When I joined the Institute in 2008 to do my MTech, I had no expectations that Swami would speak to me. After all, I had heard so many people say that not everyone gets that blessing. As a student, I went to the mandir every day for Swami’s Darshan. And every day, I saw some of my brothers getting an opportunity to talk to Swami. A few were blessed by Him on their birthdays. Some received Vibhuti from His hands. One got a precious chain. 

Seeing all these, an intense desire grew in my heart that Swami should speak to me. I tried my best to get into the front lines, and waited for Swami with prayers in my heart. 

One day Swami blessed me in His own way. I was not in the front row. I was somewhere in the middle, with prayers in my heart, and a letter in my hands. Swami came by the block I was seated in, and suddenly took a right turn. The students moved to make a path. As Swami came near me, He stretched His hands for the letter. He had a loving smile on His face. I gave the letter, took pada namaskar for the first time, and took a close look at Swami’s beautiful face. Aha! What a beautiful moment. I got goosebumps on my skin. I became very emotional. Tears dropped from my eyes. 

Another day, I had a chance to offer a rose to Swami. Along with the rose, I gave Him a letter. I wanted Swami’s permission to sing Bhajans in the mandir. Swami read the letter and replied with a smiling face “paadu” (sing). That gave me so much confidence that I used to practice everyday, singing bhajan after Bhajan. 

And then came the gratitude programme in which the final year students get an opportunity to offer our heartfelt thanks to our Dearest Lord through musical programmes, sharing personal experiences, staging plays etc. I had the privilege of singing a devotional song in front of Swami. Before I started, Swami instructed me to sing loudly by keeping the mike closer to my mouth.  I was moved by His love and concern. I was blissful. Oh! How much I had struggled for this chance and now my dream had come true. I finished my song, and Swami smiled at me. It was beautiful and reassuring.

On 18th March 2010, I had my second chance to offer a rose to Swami. Once again, I gave a letter along with the flower to Swami. He took that rose and put it in my shirt pocket. He then  read every line of my letter for about 2 or 3 minutes.  

Then He asked: “Which course have you completed here?”

Me: Swami, M.Tech in Computer Science

Swami: “Go for PhD”

Swami’s instruction took me by total surprise, as I was not prepared for further research, and had planned to go for a job. A PhD usually takes 4 to 5 years to complete and I was worried. I didn’t know why Swami wanted it this way. But I had complete faith in Him that He will show me the way. So, I said “Yes Swami,” and asked Him for a pada namaskar. Swami nodded His head. That was my last physical interaction with Swami. 

Later, I got an opportunity to work as a scientist in a climate change research centre in Chennai. It also gave me an opportunity to pursue my PhD. Swami had taken care of both – my job, and my PhD.

Dr. Prasanta Kumar Bal M.Tech Computer Science, 2008 – 2010, Prasanthi Nilayam. On Bhagawan’s instructions, he went on to do a PhD in Climate Science at Anna University and worked as a scientist in the ministry of earth science, Government of India. Currently, a climate scientist in the weather forecasting and climate division in Qatar Meteorology Department, Qatar.