It was the aftermath of my wife’s death, I was experiencing unusual dreams. I was trying to get some explanation. I consulted some elders. They suggested me to visit Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram. I bought books and collected information about Ashram.
During this time, a retired Railway Officer, Mr.Shrirangan visited his son, my neighbour in Pune. One day during chitchat over a cup of tea, I showed my children as well my nephew all in their teens, wearing spects, to Mr.Shrirangan. He was very furious about the modern TV culture, he told about his grandson also wearing spects. Mr.Shrirangan suggested me to take the children to Pondicherry “School For Better Eyesight “, run by Aurobindo Ashram. He gave the address and other details. I thanked Mr. Shrirangan and made plans to visit Pondicherry during school holidays. It was the summer of 1992.
I took four children, my son and daughter, my nephew and niece from our native place and reached Bangalore in the evening on Sunday. I made reservations for 9-30 PM Luxury Bus run by State Transport Corporation. After taking our dinner in the nearby restaurant, we waited for the bus journey.
Bus started from Bangalore at right time. Bus journey was comfortable. Around 2 AM, our bus stopped at a place known as T.V.Malaai. Conductor announced that the Bus would stop for about 5 mins. Children were fast asleep. A few passengers started to get down. I was wondering whether to go out and stretch my legs. At this moment one person with a head load of birds in a basket cage, tried to enter the Bus. Conductor got up from his seat and shouted, “ Hey ! Koli !!” ( Hey birds fellow) “ Can’t you see? This is Luxury Bus .No place for birds” Birds fellow threw his load to the ground. Birds made a big croaking sound. He stood near the bus entrance like Nataraja. He was wearing Lungi which was half folded and tucked at his waist. He was bare chest. A small knitted green colour towel was tied to his head to support the load. He half shouted,“This is public transport! This does not belong to your father” Conductor was very furious. He started shouting obscenities. Things were going out of hand. A few passengers came to the rescue of Conductor. They tried to explain away. At last birds’ fellow stood back. Conductor started the bus after checking that all the passengers got inside.
We reached Pndicherry around 6 AM. By the time we reached Ashram Office, it was nearly 7 AM. Soon the office was open. We got all the necessary reservations done there, including the admission to “School For Better Eyesight”, accommodation and meals. We shifted to our cottages in a nearby place full of Coconut palms.
First day we reached the school at 9 AM after breakfast. After school we would visit Ashram “Visitors Centre” where we can sit for meditation and offer prayers at the place where Aurobindo supposed to have attained his Samadi. Then we would take our lunch and return to our cottages to have siesta. In the evening we would visit seashore and in M.G.Road where Mahatma Gandhi Statue is located. Then we would come back to Ashram for our dinner.
This went on smoothly till the last day of the school on Friday. Just after school on Friday my niece developed high temperature. It was difficult to go to our cottages in the summer heat. I took the children to the office and got an A.C.Room in the vicinity of office near the garden. In the evening I took my niece to the dispensary run by Ashram. Doctors gave some medicine and tablets for fever.
Saturday morning I took the children to a nearby Hotel for breakfast. I decided to fast on that day and go for meditation. After putting the children in the cottage, I went alone to Ashram for meditation. I sat there without realising the time. When I came out it was nearly 2 PM. I rushed back to the cottages. My son and nephew were playing in the garden. My daughter and niece were inside the cottage resting but cheerful. I took them for lunch. I avoided taking meals and had a glass of sugarcane juice. I went to Bus-stand leaving the children in the cottage. I got the reservation for return journey tickets in the Luxury Coach leaving Pondicherry Bus Terminus at 9-30 PM.
Our return journey was eventless and comfortable. While travelling back some thoughts came to my mind.
“If only your mind is pure you are bound to get answers for your
baffling questions.”
“One has to experience oneself “
We reached Bangalore in the early Sunday morning. As we were coming out of Bus, I noticed the headlines of newspapers;
“Mr. Pherwani ex-chairman UTI, dies of massive heart attack”
Biggest Stock Market Scandal had broken out during the week. We were aloof to news and media for one week. News papers were carrying full stories.
