Trial Landing at Puttaparthi

There was a quiet excitement in the squadron. A VIP flight to a new destination. The President  of India  wanted to visit Sai Baba at Puttaparthi  and have his blessing.. Satya Sai Baba was a famous Saint, a living God for his followers. His Ashram is at Puttaparthi a small village  in Andhra Pradesh State in Southern India. Sai baba had millions of disciples which included Heads of States and Kings. I had visited Puttaparthi earlier in 1987 as part of a pilgrimage just after my marriage.  My friend and room mate in Trivandrum had a deep connection with Sai Baba and Puttaparthi. He had told me many wonderous tales of Sai Baba and Puttaparthi.  Puttaparthi lies directly on the flight path from Bangalore to Hyderabad and we had seen the Ashram  many times from the air.

I wanted to renew this connection to Sai Baba and Puttaparthi  so wished to do the flight.

A roster was maintained in the squadron  for all VIP flights so that these flights are equally done by all the posted crew. I checked the list and noted that I didn't figure in the top. I wanted to go to Puttaparthi and quietly prayed that I should be nominated for the flight. Just before pack up time the flight Commander asked to see me. Normally that meant some trouble I started worrying. Then a sudden thrill passed my body and I knew that this was different. I saluted and walked into the office. The flight commander continued his work and casually asked me,’Do  you know where is Puttaparthi?' I told him I had visited Puttaparthi by road and had seen the Ashram from the air. ‘Oh that's  great you have done ground and air recce.’  ‘Why don't you go and do a trail landing.’ I couldn't believe my ears. My silent prayer had been almost instantly answered.   ‘Tomorrow  please do all the planning and trail landing can be two days later.’  I just remained silent and thanked  Sai Baba. It was a strong held believe in india that no man can visit a holy place unless the deity there calls. So this was surely Sai Baba calling me. 

My neighbour and good friend Chandru was to be my my co pilot for this flight. Puttaparthi is surrounded by hills and the Chitravati River  flowed nearby. Since it was a newly constructed runway it wasn't marked on our maps. We studied the maps for obstacles and hill features. We spent some time doing a detailed analysis of landing and take off performance.

 It was a bright and sunny day in Delhi when we took off for Puttaparthi. The longish flight took us past Agra, Bhopal, Nagpur and Hyderabad. We commenced descent and reached over head Puttaparthi. We carried out a visual circuit a low pass and a go around. On the second approach we landed on the newly constructed runway.  The first by a large Air Force aeroplane. The main wheel touched down smoothly. Then I lowered the nose wheel gently on to the runway and called  for propeller braking and started squeezing the toe brakes. The Avro rapidly decelerated. On the landing roll a thought passed my mind and said it aloud. ‘I think half the runway should have been good enough.’Puttaparthi runway at that time was about 4000 feet long.

 The ATC controller was keen to have an immediate debrief. We transmitted that we would come to the control tower a give a detailed report. We taxied to the apron and shutdown the aircraft. The ATC controller said he would come down to meet us.

The ATC officer walked briskly towards us and was appearing to be vey excited. He was the first to talk. In an animated voice he told us,’I  just informed Sai Baba that the Air Force aircraft has landed.’ What he said next was like a bolt out of the sky and took us straight out to another dimension. The ATC officer continued and said Sai Baba had just told him that the trail was successful and the pilot had informed Sai baba that half the runway should be sufficient. My copilot Chandru, the navigator and I were stupefied and confused. We looked at each other's face for an explanation. We couldn't comprehend what was happening. We asked the ATC officer again. ‘ What are you saying? Can you explain.’ The ATC officer repeated his message. ‘I spoke to Sai Baba as soon as your aircraft landed to inform him about the same. I told Baba that the aircraft has landed and the  pilot will give a detailed report. At that point Sai baba had told him don't worry the trail landing was successful and the pilot has already informed him that half the runway length would have been good enough.’

