at 5:00 PM. There was also a variety program at the Army Auditorium, filled with jawans and others. Refreshments were provided for us there. After our return, we had a bhajan session on the lawns. Swami created an Akshaya Patra of Vibhuti (a gold container) for Sri Sohan Lal Ji.
11/06/1980
As Sri Sohan Lal Ji had developed some blood pressure issues, there was no usual outing with Swami. We students went alone to the Oriental Carpet Company showroom and its manufacturing unit. We returned by 12:30 PM. In the evening, Swami took photographs with the army personnel and their families, after which we had our usual bhajan session on the lawn.
12/06/1980
This morning we visited the Chashme Shahi Garden as well as the Shri Pratap Singh (Government) Museum. In the evening at 5:00 PM, we had a bhajan session in the drawing room. Swami created an oval gold watch for Shri Sohan Lal and a gold pendant for Mrs. Beri. Swami also answered a few questions posed by the daughter of Sri Sohan Lal. After dinner, there was another small session in the presence of Swami, during which the Malhotras presented each of us with a Kashmiri walnut photo frame as a memento. Dr. Bhagavantam spoke highly of the hospitality extended by the Malhotras and also remarked on their humility.
13/06/1980
This morning during the breakfast session, Swami created an Akshaya Patra Vibhuti container for Mrs. Beri. After breakfast, we stayed with Swami until lunch, as it was a rainy day. After lunch, at about 1:45 PM, we left with Swami for a place called Wayil on the banks of the Sindhu River. It was an amazing sight with the Sindhu River gushing underneath a small stone bridge. Swami went and stood on that open bridge of very narrow width and posed for photographs. It was scary for us. There was also an apple orchard on the bank nearby, and we took a stroll inside along with Swami.
Then we moved on to Manasbal Lake, a picturesque location. We had tea and snacks in the guest house there. Swami fed some barking dogs that came out of nowhere all of a sudden. The dogs showed their jubilation after receiving biscuits from Swami. Swami did not take the ladies out today. He consoled them upon our return at 6:30 PM. We had a bhajan session in the drawing room of Prasad Villa, after which Swami created a beautiful Akshaya Patra Vibhuti box for Gen. Malhotra with a crown embedded on the lid. Our last day ended thus. We had dinner, went to our dormitory, and packed our suitcases before retiring to sleep.
14/06/1980
After breakfast, we thanked all the hosts and left for the airport at about 9:30 AM. Many devotees had gathered at the airport to catch another glimpse of Swami. As Swami arrived, He blessed them by raising His hands. After boarding and the closing of the aircraft doors, it was announced that there would be some delay due to the weather on the way to New Delhi. As our hosts—the Malhotras, Beris, and others—could be seen on the tarmac along with other devotees in the enclosures, Swami had the door of the aircraft opened, stood at the entrance, and gave His Darshan and blessings until the aircraft was cleared for departure. Seeing the devotees’ faces brought tears to our eyes. Then Swami went to the cockpit, sat for a while, and blessed the pilots. We reached New Delhi by the afternoon. There was no program in the evening. We then went to Sri Kulwant Rai’s house for dinner, where a bhajan session was held before dinner on the lawn in front of the house.
15/06/1980
As planned for us, we got ready early in the morning and left for Agra in cars at 7:30 AM. We reached Agra at 11:30 AM. We visited the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, returning by 6:30 PM. Swami was busy giving Darshan and interviews both in the morning and evening.
16/06/1980
Along with Swami, we visited the home of brother (late) Rakesh Vadehra (who had also come along with us from Prasanthi Nilayam) in the morning. We had breakfast there. We were all gifted with pant and shirt pieces. Swami spent some time talking to the whole family and their relatives. Then we went to Sri Ved Prakash Gupta’s house for lunch. He gave each of us a memento in the form of a small leather handbag. In the afternoon, we students visited the underground, fully air-conditioned, circular market called Palika Bazaar at the center of Connaught Circus, a popular location in New Delhi. Finally, we went to the house of the well-known devotee of Swami, Sri Rajesh Khanna, for dinner.
17/06/1980
We left for the airport at 8:00 AM. Swami had re-routed the return trip, saying that He would show us all His Mumbai home—Dharmakshetra. Thus, we boarded the flight to Mumbai, landed at 11:30 AM, and arrived at Dharmakshetra at 12:00 noon. After lunch, Sri Mistry Ji took us around the place. Then at 2:30 PM, we were taken for sightseeing in Mumbai City. We visited the Joy Ice Cream Factory, Malabar Hill, Marine Drive, Juhu Beach, etc. We also went to the Nehru Planetarium and watched the show titled “Galileo to Galileo.” We then went to Rajmata’s house for dinner along with Swami. Swami kindly let us sleep in the Satya Deep Hall.
18/06/1980
We woke up early this morning as there was a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the school on the premises of Dharmakshetra. After the program, we had a photograph session with Swami at Satya Deep. We then left for the airport. The flight was delayed, but it finally took off at 11:50 AM and landed in Bangalore at 1:10 PM. We reached Brindavan at 2:00 PM. Thus came to an end an eighteen-day-long historic visit of Bhagawan to Srinagar. We were incredibly fortunate to accompany Him and enrich our souls with our experiences of the trip in His company. Finally, I would be doing a great disservice if I did not mention one very important person who has not figured anywhere in the above narration. That is Mrs. Ratan Lal (Amma Ji), who took care of Swami’s and all of our food arrangements throughout the trip. Whichever place we visited, she would be there in advance with all the necessary food items and heating equipment. She was an amazing devotee of our Lord, filled with total dedication and surrender. We are ever grateful to her for being a medium of Swami’s selfless love, not only during the trip but throughout her life.
