One of the Westerners asked how he could withstand such suffering.
"I have to withstand it all," