Joining SSSIHL as an MBA Student was for me a life fulfilling opportunity to receive Bhagawan’s grace in myriad forms. Being born in a family of five elder sisters and with loving parents, I never thought I would live in a hostel for pursuing a degree in university.  Studying in SSSIHL happens only by the will and sheer grace of our beloved Swami. In fact, I did not know about Swami and Puttaparthi before becoming a student and had made all attempts to avoid appearing for my B.Sc entrance. My maternal grandparents were instrumental in preparing me for the exam to seek the available opportunity of studying at Bhagawan’s university. 

My student life in Parthi was truly a home away from home and as someone beautifully put, “a place where each one lives for the other and everyone lives for Swami”. Required levels of facilities and supporting hands of senior brothers and expert coaching from teaching faculty really set an example to lead an ideal life. Swami’s hostel is unique in its blessing to explore the richness of Indian Culture and Spirituality.  Living in His hostel, studying at His college, pining for opportunities and yearning for His grace, is truly a love story with each of the entities; linking Hands, Head and Heart for finding a purpose in life. Self-reliance activities at the hostel, active learning at college and collective prayers at the mandir brought spiritual synchronicity.

My first interview opportunity with Swami was a wonderful experience. One day, I was sitting in Sai Kulwant Hall, 3rd Block, 5th row testing my chances to give a letter to Swami. After darshan, Swami sat on His chair on the Ganesh Portico. He looked at the column I happened to sit and signalled. As each of us rose He gently indicated to sit down. In the 5^th row, I almost gave up but Swami clearly pointed at me and said, “You… you”. I hesitantly approached the portico and offered him the letter with folded palms. He was silent for a while and looked elsewhere, and suddenly pulled both the little fingers of my folded palms and eased my worries with a smile. A feeling washed over me that He is our personal God and wants nothing but our devotion. 

“What do you want?,” He asked.

I believe that God knows our desires and fulfils them at the right moment but here I realised He is verily the Source (Creator) of all desires. Yet I asked,

“Swami, will you please grant an interview? 

“Call your family and I will give an interview”, He replied. 

And thus, He blessed our family with a personal audience. 

Months later, our dance group sought the opportunity to perform in His Divine presence during the Athi Rudra Maha Yagnam (ARMY) of 2006. On 15th August, I was dressed as Shiva quite early and wore the heavy costume through the hot midday. I suddenly felt very weak and listless; only prayers came to my rescue. The program began and I went to swami with a flower.

Swami with a gentle smile said, “Waiting for you, have you practised well?”

“Yes Swami”, I replied and silently sought His blessings for strength to dance for Him. All of us dancers gave our best to make Swami happy and the dance captivated the august gathering. After the dance, I went up to Swami and thanked Him for the opportunity.

Again He asked, “What do you want?” and I expressed my wish for a family interview.

This time he said “Day after tomorrow”

It meant 17^th August 2006. I was on cloud nine and anxiously looked forward to the moment. Bhagawan’s schedule is mostly packed, and during Yajnam it was even tighter for He personally managed all the proceedings.

Given that an “Interview with Swami” is always a big blessing and an Invaluable chance, anticipation grew as moments passed. My senior teacher, an ardent devotee of Swami, understood what I was going through. He reassured me saying “Never doubt Swami’s words. They are certainly the Truth beyond time. Have firm faith in His words”. As promised, Swami called us in for a family interview and blessed us all with His bountiful grace. We were delighted that we could express our innermost feelings to Swami and He responded.

He creates the situations, grants opportunities and acts through us and blesses bountifully for our small humble efforts and gives Joy to each one of us. He is the Doer of everything! Incessant prayers shall always lead us to receive Divine Grace and find peace. 

Through an Interview, He blessed us with an Inner View.

Phaneendra Kumar BSc, MA Economics, MBA, 2002 – 2009, Prasanthi Nilayam. Currently Senior Manager in Piramal Group based in Hyderabad.