Story behind the photo – 156 – Swami said, Neat…. Very very neat … Sri. Gundu Rao, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, climbing up the steps with Bhagavan Baba, after the inauguration of the University Administrative bloc k. It was the year 1980, I believe. Swami showed his fingers towards a small hill, at the far end of the Hill view stadium, and announced that an University Administrative building will be coming up on that hill, by next Birthday. And the Divine prophecy did materialize. Sri Gundu Rao, the then Chief Minister of Karnataka State was to be the chief guest on that occasion. The building was ready, and on the day of inauguration, hectic activities were still going on. Few of the selected band of sevadals from Chennai, including myself, were given the task of transporting the furniture up the hill, and install them in the respective office rooms. This task force worked overnight, and almost everything was in place. We climbed down the hills, took bath, and was back in the building to look into the finishing touches. The inauguration time was fixed for 9.00 AM onwards. But to our great surprise, Swami arrived, at 7.00 AM. Swami went to each and every room, to see for Himself that everything was in place. I was standing with another seva dal, near staircase through which Swami was climbing down. Swami called us and pointed out few foot marks in the steps, perhaps left by painters who had finished the last coat of paints. Swami in a strict voice instructed us that these marks should be wiped out immediately, before the arrival of the Chief Guest, in very short time. Swami’s words, “ Neat.., Very very neat… No marks here, when we come back very soon.” Swami was still speaking to somebody else. I ran out and could not find any buckets or vessels to bring water and clean the steps. I found out an earthen pot with water down near the entrance, perhaps left by the night watchman. Eagerly I lifted the Earth pot and ran up the steps. Swami was still standing nearby. I was in hurry and was also very nervous. As I reached the last step in the staircase, my legs crumpled and almost fell down. The earthen- pot fell down with thud, and broke. Water splashed all over. Luckily Swami did not get wet. Swami looked at me with anger, lifting his finger menacingly. I thought I will cry out. Swami took few steps towards me then patted on my Back. With a tender looks, Swami said “It is okay. Now call few more boys, and start mopping up the water and make the place clean, as quickly as possible. Will you do that?” …. With Love & Regards, Mumbai Srinivasan.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 22:43:03 +0000
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