
September, '91
The boys were again asking Swami to come to the hostel toady. But somehow, Swami kept off the issue and took a small group inside for interview. After the interview got over, Swami cam out and went inside the bhajan hall.
Swami: what was the menu today?
Student: Swami, beans-carrot curry and sambhar.
Swami: Carrot or parrot!
Then mentioning the items were not made very well, He came out into the portico, where the boys renewed their pleas.
Swami: Please what? Words like 'Please, sorry, excuse..' have no meaning at all.
Student; Swami, we are requesting you to come to hostel.
Swami: What is requesting. That is also a kind of please only. (Swami called warden and said) What is all this that the boys are asking?
Warden: Swami must come to hostel.
Swami: (avoiding the topic) See, the food was not good today. (Swami then called the mess in charge and asking about the menu, He again mentioned there was too much salt in the sambhar) Chapathis are also not being made properly. Boys throwaway the corners and eat the central part only. So much waste.
Meanwhile, The boys again prayed that Swami bless the hostel with a visit.
Swami: When shall I come?
Students: (eagerly) Swami, whenever you say" We are ready even now!
Swami: No, no! I know how dirty the hostel is. Rooms are dirty, bathrooms are dirty, and everything is dirty! And so many flies in the dining hall! (to the warden) Don't you get it cleaned everyday?
Warden: We do it Swami, with dettol.
Swami: Dettol is very expensive. Phenyl is the right one to use. Al the flies will go away. Now there are too many flies! Too many cobwebs in the rooms- it is all very dirty now. I know! I am seeing?
Students: Swami, you tell when.
Swami: (calling the mess in charge) When will it be alright?
M Incharge: Sunday, Swami?
Swami: Sunday? I am leaving for Brindavan on Sunday morning.
Students: No Swami! Please stay back here!
Swami: When shall I come?
Swami: Any time! Then come, I am ready now. Go! I will come now itself!
Immediately some boys started getting up and going back.
Swami: Stop, stop!
After everyone had sat down again,
Swami: I am always ready. It is only you who are not ready to receive me! What shall I do here? There is no Dasara celebration also this year.
Then the warden requested that many boys had not had the good fortune of witnessing the Yagna and that Swami must permit it to take place this year.
Swami: What can i do? The canteen building is not ready. The kitchen- most important- is still not fitted with gas pipes and other essential gadgets. These are very essential for preparing food in large quantities. Even for 'Onam', devotees were requesting full meals while only packets could be distributed. It will be very difficult for the devotees. That is why we cannot have Dasara this year.
Swami: Oh tell me when I can come to hostel?
Students: Anytime, Swami!
Swami: Thursday, good day. I will come.
All the boys beamed happily.
Swami: See, nobody even said "Thank You"
Students: (immediately) Thank you, Swami.
Swami laughed and went inside.
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