It was in the year 1994, the month of November when I saw the Institute Brass Band perform at the newly constructed Sai Kulwant Hall for the Convocation and Birthday celebrations. I sat there watching them with dropping jaws and an inner desire to someday join Swami’s Band. But that would have to wait for three long years since I was studying at the Brindavan Campus and Brindavan Campus did not have a band at that time. It was in my third year at Brindavan when I had a chance to speak to our English Professor, Dr. Gautam Dutt and when he learnt that I was interested in learning the Trumpet, he gladly came forward to help teach me since he was a Trumpet player himself. That is when I learnt that there were a few Trumpets lying in a store room at Brindavan Campus and we found one. After a thorough cleaning it was ready to be used and there began my journey with the Trumpet. 

However, it was only a beginning and that did not guarantee my selection into the Institute Brass Band. After joining post graduation at Prasanthi Nilayam, there was not a single day when I wouldn’t enquire when the Band selection process would start. The process did happen and by Bhagawan’s grace I was inducted into His Institute Band in the year 1997. I remember the first day we had been to the Administrative block to pick up our instruments and I was very keen to pick up a Trumpet. Swami had other plans. Only today I understand why. When I picked up the Trumpet, my band leader came and said that a Cornet would suit me better. Till today I do not know why he said it and why I simply accepted his advice. But over time I came to understand the reason. My journey with the Cornet began that day and by Swami’s grace it continues till date. 

After receiving the instruments and having practiced and picked up a few pieces it was time for our first performance of the year in front of the Lord. Our band leader wanted to surprise Swami with our music when he visited the Institute Auditorium for overseeing the Convocation Drama. Our band leader told all the new band boys in the morning that we look only at our notes while we are playing in front of Swami and to “NEVER” look at Him. We did not know why, but we made a mental note of it. For a first timer introduced to reading western music notes, I was not keen on taking any risk of reading notes while playing for Swami. As a result, I got into the habit of memorizing the notes. Quite confident about all the notes in my head, we were waiting outside the Auditorium for Swami. We had prepared three pieces in total. After getting the Divine approval, we began with full energy. We began with our first piece called the ‘Brass Explosion’. Everything went well until I just glanced at Swami for one fleeting moment and saw Swami looking back at me. Everything went blank. Memory was wiped clean. I could not play. My very first performance was an utter failure. I could only see Swami smile. When I think back at this incident, the only lesson that comes to my mind is, no matter how well prepared you are and how well you may have memorised the notes, unless Swami wills it even the instrument you hold would not produce any sound, let alone music. 

It 2006, almost five years after graduating from the Institute, two alumni brothers, Sriram, Sai Srinivas, and myself met in a restaurant in Bangalore and in no time we were discussing how we missed playing in the band. This triggered the thought of starting an alumni band. When Swami wants His children to come back to Him and play for Him, who can stop His will? The next step was to discuss with many others who had been in the band. A few of us joined, and all of us who joined liked the idea. The big question was – Instruments. None of us owned an instrument. But when the Lord decides and designates who can be left out? I happened to stumble upon an offer for buying a Cornet at a music shop in London. When the instrument arrived at a local post office, it had to go through customs clearance and many told me that a good amount of tax would be charged on imported items. For someone who could not manage funds to buy the instrument I was worried how much I would have to pay for customs. When the desire is pure and the desire is for Him, He helps in seemingly unknowing ways and means. The lady officer who was also in charge of customs charged me nothing. My reunion with the Cornet had happened and Swami very lovingly reminded me again as to why He chose the Cornet for me. Today and for the rest of the days to come in my life, I pray Swami will bless me and give me the strength to be in His alumni Band and play the Cornet for Him. 

Jayaram Balabhaskaran B.Sc (Hons), MSc Maths, MTech Computer Science,1994  – 2001. He was a member of the Institute Brass Band and played the Cornet. Currently Associate Professor at VIT University, Chennai Campus.