It was in the 1990s I first felt a deep connection with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji. HIS articles in the column ‘The Speaking Tree’, had a deep impact and I could easily resonate with them. Around the same time, I read about HIS visit to the United States, for the World Conference on Religions. This reminded me of the great Indian saint Swami Vivekananda. From that moment on, I felt a strong inner bond with Gurudev. Even though I wanted to, I was unable to attend HIS courses then.
After my marriage, I kept hoping that my husband and I would do the course together. I waited for years. In 2009, my husband gently told me, “Don’t wait for me—you go ahead and do the course.” That was when I enrolled in the Basic Course of the Art of Living ( now called Happiness Program) . In those days, the Basic Course was conducted over five days. I successfully completed and it became a meaningful turning point in my life.
A few months later, I learned that Gurudev would be visiting Delhi. A public gathering was organised at the Siri Fort Auditorium. I had an intense longing to meet Gurudev and requested my husband if he could take me to the venue. He readily agreed. On the day of the event, we arrived early, parked the car and entered the auditorium with much anticipation. Smt. Chitra Roy was leading the Satsang with her soulful Bhajans.The hall was packed and there were no seats left. We, however, managed to find a small space between the stairs and seated ourselves there.
We waited for about an hour until Gurudev arrived. During this time we immersed ourselves in the blissful and meditative music.
Gurudev finally arrived. HE addressed the gathering for a short while and then prepared to leave through the green room. Devotees rushed towards HIM, overflowing with love and devotion, calling out “Gurudev, Gurudev.” Seeing the crowd, my husband said, “How will you be able to meet HIM in this massive crowd ? Let’s go back” . I reluctantly agreed.
My husband asked me to wait at the portico while he brought the car around. It was around 7:30 p.m., and the area was dimly lit. As I stood there waiting for my husband, something unexpected happened !!! Gurudev’s car arrived from behind the parking area and stopped right in front of me.
HE was seated beside the driver. HE rolled down the windows and stretched out HIS hand towards me.
In that moment, time stood still….
I had come with a deep longing to meet HIM. However, looking at the crowds, I had resigned to the fact that meeting HIM would be impossible . But here HE was, right in front of me, as if to say, “I am here for you.”
The touch of HIS soft fingers is something I can never forget.
Even today, that connection remains as intense as ever.
Jai Gurudev.
Dr. Vidya Raja
