Devotee:
Gurudev, my salutations.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Salutations, my dear.
Devotee:
Today, with your permission, I've started this episode. Friends, on screen, beside Gurudev, is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from our West Bengal. We'll hear from her directly and ask her a few things. Sister, please tell us your name.
Mitali Roy:
My name is Mitali Roy.
Devotee:
Which constituency do you represent?
Mitali Roy:
I am the MLA for the Dhupguri block in Jalpaiguri district, 15 SC Dhupguri.
Devotee:
Sister, how did it happen that you came here today, sat beside Gurudev, and are talking? Did you know about Gurudev beforehand, or did someone bring you?
Mitali Roy:
I didn't know anything. I arrived yesterday because the Assembly was in session. I'm returning tonight. I had a few personal chores related to the people of my area. First, I went to the DG Home Guard's office, then to the State Bank of India near the High Court. Since I had some time, my younger brother, Arindam Ganguly—who handles my constituency work from here—suddenly said, "Sister, we never get time. Let me take you to visit Mother and Father (spiritual figures)." That's why I'm here, without knowing anything beforehand.
Devotee:
So you're saying you didn't know anything about Gurudev, but your brother did?
Mitali Roy:
Even if he knew, he didn't tell me. He kept it a surprise because he knows what I seek. When he suggested it, I agreed and came here.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Whether you're an MLA or anyone else, you are a respectable person. But I'm very surprised to hear one thing: she reads the Gita every day. This is extraordinary to me—that as a woman, she reads a chapter of the Gita daily. I really like this. I'm a devotee of Thakurdev, but her daily reading of the Gita... I offer my respectful salutations to her every moment. I also heard she even takes the Gita to the Legislative Assembly and reads it there. I liked this very much. Many MLAs and influential people come here, but I've never heard anything like this from them. They are often surrounded by wealth, luxury, and crowds. Hearing this from her made me very happy.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
[Gurudev recites verses from the Bhagavad Gita: "Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya..."]
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This is the reassuring message of the Gita. He will manifest in every age whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness rises. When Mother Earth can no longer bear the weight of sins, He appears. It's good to call upon Him beforehand. Taking refuge in Him, I believe, leads to a happy life. The Gita is a symbol of sacrifice. Unlike the Chandi, which is about "give, give, give," the Gita is about "renounce, renounce, renounce." It's a symbol of sacrifice.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Krishna has said, "Whoever remembers me always, I am with them, and at the time of death, I take them to my feet." This is what He promised. I admire her for this one thing: she reads the Gita. Many people talk about various things, but I didn't know she reads the Gita daily. Hearing this made me feel a sense of connection and love for her. There are people in West Bengal who read the Gita daily and keep it with them. This is our invaluable treasure. No matter what we do, whoever studies and deeply understands the Gita realizes that worldly things are fleeting. What you see in this external world is nothing. Still, she became an MLA, which is good, but she hasn't abandoned the Gita or Lord Krishna. That's significant. She came here because of her brother, who visits often and participates in the rituals. I didn't know her before.
Devotee:
Gurudev, you mentioned that despite her numerous duties, she reads the Gita. That moved you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Look, being an MLA is a major responsibility. One is always surrounded by people and problems. Amidst this, she has kept Lord Krishna with her. As I said before, I don't prefer the Chandi as much as the Gita. The Gita shows the path. The Chandi asks for beauty, victory, and fame. Both start with 'Vishad' (sorrow). Without experiencing sorrow, people rarely call upon God.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I don't know why she calls upon Him—whether it's out of sorrow or a habit from childhood. Some develop a love for the Gita over time. I will only say, may you be happy all your life. There's nothing above the Gita. After much sacrifice, one reaches the Gita. Ramakrishna used to say that saying 'tyagi' (one who renounces) repeatedly leads to 'Gita'. So, not everyone can truly grasp it; it requires much sacrifice.
Devotee:
Sister, we saw that upon arriving, you first entered Mother's room and spent some time there. Sitting beside Gurudev and hearing him, how do you feel? What is your impression of Gurudev? I'm asking because we are his devotees.
Mitali Roy:
Without the grace of such sages, we won't attain liberation. Being an MLA is not my only identity. I must find what leads to my liberation. This post is temporary; it's here today and may be gone tomorrow. My term will also end. I didn't come here to ask for anything or with the desire to be re-elected. My wish was to see, while holding this office, whether I would forget God or hold Him closer. God gave me that opportunity. I spent five years, and as Gurudev was saying, amidst people's demands and problems, I've come very close to God. But I haven't reached that ultimate destination yet. Perhaps that's why I wander with unfulfilled aspirations.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Let me tell you one thing. You're an MLA, and I respect that. But hold onto the core, the essence. We are spiritual beings, and our duty is to serve people. Service is the greatest religion. You are serving people, which is a great merit. Forget about being an MLA or MP; you are serving people. Continuously serving people has its rewards. God watches. "Do good, and good will come to you." If someone serves selflessly, it's even better. Serving the country and its people is paramount. If one doesn't love the country, there's no point. To love the country, one must love its people. You're doing that. And as a bonus, you've kept the Gita with you. It's wonderful.
Arindam Ganguly:
Just to add, when I first went to her house in Dhupguri... I was amazed to see people lining up from 4:30 AM. Her bedroom door is always open. I tried to stop people, but they said, "No, we'll go directly to the MLA." This is her system, and she allows it. People wake her up at dawn to get documents signed. She never gets annoyed. I've spent a long time with her in Dhupguri. She leads a very simple life. She works hard for the people and is deeply spiritual. That's why I have a spiritual connection with her. My connection with her is due to this spiritual mindset.
Devotee:
Friends, the person you just saw is our sister's colleague and brother. You heard his statement. It's inspiring to know she doesn't just serve people but also serves God and reads the Gita. Nothing could be better than this. Sister, thank you for your time. Gurudev has blessed you fully. Surely your path ahead will be smooth. My salutations, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Salutations.