Host:
Pranam, Gurudev (Greetings, Guru).
Guru:
Pranam, my son.
Host:
Today, we are seeing a massive gathering at your temple. We don't know the reason for this sudden surge.
Guru:
Yes, it is a special day today. That is why so many people have gathered here for various reasons.
Host:
We will ask many of the people here why they have come today. Since the Nam-Sankirtan (holy chanting) is currently underway, I cannot say much yet. That is why I came to you first to hear your thoughts. Many people must have approached you today; did they tell you why there is such a crowd?
Guru:
Usually, I don't see this many people in the evening. Today is exceptionally crowded. Let the Sankirtan reach its peak among the people, then we can talk to them and see what they have to say.
Host:
Go ahead, let's see what they say.
Devotee 1:
I am calling her because my heart longs for her. This sight is beautiful to me. I am very happy to be here today with everyone. By Gurudev's blessings, I am feeling very joyful and enjoying this experience. That is why I am looking at the Mother; I love seeing her.
Devotee 2 (Rabun):
The Guru's pull brought me here. I came to see him.
Devotee 3:
I came because I wasn't feeling well at home. Yesterday's Sankirtan wasn't as great, but today the Mother herself is presiding over the chanting. It's happening according to her will.
Devotee 4:
We are always at his feet. This is our place. Today there is a huge gathering, perhaps because it's a Friday. Many have taken the opportunity to come.
Devotee 5:
Everyone is close to him. We are all close to Gurudev. In my heart, I feel that no one is superior or inferior, no one is "closer" or "further" from him. Sometimes, people come here due to their work or circumstances, and we humbly try to learn from them. That is all. Beyond that, we have our Gurudev, from whom we seek spiritual knowledge.
Devotee 6 (Raida):
I am here almost every day. I was here this morning as well.
Host:
Today you are sitting right in front of Gurudev's feet, even though you usually sit on a chair. Why the change?
Devotee 6 (Raida):
It is because of him that I am still alive.
Devotee 7 (Female):
I came from Barrackpore. I heard about Gurudev and came to see him.
Devotee 9 (Female):
My son's birthday is tomorrow. So, I prepared some food (Bhog) to offer to the Mother today. It felt very good. I've been here since 7:00 AM. My son and husband are also here.
Husband:
Yes, it gives me a sense of peace. I did what I could for the Mother. We will celebrate our son's birthday tomorrow, so we came here for Gurudev's and the Mother's blessings. That is the greatest gift for his birthday.
Host:
But why did you offer the Bhog today if the birthday is tomorrow?
Husband:
Tomorrow is Saturday, and Gurudev has mentioned that it's better not to have too much of a crowd on Saturdays and Sundays.
Devotee 10:
I am a medical student. I just finished my first-year exams; the second year starts soon.
Host:
You often bring your friend along?
Devotee 10:
Yes, he is my childhood friend. We always come together. It feels good to be near the Guru.
Devotee 11 (Rekhi Maa):
Yes. I want to say a few words. We are so proud of our "Baba" (Guru). You may have seen how such a great saint has accepted another person who has returned from their spiritual practice. What greater achievement could there be for us? He has taught us a great lesson.
Host:
You missed one thing—he washed the feet of his own disciple with his own hands.
Devotee 11 (Rekhi Maa):
Exactly! From this, we learn a lesson he wanted to give us: "Do not be arrogant." The fact that he has no ego—not even a drop—is what he taught us today.
Devotee 11 (Rekhi Maa):
A Guru washing the feet of his disciple and welcoming him with flowers... he taught us that ego is the root of all downfall. We are grateful to Gurudev. I offer him a thousand pranams. We should always follow his teachings. To those who speak ill of him, I say: Look at him. He is a man without ego. There is so much to learn from him. It brings tears to my eyes.
Devotee 11 (Rekhi Maa):
Learn what a Guru truly is. I don't know what good deeds I did in my past life to find him as my Guru. I thank the Guru, and I thank you for capturing these moments on film. Pranam to Gurudev and the Mother. We will always come here. All of us, as brothers and sisters in faith, will work together to solve all problems and stay by our Guru's side.
Devotee 12:
I am from Baripur.
Host:
Why did you come suddenly today?
Devotee 12:
I heard about him and came for the first time today to see the evening Arati. I just came to offer my respects.
Devotee 13:
From Chuchura. I've been here before. I like this place. I couldn't meet Gurudev last time, so I came today to see him.
Devotee 14:
From Narkeldanga, Rajabazar. I saw Gurudev on YouTube and decided to come.
Devotee 15 (Staff):
The Arati always feels good. It happens every day at the ashram, but today the gathering is much larger. Many people who don't usually come have arrived since this morning. Gurudev has been physically unwell, yet the influx of people is huge.
Devotee 15 (Staff):
You may have heard that a young girl came here recently after being bitten by a snake. We were all very worried. Arrangements were made for her medical treatment, and she is being looked after.
Devotee 15 (Staff):
Gurudev constantly thinks about the welfare of people. Sometimes he becomes very emotional and says, "The Mother is within everyone, I want to help people." Despite his illness, he tries to help everyone who comes with their problems. People flock here because they see that he helps them selflessly. It feels good to see people find peace here amidst the complexities of their lives. I pray that he stays healthy and continues his service to humanity for many years.
Host:
We have returned to Gurudev. We heard from two devotees about how you helped a girl who was bitten by a snake and how you humbled yourself by washing a disciple's feet. They said they learned a lot from you. What is your take on this?
Guru:
Look, people—especially regarding spirituality—are still in the dark. They don't know much. I want people to learn and understand. There are certain rituals between a Guru and a disciple, but it's more about the bond. When a disciple returned from a long journey, I did what I felt was my duty as a Guru. I wanted to show people what should be done.
Guru:
People are in darkness. I say that one should never consider anyone "small." Someone you think is small might be much greater than you. That girl who was bitten by a snake... she survived. She had been bitten three times and was in a critical state. We worked hard, and she was saved. I sent her to the hospital to ensure she recovered fully. I try to help whoever comes here with their various problems by praying to the Mother. I do what I can.
Host:
Today we had a beautiful evening with the Mother's Sankirtan, interviews with devotees, and words from Gurudev. I hope you liked it. Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru:
Pranam.