I once had an opportunity to ask Prof. Anil Kumar, “Sir, how is it that you are always happy?”

He had an instant response. “There are two reasons I am always happy. The first; I am doing what I love. I love to talk with people. I am always surrounded by people and talking to them all the time. The second; My bag is always packed. I am ready to leave at a moment’s notice. I am not attached to any place.” His reply was authentic and candid. It was revealing to me how such a senior devotee who had access to Bhagawan carried himself in such an unassuming manner.

Prof. Anil Kumar would often come to mandir dressed in coloured safari suits. The rest of the Faculty and students would all be in whites. When we made bold to ask him why he was not in white, he would gleefully respond, “I am always in my true colours, Saar (Sir).”

His coloured suits did not bother Swami. They were not a distraction to Swami who saw him for what he was. Prof. Anil Kumar was always approachable. He often had a funny anecdote to share to help everyone find their peace and reinforce their love for Bhagawan. It has truly been a privilege to have known him.

Harishkrishan B, MBA (2005)