To write about Prof. Anil Kumar in the past tense is a painful experience. His ever cheerful and larger-than-life presence was his most distinguishing feature.

Like most Sai devotees, I too grew up listening to his talks, reading his books and of course, following his translation of the Divine Discourses. Little did I know that when I would become a Sai Student, I would have the unique privilege of being mentored by him on various aspects of my life at the University and the Ashram.

In my very first year, he took a special liking for my interest in knowing more and more about Swami, His Life and Message. As Bhagawan gave us opportunities to speak in His Divine Presence, Prof. Anil Kumar would provide special insights on public speaking with a clear focus on Swami’s expectations with respect to correctly communicating His Message to the large gatherings of devotees at the Mandir.

I have very fond memories of wonderful conversations with him when Bhagawan took us to Chennai for the Ati Rudra Maha Yajna in January 2007, and the Kodaikanal Trip of April-May 2007. Given my penchant for remembering dates of milestones from the Divine Life, he told Swami during one of the tiffin sessions, ‘Swami, this boy remembers more about your life’s events than even you would remember!’ And the entire room burst into laughter! On another occasion when Swami was upset with us during the trip, he came to our room at night and spoke to all the students for two long hours encouraging us not to lose heart, and made us laugh with loads of experiences. Conveying wisdom through humour was his greatest virtue.

Prof. Anil Kumar always played the role of connecting students with Swami during the Divine conversations, whether in the Prasanthi Mandir portico, in Trayee Brindavan, or the Kodaikanal visits. He was one of the finest and most popular teachers of our University.

He used to be delighted that a native Gujarati person like me was keen to learn and speak in Telugu. He would always speak to me in Telugu and encouraged me to speak with larger audiences in that language without fear or embarrassment of my accent. His unique quality was to encourage students to excel in all facets of human life.

We were lucky to be his contemporaries and students. He was a true well-wisher of Sai Students, and dedicated the last four decades of his life to the Sai mission helping the students to attain their true potential.

His contribution to Sai Literature through dozens of books, and his contribution to the popularisation of Sai Message through hundreds of lectures across the globe is without a parallel. In the life story of the Sai avatar he will always be remembered as one of the best messengers of Bhagawan’s life, message, and mission.

Dr. Shashank Shah, PhD 2014, Prashanti Nilayam