Interviewer:
Pronam (Respects), Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pronam, Baba.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, we were all stunned to hear about a certain incident yesterday. Someone from Shantikunj called to inform you. I would like you to describe the whole event yourself, as it wouldn't be appropriate for me to speak on it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
My relationship with Keshab-ji was deep; you could call it a father-son bond. He respected and loved us immensely. Whenever I visited, he would be overjoyed. He would always keep two flower garlands ready—one for me to wear and another to be placed on a statue of Bharat Mata (Mother India). He did this for as long as I can remember. The last time I visited, he could barely walk. Despite that, he came down from the third floor to open the car door for me. I will never forget that sight. I have many photos with him; here is one of them. I used to visit him frequently. I never imagined such an incident would happen so soon; I thought he would live to be a hundred. He passed away at 98.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Whenever I visited, he would say, "Baba, will you take me to Nimtala? Please make arrangements to send me to Nimtala." I would tell him, "Why talk about Nimtala now? Stay with us for a while longer. Knowing there is a guardian like you above us gives us peace of mind."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Unfortunately, I heard yesterday morning that he had passed away. A few people from his household came to give me the news. I was devastated. I had hoped he would return from the hospital this time as well and live for at least another two years. But it didn't happen.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The last time we spoke, he said, "Baba, I want to eat rice at your place." I replied, "Of course, you always do." Every time he came, he ate warm rice and many other things I prepared. But this time, he suddenly said, "I want to eat fish. Will you bring me fish?" I told him that while my place is strictly vegetarian, I would certainly arrange fish for him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He was very happy and said, "Once I feel a bit better, I will go. I will go in a car. Don't worry, I will visit your place one last time." He loved that place very much. Many people, including leaders from the BJP and RSS, would come to see him whenever he was there. This loss is something I can never forget. He had immense power and influence, yet he never misused it. I never asked him for favors, but I knew he had great influence, even in Delhi.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I heard he was taken to the crematorium yesterday. I don't know the exact timing, but his family members were expected to arrive. It is a terrible tragedy. Receiving such news so suddenly has left me deeply saddened. To think that Keshab-ji is no longer with us is hard to believe. I used to go to him and talk for hours.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He loved serving others. He would offer sweets, tea, and snacks. He'd say, "You like tea, right? Give him some tea." The canteen was right there. Everyone who stayed with him, like Priyabrata and others, loved him dearly. They all respected me because Keshab-ji knew me and I visited him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is unfortunate. I had a feeling that the year 2022 would be like this. I sensed something bad would happen, and last night it did. Just recently, I received more bad news—another lady's mother passed away from a heart attack. It seems there is only bad news lately.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, I have a small question. You mentioned he called you "Baba," and you also called him "Baba." Could you explain that?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It wasn't anything complicated. He called me "Baba," and I called him "Baba" in return. A father-son relationship had formed between us. It's hard to put into words; it's something I hold in my heart. I will cherish his memories and photos for as long as I live.
Interviewer:
I asked that because I want people to understand that this relationship was not political.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You've seen it yourself—he called me "Baba." Because of that, even high-ranking BJP leaders respected me. I am not involved in politics, but because they came to see him, they would meet me as well. Keshab-ji would tell them, "Respect him. Don't just respect me, respect him too."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He had a strong, commanding personality that everyone respected. It is my misfortune that he is gone. I often thought it would have been better if I had passed away first. People like him are rare and will not be seen again. This year has been very difficult.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As I said, he would always bring two flower garlands. He'd put one on me and tell me to put the other on the portrait of Bharat Mata in his room. I would do so and say, "Bharat Mata ki Jai." He would be so happy. I can never forget those days. My mind isn't working right; I don't feel good.
Interviewer:
Not just you, Gurudev, but all of Shantikunj is in mourning. It was important to share this with everyone. Gurudev himself wanted to say a few words about this. Pronam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pronam.