Remembering a Friend... Dr. Madan Gupta

It’s been exactly one year since one of our dear friends Dr. Madan Gupta (Michigan, USA) departed from this world.

I met him about 25 years ago through Dr. Balak Verma and we both immediately felt kind of connected because of our connection with the city of Jammu - in J&K, India.

However, our first meeting was quite interesting.

I vividly remember asking him where he lived in Jammu.

He said he was not from the city but from a nearby village.

“Which village?” I asked.

He was hesitant. “You probably would not have even heard it. It’s

near Basauli.”

I said, I have travelled extensively in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, so please tell me.

“Have you heard about Bhaddu Bilaur?” he asked.

I said yes of-course, I know.

He did not believe me. He smiled and said “yea right.”

I could sense from his facial expression that he thought I was making it up, to show off or something. But I actually knew the place because I had gone there during one of my Prachar tours.

I said ……. Well! are you from Bhaddu or Bilaur?

He was shocked. He laughed almost hysterically. He looked at Dr. Verma and others in the room and said “hey… this guy knows… He really knows. Because Bhaddu is a separate village near Bilaur but hardly anyone knows that these are two different places because everyone always says Bhaddu-Bilaur. Now I do believe him.”

I told him that I was invited there by Mr. Jia Lal Gupta and he knew his family too.

Over the next few years, we became good friends. Every time we met, we talked about many different things including religion and philosophy. He was very interested in learning about Indian history and politics and he used to read quite a few books. Though I don’t know anything about politics, I always enjoyed listening to his views. Over the dinners, we used to discuss about different aspects of religion and history and many a times we had strong different opinion, but he never got upset or angry as many other people usually do.

I developed a lot of respect for him as I learnt more and more about him, as a person. He was very kind hearted and helpful to all. Not only he and his wife Asha ji were always so kind and helpful towards me and my family, he had a great desire to help the poor and needy - especially in India.  

         Yesterday, about 30 of his close friends got together in his memory at his family’s residence where Dr. Prem Khilanani recited ‘Shanti Mantras’ and read and briefly explained the 2^nd chapter of Bhagavad Gita.  Dr. Khilanani, a medical doctor, is a scholar of Vedanta and Bhagavad Gita as well.

In the midst of his lecture, Dr. Khilanani was explaining the 20^th Shloka:

“Na Jaayate Mriyate va kadaachinnayam ……

……. Na hanayate hanyamaane shareeray”       (2:20)

(Aatma neither takes birth, nor it perishes when the body dies)

My mind started to wander off and I remembered a small incidence.

Once, while sitting at my home in Michigan, I was talking to a friend in India over the phone. We talked for some time when suddenly the phone slipped out of my hand, hit the ground and broke. We lost the connection. I knew my friend is still there, but I was not able to communicate with him anymore. The medium, through which we were talking was broken.

I thought, according to Bhagavad Gita, this situation also seems similar. When a friend or a family member passes away, we know that it’s only the body which has died, not the Aatma. The person whom we loved, still exists in the form of Aatma but the 'medium' through which we interacted and communicated is not there anymore. It is a great consolation but yet, we feel sad that we will not be able to see, touch or talk to our loved ones any more. I feel a sense of shame and guilt in my heart that I was not able to do anything for him, nor I will be able to get another chance to repay him in any way for whatever he did for me and my family.

We miss you Dr. Madan Gupta.

    

                                   ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

आज का शेर Couplet of The day

अपने हर इक लफ़्ज़ का ख़ुद आईना बन जाऊँगा 
उसको छोटा कह के -  मैं  कैसे बड़ा हो जाऊँगा 

Apne har ek lafz ka  khud aaina ban jauunga
Usko chhota kehkay main kaise bada ho jaaunga 
                                'Waseem Barelvi'

साडी दोस्ती है Saadi Dosti hai (Roman with translation)

साडी दोस्ती है दोस्ता सवेरेयाँ  दे नाल 
साडा वैर नहीं कोई वी  हनेरियाँ दे नाल 

मसाँ मसाँ है प्रौहना कोई दिल वेहड़े आया 
असाँ उन्ज ते निभाई है बथेरेआं दे नाल   

ओदों भुल्ल जांदे सारेआं अवैड़ेआँ दे बोल 
जदों साँझ पैंदी  सजना चंगेरेआं दे नाल 

असीं ज़िन्दगी दे पैंडेआँ च खुशबू खिलारी 
भेद भाव नहीं कीता तेरे मेरेआँ  दे नाल 

नीहां कच्चीआं ते उसरे ना रहन 'परवाने'
नीहां पक्कीआं दी निभदी बनेरेआं दे नाल 

                स्वर्ण सिंह   'परवाना ' (डेनमार्क )


