About the Book
Each day as the Sun rose Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba walked gracefully amidst the assembly of devotees. He spoke to them, took their letters, consoled them, filled them with love and assured each one, "Do not worry. I will take care." This is how broken hearts got mended, damaged bodies healed and drooping spirits smiled. I am no exception. Mine is a story of yet another wayfarer whose progression in life got tragically impeded, just when I was moving into a new gear. But the kind Lord held me in His arms. That I had by then reached the safe shores of Prasanthi Nilayam made all the difference. Today I can only hold my heart and cry out in wonderment, "How do You do it my Beloved Lord? And You do it not just for me but for thousands of others too! I know only You can do this because You are God. 'For men may come and men may go but I go on forever...' This is how You once inspired a poet to write about You and this is so true!"
Acknowledgment
I am beholden to my beloved Swami for this book. The theme is His, the words are His, the style and expression is His. I am the enchanted scribe stilled into sublime supplication to pen yet another story of His glory contained in this book. It is said, "No autobiography can claim to document every detail of the author's life". That's so true because life still continues and there is yet so much to write before the ultimate chapter is written and closed. Words fail to express my gratitude to my parents and sister. They were and are my constant support through all the vicissitudes of my life. My mother has spent sleepless nights for my sake for more than a decade. The learned lecturers and staff of my alma maters - Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Pre-University College Alike and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning Brindavan Campus, have been a constant source of encouragement to me and I salute them in all humility. Special thanks to Dr. T. Ravikumar, the current warden of the Brindavan campus who has written the 'Foreword' for this book. I can never forget the help extended by my brothers from the Brindavan Campus. These angel friends whom Divine providence brought into my life as my classmates, wrote copious notes for me in the classes and readily became my scribes during examinations. When my life had become rudderless, Prof. G Venkataraman granted me a shore and a direction by giving me a chance to serve in Radio Sai studios. I thank him and everyone at Radio Sai for their constant guidance, support and encouragement. I extend my gratitude to the artist of the beautiful illustrations you can see in this book, Mrs. Lyn Kriegler from New Zealand. If this book is in your hands today it is because of Dr. Sunam Gyamtso, alumnus of SSSIHL, who prodded me to write and then himself painstakingly edited all the chapters. In the end, I beg forgiveness from all those well wishers whose names I might have inadvertently failed to mention.
Foreword
Dear Reader! When brother Raghurama Bhat asked me to write the Foreword for his book 'Rainbows over my sky', I jumped at the idea, not with the feeling of being equal to the task but to convey my delight at the transformation that has taken place in his life. Having been a ringside witness to the important events which had happened in his life, I cannot but marvel at the mercy of the Supreme Lord Sai, who transforms our personal travails and tragedies into tools for teaching us the most profound of spiritual truths! Two events flash across my memory as I pen these lines. It was the 1st of January, 2006. Raghu was bedridden and I was sitting by his side in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Bangalore, trying to cheer him up. The room was dimly lit and I noticed tears trickling down his cheeks. He told me, "Sir, I have no desire to continue living this miserable existence being a burden to all". I tried my best to infuse hope by reminding him that Swami was there for us to lean on. After he calmed down he said, "Sir, my nose is running. Please wipe it". I was startled when I realized how helpless he was. Today as I write this Foreword, I am ecstatic at the state he is presently in. Sai has helped him transcend his body. He has used the tragedy as a tool to teach the most important lesson of the transience of the human body. From that dimly lit hospital room, Raghu has journeyed to the present where he can write a book 'Rainbows over my sky'. His book beckons us who complain about the slush and puddles that a rain brings, to look up and see the Rainbow the Lord is fashioning over our lives. We live in times when the worth of everything is measured in terms of its utility to us. For those who ask the question "Why should we have devotion to God (Sai)?", Raghu's life provides a resounding answer. With devotion to God you can transcend troubles and face life with a smile.
Prologue
Infinite writers before me have attempted to portray life, its uncertainties and vagaries, mostly inspired by some sudden unexpected yet inevitable turn of events in their lives. The repertoire of expressions and impressions in poetry, painting and music about life's mysteries and unfathomable facets too are unending. This small essay is not yet another attempt to dwell on the mysteries and elusiveness of life, but a tribute and dedication to my Master and Mother - SAI, by whose compassionate grace I live in full gusto to chronicle the vibrant events in my life and life around me with the panache of an ardent disciple for whom life is no more a mystery but a challenge to meet, a song to sing, a game to play and a dream to realize. I was then on the last lap of my teen years eagerly stepping into the twentieth summer of my life. I was pursuing my studies at the Brindavan Campus in Bangalore, an affiliate of the Sri Sathya Sai University. Mathematics being my forte, I had taken up Bachelor of Science and was in my final year.
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