D Vidyanand
1991 Prasanthi Nilayam

When I joined Brindavan for my college, I felt truly fortunate. Morning Darshans and evening Bhajan sessions were the icing on the cake. It was on one of those blessed evenings that I sang the Bhajan, “Jaya Gurudeva Prabhu Sai Deva” in His physical presence. I had absolutely no knowledge of music at that time. Though my Bhajan rendering was probably of lowest quality ever, Swami seemed to ignore that aspect of my shaky debut and spoke to me so lovingly. Little did I know that this was just the start of an intense training process that would propel me to become a better participant. Years later, I would play the accordion in His presence at the Poorna Chandra Auditorium and He would even remark that I did a good job! I would speak and address an august audience in His presence during Dussera time. And then a few more years later, I would return to Prasanthi Nilayam multiple times with fellow devotees from USA and sing in His divine physical presence. In retrospect, I can now clearly see how His love and grace served as the guiding factor that provided and nourished me to become better each day.

An incident in this regard comes to my mind. Bhagawan taught us the basic elements of public speaking citing His own discourse as an example. The first verse that He utters is the synopsis of His discourse – it lays the foundation. He moves on to delve deeper into each point and covers all the points through logical progression, thereby building a necklace of wisdom pearls that any or everyone can wear. He completes His discourse by summing up at the end. He mentioned that the opening is the most important part of any speech, as you have the complete attention of the audience. One must understand that the audience is curious to find out the gist of a speech quickly and will judge a speech by just the first few words.

The turning point in my life came when I was selected by Bhagawan to receive the Best All-Rounder Medal in 1987. The award brought with it a fresh boost of confidence. Bhagawan was indeed the wind beneath my wings who would lift me to soar the heights of success later in life. I felt that it was a testimony to a transformation that took place within me in the years that I was under His tutelage.

When I got my first real job in the corporate arena, little did I realize that I was prepared for it. I remember the sweet moments when Bhagawan appeared in my dream that night. That dream served as the catalyst to build the necessary skills to be successful in the corporate arena.

Years later, when I was in Parthi along with the US group to perform a music program, I came to know through brother Ratnakar that Bhagawan had made a mention about my new job opportunity that I would eventually take up. The new opportunity would open up new pathways later in my career.

I have grown in His proximity and thus am truly fortunate. His umbrella has always and will always protect not only me, but everyone who has grown under His care and love. His love for us is infinitesimal and He is undoubtedly the wind beneath our wings.

Brother Vidyanand currently resides in Boston, USA. He was awarded the Best All rounder Gold Medal at the Institute. Post his PhD he obtained his MS and MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. He stays active in Sai activities