Saadi Dosti hai dosta  savereyaan de naal 
Saadaa vair nahin koi vi hanereyaan de naal 

Masaan masaan hai prauhnaa koi dil-vehdhe aaya
Asaan unj te nibhaayi hai bathereyaan de naal 

Odon bhul jaande saareyaan avaidheaan de bol 
Jadon saanjh paindi sajanaa changereyaan de naal 

Asin zindagi de paindeyaan ch' khushboo khilaari
Bhaid Bhaav nahin keeta tere mereyaan de naal 

Neehaan kachiyaan te ussare na rehan 'Parwaane'
Neehan pakkeeaan di nibhdee banereyaan de naal 

           By: Sawarn Singh ji 'Parwaana' (Denmark)

This is an excellent piece of poetry by a well-known Punjabi poet Swarn Singh ‘Parwana’ who received many awards in Denmark, UK and Punjab-India including the title of ‘Manukhtaa da Kavi’ (Poet of humanity).

In this ghazal, he beautifully describes the viewpoint which Baba Gurubachan Singh ji and Baba Hardev Singh ji of Sant Nirankari Mission had repeatedly preached at numerous occasions; privately and during public discourses, that we should promote the ‘light of Gyana’ without having the feeling of animosity against ‘darkness’. They always said ‘Nindaa bhalee kisi ki naahin’ - it’s not good to criticize anyone - and if we do, then not only we push them away and create a distance, it also makes us egotistic.

‘Vidya dadaati Vinayam’ … the Gyani means humble, polite, tolerant and courteous to all.   

Translation of Parwana ji’s ghazal in a nut-shell:

Our friendship is with the morning light, but we do not have any animosity with the darkness.

(Though we love the light but yet, we do not hate the darkness)

After a long wait and great efforts, finally the beloved has come in the chambers of my heart, because I always get along with everyone else.

It’s easy to forget all negativity and criticism spread by the wicked and corrupt when we develop relationship with good and kind people.   

We (the mission) have always spread the fragrance of love and compassion in the path of life and never discriminated between ‘ours and theirs’.   

The house (of Love) cannot be built upon a weak foundation.

‘Parwana’ says: The relationship which is built upon strong foundation, can only last forever.

  

                ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

Note:   No translation can ever describe the true feelings of the poet or portrait the real beauty of the original poetry.

Promote what you like

Promote what you like and what you love, instead of bashing and criticizing what you don't like. When we criticize people for their system; for what they do, then we give them also a reason to find flaws in our system as well. As they say: what goes around comes around and what you sow so shall you reap.  

Every system is based upon certain beliefs. No system is fool proof and one can certainly find faults in every system. The concept of ‘Right and Wrong’ is (mostly) based upon each individual’s perception- according to his or her social, cultural and religious background and education. Everyone has a right to follow his or her beliefs. The clash occurs when we ‘order’ others what to do and what not to do; when we demand that everyone must follow our beliefs and we try to control their day to day activities. 

Baba Avtar Singh ji saw the reason for the clashes among individuals and groups; between cultures and religions and hatred for others on the grounds of different beliefs and life styles. 
So, when he founded the new organization in the name of Sant Nirankari Mission, he laid down the following third principle of the mission:
“Do not hate or criticize any one on grounds of what kind of food they eat or drink, how they dress or live their life.” In other words: follow your path according to your own understanding of the Gyana, the divine knowledge, but do not criticize or try to control others.

                ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

आज का शेर Today's Shayeri

मेरे  वजूद  में  ऐ  काश तू  यूँ  उतर  जाए 
मैं  देखूं  अगर  आईना  तो  तू नजर आए 


Mere Vajood me Ae Kaash tu yoon utar jaaye 
Main dekhoon agar aai'na - to Tu nazar aaye 

Blissful Memories 4

During my college days at Faridkot Punjab, Giani Joginder Singh ji (who later lived in London UK) was also posted in the audit department of Punjab electricity board Faridkot. His wife and children lived in his native village Bargaadi, about fifteen miles from Faridkot while Giani ji lived in a small rented room in Faridkot and spent most of his time doing Prachar after the office hours. 

