Girisha Gudibanda.N
SSSHSS 90-92 B.Com 92-95 Brindavan, MFM 96-98 Prasanthi Nilayam

Working at co-operative society at Brindavan managed by Ruchir sir is a life-enriching experience. He is the one who walks into the classroom empty-handed and starts dictating the final accounts problem along with the profit and loss statement, balance sheet with all those mind-boggling numbers on the spot. Working with him at the Sri Sathya Sai Cooperative society stores, on campus in Brindavan, one gets to learn each and every business aspect along with the human touch that one should maintain in business.

Swamy liked Ruchir sir so much that several times he would pull his leg like a mother, giving joy to Ruchir sir and others around him. It was the time when Swamy stayed for more than usual at Brindavan. One afternoon Swamy ordered for a couple of bundles of clothes and asked them to be brought to his abode, ‘Trayee Brindavan’. We, the ones working at stores carried all the bundles and the loving mother was waiting for us to receive his ordered items. Ruchir sir took every opportunity to put us in front of the Lord of the Universe telling about the work that we do. I was so surprised by the selfless presentation made by Ruchir sir showcasing his leadership quality to highlight and give credit to us. Swamy started talking to him saying, ‘Nenu repu Parthi velthunna’ (I am traveling back to Parthi tomorrow). Ruchir sir immediately said ‘Swamy vellakandi’ (Swamy please don’t go) in Telugu. Swamy said, ‘Nenikkada chaala nelalu unnanu. Neevu inka nannu ikkade undu antunnavu…selfish. (I have been here for many months, still, you are asking me to be staying here…selfish) Ruchir sir replied in Telugu, ‘Swamy ikkada vunte maaku trupthi ledeu’. (If Swamy is here we are not happy) He wanted to say that no matter how long Swamy stays at Brindavan we will not be fully satisfied and the heart wants Him to stay longer. Swamy immediately replied, ‘nenunte neeku istam ledu anduke Parthiki velthunnanu’ (‘Since you are not happy me staying here I am going to Parthi’). Ruchir sir realized what he had uttered and with a sorry face said, ‘Swamy naaku telugu raadu’. (Swamy I don’t know Telugu). Listening to that the cheerful Lord lovingly patted Ruchir sir on his cheeks. Swamy’s loving smile, the gesture of patting and Ruchir sir’s happiness expressed on his face got stuck in all our hearts and mind. I can never forget that moment and the happiness that Ruchir sir had on his face.

I can recall a countless number of such instances working in stores. Personally, he guided me on many things as simple as room matters, small quarrels with friends. He was like an elder brother to me and the heart is heavy, him not being with us physically!