Y.Arvind
1992-2000 BSc.MSc.Chem, MBA, PGDICAP, Prasanthi Nilayam
The world is a stage and we are all actors. And as is for any stage there are those that are on it and those behind the curtains. Ruchir Sir was one such person. One can use any number of adjectives and pronouns to describe him, who he was, what he meant, how he influenced lives, Silent, Sharp, Witty, Teacher, Mentor, Guide… Brother! Mine would be “The man behind the scene”.
Charles Edward Montague said, “There is no limit to what a man can do so long as he does not care a straw who gets the credit for it.” Harry Truman echoed it when he said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” Sanatana Dharma said the same eons ago long before semantics became communication – “Nishkaama Karma” Action with no desire attached… Some speak of it, Ruchir Sir practiced it. This is the greatest lesson that I have learned from him.
Never had the opportunity to be in his class, but had every opportunity to learn from him. He was always there when needed, got the job done, and receded into the background. Total commitment and total detachment, the two qualities that Bhagawan says, define a true leader. To him it was Bhagawan first, Students next, everything else after that and finally himself. He lived true to that serving others, serving “His Property” till Bhagawan chose to call him back to His Abode. Perhaps, to prepare him for His next mission, to serve yet again as His chosen one, in the coming Golden Age.
Bhagawan facilitated everything from the foreground and where He felt needed through others. To most of us our interaction with our Teachers is memorable as they were Bhagawan’s reflections to varying degrees. They lived lives the way He instructed and led by example. The impact, the message, the ultimate effect of transformation, His Mission was more important to Bhagawan than the medium it went through. The Success of the Sri Sathya Sai System of Education/Educare does not lie in the system but the Teachers who embody it. We students are all testimony to that Metamorphosis.
A lamp loses nothing, lighting a thousand other lamps, but instead turns a tiny glow into effulgence! Ruchir sir was one lamp lit by God Himself to light up the lives of thousands of students. Ruchir Sir will live forever through his students, the lives he touched, transformed as an alchemist would, turning obsidian into Gold. Farewell for now, Sir! Blessed to have known you, learned from you… until we meet again! Sairam.
