Host:
This evening at Shanti Kunj is a very special and attractive one. The reason is that our colleague and Gurudev's most beloved disciple, Shri Bamananda Deb, is being honored with the title "Vidya Kalpadrum" by Gurudev today.
Host:
Throughout his life, he has achieved immense proficiency in various ancient texts, including the Vedas, Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Upanishads. Furthermore, he has gained vast knowledge in medical and biological sciences. He is able to provide solutions to the most complex problems of people in an instant, benefiting people across different parts of India. We are truly proud to have him as a member of Shanti Kunj. For this reason, Gurudev is honoring him today with the "Vidya Kalpadrum" title to recognize the expansion of his wisdom and to introduce him as a true man of knowledge.
Host:
Gurudev is now handing over the citation to Bamananda Deb. Since Bamananda Deb resides outside of West Bengal, we have prepared the citation in two versions: Bengali and English.
Host:
Let me read what is written in the citation during this joyful moment that enhances the glory of Shanti Kunj:
Host:
"My very dear disciple Bamananda, through your long years of hard work, perseverance, and research, you have achieved profound proficiency and knowledge in the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Tantra, Astrology, Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Chandi, Environmental Science, Medicine, and Biological Sciences. The waves of your knowledge are resonating in various corners of the world. You have smoothed the paths of many lives by solving complex problems in a moment. Therefore, on this day, the 22nd of Kartik, 1429, I honor you with the title 'Vidya Kalpadrum'."
Host:
— Gurudev Shri Shyama Khepa
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Let me say a few words. He actually came to me a long time ago. There is a meditating monk at Narmada who told him, "Go to the Raakshas (Demon) cremation ground. There you will find a gentleman who smokes black cigarettes; seek him out."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Following that advice, he came and found me. He told me the monk had sent him and even showed me a picture. I was quite surprised. Since then, he has gradually become very close to me. Now he comes from Chhattisgarh and performs Homa and Yajna (sacred fire rituals). As a "Siddha Purusha" (perfected soul) and a doctor, he helps many people. I wholeheartedly wish for his well-being—that he may rise even higher and continue to serve the welfare of humanity, just as I am trying to do. That is my prayer to the Mother. That is all.
Host:
(To Bamananda) Would you like to say something? Go ahead, say a few words.
Bamananda Deb:
Firstly, my salutations to Gurudev, to all my brother disciples, to the Mother, and to all the elders of this house. It is the good fortune of my many births that I have found a Guru who has completely transformed my life. Whatever curiosity I have or whatever hunger exists within my mind, he alone can pacify it.
Bamananda Deb:
One thing must be said: generally, people perceive him as just a human being. From my very limited knowledge, I must say that perceiving him as merely a physical human is a great mistake. There is no science or branch of knowledge that is not within his mind, or that he does not understand. He can do many things in an instant. Yes, he remains hidden and performs his work. After traveling all over India, my experience is that he is a perfect man. People address him as Guru, Father, or Baba, and we know which kind of person deserves such titles. He is like a "Kalpataru" (wish-fulfilling tree) of faith to me. I have offloaded many of my burdens just by speaking into his ear.
Bamananda Deb:
He treats me with the love, care, and compassion of a father. I often call him "Doyal Thakur" (the Merciful Lord). There are many reasons for this. He can get very angry in a moment, and in the next, become as soft as water. How can I explain this with my own words? The Guru is called "Parabrahma" (the Supreme Reality); the Guru is above all gods and goddesses.
Bamananda Deb:
My conclusion is that the entire world lies at the Guru's feet. There is no need for temples, pilgrimages, or retreats—just stay at the Guru's feet. But yes, do so without selfishness, only with devotion. He knows everything. Anyone who tries to "inform" him or make him "understand" is a fool. Coming before him is like being scanned—one's entire being is revealed. People don't realize this yet, and that is my only regret.
Bamananda Deb:
With these words, I conclude. Salutations to everyone.
Crowd:
Joy Baba! (Victory to Baba!)