The name sounds very demure, but he was anything but that! My first memories of him were during the personal interview during which he pointedly asked me what I hoped to achieve in my life. Fresh out of college and armed with the usual confidence that one accumulates over having attended such interviews many times, I tried to expound lyrically on my aspirations till I was rudely brought down by his typical Haryanvi/Punjabi accented English that I did not know anything.
That was his signature style – his blunt disposition – that earned him a number of critics. But in heart he was a wonderful person, very human, vulnerable, but with unshakeable faith in Bhagavan. It was this rock-like faith that allowed him to take his numerous disappointments in his stride.
Prof. Sehgal, the first dean of the School of Business Management and Finance, was a very able administrator, but who was, I feel, little understood by many due to his forthrightness. He may have been fallible, but his faith in the system was unwavering because of his conviction that the Institute was among the best in terms of its facilities and curriculum – second to none.
I have a number of fond memories of him, which I treasure. He was like a strict parent, yet understanding to a fault. He offered me sound advice that even today holds me in good stead… that in the end “when no one is with you… you need to walk alone… but walk we surely should.”
Sir, your teachings will never go in vain. May your soul rest with the Divine.

A few thoughts…

1. I just cannot forget this COMMUNICATION SKILLS subject. If it hadn’t been for him it would have been COMMUNICATIONS KILLS. I find his teachings very applicable now when addressing a gathering of more than 1000 people or even in my interpersonal relationships.
   The only way I can pay tribute to him is by living up to the expectations he had on our batch. And that is becoming a reality.
2. Our MBA batch had a high percentage of first-timers to Parthi. Some of us were not yet devotees of Bhagavan then. I was one of them. So, for the staff and other students who evolved in Prashanti Nilayam Campus, it would have been a different experience interacting with us. As such, comparatively at least, the teachers would have found our batch a bit ‘different’. But we also found our Dean (Prof. Sehgal) to be very different from other teachers! For big boys that we were, perhaps we were scared of only the Dean. While communication forms a critical part of managerial skills, the subject perhaps was not the most popular amongst us! (Later Dr. Sudhir Bhaskar had mentioned more than once that our batch was one of the best!)

Bhagavan had different plans. He showered so much love on us; as a group, we were picking up managerial skills, life skills, and spiritual skills at His Lotus Feet.

After passing out, Prof. Sehgal would split his time between his residence in Delhi and Prashanti Nilayam Campus. When I was in Delhi for three years, I went to his house too. We would discuss about corporate life, but would end up doing Satsang, on Bhagavan. The nail-biting professor had become very dear to us.
Recently, I was in Parthi as part of a Middle East group for two weeks; Prof. Sehgal was also there. We would chat almost every day. He met my family at Ganesh gate and even blessed my son, who was a toddler when we were in Delhi. Prof. Sehgal would often say that Bhagavan wanted the teachers to treat His students as Prem Putras, not just students. Through him I met several senior devotees at Parthi. Each interaction with them enriched me spiritually. He also mentioned that Bhagavan had advised him to be very strict with his Prem Putras. Hence, he was a tough teacher! We had promised to meet each other during Birthday celebrations. However, on Thursday (14th Oct), he merged with Our Lord Sai. His sudden demise was so shocking.
We will miss him… May Bhagavan bless Sehgal sir.
Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they will not be here tomorrow. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again. – Og Mandino
(This memoriam is a tribute by a student of Prof. Sehgal.)

Acharya Devo Bhava…

When we open the treasure chest of our life, we would find many precious jewels in it. But the most precious ones would be the time we spent in Bhagavan’s institutions. These jewels are Acharya Devo Bhava… precious because of Bhagavan’s infinite love and because of His people who have so generously given their entire lives into making each of us a ‘Sai Student’.
As a pioneer in the system of integrated valuebased education, the higher secondary school continues to inspire generations of students to new heights of self-confidence and academic achievement. The teachers not just inculcate academic competence in students, but also prepare them for their life ahead. The faculty members hold aloft the torch of Bhagavan’s teachings to light up the lives of thousands of students.
A few alumni reached out to some of the senior faculty members who gladly consented to provide guidance as well as share their experiences on a variety of questions.
How do you look at the experience of teaching in the Bhagavan’s institution? What has made it special?
Sri Rammohan Rao: When I look back, having been blessed with the coveted opportunity of teaching in Bhagavan’s institutions for more than 30 years, I feel immense satisfaction that I did not live my life in vain and that the body, which is a gift of God, has been used for participating in God’s mission on earth.
What makes the experience of teaching special is how Bhagavan responds to your work and the love that actuates your work. Another dimension that makes it special is that you are not alone, but working in unison with students and fellow teachers. This gives strength to achieve the most arduous and the impossible. The love that teachers and students feel for Bhagavan lends tremendous strength and builds an unbreakable bond between the teacher and the taught. The spirit of Vedic utterance “Sahana Vavatu” is lived in Bhagavan’s institutions.

Sri Ramakrishna Reddy: I never thought of becoming a teacher. It is His will and gift. While teaching I learnt various other things that constitute ones mental makeup such as patience, adjustment, etc. I feel teaching is not merely giving what you know and the way you like, but it is giving with love according to the respective capacity of every student. The subject should be revised and revamped in the teacher’s mind.
Teaching here is special because teachers and students are at the same wavelength – we are all here for Bhagavan.

