Edition of "October 2000"

We remember the words of or Beloved "PAPA" Gurudev Sri Anand Sai Jee - "Lord Sri Baba appeared on the world scene at a time when people all over were sharply divided by different sects, creeds and religions, each trying to run down the others. his Universal Message of oneness of the life, unity and Truth behind all religions touched the people's hearts and they responded overwhelmingly to His nectar - like teachings. his messages of love and tolerance has a special significance in the strife-ridden world today."

Baba's message of oneness of all religions is given in "Sri Sai Geeta". The differences in one's mind elope after reading this grantha. one comes to know the Universal Message of oneness given by Baba through this enlightening grantha. And this was given to the world by Baba through His Nectar Child Sri Anand Sai

Sri Anand Sai earlier known as Manohar Lal Oberoi was bron at Chakawal, Dist. Jhelum, West Punjab (now in Pakistan) on 16th Jan,1919. His childhood was recounted in our April issue of Anand Ka Path. We start from here from where we left off. Though He was spiritually inclined since childhood, He didn't lagged behind in studies also. He was brilliant student. He studied at Chakwal; up to Matriculation and was a "Gold Medallist" having secured the first position in the whole Tehsil.He would visit temples almost daily even as a student. .

       After His matriculation He went to Lahore for higher education.There He joined the then prestigious Government College. While in first year at College he met a muslim student,who had thorough knowledge of all religions. He was a pure soul. The two became a friends. This friend of Gurudev. He told Him about Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Pharsism. They had long discussions about the realities in every religion. Both the friends had common interests, similar characters and formed a great bond. Gurudev used to say that it was from that time that.He learned to respect all religions. Why should one criticize other religion or faiths. What right have we to talk ill of others, other religions, faiths and secta? All carry the same truth though the routes may be different.

He once narrated an incident about His muslim friend. Gurudev used to stay in a hostel when He was in college. Entry to hostel was not allow after 9.30 p.m. Everyone has to return the hostel before that time. Few washer men used to stay behind the hostel. These washer men started recital of Shri Ramayana for few days. The recitation ended after 10.00 p.m. The friend of Gurudev took written permission from the hostel warden and used to attend the recitation daily. He used to hear Ramayana with full devotion and attention. This friend of Gurudev left a deep impression on Him while in college. he used to sing Saiyed Waris Shah's Heer and explain the mystics in the poetry to Gurudev.

Gurudev was in college for six years. He did his graduation and post graduation from the same institution. he never read any novel while in hostel. whenever He had any spare time He used to read Mahabharat.He went through this grantha times in those six years. He was a meritorious student and won several merit certificates. Geography was His favourite subject and He sacred many laurels in this field. While in college He was the one of the most Popular student.The hostel where He lived had more than 200 students, and He remained the " Mess-Secretary" for almost four years. His jovial, easygoing, opened attitude won Him many friends.

After completing His education He was happily married in 1942 to Ms. Yash. They had two kids. First a daughter Suman and then a son Jayant.

We Stop hear for now and will continue further when we meet again in January- 2001. Wishing you all a very peaceful and happay deepavali with a small prayer at the Lotus Feet of Gurudevroopani Maa Laxmi.