Dada Pavanananda

Baba’s Love for South America
Dádá Pavanananda

In May 1989, I went to Calcutta for World RDS reporting as the representative of GT Sector. I was very excited because it was the first time that I was going to give my report directly to Bábá.

Bábá had a system of taking reports from each sector in a particular order. GT Sector was the fifth sector. After He heard the New York Sector representative, the fourth, He declared that the reporting was over and He left the hall. I could not believe it. I asked Dádá Keshavánanda, “Is it possible that Bábá will continue later?”

He explained, “As Baba has declared that the RDS is over, He probably will not have another meeting. But don’t worry. After Bábá comes for field walk, He may come into the hall and speak with the representatives again.”

I felt very sad. I thought, “If Bábá does not take my report, then what was the use of my coming to India?”

That night, we waited in the hall. But after His field walk, Bábá went directly up to His room. So I went back to Dádá Keshavánanda. He aid, “Let’s see tomorrow what happens.”

The same thing happened the next day. Then one senior dádá who as doing good work in Africa said, “Don’t worry, Bábá is always here. You can see him next time. Just go back to your field and do your work.”

I felt that everything in my existence was shattered. I started crying – Tears were rolling down my cheeks. Everyone in the hall was so surprised. Several workers came and tried to calm me down, but I just cried louder and louder.

Upstairs Bábá heard my crying. He called Dádá Keshavãnanda d asked him, “Who is crying downstairs?”

“Bábá, it must be Dada Pavanánanda.”

 “Why is he crying?”

 “Bábá, he told me that he was very disappointed that You could not take his report.”

“He’s right. I should have taken his report. Tell him not to worry. Tell them to bring garlands tomorrow morning when I go for my field walk.”

During that era, Bábá usually did not accept garlands from the representatives because of His poor health. So when Dádá Keshavananda went downstairs to tell us this news, everyone was so happy that we would get a chance to physically give garlands to Bábá. They all came up to congratulate me.

The next morning Bábá came into the hall and personally accepted our garlands one by one. When my turn came, He said, “Now are you happy?”

“Yes, Baba.”

“Yours is a very big sector. You have so much work to do there. So please do your work sincerely. Do your work. I will always be with you.” Then he gave me a big namaskár.

After this exchange I felt so much bliss because I had the chance to talk personally with Him and to be so physically close that I could put my garland around His neck. I realized that it was His play to first disappoint me until I felt so much pain of separation, and only after that to give me such a profound devotional experience that I could never forget.