Bhagavan has also stated many times that we should imbibe important ideas from our Puranas and from our culture. This process makes it noble and special.
Sri B K Mishra: The environment of teaching is special. Everyone is aware that the purpose of education is charged with a new vision, and the teacher who shares it feels replenished every day.
Is there one experience that sums up the entire experience?
Sri Venkateshwaralu: A few years ago Bhagavan had a small accident and seemed to have injured Himself. He had difficulty walking. I asked the tenth standard students what is it that we can do to alleviate His physical pain. They came with the suggestion that we all pray to Bhagavan, by doing Parayanam of His biography Satyam Sivam Sundaram (Part I) and by chanting Hanuman Chalisa every day.
We all successfully completed Parayanam on a Sunday morning. After morning Bhajans when the boys reached their hostel we got news that Bhagavan wanted the school boys to gather in Poornachandra auditorium after lunch.

In the auditorium, He stood on the stage and distributed wrist watches to all teachers and students saying that He was very happy. Can you guess what was on the dial of the watch? It was Lord Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani Mountain!
Of course, nothing is beyond His knowledge, yet He acknowledged the combined prayers of teachers and students. All that we have to do is to think of Him constantly and please Him by our efforts.
Sri Rammohan Rao: The students of XI class and the class teachers wanted to stage the drama Krishna Chaitanya in the presence of Bhagavan. Though the drama was almost ready in October, unforeseen circumstances
resulted in boys not being able to put it up – Sports Meet ensued after which Bhagavan unexpectedly departed to Brindavan, the farewell function and the onset of annual examinations. Despite academic pressure, the students and teachers associated with the drama now and then kept themselves in touch with the drama.
It the immense love that students have for Bhagavan and the courage to perform it for Bhagavan’s pleasure that melted His heart. The students were permitted to perform the play on 29th March during the annual examination. History was repeated when the next batch of students of X class performed the drama Daivam Manusha Roopena in the Divine presence. As it is said, “Where there is love and God, the impossible things become possible”. One elderly devotee remarked thus, “These impossible things can happen only in Bhagavan’s institutions – nowhere else”.
What has given you the sense of fulfillment in teaching here?
Sri B K Mishra: What can be more fulfilling than to be with one who is both a sweet kid and a sweet enigma? One lives in a world whose frontiers are forever expanding – and one is motivated never to give up exploring the new landscapes. That brings to a teacher the greatest fulfillment for he knows what he believes, and he can say what he believes – at least to his class.
Dr. Sivaramakrishnan: This atmosphere is highly congenial for the teacher–learner process to bear maximum fruits. We feel happy to listen from students about their success in their chosen field… do and offer them silently to the Lord.

Sri Ramkrishna Reddy: Some people say “Oh! You are a school teacher, not a college lecturer.” Initially it used to prick me. Gradually I realized that it is not important where you stand on the social ladder, but how much joy you give and derive from your work. Students listening to your class with joy and rapt attention make you feel proud and fulfilled every day… and Bhagavan’s Darshan invigorates you.
What are your hopes from the Alumni? What advice do you have for us?
Sri Venkateshwarulu: When students are here they go through a rigorous time schedule given by Bhagavan. They participate in several activities apart from academics. This brings in a transformation in them without their knowledge. So they stand out in the crowd outside. Experiencing the ‘brotherhood of man and fatherhood of God’, they aspire to do something for society and grow in life. In order to sustain this enthusiasm they should
regularly participate in Bhajans and take up service activities organized by local Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithis and lead by example. This will bring joy to our Bhagavan and they will experience bliss that Bhagavan talks of.

Dr. Sivaramakrishnan: One should be grateful to Bhagavan, His institution and the teachers and carry Bhagavan and His ideals along with them to be successful in their future endeavours.
Sri B K Mishra: Be men and women of substantial dreams, And put every dream behind you, When you walk towards its fulfillment.
Sri Janardhan: Having seen God and lived in His Divine presence in this heaven on earth, alumni should keep up the image of Sai students wherever they are. They must uphold human values with the conviction that Bhagavan, our saviour who has shown us the path, is ever ready to take them along to the ultimate destination of everlasting peace and joy. Keeping this in mind, students should serve the society in the manner exemplified by Bhagavan.

What is your advice to the junior teachers of the school?
Dr. Sivaramakrishnan: Be sincere and committed for any work allotted and offer it at the lotus feet of our most beloved Lord, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Varu. Love the work that is assigned to you rather than seeking for the assignment you love.

Sri Janardhan: Bhagavan has kept His students as the crest jewel of His mission. The responsibility of preparing them for such an honour has been given to the teachers. During one of the summer courses Bhagavan exclusively delivered a speech for the teachers. He said that teachers in Bhagavan’s institutions are not paid for imparting bookish knowledge to the students, but for moulding each student (in to an ideal Sai Student) by loving care and concern for his total development.
Sri Rammohan Rao: Junior teachers have a very difficult task ahead of them – the task of protecting students from the menacing maladies of modern times. They have the tough task of saving students from the temptations of the materialistic world. Their task becomes all the more challenging when Bhagavan sheds His physical body. We have to grow spiritually strong to face the challenge of our lives – continuing His mission in the absence of the physical presence of the Avatar. The invisible presence of Jesus and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa helped Their disciples in their struggle to continue the mission of their masters. Similarly Bhagavan would help us when we need Him the most. Let us inspire ourselves with the ideal stated by Bhagavan: Whoever gives second place to God gives no place to Him. Bhagavan should become the alpha and the omega of our life, only then will we be worthy to be called Sai students. Bhagavan Himself is slowly and steadily preparing you for the awesome task ahead. You certainly will be victorious.
Sri Venkateshwarulu: Love Bhagavan intensely and transform that love in serving His children by devoting substantial time other than teaching subjects in the classroom.