I have been a Sai devotee since the Sixties. I was groomed as a Bal Vikas student, where I began singing Sai Bhajans, participated in dramas, and other Balvikas activities at a tender age. I was blessed by Swami when He chose me to study in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Brindavan Campus. I spent my golden days between 1976- 1981 under His grace and care. 

At that time the college had just begun and the hostel construction was still in progress. Our hostel was a temporary shed next to Swami’s residence. Every evening we attended the evening Bhajans. One evening, my senior asked me if I would like to sing, I immediately responded with a resounding “YES”. After an audition, I was selected to sing the same day. I silently thanked Swami for the opportunity and prayed to sing in His physical presence, as Swami was away in Parthi at that time. Every evening I sang with intense yearning for His divine darshan. Soon Swami returned to Brindavan and I was in tears to see Him. Every morning and evening I stood at the portico of Swami’s residence praying for His permission to sing in His presence, but Swami ignored me. I was shattered. I began writing letters to Swami, hoping that He would take them and give me a chance to speak to Him. To my dismay, the ignoring continued. I then realized it was my ego that denied me the divine blessings – I prided myself to be a good singer. I cried and prayed every night to Swami to forgive me. 

It was my birthday – 26th January 1977. The warden, Mr. Sudarshan came to my room and wished me. He told me to take Swami’s dinner from the hostel to Swami’s dining hall. After Bhajan, I nervously carried a beautiful silver tray with Swami’s dinner to His dining room. Swami was there and as He signalled to me, “Raa (come in Telugu)”. As I approached Swami’s dining table, I was trembling. I placed the tray and stood by watching Swami.  Swami took two plates and filled them with food and served me and my brother who was with me. Swami said, “You have the food. I already had my dinner, this is for you”. While I was having the food, Swami lovingly asked me, “Kaha se aaya? (Where are you from)” The conversation went on. Soon Swami asked me, “Bhajan gaata hain? (Do you sing Bhajan)” Our warden, who was also present, told something to Swami in Telugu which I did not understand. After my dinner, Swami said, “Bhajan gaa. (sing a Bhajan)” I immediately sang, “Sai Bhajan Bina Sukh Shaanti Nahin”. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I sang. I was overwhelmed as Swami listened with joy! Swami asked me to sing many Assamese and Hindi songs. He introduced me to the guests sitting there. My dream and my heart’s desire to sing in the divine presence was fulfilled. We took Padanamaskar and Swami gifted us with fruits, sweets and Vibhuti. 

From that day until the day I left Brindavan, I was fortunate to sing in His divine presence. Bhagawan blessed me to be part of the first batch of ‘student’ Bhajan singers. I sang in His physical presence for over 6 years. After Bhagawan had helped me overcome my ego, He expressed the desire to learn the Bhajan “Sai Bhajan Bina Sukh Shaanti Nahin” from me, pretending not to know it. I was taken aback! Swami exemplified the humility that is a hallmark trait for an aspiring singer. Later, Swami Himself sang the Bhajan in the Third World Conference in 1980. In the four decades after that, He has blessed me with the opportunity to lead Sai Bhajans in Assam. 

Over the years I have been devoted to Seva activities in the Sri Sathya Sai Organization in Guwahati, Assam. I am humbled to be able to spread Bhagawan’s message as the President of the Sri Sathya Sai Alumni of Assam for the last three years.  Since its inception, the Alumni Association has conducted service activities including free Medical Camps, visits to institutions for people in special need, organizing Bhajans and the publication of the annual magazine, Premadhara. 

The Alumni Association has conducted numerous relief camps for the flood-affected in the interior villages of Assam and organized medical camps with a team of renowned specialist doctors from Guwahati and examined more than 3000 patients including children, women and the elderly. The alumni have also organized a musical Satsang – Samarpan, to reminisce the precious moments spent in Bhagawan’s presence. The Alumni Association has also come forward to support a few families in Guwahati by providing them with essentials like rice, pulses and vegetables during the COVID-19 nation-wide lockdown. The love that Bhagawan showers on His children is immeasurable. Those beautiful days spent with Swami are the most cherished moments of my life. My journey with Swami has been one of rediscovering bliss as I devote myself to live Swami’s message of Love and Service.

Rupak Sharma joined Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Brindavan Campus between 1976- 1981. A lead singer in Mandir Bhajan group during student days. Currently resides in Guwahati serving as President of Sri Sathya Sai Alumni of Assam. The Alumni Association has conducted numerous relief camps for flood affected people in interior villages of Assam, besides medical camps in Guwahati.