My first memory of Swami was the black and white picture of Swami in my maternal grandparents’ house. It was a picture of Him standing on the beach in Dwaraka. All I heard from my grandmother is that it is Sai Baba. Brought up in the traditional sense and taught that God is way beyond the grasp of mere mortals, it never struck that this is God walking the earth. 

Joining Swami’s Institute

I would say I came to Swami pretty late, when my father insisted that I study in Swami’s college. In 1992, I finally arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam for the first time, to write the entrance exam to Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. In the interview following the exam, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sampath tried convincing me to join IIT given I had given the IIT-JEE. Something deep within prompted me and I said, “Sir, I think I have a better future here than anywhere else”. Decades later, those words seem to have come from Swami as a prophecy. Without Swami there is no meaning in my life, and I pray to Him that I remember Him for eternity. 

Unconditional Love

During the second year of college, I joined the Institute brass band. I put my heart and soul into the practice sessions. A year later, I even started arranging music for the band. One evening Swami called the band boys for an interview. To my surprise, Swami reprimanded me for something I had no knowledge of for quite a while. He pointed out that I had some trouble with breathing. At the end I faintly murmured to Swami to help me; He nodded affirmatively and ushered us out of the interview room. To this day the inner significance of His words and action elude me. Yet, whatever He does or says is for our best, arising from unconditional Love. 

After graduating from Swami’s college I went on to do my M tech at IIT Delhi. As I had not been placed post my M. Tech, I accompanied my father to a short pilgrimage. We had gone to offer our prayer to our family deity, Oppiliappan, in Kumbakonam (a town in Tamil Nadu).  There at an ashram, a revered saint of Sri Adi Shankara’s order called and enquired about my background. I told him that I studied at Prasanthi Nilayam. He invited my father and me for a private audience. As he was proceeding to his room, I heard him chant “Sairam, Sairam”. In his room he asked one very significant question: What had I learnt from being with Swami. I replied “Swami’s love”. Immediately he responded, “Infinite Love”. He blessed me with some Kumkum and said that I would get a job in the next 45 days. He further instructed me to work in India for 2 years and go to the USA. I did receive a job within the next 45 days and interestingly from an organization to which I had never applied.

He is with me always

After two years in Mumbai I applied for a Doctoral program to six universities in the US and anxiously waited for a response for several months. One night, over the phone my brother mentioned that he had a dream in which Swami told him I had been admitted and showed him an envelope. In a week I received admission into the University of Connecticut with a full scholarship. Years later my brother mentioned that Swami used to enquire about me several times – an affirmation that He is with me always. 

Birthdays are special occasions for Sai Students as they get an opportunity to seek the Divine Blessings. On my birthday during my final year at Prasanthi Nilayam, I got a chance to sit in the front to receive Swami’s blessings. At that time, I had written a letter to Swami saying that I wanted to serve the society through Science. He took the letter, materialized Vibhuti and poured it into my hands. He then told me to eat it, which I did right there.

As an industrial researcher I made significant scientific breakthroughs, helping my organization attract more resources, hire people and grow.

It is my firm belief that Swami is helping me realize this desire to serve society through science. Having listened to Swami so many times, all material success feels ephemeral and I sincerely pray that He continues to show me the path, which will ultimately lead back to Him.

Venkataramanan Seshadri B.Sc, M.Sc. Chemistry, 1992 – 1997, Prasanthi Nilayam. Currently works as Research Scientist – Pressure Sensitive Adhesive for Ashland Inc, based in Columbus, Ohio. He served as Service and Education co-ordinator at Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Columbus, Ohio. He is actively engaged in a monthly soup kitchen at a homeless shelter for men.