M B A

“what are you studying?”

“Swami, I am doing MBA.”

“What is MBA?”

Master of Business Administration, Swami”

“Wrong. MBA means MY BABA BOYS”.

Abraham Maslow has put need for belonging on tier 2 of his hierarchy of human needs. But for us, this need is the be all and end all of life’s sojourn, to belong to Sai.

How many lessons have been learnt, beautiful episodes have been staged in this School! And then, there are the countless incidents that our teachers have related about Swami and boys.

The best part of this education here is that it happens without our knowledge. Swami works through our shortcomings and grooms us for the better. A manager must be self regulated, must have control over his emotions. And silence is the best medicine. As we spend time in Mandir everyday, silent sitting becomes part of the schedule. But boys will be boys and it sometimes requires bitter pills to cure faulty habits. Five years ago, we had to take the pill. Swami was upset with the boys talking in the mandir. So, He decided to keep silent; for 6 long months! It was indeed a harrowing time, and the boys tried every recipe in the book to please Him. Our warden once mentioned to Him, “Swami, boys haven’t eaten for 3 days.” He shot back, “I know, tell them to eat. I too haven’t eaten for 3 days!” How can a mother eat when her chidren are hungry, but nevertheless she has to teach them the lesson. We did realise how much this episode meant for us.

And then, there is humour, the most used weapon in Swami’s armour of drawing lessons. Decades ago, in Brindavan, when Swami called a group of foreigners for interview, there were some boys waiting to rush inside with Swami. He saw through their intentions and called them inside. He spoke to the devotees on many aspects and during the conversation remarked, “the entire world is in my Will…”, looked down and said “ but the boys are not in my hands !!!” A mother can’t stop her child from seeking her attention.

But the child better listen, for momma knows best. Once in a group interview, a student was clicking Swami’s photographs. After sometime, swami asked him to stop, but he continued to click. When the photographs were developed, the boy didn’t get the remaining photographs as Swami had correctly told him to stop when the film reel got over!

The protective sheath never has a limit to scope or strength to bear. He goes to any extent to make sure we’re safe and happy. A group of industry experts had come to college and lectured the MBA students. Later in mandir, Swami asked them, “how are the boys?” they replied, “Swami, the boys do not speak out”. He smiled and said, “They are very smart boys. They don’t speak much, but they write very well”.

If a child has to recount such incidents of love, it might take more than a lifetime to finish, yet incomplete in grasping mother’s love. But a mother is an ideal MBA, she manages the house to perfection. She nurtures future managers, honing their skills and preparing them to face the business of life. May God bless us with the memory to cherish these golden moments forever.