On 18 December 2020, I had an experience during one of my online Sri Sri Sanskar Kendra programs that strengthened my faith in Gurudev’s grace.
It was the fifth day of the program, with 68 children participating. Around 7:45 p.m., while the children were happily dancing, my mother received a phone call from my maternal aunt. She informed us that my maternal uncle, Mr. Girish Thakkar, who lived in Dubai, had passed away due to a sudden cardiac arrest.
The news came as a complete shock. At the same time, my first co-teacher was unable to join the session because of an emergency at her home. For a moment, I didn’t know how to respond. I immediately messaged my second co-teacher, informed him about the situation, and requested him to continue the session. He graciously took over and engaged the children in a game while I tried to gather myself.
Within a couple of minutes, something shifted within me. A strong inner voice reminded me of my responsibility as a teacher. I felt that, at that moment, my dharma was to complete the seva I had taken up. With that thought, I returned to the session.
By Gurudev’s grace, I was able to overcome my emotions and complete the program with the children. Looking back, I don’t think I could have done it through my own strength alone.
That experience taught me something I have never forgotten. When we are seated in the teacher’s seat, it is not merely our individual effort that conducts the program. It is Gurudev’s presence and the Guru Tattva working through us. Our role is to remain steady, do our best, and allow His grace to flow.
I am sharing this experience because situations like these can arise unexpectedly in any teacher’s life. In such moments, our participants look to us for stability, and our words and actions can make a lasting difference. If we stay connected to Gurudev and trust Him, He gives us the strength to do what is needed.
Jai Gurudev.
— Kavita Bhatia
