I graduated in the year 1995 with an MBA degree from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam. I hoped to pursue a career in Banking or Equity Research and went about seeking jobs with established MNC banks and famed Equity Research houses. Months down the line, I was deeply dejected and stymied by what Bhagawan normally says, “Apply, apply but no reply”.

When the future appeared bleak, I drew strength from Bhagawan Baba’s words, ‘We are all like light bulbs, the switch is with Him and we glow at His bidding’.

I managed to start a job in Mumbai, struggled with the daily grind of commuting in jam packed suburban trains, eating in hotels and living alone. In Swami’s hostels for decades, amidst friends, classmates and roommates I was always in the company of loved ones. Away from family, alone in Mumbai Suburbs was in stark contrast and a major challenge. After a year, I quit and moved back to my native city and started another job hunt.

I succeeded in clearing the interviews with a large reputed manufacturing company and had to appear for a medical examination. Being fairly healthy I never expected any difficulty in clearing this. I appeared for the examination carrying a packet of Vibhuti in my pocket. Though not a habit, for some reason I did so that day. The doctor completed my physical exam and checked my blood pressure. The stress of not being in a job for a few months perhaps got to me and he found my BP on the higher side. From his expression, I surmised that something was amiss and when he set aside my papers and was about to end the exam I noticed a photo of Swami on his desk. I took out the Vibhuti packet and offered it to him. The doctor, surprised, inquired into my background and when informed that I was Swami’s student, he was disquieted that Swami’s students should worry so much as to have elevated blood pressures. He asked me to come the next day for a repeat examination and the next day all my parameters were normal and I was cleared.

Months later when we met in the office, the doctor revealed that my young age with elevated blood pressure would have caused my rejection. The Vibhuti packet prompted him to do a retest the next day! Clearly His hand was visible in ensuing that I get a second chance.

Time passed, professional prospects looked up and a few years later my dream of a large responsible role with a Multinational Bank fructified. But a small drama did precede it. I always wanted to pursue a second MBA degree from a premier, world-renowned college. Despite heavy expenditure for the second MBA, I resolved to resign and prepare for GMAT. At this crucial juncture, Bhagawan blessed me with an interview and He advised me against my plans. I earnestly repeated my request and very lovingly Bhagawan gave several reasons as to why I should not resign from my job and pursue a second MBA degree. A few months later, His Grace ensured a switch to a Multinational Bank, where my expectations that I had from pursuing the second MBA degree were met!

My career advanced and my satisfying and financially remunerative professional life kept me extremely busy filling the void I felt in the initial years. However, as I progressed on Maslow’s hierarchy, another void formed. I was not finding time for service or spiritual activities that several alumni make time for. During one of the alumni meets in Prasanthi Nilayam, Bhagawan graciously permitted the students gathered to raise questions and I humbly presented my predicament. Bhagawan answered that spiritual and secular activities must not be separated and advised that office work itself be performed with Seva Bhava. However no genuine prayer to Him goes unanswered.  With unexpected changes in the global economy, the pace of my professional life slowed and unexpectedly I could participate in a drama that was to be staged in Bhagawan’s presence as an initiative of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Karnataka. At that point I had time on hand. I agreed and it exposed me to the working of SSSO and their fantastic work. This association led me to formally joining the Organisation.

In time, through trial and error, I evolved a balance between the priorities on professional, spiritual and personal fronts. The Seva, spiritual activities, music and drama added immense richness towards my balanced life. The holistic approach in Bhagawan’s institutions granted this perspective. When young, we heard him say that education is not for living but for life, but it took decades of struggle, moments of introspection and His intervention at crucial junctures to understand the importance of those powerful words.

Raghavendra Atyam B.Sc Mathematics, MBA Finance, 1990 – 1995, Prasanthi Nilayam. He has been into Banking and Financial Services, currently a Senior Vice President and Zonal Head (South) for Commercial Banking in RBL Bank.