In those days, Dr. Attar Singh ji of Ludhiana (who later moved to Patna and then Mukherji Nagar Delhi) used to visit Faridkot and surrounding areas quite often. Giani ji had received the Gyan through Dr. Attar Singh ji and had a great deal of respect for him as he believed that the Saint who delivers the Gyan, should be respected and treated like next to the Guru. 

I was quite impressed by Dr. Sahib’s personality, his knowledge of Scriptures and his orating skills; the way he explained everything in well-structured fine details. I always looked forward to his trips and whenever possible, accompanied him to nearby towns and villages.

During one of his tours, I along with two other youth members Kulwant Singh ji and Madan Lal ji accompanied Dr. Attar Singh ji and Gyani ji to two villages. After the Satsangs, he visited few houses of the devotees at both places. As it was a sort of tradition, the hosts offered him some gifts of fabric for his clothing. Since three of us were accompanying them as sewadaars; carrying and taking care of their luggage, we took the fabric pieces, placed them in a separate bag and carried it along with the other luggage.
When we reached back to Faridkot Bhavan, we placed Dr. Sahib’s suitcase in his room and opened that bag of fabrics. Seeing those fabric pieces, we looked at each other and wondered…...

Dr. Attar Singh ji was very particular about his clothing; his dress. Though he always wore white Kurta- Payzama but the fabric had to be of a fine quality. Most of the fabric pieces presented to him that day in the villages were not up to his standard at all. So the three of us thought that there is no point of adding weight to his luggage if he is not going to use them. We found two pieces to be a little bit better, that could be used for something like night suits. So we left two fabrics in the hall closet to be used as floor sheets or to be given to some poor devotee, and brought the other two to his room.  
He looked at them and said “I think there were few more.” 

“Those were not any good … not of your standard. We placed them in the storage to be given away to the needy people” Kulwant ji replied. 

“No. That won’t be right. Please bring those to me” he said. 

Madan ji rushed to the storage room and brought those fabrics back and respectfully placed them before him and apologized. 

He took one piece of fabric in his hand, looked at it smilingly, spread it on his bed and sat down on it. Then he took the other one, opened it and placed it on his legs. 
And then, in his usual smiling and charming style, he addressed us in a soft and sweet tone, which turned out to be a great lesson for all those who were present in the room. 

He said “never underestimate anyone’s Shradhaa- Bhaavna and play with their emotions. You don’t know what was in their mind when they did that seva. They may be poor to buy expensive material but their bhaavna is not less than anyone else. They brought it for me, gave it to me – to be used by me, for my body. I must accept it with the same Bhaavna, with same love and use it in some way. It’s true that I will not want to wear it as a dress, but I can certainly sleep on it using it as a bed sheet for couple of nights when I am here, and use the other one to cover myself while I sleep. This way, their Shradhaa will be fulfilled in some way. Then later we can use these for some other purpose or give to someone who can use them”.   

How great was his thinking of respecting everyone’s ‘Shradha–Bhaavna’.

                                        'Rajan Sachdeva'

Open Mind

 Mind is like a parachute – 
it works best when it is open

Story of Nachiketa (Kathopanishad) Part 2

Vedas are mostly based upon "Karm-Kaand", the practice of daily systematic rituals for everyone according to their family background and status.  They also propose certain rituals to be performed to fulfill certain desires; to achieve happiness and prosperity in the world. But over a period of time, these rituals became almost mechanical; without any feelings, emotions or considerations.

And that is exactly what Nachiketa’s father was doing. He was performing a special Yagna to fulfill his desires. But it was just a mechanical ritual. He was giving away a thousand old cows in the name of charity to priests and poor Brahmans without considering if they would be of any use to them or not. Nachiketa, even at such tender age, could see that it was not really an act of charity. He saw that those cows would be useless for the priests because they could neither provide any milk nor produce offspring. Since the cows were so weak, they would actually become a burden upon those priests. They would have to feed them, fetch water and take care of them at great expense. Nachiketa seems to be a wise and caring young boy. He also knows that those priests cannot refuse because they are supposed to accept readily whatever is given to them as offerings, whether they like it or not. Moreover, they must bless the ‘yajmaan’; the patron or donor. This is one of their priestly duties.

