Prof. Anil Kumar taught Botany to the students in the Institute but the ‘Chemistry’ between him and Bhagawan was a joy to watch, a feast that nourished our souls. It was filled with lessons for a wholesome divine life. Having watched this Chemistry from close quarters in Puttaparthi and in Kodaikanal, referred to as Bhagawan’s Playground, it is revealing to recollect a few of those wonderful instances.

I felt that Prof. Anil Kumar was at the ‘Sakhyam’ (friendship) stage among the nine stages of devotion. Just like Arjuna, the Gopis and Gopikas enjoyed the friendship with Krishna in the Dwapara age, there were some in the Kali age who enjoyed a similar friendship with the Lord.  Prof. Anil Kumar was one of them. It was a joy and blessing to witness this friendship and its reciprocation between Prof. Anil Kumar and Bhagawan.

Most Prolific Partner in Divine Sport at Bhagawan’s favourite playground – Kodaikanal

It’s a rare opportunity to accompany Bhagawan during His Kodaikanal visits in Summer. In addition, if Prof. Anil Kumar was part of the troupe, that would be the icing on the cake. He would take the initiative to keep Bhagawan engaged with students and all members of the entourage. He would nudge Swami to open a topic for discussion, to visit various places in Kodaikanal, etc. So, we would get more time to spend with Bhagawan. It would make the visit more lively, full of conversations, humour and more information, knowledge, experience and to develop and sharpen skills like singing, speaking, composing poems, debates, etc. So most of that credit would go to Prof. Anil Kumar whose wavelength would match with Bhagawan to achieve that resonance. He had a knack to gauge Bhagawan’s mood and accordingly interact.

Prof. Anil Kumar’s advice to the Kodaikanal students was the famous ABC of Life –  “Always Be Cheerful,”  with an addendum,”and at times, Be Careful ra babu (boy).”  Such sage advice that is applicable in all spheres of life.

Apart from his role as a faculty in the college, Prof. Anil Kumar had multiple duties to perform in Bhagawan’s mission. All of these roles he executed with boundless energy and vigour; be it an announcement, a speech, or translating the Divine discourse. The vigour was always mixed with a touch of humour. His message, his expressions and the body language made an indelible impact on the audience. You would always find Prof. Anil Kumar’s picture with a beaming smile.

Greatness comes with Simplicity, Humility and Detachment

He was always down-to-earth, humble and that’s the reason he was one of the most popular personalities among Sai devotees. He was always available to everyone who wanted to talk to him. That was his passion. During the years 2006-2007, Bhagawan was not giving regular darshans, and the darshan timings were also uncertain. During such days Prof. Anil Kumar would sit amidst the devotees and talk to them about Bhagawan keeping them tuned to Bhagawan’s love and message as they waited for darshan.

ABC   – Anil Kumar Broadcasting Corporation.

Prof. Anil Kumar would introduce himself in a jovial manner. Bhagawan also enjoyed the introduction when he called himself, “ABC – Anil Kumar Broadcasting Corporation for Sai and His Mission.” Prof. Anil Kumar epitomised the Sakhyam (friendship) stage of devotion with Bhagawan and is now merged with Him. But the work of ABC is still continuing through the archived talks, interviews, dozens of books, numerous other publications, videos on the Internet, and most importantly through the memories imprinted in the hearts of Sai devotees. Sai devotees listening to Bhagawan’s discourse will always picture Prof. Anil Kumar standing next to Swami during the discourse.

Shatakoti Pranams to Swami and this wonderful soul. Sairam.

Nitin Acharya, MBA 1998, Prashanti Nilayam