How did Sai baba hear what we had spoken in the cockpit. As children we had learnt that God watches over our every deed and word. Millions of Sai babas disciples believe that Sai baba is God on earth and here we had seen a clear demonstration of that Divine  power.

Chandru fought a valiant battle against cancer and recently  passed on into the brighter world. As cherished memories of a dear friend shoot past my mind this singular event signalling a deeper divine connection jumped into my consciousness. Farewell dear friend till we meet again.

Flood of Spiritual Energy on an Indian Train

The Tamil Nadu Express was chugging its way to New Delhi on a hot summer afternoon. The vestibuled train was useful  for long walks to stretch ones body and to kill the boredom of sitting many hours in a single seat. I stepped out of the ac compartment. The train was crowded, full of families with children returning from the annual summer holidays. There were many vendors selling their wares. The odd book seller. The guy selling a pack of sewing needles or cheap ball point pens added to the interest of curious passengers who had to bear brunt of a two day journey to Delhi. I wound my way to the rear of the train. Stopping once in a while to hear out the vendors extolling their wares. The atmosphere dramatically changed as I entered the last reserved compartment. A sudden calm and a cool breeze. A flood of energy made my body tingle. I looked keenly at every passenger but found nothing. Just a motley mix of middle class families with children, older couples, a few business men and some students. My curiosity had been triggered. I was determined to find the source of this spiritual radiation in second class Indian train.

I returned to my own seat and meditated for some time.   No message passed my inner eye. Towards evening I made my way again to the last compartment. This time again I noticed the sudden surge of spiritual energy. As I scanned the compartment a sudden flash of light blinded my inner eye. My attention was drawn to a young man reading a book. The picture of a middle aged person in a blue two piece suit kept as a book mark was enveloped in an etheric light. The light beckoned my soul and I moved silently to wards the young man. There were no introductions. I directly asked the youngster. ‘Is this your Master’s photo?’ The man was startled by this direct question and took a few seconds to comprehend the question. Then the flood gates of joy poured out. ‘Yes this is Guru Maharaj. My most beloved Master. But how did  you guess? Most people are deceived by Masters Western attire. Have you heard of Guru Maharaj or have you seen his picture before? I remained silent and just tried to soak in the the profound energy that is pure love. I just nodded my head and said this was first time I had seen or heard of Guru Maharaj. I said nothing of the light or the flood of spiritual energy that I had experienced.. Shankar told me that he was a research scholar at IISc and was travelling to Delhi for an interview. He confided that the actual purpose of his Delhi trip was to have darshan of his Master. I just told Shankar that I worked in the armed forces and was posted in Delhi. Shankar insisted that I attend the mega satang planned at Mehrauli. He gave complete details. We exchanged addresses and contact details. Shankar spoke eloquently about his Master. He invited me to his hostel should I ever pass through Bangalore.

   I returned to my seat and spent the rest of train journey trying to fathom the meaning of the incidents of the day. I was attracted by Shankar’s deep faith. I knew I would surely meet him again. I silently resolved to have at least a darshan of Guru Maharaj at Mehrauli. 

Encounter With Shiva Baba.

