Deepak V
2006 Prasanthi Nilayam

I left the educational institutions of Prasanthi Nilayam close to seven years ago. Prasanthi Nilayam was home for 14 years up until then and for many reasons, still remains so. My memories of the years I spent in the Primary school, High School, Brindavan and Prasanthi Nilayam campuses of the University now constitute of vivid collage. Change is inevitable for it is change alone that places experience in the right perspective.

On moving away from Prasanthi Nilayam I have appreciated the spirit behind the intense activity that goes on in the daily life of a Sathya Sai Student having seen other educational systems across the globe that also aim at fostering learning. I’m proud that I was part of what I now perceive as being a Gurukul system of education with a global outlook. Swami’s carefully designed system fostered education on Indian culture, the Vedas as well as on subjects such as modern science. Much has already been told about this system of education and is best summarized in Swami’s words. “I want my students to have the Head of Shankara, the Body of Hanuman, the Hands of Janaka and the Heart of Buddha.” The daily schedule silently implemented this vision of Swami. The experience of going through such a system of education is something I both respect and cherish today.

A day before I was to leave Prasanthi Nilayam to pursue a career in the real world, I knelt before Swami and handed Him a letter. The letter went something like this “Dear Swami, I came to You as a little child. You’ve seen me grow up into what I am today. I remain ever thankful for all You have done.” Swami read the letter silently in front of me. He remembered that time I came to Him as a child, looked at a guest seated next to Him and said something to the effect of, “I’ve known him since he was very little.” I then told Swami “You’ve done so much for me, what can I do for you?” Swami’s answer was simple. Simple as most profound and well-developed ideas and beliefs tend to be. “You don’t have to do anything for me. Bring a good name for yourself. That’s all I want.”

I have never viewed Swami in the mysterious frame of ‘God’ due to His warmth & love He has given. Swami has been just part of my family. He was there at every important decision the family took, advising on often overlooked details such as when it was right according to the Indian calendar to begin an undertaking. He was fiercely traditional, unbelievably altruistic and very adaptable. I have learned a lot just watching Him host important guests, advice devotees and plan strategies for His service projects. The way I go about living my life today has in many ways been shaped by what Swami said and did. Just as memories stay alive when documented, shared or recapitulated, a vision stays alive when lived.

I intend to live His vision.

Brother Deepak V is pursuing his PhD from Cambridge, UK. He is a proficient percussionist.