We often are under the impression that we are in control of what we do and what happens through us. We fail to realise that there is a higher hand at play. 

The story, the scene and the setting are all decided by Him, the ultimate director of all our lives. When He wills it, He does it the best. And so impeccable is His timing that the whole world is left astounded. 

This, I have come to experience personally. After working in the IT sector in Thailand for almost 8 years, I decided to take the plunge of building my own company.

After doing all the background work, I arrived at Puttaparthi with hope in my heart that Swami will give me the green signal to start the company and possibly give it a name too. Hands in supplication, I asked him during my visit to Prasanthi Nilayam in 2009. He ignored me magnificently. 

Perhaps, the time was not right. I consoled my restless heart and went back. 

As predicted, there were several roadblocks – investors backed out, permissions weren’t forthcoming and motivation was low because Swami had not given His go-ahead. 

In May 2010, I arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam once again for Buddha Poornima. Hope bubbled in my heart. I was praying hard. I had put many months of brainstorming, passion, sweat and blood going into it. Buddha Poornima Celebrations started at Sai Kulwant Hall, and there was a sliver of a chance to talk to Bhagawan on the occasion.

However, Swami did not give me the chance. I was heartbroken. After all, what can happen without His will?

I went back home with a heavy heart. We were on the verge of giving up the whole idea. There was a looming uncertainty regarding everything.

But that’s the thing; When we surrender we surrender with everything. Slowly, I made peace with the truth that Swami did not say yes to my dream. 

Months passed. And before I realised, I was at Prasanthi Nilayam for our Annual Alumni offering, “Prema Bandham”, in December 2010.

This is the last time, I decided, that I will ask Swami before hanging up on my efforts on my dream altogether. On 18th December 2010, we got an interview. It was blissful to have Bhagawan interact with all our batchmates. Interviews such as these were becoming rare and we cherished every moment of it.

Suddenly Swami called me, “Hey Calcutta boy”

I sidled toward him. I was in a trance-like state. It was then he told me to start the company. The magic of His will is so that every roadblock we faced vanished. My investors called up the same evening to fix an appointment on 20th December. The investment negotiations that failed in September magically fell in place within one day. By 19th January 2011, the company was up and running. 

Feeling immensely energised, I returned to Parthi. On January 2nd, I was seated  in Poorna Chandra Hall along with the alumni. Swami asked what the name of my nascent company was. I gave him a list of prospective names and He finalised “Saitech Solutions”. 

I realised that only He knows what to give and when to give. Everything went smoothly from then on. By 19th January 2011, the company was up and running. 

In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says we should always think of Him and at the same time carry out our prescribed duty. I see no difference between Lord Krishna’s teachings and SaiMaa’s teachings.

We also got the extremely elusive approval of Thailand Official Board of Investments very fast. I had an inexplicable urge to get the file blessed by Him. On 24th March 2011, I flew to India. The next day, I sat in the Darshan line, heart brimming with hope, and mind vacillating with fear. I had gone there only for one day. And by then we were not sure whether Swami will give darshan or not, owing to His failing health.

Swami did come. He went around the lines and reached my place. But passed by me in the car. After some initial bouts of despair, I surrendered to the fact that His will has taken me so far, so it is up to Him to take me further too.

Swami came back for a second round of Darshan and scanned the portico area. He slowly made His way towards the place I was sitting. Tentatively I raised the file for Him to bless. Bless He did, touching the file gently, smiling at me.

My eyes were brimming with tears of joy. Swami was with me throughout the journey of setting up my company, rather, His company. 

A decade later, as I think back on that blessed day, I get overwhelmed with a bittersweet feeling as that was the last day I could see His beatific form, his lovely smile, that was the last day the whole world had the last darshan, that was the last day we spent experiencing His Divine proximity.

And, He gave me an assurance that lasts a lifetime. 

He is always with me, in me and around me.
His will is what that leads me today and will lead me forever after.

Randeep Bhattacharya B.Com, 1992 – 95, Brindavan. He is the Founder & CEO at Saitech Solution Co. Ltd, Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand. Besides service activities in SSSSO, he is also involved in conducting cancer detection camps, supporting orphanages and disaster rehabilitation.