Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, my son.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, your journey from where you were to your current state of recovery has been significant. We saw everything—from the ceremony at the temple to your illness, the gradual decline, and then the steady improvement to where you are today. Your family and all your disciples have witnessed this entire journey. There were good experiences and bad ones; you've personally felt some, and heard about others. How do you view this entire ordeal?
Gurudev:
My doctor told me something interesting. He said, "You've initiated disciples who dare to question someone like me." I told a few of them that they didn't need to pay anything, and I wouldn't even respond to their comments. Gurudev was ill, and if they wanted to contribute towards his care, they could; if not, they shouldn't make disparaging remarks.
Gurudev:
I'm not in this as a business. After I went for my check-up recently, the doctor was quite upset. He said he had no idea I had initiated such people. He even used some harsh language to express how hurt he was by their behavior. This doctor has been closely associated with me for 16 years—he's like family. If anything happens to me or my family, he's there. He refuses to take a fee from me and gets very angry if I even suggest it. I've reached a point where I'm afraid to offer him money because I don't want to upset him. He looks after my entire family with such care and is never bothered, even if I call him late at night.
Gurudev:
He's been treating me for 15 years and once told me, "As long as you are alive, I will treat you. I'll be deeply offended if you go to any other doctor." So, I only go to him. It saddened me to hear how he was treated. You can't truly know people until you face a crisis. Some were questioning why he was being paid. The doctor knew my treatment would cost at least 4 to 5 lakh rupees. Even though I was eventually discharged for around 2.9 lakh, he had initially estimated it much higher. Because he was involved, he managed everything—from bed charges to expensive medicines—to save me.
Gurudev:
When I went for my check-up the other day, he said, "I won't do this for you again." I asked him why, and he replied that he couldn't tolerate that kind of talk. There were others there too—educated people like Gargi Bose, Bishwaroop Ghatak, and Sujit Kar. Some people were asked for money, and some gave willingly without question. But I heard others were quite rude. The doctor was very dissatisfied and told me he wouldn't put himself in that position again. I apologized to him and told him not to take it to heart, but he was firm.
Gurudev:
It's sad that people you've mentored can't even show basic respect to those treating their teacher. This doctor is highly reputable—one of the best in Kolkata, with degrees like FRCS and MRCP, and experience in America. He saved my wife from cancer 15 years ago. Other doctors said she wouldn't survive more than seven days if they operated, but he took the risk and saved her. She is alive today because of him. He didn't even charge for that.
Gurudev:
It hurt me deeply that while he was doing so much, some were questioning the expenses. I've initiated so many people, yet some were so ungrateful. The doctor even reached out to people on my behalf because he knew I had no resources. He managed to get me discharged from the ICU directly to my home to save on costs.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, you spent the entire Puja season in the hospital.
Gurudev:
Yes, the whole time. That's never happened in my life before. I had mentioned on YouTube earlier that some danger was coming. When I saw the fish in the temple pond acting strangely, I knew something was wrong.
Interviewer:
You've said repeatedly that 2021 wouldn't be a good year. It brought a lot of suffering to many, and it affected your health significantly as well.
Gurudev:
Yes, people contributed money, but the physical toll was immense.
Interviewer:
Your recovery has been remarkable. Only you and the doctors truly know the extent of what you went through. We saw many disciples in tears because they couldn't imagine you in that state.
Gurudev:
Many people do care. I won't say everyone is bad. It's just a few who made those comments. I had to apologize to the doctor on their behalf. Everyone in the medical community in Kolkata knows him. Even when I first met him over 15 years ago, he was dedicated. My wife is alive today because of his kindness.
Interviewer:
He still checks in on you regularly to see how you're doing. Gargi-di and others are also in constant touch with him. Everyone says his role in your quick recovery was vital.
Gurudev:
He knew my situation, which is why he asked people for help. He managed to cut down the costs and sent me home because staying longer would have cost lakhs more.
Interviewer:
People are also asking why you aren't going to the temple. I should clarify for them that your main issue was a severe lung condition, partly due to past smoking but also due to the smoke from the three-year-long Mahamrityunjay Yagya.
Gurudev:
Yes, the smoke from the Yagya was the main factor. The doctor has forbidden me from sitting near the sacrificial fire. The combination of that, my previous habits, and the humidity from the ponds near the temple made my bronchial condition worse. The doctor said I can return once the cold weather passes. He's done his part, and God willing, I'll be fine for another hundred years!
Gurudev:
I had seen the signs. I told people when the fish were acting up that trouble was brewing. My health has improved significantly now; I'm almost back to normal, which is a great relief to everyone. I am so grateful to the doctor. It's rare to find a doctor who would spend his own money and even ask others for help to treat a patient. He faced criticism for me, and that's my misfortune. He expected more people to step up, and it hurt him when they didn't.
Interviewer:
It's been a bittersweet journey that you've shared today. Your disciples who truly care know what has been done. We hope your health continues to improve.
Gurudev:
There are more challenges ahead—new ailments and epidemics will emerge that doctors won't have easy answers for.
Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, my son.