I first met Prof. Anil Kumar in 1989 when Bhagawan included him in the group which was going to Kodaikanal. He was such a charming character that he soon won us all over with his sunny disposition – that smile which never left his lips and eyes were the hallmark of his character, which always stayed positive and tuned to Bhagawan. I remember the number of instances where he made us laugh so much with his humour that he even had Bhagawan clutching His sides with tears streaming down His eyes asking him to stop speaking.

I remember one memorable instance with him. For some reason Bhagawan was once not pleased with him and told me not to allow him inside the Poornachandra (Bhagawan’s residence). Prof. Anil Kumar came marching (prancing, I should say) to Poornachandra and when he saw me coming out, he started indicating from far away if he should turn back and asked, “Emi ra – marching orders vacchaya naku?” (What, have I been given the marching orders?).

I nodded and said, “I am sorry sir.”

With that smile that never left him, he patted me and said, “Arrey – why are you so upset. Tittedanna, pogadedanna ayanake sarvadhikaralu vunnayi. ivvala chee po annavare repu ra bangaru antaru chuduu. madhyalo vari padalu matramu gattiga pattukoni vundadame mana pani. ee natakaiayana adistaru.” (Why are you feeling so sorry? Whether it is scolding or praising – it is only He who has the entire right. Today He asked me to go. Tomorrow He will only ask me to come with all love. What we can do in between is never to lose hold of His feet. Leave Him to play all the drama around us!”)

It was during this time that Bhagawan praised him sky-high when He was talking to me. Swami recalled the times when Prof. Anil Kumar had to walk for several miles in hot sun and rain – often missing food and sleep – all with the sole purpose of reaching some remote hamlet where he would sing bhajans and speak about Bhagawan’s glory. Bhagawan was speaking with so much love about him when He said, “asala bantu laga Swami seva chesi Swami peru yentaga chatinchado meeru oohinchaleru.” (You people will never have an idea of how he strived like a true servant to spread Swami’s name.”

I then understood why Prof. Anil Kumar was so convinced that while Bhagawan will play the drama around us – we should remain focused on Him. Externally, Bhagawan apparently was punishing him, but in reality He had never lost contact with Prof. Anil Kumar. Sir, I cannot bid you to rest in peace with Bhagawan or say Sadgathi Praaptirastu (may you attain divine abode). You were always one with Bhagawan. Now you just shed the bonds and limitations of your mortal coils to truly be one with Him in every sense.

Dr M Sainath, PhD 1990, Prashanti Nilayam