R.Srikant,
2014-2017, Brindavan

It was the first class of my 3rd Year, and also the first lecture with Ruchir sir. The first question that Ruchir sir asked the class was, “What is the purpose of studying?” After a brief pause, many students gave multiple answers. Needless to say, all the answers were either inadequate or incorrect. He then said the purpose of studying had very less to do with acquiring knowledge or the means to earn a livelihood. “All these are incidental and can be gained even without studying. The main purpose of studying is to train the mind.” Considering schooling and college, I had been studying for over sixteen years. The third year B. Com (Hons.) class was the seventeenth year of my studies. After studying for sixteen years, a professor asked me a very basic question about why I was studying. I did not have a suitable answer and learned a very important lesson that day. This first class with Ruchir sir, was merely a trailer for a super-hit blockbuster journey which had just begun.

Ruchir sir is known for his short temper and for being very strict. That is merely the external hull like the shell of a coconut. From inside, he was very caring like a loving elder brother. Since I worked in the Stores, and he was also my mentor, we shared a very good relationship. He never mixed his professional and personal life. No matter how upset he was with us in the college for some misdemeanour on our part, in the hostel he would talk lovingly as if nothing had happened.

Despite his busy schedule, he was always available to us whether it was academics or any other matter. His thoughts and his ideas have always been of immense help. Many lessons written in the Sathya Sai Speaks require a very deep understanding. Of course, it was difficult for me to comprehend them. My only source of help was Ruchir sir. While speaking about it, I realised that he had read all the books written by Swami during his college days. My interactions and discussions with him inspired me to read more books written by Swami. Once, in a Paranayam session, he said, “Live a life that preaches more than your mouth”. When I look back, I rarely remember him preaching to us about discipline or spirituality. He lived it. Being with him, all these virtues automatically came within our grasp. It was perhaps because he himself was content and led a very disciplined spiritual life.

I was not blessed to see Swami in His human form, but I consider it a great blessing that I got an opportunity to live with people who had been with Swami. It has been a privilege for me to be associated with Sri Ruchir Desai, one of the finest people I ever came across in my life. I pray to swami that He blesses his soul and gives him peace and liberation.