I recall my first encounter with Prof. Anil Kumar during the Andhra Pradesh Teachers Conference in 1978, where he had accompanied Bhagawan for an exhibition on Sai Education in Brindavan campus. Bhagawan explained the various stages of the Sai Education System, from Balvikas to obtaining a Diploma in Indian Culture and Spirituality (how a child can join Balvikas – Pre-sevadal – State Summer Course – All India Summer Course- join Swami’s college – get Diploma (after attending 3 years Summer Course) in Indian Culture and Spirituality. Prof. Anil Kumar who was by Bhagawan’s side patted me on my back appreciating my participation in the exhibition.

Many years later in 1996 I happened to visit Prashanti Nilayam when the Kulwant Hall was inaugurated. I was now an alumnus, an old-student. It was time for Swami to come for Darshan and being unsure where to sit I seated myself on the East Prasanthi side along with the devotees. Bhagawan came close to me during Darshan and asked me why I was seated there. He pointed to the garage side where old-students sit and asked me to go and sit there. I immediately got up and went towards the garage side.

Prof. Anil Kumar was seated there and I went and sat next to him. It was a bit congested, but Prof. Anil Kumar made a place for me to sit. He even requested other senior faculty members seated nearby to make space for me. I was touched by his heartfelt gesture. The genuine affection that Prof. Anil Kumar exhibited that day is etched in my memory. Swami came towards the garage side where students were seated and told Prof. Anil Kumar, “He is from Odisha and his mother sings bhajan very well (pointing His finger towards the Mandir).” When Darshan was completed Prof. Anil Kumar asked me if we had met earlier. I told him we may have met in 1978. Immediately he recollected the exhibition and how Swami talked about Sai Education. He also playfully remarked that I had more hair then.

Prof. Anil Kumar was like a father figure to me – full of love, affection and genuine concern. My Heartfelt gratitude to this gem of a person, Prof. Anil Kumar Kamaraju.

Dr Swagat Kumar Gunanidhi Routray – B Arts 1980, Brindavan