It was Swami’s grace that I got a seat in the MBA program. Our first year was very memorable. Half of the 28 members of our batch were from Brindavan and Prasanthi Nilayam campuses and the rest were new and had a mix of students who were at various degrees of awareness and faith on Bhagawan. 

During the first year, Swami brought us all together. He used to speak to us every day. He used to come to our class and at times, even take classes. We used to have group interviews and we were called in for any help during festivals. We travelled with Him to various places including Ooty and Kodaikanal. During those trips we could be with Swami for hours every day. As we arrived, He gathered us all around him and gave us all essential things including sweaters. He materialised medicines when any of us were ill and gave many discourses and stories. 

However, during the second year, Swami stopped speaking to us and avoided us completely. We had to go through the  ‘testing / fine-tuning program’ prompting us to introspect and become better individuals. We were being prepared for the outside world.

During this time also, Swami was very gracious in a mischievous manner with me. He told the Registrar to get me to lead the setup of Pragnana Pradarshan for the Vice Chancellor’s conference which was moved from Brindavan, as I was managing it there. He did not convey that message to me directly as He was ‘not happy’ with the MBA boys. He used to come to the site every day. Swami would stand in front of me but ‘look through me’. When He gave instructions about the setup, He would address the message/command to the Registrar while it was meant for me. The registrar would look at me to check if I got it. 

It was the last semester and Sports Day arrived. This will be the last chance to win a prize, I participated and won a prize but I  got injured. Swami told the Parthi hospital team to send me to Bangalore for check-up and treatment. Swami allowed me to join the members travelling with Him to Brindavan. As we reached Brindavan, Swami called a senior Orthopaedic from Bangalore and instructed him to take me to Bangalore for a check-up. It was advised that the knee injury required a surgery. Swami approved it and the surgery was done. I did not inform my parents as the Divine Mother was taking care of me. I was worried about the charges and how I would manage myself in the hospital with a full cast of my left leg. Swami deputed a senior student to take care of me. Swami sent a message through the doctor that I should not worry about the charges and that He would pay for it. After a week, Swami got me moved to Whitefield hospital, closer to Brindavan.

This move was another memorable phase. I used to send letters to Swami through the doctors. Swami would take them and also enquire about me frequently. I was doing great, in a way. I was craving Swami’s darshan, but I was not allowed to move. In every letter to Swami, I used to pray for His darshan. One day, after the morning Bhajan time, I heard a lot of commotion in the hospital. One of the staff informed me that Swami might come to the hospital. I was praying even harder now. Suddenly, there was a lot of movement and unexpectedly Swami entered the ward. He came straight to my bed and enquired about my health. He created Vibhuti for me. He asked about my preparations for my MBA exams and then blessed me. All my prayers were answered. I was ecstatic and went quiet for a long time, enjoying those moments with Swami next to my bed. 

After a couple of weeks, I was allowed to go for darshan once. I arrived at the Trayee and stood (I could not sit down with my leg in a cast) in front of the entrance. Swami came out and walked straight to where I was. He asked about my leg. I was longing for a padanamaskar. But I could not bend. Swami came close to me and offered His beautiful hand to hold and kiss it. Another demonstration of His Love, the Love of a Divine Mother.

Swami continues to guide me, correct me and take care of me even today. He promised my mother that He will take care of us, both brothers when we got an interview with Him after my father passed away and He continues to do that. 

Prasad Katta MBA, 1978 – 1989, Prasanthi Nilayam (the first MBA batch). Currently serves as the Global Vice President in Xpress Money Services in Dubai, UAE. He participates in Alumni service projects and other community service activities in UAE.