MBA Alumni Reconnect – 2005
It was a momentous occasion for scores of MBA students who had graduated from the university to return to their alma mater. It was an extraordinary reconnect as there were boys from the very first MBA batch in 1986 to the batch that had just passed out in 2004. The fortune of having Swami’s Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhashan along with their families made it extra special.
On one of the days of the event, the MBA students of 2005 had staged a drama entitled ‘Karishye Vachanam Thawa’ – Command and I shall obey. Swami was extremely happy with the message of the drama, and was extremely emotional towards the end of the play. In continuation of the theme, on dealing with ethical dilemmas in the corporate world, I felt an intense urge to ask a question to Bhagawan. On sensing an opportunity in the the interview room after the drama, I asked Swami, what was the most endearing quality He would like to see in his boys. He gazed straight into my eyes and replied, ‘GRATITUDE’. He went on to say, ‘If you make mistakes in life, Swami as your Guru will still be your protector from your karmas, but if you fail to reflect gratitude in your life, there is no saviour. One must pay gratitude to your parents, society and the Divine.’
This message reverberates strongly in my mind to this date and will continue as a constant reminder of our duty as His alumni.
2005 Convocation Drama
Annual Convocation of the university is one of most eagerly anticipated programs every year. The convocation ceremony, handing the gold medals and evening drama were the perfect humdingers on eve of Bhagawan’s birthday celebrations. The drama invariably illustrated the higher learning imparted to students.
Swami often made visits to the practice sessions and took personal interest in the play, the story, make up, music etc. I was lucky to be in the drama that year and was playing the role of a Director in a Construction Company where the chief architect resigns just before the launch of a key project.
There was a scene where I had to exhibit considerable anger on his resignation. It was one such afternoon that Swami had come to watch the practice. I underplayed that scene as I didn’t feel comfortable being loud and vocal before Bhagawan even though it was only a drama. On returning to Mandir from the practice, Swami immediately gave me a feedback stating I needed to show more commitment to my role.
Interestingly, He then asked me on what I thought his role was in the drama.
My reply was spontaneous: ‘Swami, you are the Divine Director not only for this drama but the drama of the entire universe.’
And there came His reply , ‘Kaadu Bangaaru, Neenu Director kaadu, Neenu Script Rachayita’ – I am not the director, I am the script writer. I have it all, scripted for you, the director, the protagonist, and all of the artistes in this universal play. All I need from you is your commitment to your roles. You can ask for clarity on your roles, but once that is provided you need to be committed for your lifetime.”
I wonder to this date if I could ever understand the meaning of ‘commitment’ deeper and simpler than that. Faith and Commitment are pathways to strengthen our relationship with Sai.
