T.K. Karthik
1996-99, B.Com (Hons)

While everyone in the hostel used to get up in the morning to study. I used to get up every morning and keep my bags ready to get back home during the first couple of months in my first year B.Com at Brindavan campus as I was terribly home sick.

On one such occasion my parents had come to pick me up and my Mother was in front of Trayee Brindavan praying. Ruchir Sir noticed her from the stores and sensed something wasn’t right. My parents were known to Sir as they were Seva Dals, Office bearers in Swami’s Service wing, Bangalore and my father also used to assist Sir with Vendors and material procurement for the stores.

Ruchir Sir, intuiting the uneasiness in the air apparently walked up to her, spoke to my father and Mother, understood the situation well and told them not to worry and he would take care of the situation. From then on, Sir used to call me to his room during study hours and spent weeks and months trying to explaining what I would miss out if I gave up this beautiful opportunity to study in Swami’s college.

He encouraged me to join the AVC (Audio, Visual Committee), to becoming Brindavan campus official photographer (1996 to 1999), also put me on to a devotee from UK who was the royal families official photographer in order to brush up my photography fundamentals when he used to visit the Ashram, and to assisting in stores during holidays. Sir constantly encouraged me and was there for me when I needed any support and guidance. His constant care and encouragement ensured that I had numerable opportunities to physically interact with Swami which I will cherish for life! Per his word to my parents, he went out of his way to ensure I settled down comfortably, and rest is history!

It’s been more than two decades since I have passed out from college but I have always been in touch with Sir (My Father and I run a fabrication factory in Bangalore and assist Brindavan Institute with any related work as required) and consider him to have played a very important part in shaping and molding me to what I am today.

Just a month back Sir had called pertaining to a few Rolling Shutters to be serviced at the Institute and we had a beautiful long conversation along with my father regarding the good old days. Never knew it would be the last. Divine Will!

That is Ruchir Sir for me. Rest in Peace Sir….will miss you dearly Sir!