The door bell rang at six in the morning at our home in Gandhinagar. Initially we thought it must be the milk boy but the persistent ring conveyed an urgency. So I jumped out of bed and rushed to the door. I was shocked to see my banker friend Ramesh waiting. The expression of his face showed great excitement. He had found a treasure that he wanted to immediately share with me. He insisted that I get ready at once and accompany him. His excitement was infectious which i couldn't resist. My wife was aghast that I was willing to follow a crazy man on a wild goose chase. It was surely a mad rush that made me get ready in ten minutes and follow Ramesh to Ananthu's house. Loud chanting of Sanskrit hymns welcomed us as we entered Ananthakrishnan's first floor house. I asked Ramesh if he had met Shiva Baba before and was surprised that this was going to our first meeting. After customary greeting to all the friends and neighbours who had assembled for the morning satsang we settled in one corner. A few photo's of various Gods, oil lamps and incense sticks made the atmosphere serene. The bhajans that had just started electrified the room. Then a sudden hush as The Shiva Baba entered the room he appeared well rounded but not fat and wore reddish orange robes. His face was cheerful. He wished all of us and headed directly to Ramesh and asked him in Tamil, 'Where has Ganesha gone'. Ramesh was dumb struck by this question and mumbled, 'Swami I have lost it.'  Shiva Baba casually told Ramesh,'don't worry it's not lost it just came back to me.' With cool wave of his hand he handed something tiny to Ramesh. Ramesh couldn't believe what was happening. Ramesh had had a long association with a crystal Ganesha. He had shown it to me a few months earlier. He had mentioned that his wife had got it from Nepal and he carried it in his pocket at all times. His wife was always worried that Ramesh would lose it and had suggested that the Ganesha be made into a locket on a gold chain. About a month earlier Ramesh had recounted the loss and miraculous recovery of the crystal Ganesha. He had parked his car near Law Garden and had just stepped out when he had noticed the loss. Both husband and wife had desperately searched the road and sidewalk for almost an hour in the dark using a torch. They had been elated to recover their talisman just a few feet from their car. Even I had suggested he secure it to chain on that occasion. Just a week later the Ganesha had been lost under very similar circumstances. Their luck had not held this time around. Ramesh had been mentally drained by the loss and had mentioned it to me many times.
Today's turn of events was unbelievable. None in the room except Ramesh and I had known about the valuable idol or its loss. Shiva Baba had mined this deep memory right out our minds. He had materialised a replica. Ramesh was totally lost in the elation. He confirmed to me again and again it is the same one that he had lost. I was not too sure but was convinced by Ramesh.
 The Bhajans resumed, every one present was singing out loud. The Baba too joined in with a gusto. Then a sudden thrill a large monkey had joined the bhajan group. Some of us instinctively got up to chase the simian. We were forced to sit down by a wave from the Baba. He just said Hanuman has come. The monkey climbed slowly on to the dining table and picked up a few bananas. Wonder of wonders it didn't eat it but offered it to God. Then it slowly it looked around and moved to the Baba and gave him a hug. Hanuman instinctively knew the man of peace. The monkey remained in bhajan group for a few more minutes and then it was out of the room as swiftly as it had come. The only thought that ran through most us present. The monkey too had just come to have Baba's darshan.
I was silently meditating on the spectacular events of the morning. I was woken up from the short reverie by Ramesh.  The Baba was now siting next to me and told me,'I know about your meditation. I want to present you something that will help.' The Baba tapped my shoulder and made a small wave and Lo there was a Tulasi mala in his closed fist. This he presented me. I examined it. I had used a Tulasi mala for many years. This one was bright and had a copper wire to hold the mala. My emotions and thoughts were in turmoil and then I started to laugh. The Baba's happy jovial face turned dark. I innocently asked him where did this come from. He told me in a soft voice,' You will understand only much later. Though it is made of enameled copper wire from a factory and the roots of a Tulasi plant its essence is from the knotted hair of the ascetics. This is a blessing to move you up the path. So don't mock without understanding.' Though I was not convinced that day. I accepted the gift whole-heartedly and bowed to the Baba for his compassion. Our paths have never crossed again. Ramesh too moved to Calcutta and the waves of our individual karma has taken its own direction.
But thank you dear friend for with out you and your enthusiasm that day I would never have witnessed the events that unfolded in Gandhinagar.

