Born in Mwanza Tanzania, I migrated to Leicester, England in 1976, when I was only 11 years old. It was at this juncture in 1977, when my best school friend, Sunil Patel (now Sadhu Brahmaviharidas –BAPS international spokesperson), invited me to receive blessings from Pramukh Swami Maharaj (referred to as Bapa from hereafter).
As soon as Sunil introduced me, Bapa blessed me by lovingly patting me on the back. I felt overwhelmed and tears literally rolled down my eyes. I still feel that divine touch in my spine today.
My turning point came in 1992 visiting India to volunteer at Akshardham Temple in Gujarat, then joining Bapa during his vicharan. For me this journey was life changing witnessing Bapa’s daily hectic travelling in tribal villages lacking even basic facilities, such as pure water and basic sanitation, I could not fail to notice how Bapa touched the hearts of poor villagers, who came to seek his invaluable guidance and compassion.
Despite such busy schedule, Bapa gave me so much selfless love, blessed and remembered me everywhere, reminding me of the famous words of Maya Angelou “People may forget what you said, what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!” I observed Bapa working solely to make others happy – not for praise or recognition. There is no false portrayal or a need to show, boast or package. He is what he is, tempted to quote Oscar Wilde “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken!”
Despite my inner wish to continue volunteering, Bapa requested I go back to UK and complete my final exams. I qualified as an accountant in 1993, and began lecturing as a visiting professor to students mainly from the big 4 accountancy firms.
One heart-warming incident occurred after Bapa’s morning puja in 1995. He suddenly stopped by me, placing his hand on my wrist saying “As its Raksha-Bandhan today and you don’t have a sister we will put the rakhi on you!” Naturally I was deeply touched from the bottom of my HEART, which may be on my LEFT, but is always RIGHT!
Fortunately continuing to be a lead volunteer at Neasden Temple for the last 25 years, helping to fulfil the social needs of our community, through the humanitarian welfare arm – BAPS charities! In fact, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Guru Mahant Swami, issued a call for volunteers to act on their dharma and serve their nation – through a programme mobilising more than 1,100 volunteers, in 61 areas of UK & Europe, to help the elderly, vulnerable and homeless.
Memories of my Guru keep multiplying but words fail me in singing his glory. I feel that I still have so much ground to cover on the spiritual plane – as my imperfections are countless. I’d like to leave you with the following words of Socrates, which captured the essence of this final point far better than I ever could: “I know one thing – that I know nothing”
