Uma Shankar Ganti
Being Swami’s student is a lifetime blessing. I was fortunate to be born in a family of Swami’s devotees. Swami had done aksharabhyasam for me when I was four years old. I got admission in the Sri Sathya Sai Primary School in the 5th standard and studied up to 12th standard. Those 8 years are host to many of the high points of my life.
Swami taught so many things in his own simple and loving ways. As students, we constantly pined to get a chance to be close to Swami, talk to Him and take pada namaskar. We made cards for every festival and showed it to Swami and take His blessings.
Swami first talked to me when I was in the seventh standard. I was in the interview room to pick up a box of oranges. I wanted to ask Swami something. Swami said, “Do your duty first.” Those words went straight into my heart. I try to follow that instruction till date.
In 1991, after Swami started the super speciality hospital, He frequently talked to doctors. As a child, seeing the doctors seated in the Verandah, conversing with Swami, I had a strong desire and dream to become a doctor myself. I believed I would get a chance to be close to Swami too and be able to talk to Him regularly.
In those days, Swami spent a lot of time with students. In secondary school, every year, we organised a spiritual exhibition based on Swami’s discourses and human values. During that time, Swami visited the school, interacted with all of us and blessed us. One of those years, Swami gave discourses on Adi Shankaracharya every day for almost a month. I was in the vedam group and had the opportunity to chant the hymns in Swami’s presence.
Before our board exams, one morning during darshan, we all held our pens to Swami to bless them. Swami lovingly said, “Why the pens? I will bless you!”
Swami instilled in us the value of service and the happiness we get in serving others. In the hostel, our teachers and seniors set an example on how we should live in a society. Our teachers are true examples of selfless service and dedication. During those days, Swami visited our hostel and had lunch with everyone and took photos with us. During the sports meet, He visited the grounds to see our practice sessions. He visited our school to give prizes to each and every one of us and bless us.
Once I submitted to Swami that I wanted to do medicine. Swami blessed me. By His grace, I got my medical seat, completed my MBBS and went on to do masters in general surgery in Bengaluru. In my final year, I accompanied my senior staff on Saturdays to Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital and assisted in a few surgeries. I was happy that I could do some service in Swami’s hospital.
After completing my general surgery, I wanted to work in Swami’s super speciality hospital. I applied and soon, I was called for the interview. Swami selected me and in March 2009, I joined SSSIHMS Whitefield in the department of cardiac surgery. I was happy to be part of Swami’s divine hospital.
After 3 months of joining, I got an opportunity to go to Parthi for Swami’s darshan. As I sat on the Verandah, on the doctor’s side, my joy knew no bounds. I was in tears. My childhood dream had come true. On November 14, 2009, Swami blessed all of us, hospital staff along with our families, with an interview in the Bhajan Hall. Swami blessed us and I got a chance to speak to Swami. I told Him that I studied in His school and was now working in His Super Speciality Hospital. Swami was all smiles as He said, “very good.”
Dr Uma Shankar Ganti Sri Sathya Sai Primary School and Higher Secondary School, Grade 5 to 12, 1989 – 1997, Prasanthi Nilayam. With Bhagawan’s permission, he completed his MBBS and MS in General Surgery and served Bhagawan as a doctor in the Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital in Whitefield. Currently General Surgeon in Apollo Hospital, Qatar
