Sankranthi Greetings

I walk across the street everyday hoping to find someone looking morose. For the last few weeks I’ve been unsuccessful for, people have taken Swami’s words seriously, “never put on a castor oil face”. Every day is a living experience in paradise here; it always was, but some occasions make them more apparent. Swami’s greetings to us this Sankranthi have been a blessing beyond measure.

Taking cue from Saturday’s drama which filled many hearts with love and joy, the following days were experiences in the same continuum. The next day was a chance for Brindavan boys to showcase their talent in a drama entitled “Saint Kabir”. Swami’s joy was in full flow as He came towards devotees and students many a time in chair, blessing and taking letters from everyone. The evening drama was scheduled to begin at 5 pm, but we were asked to be seated in Kulwant hall by 3.30 pm. Swami came at 4.30 pm and asked some teachers to distribute watches to all students. We got sports watch whereas the teachers were given gold plated watches by Swmai with His own hands. At 5.15, the drama began. Except for some excellent and jaw dropping sets, the drama was pretty ordinary. But the boys had won His heart for sure; He called the boy who acted as Kabir, materialized a ring and chain for Him. All the boys got group photographs. Looking at their beaming smiles, we knew that a month’s hard work and sincere efforts had paid off well.

While the boys were enjoying the gifts of Swami’s love, the girls couldn’t be left far behind. The next day, students of Anantpur campus presented a musical programme, singing devotional songs. I think this performance was one of their best over the years; they had a blend of Carnatic and Hindustani music with some excellent selection of songs. One could see Swami enjoying the tunes as He moved His hands often t the beats. At one point, He even sang the lines of a song. At the end, Swami called Anil Kumar and told him to announce about the next day’s programme. He said he would even speak to us.

January 15 happened to be Sankranthi as well as the valedictory function of our Annual Sports Meet. Since Swami had asked Mr. Anil Kumar to specially announce about this occasion, we knew the day would be exciting. All of us got up early and assembled in mandir by 7.30 am. The captains of different houses were wearing blazers, as they were going to receive prizes. They would march from Yajur mandir to Kulwant hall welcoming Swami. I was lucky to be part of this group and happened to be standing next to the door. The doors opened at 8.oo am, but Swami stayed inside. I could see some people bringing huge shining trophies out of His residence to be kept on the dais. As soon as Swami stepped out, the Institute band began to play and we marched ahead. Swami looked at each boy as He passed us. He went to the portico where the trophies and other prizes were kept and had a close look at each of them.

The programme began with a speech given by Vice Chancellor, which was followed by experiences of Sports Meet shared by one of the post graduate students of the University. The latter’s speech was excellent, brief and was acknowledged with a thunderous applause. Later, Swami called for His mike. As He saw Mr. Anil Kumar wearing a suit, He asked, “What are you wearing?” Sir replied, “Swami, this is suit.” Swami gave an amused smile and chided Him. (The discourse is covered in a separate post.)

After the discourse, He called the Warden and Principal of every campus and gave away trophies. It was surprising, since the trophies are generally collected by captains representing their campus. Later, some boys and girls came forward, taking turns to get the medals and certificates blessed. Swami held all the medals and showed it to all of us! He blessed all the certificates and made Anil Kumar announce as to the number of medals given in each campus. At the end, He asked us, “Are you happy?” the boys replied, “Swami, we are very happy.” He too remarked, “Very happy”. Swami returned back after aarati at 10 am.