The Ghost Rickshaw Puller

The Grand Trunk Express reached Gwalior well passed midnight two thirty five AM to be precise. The platform was totally deserted except for a a few army men joining their unit after leave. Gwalior was a dangerous place in the eighties with stories of Phoolan Devi and other Chambal dacoits. I had been warned not to take any public transport at this late hour. The plan was to get a few hours sleep in the waiting room and then head out to the Officers Mess by day. I was travelling light thanks to my instructor at Yelahanka who had organised a training cross country flight just to drop my luggage to my new squadron. The waiting room was filthy with garbage on the floor. Men, women and children were jostling for space with stray dogs and goats. I felt nauseated and moved on. I found a vacant bench on the platform and decided to spend the remain hours there. I was cursing my luck and was just dozing off. I was woken up by a gentle tap on my shoulder and a whisper, 'Saabji rickshaw'. I opened my eyes to see dark skinny boy. He kept repeating  'Saabji rickshaw'. His face was pleasant with bright eyes. He added Residency or Pinto Park. This was too much the guy had actually guessed my destination!  I just blurted Residency. I forgot all the warnings about travel on the desolate road. This guy appeared genuine. Or was I too gullible to fall for trap skilfully laid by this charming youngster. After the customary haggling I sat comfortably on the cycle rickshaw. The lad was humming a unfamiliar tune. The pleasant night air was having a hypnotic effect on me.The road from the station to the Residency was totally desolate and pitch dark with no traffic at this unearthly hour. As we passed LNCPE the boy asked me in Hindi, 'Are you afraid of the dark.' I replied no never. The boy questioned me, 'If you are not afraid then why did you plan to stay the night in the station?' The boy stopped the rickshaw and started walking into the undergrowth. I kept my vigil on the rickshaw seat. He continued his quite hum into the distance and then total silence. I waited in the dark. That's when the sounds of the silence hit me. The distant call of a forest owl. Intermittent bark of village dogs. The ghostly howls from a pack of jackals . I was lost in these sounds.  Worry and fear crossed my heart but I quickly dismissed them as unwarranted. I never noticed the cunning boy silently return to his post. This intrusion jerked my body and a tingling fear down my spine. He resumed his hum and rhythmic pedaling. Suddenly he questioned, 'Have you ever seen a Ghost?' The direction of the dialog was getting bit out of my comfort zone but I was just a passive participant. No I haven't seen one only heard stories.The boy continued, 'Even when you see one do you think you will recognise it?' I am not sure I mumbled. He continued, a sure way is to notice the legs. The feet and toes may  point backwards. I kept silent. Once in a way I did steal a glance at his leg. Was it the dark night or the boys quite hum or my own fears. I noticed the legs again they appeared pointing back. I followed the motion of the legs keenly. Where reality and dream merge is a narrow no man's land. I was now stuck in that twilight zone. I was having difficulty in separating dream from truth. The boys voice boomed in the silent darkness. 'Sirji why are you staring at my feet they are normal only.' He started a cunning laugh. I could not reply. We had now reached the Mela grounds which is totally desolate except for some gypsy families and their dogs which howled at the disturbance. There was no escape. I did catch myself looking at his legs many times they appeared normal.
We moved slowly on the dark road neither spoke for a long time. A silent prayer crossed my heart. The boy startled me again. ' What is the use of prayer?' I had no answer. Luckily for me we were now near the famous Madhav Rao Institute of Science and Technology. so some lights near the gate. The route was uneventful and the boy continued his quite hum and I in my thoughts. Gole Ka Mandir and the a short back breaking stretch to the Residency Mess. The sight of the Air Force gate and DSC jawan brought new confidence into my system. I got down and showed my ID Card a smart salute and he waved me in. The guard explained to the rickshaw puller to return by the same route after dropping me.
I got dropped off near my room which was behind the main block next to the kitchen. I had just settled down to sleep off the few hours left when l heard a commotion outside. I stepped out to check . It was the DSC guard he had been joined in by two other guards and a few mess staff. They were talking in loud voices. Where is the rickshaw boy. I told them that I had paid him off and had seen him moving to wards the main gate. The DSC guards were disturbed. The boy is missing he has not left. I joined in and started a search. Residency mess is a vast area covered with thick forest, however, there was only one main gate and high walls. The searched continued till day break. There was no trace of either the cycle rickshaw or the boy. I didn't dare to tell my fellow searchers about my own experiences of that night. 

