V Subrahmanyam Abhishek
B.Com(Hons) 2014-17 Brindavan
“Never in the last 3 decades of my career did I take sick leave as I never fell or felt sick”, he used to say with a twinkle in his eyes. Those eyes spoke not only about a sense of achievement but also communicated the passion and commitment that he had for the task at hand. Abiding by the divine word, Ruchir Sir touched lives and transformed students for a relentless 35 years. I am fortunate to be one among those blessed souls.
As Swami used to say that one’s anger must be directed towards a purpose. Sir lived this message in its pristine form. Let it be in stores or class, anger was only the means for facilitating the inner reformation. I consider myself blessed to be a recipient of that transformative tool as I was not only a Commerce student but also worked in the Stores department. Those seemingly unpleasant situations were followed with heart-to-heart conversations with Sir where he used to make me realize my mistake and ensure that not only lessons are learnt but are embedded into our lives. Like the gold that is refined when put through fire, Sir’s anger was always directed towards refining our character.
Ruchir Sir symbolized love, concern and care. During my 6th semester, we had to submit a project based on an analysis of the Annual Report of a company as part of the Investments course. On the penultimate day of submitting the project, I forgot the Annual Report in the classroom because of which I could not undertake the final write-up in the study hours that night. I approached sir and requested him to provide me access to the classroom early next morning and he consented. Next morning, I took the keys and was in the College by 7:30 am to finish the project. At around 8:15 am, Sir walks into the classroom and places a bun, jam packet and juice on my table as he was aware I did not have my breakfast! Tears roll down my cheek every time I reminisce about this incident. Ruchir sir was indeed the perfect amalgamation of the love of a mother and the discipline of a father.
After my graduation, I enrolled for the fellowship with Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini programme. I was posted in Sathya Sai School, Rajahmundry. Ruchir Sir visited the school for a Teachers’ Workshop in August 2017. When he was settling down for lunch in the guesthouse there, I found it only appropriate to serve him first and then later have my food. As he sat down, he asked me whether I had my lunch. I replied in the negative. He immediately pulled a chair that was lying nearby and asked me to sit with him for lunch. His love and concern for the students were beyond the realm of formalities. It was not only pure but also immensely inspiring. After his stay there for a couple of days, Sir was to return to Brindavan. As he was getting into the car to leave for the airport, he gave me a warm hug and patted me gently. I know that not only charged me for my fellowship year but that has energized me for my life. Today, when I realize that I will not be able to receive that hug again, I have decided to live in the warmth of that hug which inspires me to put in my best at all times.
The last conversation I had with Sir was on 24th March, 2021. I was sharing updates on my progress in studies and sought his blessings for the future ventures. He said, “Abhishek, your hard work shall pay you off”. These words are truly profound and continue to ring in my ears every time I think of him. He believed in Divine grace and blessings but he also lived the message of hard work, commitment and ultimate dedication to Sai’s mission. Physically I have lost you sir but your personality, character and lessons of life that you have taught me shall live on and inspire me to be Sai’s child. I am sure nothing would give you more satisfaction than seeing your students progress on this path of transformation to ultimately merge at the Lord’s Lotus Feet.
