It all began in a remote village in Andhra in the mid-80s where my father was posted. Surprisingly, almost the entire village was devoted to Swami. Bhajans, talks on His philosophy and miracles were commonplace. Through some Prasad and Vibhuti packets, Swami’s photo then altered our altar – to stay forever. With a string of coincidences, I entered His school at Rajahmundry and then later to the higher secondary school in Prasanthi Nilayam. I continued studying at the Institute from the Brindavan and Prasanthi Nilayam campuses. After about 14 years of passing out from the campus, few instances then but cherished moments now continue to inspire and guide me.

“Bangaaru”

This word is typically used in Telugu families by parents to lovingly refer to their young ones. The emotion it carries is as precious as the word itself. Having heard a few stories of old times where Swami would often use this word, it sprouted in my mind that I too should be certified by the Lord. From then on like any other student, I tried following Swami’s code of conduct for students, with added enthusiasm. If God’s response is the cake, the surprise element is the icing. During one evening Darshan in Brindavan, as part of the audio visual (AVC) team I was at the back entrance door to the Sai Ramesh Hall stage as Swami was walking from Trayee with a handful of letters. On nearing, Swami extended His hand and gave me those letters to hold. After the session, when Swami was walking back, I went to Swami and gave the letters mentioning that He had given me those a while ago. Swami smiled, took them back and to my surprise and joy said, “Good boy, Bangaaru!”

DD News and the Medal

When I was about 7 years old, my father assigned me an interesting task. Every day after returning from work he would watch DD News and I was supposed to watch along with him and summarize at the end. Improving language, retention and general knowledge was the motive. During one such session, there was coverage of Convocation where in Swami was awarding medals to academics toppers and as it was a grand affair, the news lasted for a few minutes. It was a great sight but our exposure to Swami was limited only to identifying Him and we knew nothing more. Many years later when I joined the Institute, the image came back flashing and as a result, my goal at studies was clear. This childhood image came true as a prized moment in November 2005.

“Who are My boys?”

One day we were delayed in reaching the Mandir; Darshan was already in progress. So, we hurried and sat in the place that is usually left vacant (the zone was allotted to Alike school boys when they visit Prasanthi Nilayam). Swami came to us, looked at me and asked, “Alike boys?” All of us replied, “No Swami, school boys.” Swami looked at the Institute boys who had just then arrived. Hearing our reply they too said, “Institute boys, Swami,” Swami took a few steps, turned back and said, “School boys and Institute boys, then who are My boys?”

Bhagawan only meant that all of us have to graduate from ‘Institute boys’ to ‘His boys’. Swami’s brand gets reflected in our behaviour. We become His boys only when we follow Him implicitly. To love is to respect and to respect is to be in tune with His command. Period.

Nishkama Karma: Practice first, Theory next

Some time ago I decided to study Bhagavad Gita and among the multitude of books, chose Gita Vahini – as the Lord’s intent is more important than the content. The underlying medication for all the ailments is Nishkama Karma – an easy sounding profound formula which essentially means performing activities with commitment but dedicating the results to God with a sense of detachment. This is a complicated procedure but looking back Swami made us experience this as students, day in and day out. During our entire hostel stay, we always did whatever tasks we undertook only to please Swami and cared less on how others would deem it – be the self reliance activities, academics or sports. Theory usually embellishes the practice but unfortunately there is no shortage for theorists in the world.

Shri V.K. Gokak, our first Vice Chancellor once remarked, “It should be our constant endeavour to see that we do not become obstacles in His path!” This statement keeps things in perspective. I am now convinced that when we are sincere in our efforts to Him, what is to be desired and how the desired has to be obtained, both are His responsibility. Rabindranath Tagore’s Geetanjali (Verse 96) sums up aptly my thoughts on the opportunity of being His student, for His tattoo on the heart is definitely indelible.

“When I go from hence let this be my parting word, that what I have seen is unsurpassable.
I have tasted the hidden honey of this lotus that expands on the ocean of light,
and thus am I blessed – let this be my parting word.
In this playhouse of infinite forms I have had my play and here have I caught sight of Him that is formless.
My whole body and my limbs have thrilled with His touch who is beyond touch;
and if the end comes here, let it come – let this be my parting word.”

Bala Pavan Kumar Yamanuri High school Grade 11 & 12, BSc (Hons) Physics in Brindavan (Gold Medal), and MSc (Physics), 1999 – 2006, Prasanthi Nilayam. He was part of the Audio Visual (AVC) Group and Vedam Group in the hostel. Currently an entrepreneur in his hometown, Vijayawada. He is the coordinator for the Samarpan programme at the local Samiti.