Gokul V
2013 Prasanthi Nilayam

Swami gave me the desire to be His Student in the year 2003 when I was pursuing my 11th standard. I felt that if at all I pursue a college degree, it has to be from Swami’s institute. Though I “supposedly” performed well in my interview for the UG course in the year 2005, I was disappointed not to see my name in the selected list of candidates for admission. I thought that the whole world was over. I felt miserable for having lost an opportunity to study in Swami’s institute.

But, all of a sudden, Swami gave me a thought to continue to pray for an admission in His University even after the results were announced that year. I continued to pray fervently, the likes of which I have never done even till date. I secretly hoped and prayed that I should get a “phone call” from the university, where the authorities would inform me that I am selected.

Days passed after the results for admission were announced and there was no phone call still. One day even as I was praying for the phone call, out of nowhere I heard a strong voice that said, “Wait, wait…” It was much later that I came to know these were actually one of Swami’s favourite responses (!!!) for He never says no!

With hope in my heart to be a Swami’s student someday, I went on to do engineering. After completing my engineering degree, I applied for an MBA degree and an MTech (Applied Optics) degree simultaneously. This was in 2009. I did not manage to get my name in the admission list even this time. I went on to take up a job, but continued hoping of becoming a student in His university someday. The story was no different the  next year.

In the year 2011, even as the Lord decided to move on to the next phase of His Avataric mission, I made my attempt for an MBA degree, quitting from the company I was working in even before writing the admission tests. The results were announced and again the story was same.

Fully disheartened even as the 1st of June 2011 arrived (when the academic year in Swami’s university had started), I was lost in thoughts as to when my turn would come to be His student. Just then my mobile phone rang – the number read 08555 – – – – – – – – -. I immediately knew it was a call from Parthi.

The prayer that I had made to my Lord, six years back was fulfilled exactly in the same manner I wanted that time. I had learnt a lesson for my life – His delays are never ever His denials.

Brother GokulV is based out of Chennai & works as a finance analyst He is part of the Seva activities being done through his local Sai Samithi