All religions and social welfare organizations worldwide preach charity. But "offering" is a pious act and it should therefore be done with sincerity from the heart. It should be practiced with humility and mindfulness; keeping in mind the needs and requirements of the receiver.

A few years ago, in his discourse during Sunday Satsang at Toronto Bhavan, a renowned preacher from England spoke on a similar subject. He said that many times we buy clothes and other things but end up not using them right away. When we look at them after some time, we either don’t like them or find them useless. When we are unable to find the receipt, we cannot return them. What should we do ?

We say “Oh well! We’ll give it as ‘offering’ to some guest or preacher when they come to visit us.”

And that’s what many people do.

As a Punjabi saying goes: "Naale Punn, te naale phaliyaan."

                      नाले पुण्य  ते नाले फलियाँ  

A nice way to get rid of unwanted things and at the same time, perform an act of charity as well.

"There is nothing wrong in doing so," he further added.  But there might be a problem when we become completely inconsiderate for the guest’s requirements and, for example, give small size clothing to large people and extra-large size clothing to people with smaller physiques.

He then shared few personal experiences during some of his out-of-country visits when he received large amounts of clothing and other gifts that were of no use to him or his family. Not only was he obligated to accept them and carry the extra weight where ever he went, but he had to pay for the extra luggage charged by the airline. After reaching home, they had to store the clothes in closets and wait… only to recycle those again by giving to some other visiting saints or guests.

So, I think some important lessons to learn from this story would be:

1.     The offerings (charity or gifts) should be given sincerely from the heart, with love and humility and with proper considerations; keeping in mind its usefulness to the recipient.

2.   On the other hand, the priests, preachers or guests who receive the offerings should also be considerate of the "giver". They should not hurt their feelings and insult them by refusing to accept something they don’t like, or for any other personal reason. Just as the priests and poor Brahmans in this story - even after seeing that those cows were anything but burden upon them - did not say anything. Considering their priestly duty, they quietly kept on performing the Yagna for the sake of their ‘yajmaan’.

 3.   Out of respect for their priestly duties, the priests could not say anything, but should someone else watch out for their welfare and concerns and speak up for them?

Nachiketa is thinking how hard it would be for those revered priests and poor Brahmans to take care of those old and frail cows who cannot provide anything in return. And at the same time he is also thinking about the reputation and welfare of his own father - who cannot apprehend that giving such gifts is not an act of goodness. Perhaps by reading scriptures or by using his common sense, Nachiketa knows that his father cannot achieve ‘Swarga’; that his desires cannot be fulfilled by giving such useless gifts - which seems to be more like punishment than charity. So he warns his father:

"Joyless are the worlds which he attains who gives such dakshina – gifts or alms."

    

      ‘Rajan Sachdeva’                                                     

                                                                  To be continued……..

Note:

*The word god does not really convey the proper or actual meaning of the Sanskrit or Hindi words Deva and Devataa; pronounced Dev and Devtaa respectively, meaning ‘giver’ or provider. Therefore, father, mother, teacher and anyone else who provides physical or financial security and knowledge is also called Dev, such as Pitri-dev, Maatri-dev, Guru-dev etc.

In English however, the word Dev has been translated occasionally as angel and mostly god with a lower case g.

     

      

कोई न सर उठा के चले Koi Na Sar Utha Ke Chalay

निसार मैं तेरी गलियों पे ऐ वतन - कि जहाँ 
चली है रस्म कि कोई न सर उठा के चले 
                                                  ' फैज़ अहमद फैज़ '

Nisaar main teri galiyon pay ae watan, ke jahaan

Chali hai rasm ke koi na sar uthaa kay chalay

                                                          "Faiz Ahmad Faiz"

Blissful Memories 3

I heard this incidence from Bhai Sahib Amar Singh ji Patiala wale.

Once, some cash money and other valuables were stolen from the personal residential quarters of Baba Avtar Singh ji. His wife, lovingly known as Jagat Mata by the disciples, suspected one sewadaar; who used to often visit and work in that room and occasionally clean it too.

By the evening, that person; the sewadaar was apprehended along with all those valuables in his possession. They brought him in the presence of Baba Avtar Singh ji and asked him what they should do with the thief?

Baba ji said “Now that you have recovered everything, let him go.”

