If the sound of the exam bell signalling the completion of my 12th Standard was an affirmation of my imminent freedom, the sight of my father at the exit gate made the thought of returning home after two years even more joyous. Yet, the tickets my father flashed later shattered all those thoughts, “Son, your dream of studying at Parthi beckons you. You just need to clear the admission test” he said. I stared at him, wondering how to convey my feelings to him. “Nanna, yes it is my dream to study at Swami’s college, but I don’t want to merely graduate, rather I was hoping I could pursue my MBA at Parthi after engineering” I exclaimed, unsure of his reaction.

After a long pause he enquired, “is this what you want?” I just nodded my head in response. 

Four years later, sitting among devotees in Kulwant Hall, as I watched Swami collecting letters from those assembled that day, enquiring their well-being, and offering Vibuthi, my eyes welled up with emotions as I remembered the events since my insolent decision 4 years back. 

Within weeks of having landed in Bhubaneswar, my father received news of his transfer, my brother moved to a different location, and I joined engineering in an unknown town. By the end of first year I was already struggling to keep up. The next three years passed by with neither any direction nor ambition. After graduating, my life had come to a standstill. I neither enjoyed nor understood my job and my attempts at cracking every competitive exam had not yielded any desired result. The MBA entrance at Parthi was my final hope.  It was foolish of me to prioritize the creation over the Creator. With folded hands I surrendered to Him and prayed for a second chance.

By this time He was speaking to a devotee five to six rows away from me.  Suddenly, He raised His head, and glanced at me assuaging my anxious mind and wailing heart with a blissful smile. After a few weeks, I experienced the greatest joy when I received a sealed envelope bearing the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning insignia. I couldn’t stop the flow of tears as I shared news of my selection to my proud parents over a call.

On 29th May, 2005 dressed in whites I sat among other students in the front rows at Brindavan in Bangalore. My father and brother who accompanied me were seated among the devotees. The boy next to me started a conversation, “I am told this is the first time MBA admissions are happening in Brindavan, normally it is conducted in Parthi. We are fortunate to get His blessings as we begin a new chapter.” I smiled and nodded my head in agreement.

His Darshan that day dispelled the thoughts of failure, and filled me with Divine positive energy, assuring me that He will always be the guiding force. But, that wasn’t the end of it. Soon after Arati, someone announced that Swami wanted to bless the fresh batch of students. We were ecstatic. We lined up on both sides of the path leading up to Trayee. As I waited for Him to come closer, I was tongue-tied, trying to conjure up some words to express my gratitude.

In no time, He was right next to me, looking straight into my eyes, I bent down forward to express my gratitude, in return I heard Him say, “You have your Second Chance.” I was in utter shock, this was my first hand experience of His Omniscience. I bowed in reverence, and took Pada Namaskar, as He caressed my head and blessed me.

This experience taught me three important lessons: First, We are responsible for our own actions.  Had my father forced me to see his perspective, I would not have learnt to take responsibility for my actions. Second, Life is a series of learning experiences. Third and most valuable, Swami is always around.  Swami in his own inimitable style made me realize that He is a silent witness to every aspect of my Life; will let me make my own mistakes and would pick me up and push me in the right direction.

For these lessons and many more Swami, I will be ever grateful to you – Twameva Sharanam Mama.

Satyadeep Pothapragada MBA, 2005 – 2007, Prasanthi Nilayam. Currently leads the Talent Management & Leadership Development vertical at Toyota Financial Services India in Bengaluru. He is actively involved in coaching and mentoring the fellowship scholars at Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini.