Mahesh Babu AS
1984 Prasanthi Nilayam

At the age of 13, I came to know about Swami through my grandmother. She was an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba. She had the unique opportunity to visit Puttaparthi during Bhagawan’s 50th Birthday celebrations in 1975. She was thoroughly convinced that both the incarnations are one and the same. On her return to Madras, she brought a small picture of Swami from Puttaparthi and ordered me to get it framed. I obliged. Honestly, I was not impressed with the divinity of the person depicted in the picture. Much to my chagrin, Thursday Bhajans were started at our home in the small pooja room and we, the children, were asked to participate. I was reluctant to chant the name of Sai.

Swami visited Madras (Chennai) in January 1976 during the Pongal festival and at the behest of my grandmother all of us went to have Darshan of Bhagawan. It was at Sri Venkatamuni’s bungalow that I had my first Darshan of Him just as He was about to leave in a car. I was pleasantly surprised to see a beautiful personality, with a halo of hair, full of energy, beaming a smile of benediction, with raised hands blessings all, instantaneously transporting everyone around into a world of joy. My heart melted at His sight for the first time. I told my grandmother that the picture of Swami at home did not depict the true beauty of Swami. But the time was not yet ripe for me…

On 19 January 1981, Swami inaugurated Sundaram at RA Puram. My family was privileged to be inside the compound and enjoyed the ringside view, whereas I was outside the venue along with others. I vowed to myself to be inside the building next year in 1982. I became a Seva Dal and took up service activities very sincerely for the next one year. The amount of happiness I used to derive while rendering service in the Sai organization was amazing. My Seva Dal leader Sri Venkatesan Sir recognized and appreciated my keenness to serve.

On 23 November 1981, Swami declared, “My students are My property” and announced that the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning would commence from June 1982. I wanted to become His property.

In January 1982 during His visit to Chennai, I was rewarded for my efforts with a Seva opportunity inside Sundaram Mandir near the stairs where Swami was staying. I was overjoyed with the Seva opportunity and the proximity it would give me to Swami.

On the night of 25 January 1982 Swami called us the Seva Dals to take padanamaskar. I mustered courage to ask Him, “Swami, Mee collegilo naaku MSc Chemistrylo seatu Kaavaali.”

Swami replied, “Maa collegilo manchi markulu untene seat vasthundhi.” (You will get seat in My college if you have good marks)

“Swami dayavalla, naaku 79 % markulu undhi, Swami.” (With Your Grace I have secured 79%)

“79 % ante entha?” He enquired

“Swami ‘O’ grade Swami.”

“Manchidi, Manchidi.”

I took one more padanamaskar and I was floating with joy. On 26 January morning, I got a Polaroid photograph taken in Seva Dal uniform with Bhagawan sitting on the jhoola at Sundaram. With His blessings, in June 1982, I joined Swami’s college as a student.

Ever since, Bhagawan is my mother, father, friend, Guru and God – all rolled into one to lead me through this mission called life.

To attain His lotus feet is the ultimate purpose and destination of my life.

Brother Mahesh Babu is based in Karur, Tamil Nadu. He belongs to the first batch of Post graduates from the Institute. Currently working with a South India based bank, he also served briefly as a part time lecturer in Brindavan Campus