“But Baba ji. He stole this money and other valuables. How can we just let him go? We would like to call the police and have him arrested for this crime.  

Baba ji Said “Look. He is not a thief. He has been doing my seva for quite some time. Somehow, today he suddenly became greedy and stole these things. This is probably the first time he did something like this. Instead of handing him over to the police, you should teach him the values of right conduct and the virtues of ‘Gursikhi’ so that he may live the rest of his life with honesty and contentment.”

But the others were not convinced. They still wanted to do something about it.

Sensing some hesitation and reluctance on their faces, Baba Avtar Singh ji further said “What would have you done if it were your own son or daughter? One of your close family member whom you love dearly? Would you still hand them over to the police, drag them to the court without giving them another chance to repent and correct themselves?”

Everyone was quiet. They freed the thief and let him go.

Nevertheless, he came back few days later, repented and wanted to continue doing the seva for the Guru and the mission. Baba Avtar Singh ji welcomed him with open arms and graciously accepted his offer.

Later, he became a great and highly respectable poet and writer of the mission.

I remember Rishi Vyas Dev ji often used the following quote in his discourses:

‘Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future’

       

                               ‘Rajan Sachdev’

हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं

ज़रूरी बात कहनी हो 
कोई वादा निभाना हो 
उसे आवाज़ देनी हो 
उसे वापस बुलाना हो 
       हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं 

मदद करनी हो उसकी 
यार की  ढ़ारस  बंधाना हो 
बहुत देरीना रस्तों पर 
किसी से मिलने जाना हो 
       हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं 

बदलते मौसमों की सैर में 
दिल को लगाना हो 
किसी को याद रखना हो 
किसी को भूल जाना हो 
       हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं 

किसी को मौत से पहले 
किसी ग़म से बचाना हो 
हक़ीक़त और थी कुछ 
उसको जा के ये बताना हो 
       हमेशा देर कर देता हूँ मैं 

                "मुनीर न्याज़ी "

Hamesha Der Kar Deta Hun Main

Zaruri Baat Kehni Ho

Koi Waada Nibhaana Ho

Usay Awaaz Deni Ho

Usay Waapas Bulaana Ho

               Hameshaa Der Kar Deta Hun Main

Madad Karni ho uski

Yaar Ki Dhaaras Bandhaana ho

Bahut Derinaa Raston Par

Kisi Se Milne Jaana ho

             Hameshaa Der Kar Deta Hun Main

Badalte Mausamon Ki Sair Main

Dil Ko Lagaana Ho

Kisi Ko Yaad Rakhnaa Ho

Kisi Ko Bhool Jaana Ho 

             Hameshaa Der Kar Deta Hun Main

Kisi Ko Maut Se Pahle

Kisi Gham Se Bachaana Ho

Haqeeqat Aur Thi Kuchh

Us Ko Ja ke Ye Bataana Ho

             Hameshaa Der Kar Deta Hun Main

                       By : Munir Niazi 

साया हूँ फ़क़त Saaya Hoon Faqat

दुनिया में हूँ - दुनिया का तलबगार नहीं हूँ 
बाज़ार से गुज़रा हूँ  -  ख़रीदार नहीं हूँ 

ज़िंदा हूँ मगर ज़ीस्त की लज़्ज़त नहीं बाक़ी 
हरचंद कि हूँ होश में -  होश्यार नहीं हूँ 

वो गुल हूँ खिज़ा ने जिसे बर्बाद किया है 

उलझूं किसी दामन से मैं वो ख़ार नहीं हूँ 

इस ख़ाना-ए-हस्ती से गुज़र जाऊँगा बेलौस 
साया हूँ फ़क़त - नक़्श व दीवार नहीं हूँ       

                   'अकबर अलाहाबादी ' (1846-1921)


Duniya me hoon - Duniya ka Talabgaar nahin hoon
Bazaar se guzraa hoon - Kharidaar nahin hoon

Zinda hoon magar zeest ki lazzat nahin baaki
Harchand ki hoon hosh me - Hoshyaar nahin hoon

Vo gul hoon khiza nay jisay barbaad kiya hai 

Uljhoon kisi daaman say main vo khaar nahin hoon 

Is khaana-e-Hasti se guzar jaaunga be-laus
Saaya hoon faqat naqsh-va-deevaar nahin hoon 

                         (Akbar Allahabadi 1846-1921)
                                     

Blissful Memories # 2

When I was studying for my Bachelors’ degree at Govt. Brajindra College Faridkot (Punjab), Bhapa Ram Chand ji Kapurthala once came there on a Prachar tour. I always had a great respect and admiration for his tremendous knowledge of Holy scriptures, wisdom and extremely simple life style. After the Sunday Satsang, I felt a strong desire to invite him to my place, but was hesitant to ask him because of my limitations. I was living at my ancestral home with my grandmother. We had only two small rooms, one for each of us and a kitchen (rest of the house was rented out). Secondly, I could not ask my 75 years old grandmother to cook and prepare for his visit. 