Robert Frost ..... Two Roads

Please meditate on the immortal words of Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, 

And sorry I could not travel both 

And be one traveler, long I stood 

And looked down one as far as I could 

To where it bent in the undergrowth; 

Then took the other, as just as fair, 

And having perhaps the better claim, 

Because it was grassy and wanted wear; 

Though as for that the passing there 

Had worn them really about the same, 

And both that morning equally lay 

In leaves no step had trodden black. 

Oh, I kept the first for another day! 

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, 

I doubted if I should ever come back. 

I shall be telling this with a sigh 

Somewhere ages and ages hence: 

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— 

I took the one less traveled by, 

And that has made all the difference.


It takes courage to walk towards the unknown. Sustaining this courage is what gives energy to life. Just following is safe but leads you nowhere. What is it to be alive?  

Mouni Baba of Khamakya: The Forest Dweller

On the forested hills far from the city crowds I spy a saffron flag fluttering on a bamboo pole tied high up a tree. I knew this marked a yogi's dwelling in the thick forest. I revved my Bajaj Chetak up the mountain road leading to the Khamakya Temple. I moved around the temple like a zombie. The filth and stench of dried blood mixed with smell of fresh flowers and incense didn't affect me. I meditated in the open hall way near the main altar un-disturbed by the evening crowds. When I came out of my reverie it was already pitch dark as the Sun sets early in Assam. I wandered aimlessly around the temple just following the crowd. Then a sharp tingling sensation inside my brain surely a call.
I walked swiftly to my scooter and rode further up the hill. I slowed down and stopped next to a narrow and steep footpath leading down into the forest. I stood there hesitating a bit is it ok. A chill ran down my spine and a sudden jerk. I didn't care any more, no fear touched me. I rushed down the footpath in the dark. The tree crickets had reached a feverish pitch. I walked about half an hour  in the dark forest . Just then a flicker of  light and a movement in the distance. I had reached a point of no return. The safety of my scooter was far up hill. There was only a prayer in my heart.
I had reached an alcove in front of a mountain cave. There sat a master and a few chellas in silence. They had brought flowers and fruits and incense sticks as offering. I felt ashamed as I had come empty handed.
The master beckoned me to sit, his eyes glimmering bright in the light of a hurricane lantern. I tried to gauge the age of this forest master but could not fix anything definite. He was well built and had Nepali features. I offered pranam by falling fully on the ground as was the custom in South India. That is when the deep silence of the encounter touched me.
The master gestured to me to sit and poured chai into an old tea cup. He tenderly offered me the chai with a deep love. I had felt this simple love only with my maternal grandmother. This triggered such strong emotions that I was almost in tears. I tried to speak but no words came from my lips. It was just a song from the heart.
I looked at my companions. A rich North Indian from the trading community in pant and shirt. The other four were simple village folk two men and women. The trader was the first to address me he said, 'This is Mouni Baba'. No further talks were needed just a soul communion.
Next week I returned to the same spot when it was still bright in the late afternoon. I carried fruits as an offering for the master. He welcomed like an old friend and made me sit on a stone in front of his cave. He moved his hand like a plane and pointed to me. I was dumb struck he was telling me that I was a pilot! That's when I let go all interpretations of his jesters or facial expressions only to hear the clear voice of the silence. It was a dissection of my spiritual efforts. The struggles and pitfalls that had been my life. It was a clear mirror reflecting my soul. I was ashamed and scared to face the reality. The warm presence consoled me. I had been lost in my dream when the master tapped my arm and offered me a cup of hot chai. It was already dark and my familiar group had joined in.
The master never spoke for he was the Mouni Baba of the Khamakya Hill. I did visit many more times to dance in the song of silence that never failed to touch the soul.