I am so happy that writing for this special volume has given me an opportunity to peep into the past. In 1976, my father expressed his desire for seeking admission for me in Bhagawan’s Whitefield college. I did not realize what a lasting impact that was going to have in my life.

Principal Shri D Narender at Sri Sathya Sai College was delighted meeting my father as they both were students of English literature. The Principal regretted that he could not give me admission in B.Com for which course this college had distinct recognition in Bangalore University. So I chose B.A. course and then went seeking admission in the hostel. The hostel was full and Walter Cowan block was under construction. I initially had to stay outside for some time initially alone and later with some senior students but was later allocated into room number 10 in the Brindavan Hostel. 

I was full of bewilderment and surprise looking at my daily routine. Day started early and I was sleepwalking for the first few months when one had to go to Suprabhatam everyday and on Thursday for Nagar Sankirthan as well. We used to look forward to the few trips that Bhagawan made to Brindavan. Feasting eyes on His Darshan and ears with his Sambashan with Devotees in the verandah followed by Bhajans took me into the spiritual world. In the first year, I was really engrossed with my studies and though I took humanities for the first time, I was feeling at home. I was among the few first classes in the university in B.A exams.

From second year, I got involved in the kitchen and stores management. I credit Mr Vijay Kumar for making me look within to bring lasting change. He was a friend with few words for any occasion. I would join him in pushing or pulling the two-wheel cart when we went to Kadugodi for purchases. When all the students were busy with evening sports or Bhajans, we were busy looking at requirements of the kitchen. Mr Vijay would get his bag and manage the cash. I was his helper. We used to unload the lorry that brought rice, sugar and pulses.

When batches of students came for mess duty, to help in preparation of food or in serving of food, I started taking a lead role. Each passing day was bringing some inner change. When I saw some outstanding students and teachers do their own chores and lead a quiet life, lessons on humility were bouncing on my inner self. It was clear to me that it was Swami‘s love and his teachings that were sculpting within and removing dross. The five years of stay really transformed and readied me to take the eligibility test outside. The preparations of the Master were not noticeable though.

Under some strange circumstances, I returned to Visakhapatnam and as desired by my father I took the combined civil services examination in 1982. Spiritual quest in me took me to the land of success. Blessings of Maa from Jillellamudi decisively came as a bonus. Good performance in my maiden attempt brought me home cadre also. I confidently walked into Civil Service ranks.

My regular charge as an officer was at Parkal in Warangal district. From day one I started with a feeling of déjà vu. I was prepared to face these challenges. I never realised that my hostel stay would give me this maturity to serve my state without expecting anything in return.

I saw how boys in Brindavan work selflessly for the glory of Swami and his mission. I worked for the state in such a manner. I never expected anyone to compliment me or to recognise my efforts or achievements. Those loads of discourses of Swami and those sweet words that rang in my mind, kept me steadily on the path.

Swami told on innumerable occasions about ‘जन्तूनां नरजन्म दुर्लभमतः’        

In that most prophetic sloka in ‘Viveka Chudamani’, Adi Shankara exhorted humanity to perpetually evolve and move towards Godhood. So my selection in Civil Services was an opportunity provided to evolve into a complete human being. While on one side there were constitutional provisions to protect, on the other side there were agencies and media focusing on my integrity and alacrity to come out clean on insinuations hurled. Our training to follow the Master and finish the game has to be reckoned now as I superannuated and am offering my grateful thanks.

It is true that in silence and with a sincere prayer these grateful words are uttered best. I bow my head in reverence and pray for Swami’s grace to all his students and wish each one of them to get a similar opportunity to compete and prove.

L V Subramanyam IAS (Retd.) graduated from the BA program of Sri Sathya Sai College Bengaluru in the year 1979. He is the Former Chief Secretary, Govt of Andhra Pradesh.