Nevertheless, I placed my request before him anyway. To my pleasant surprise, he happily agreed. But considering my situation, Bhapa ji said he will come to my place after the dinner and that I should not worry about any food or serving anything else. 

I was extremely happy and excited. I had saved some pocket money that I used to get from my father, and bought a piece of fabric for his ‘Achkan’. It is a style of long warm coat that Baba Avtar Singh ji, Baba Gurubachan Singh ji and several other well-known saints used to wear. I had never seen Bhapa ji wearing something like that and thought it would be a nice gift or seva for him.

Later in the evening, Bhapa ji came to my place along with few other local saints. It was little crowded in the room but he made everyone feel comfortable with his smiling face, and pleasant and humble - down to earth attitude. With keen interest, he asked me about my family, my studies and other routines along with my interests in study of Scriptures and meditation. I found love and caring of a father and a Guru in his tone and expression. 

After talking for about half an hour or so, I humbly placed that piece of fabric in front of him and requested him to kindly accept it. He looked at it and smilingly asked me “what is this?”

I said "Bhapa ji. This is for your ‘achkan’. I would feel much obliged and happy if you please accept it and get an achkan made for yourself out of this fabric.”

Suddenly, his smile disappeared. He became serious and quiet. He gave me a kind of strange look and said “achha”. A couple of minutes later, he got up, picked up the piece of fabric and got ready to leave. I knew something was not right but did not dare to ask. I did Namaskar to him, he blessed me as usual and left. 

Later, I kept thinking about it, but could not understand what went wrong. 

Next day, I went to the Bhavan early in the morning. Bhapa ji was sitting crossed legs on the bed, doing Sumiran. He saw me standing at the door and signaled me to come in. After doing Namaskar, I sat down before him.

“What did you say to me when you gave me that piece of fabric last night?” He asked.

“I am sorry Bhapa ji. Did I say something wrong? Was it my tone or some words that were offensive or not appropriate?” 
I asked humbly.

“No… Nothing of that sort. Just tell me what exactly you said you wanted me to do when you gave me that fabric?”

I said “I don’t remember exactly what my words were. I just wanted you to accept my humble seva.”

“Well! You said to make an achkan with this fabric. 
I need to know what your precise ‘Bhaavna’ (desire, feeling) is. Do you want me to use this cloth for myself anyway I want, or do you want me to get an achkan made out of this?”
  
I was surprised, in fact a little confused.

“I am sorry Bhapa ji. I am afraid I don’t understand”

“Is it okay if I get a regular coat made out of it…not an achkan?”  He asked.

I remember his exact words at that time were:

    जे मैं इस दा कोट बनवा लवां, तां तेरा दिल ख़फ़ा ते न होसी ?
"je mai is da coat banvaa lavaan, taan tera dil khafaa te na hosi?"
   (Will your heart feel deceived and angry if I make a coat?)

I said “Whatever you wish Bhapa ji. I just want you to accept it and wear it.”

He took a sigh of relief and said “You had put me under a great stress last night. Now you have taken that great heavy load off of my mind. 
You see… Baba ji wears achkans. I am not worthy of wearing same style of clothing as the Sadguru. I was in a dilemma all night. If I wear an achkan, then I will be imitating the Satguru which I do not want to. And if I don’t make an achkan then I will be going against your Bhaavna - your desire. 
Now I feel relieved because, with your permission, now I can make a regular coat out of this”.

“with my permission?”

I was amazed how deeply and minutely he was concerned about everyone else’s emotions /Bhaavna, while keeping his own principles at the same time. 

Even today, my head bows down with respect for such a pious and great saint when I remember how humble he was and how great was his thinking. 

                                  ‘Rajan Sachdeva’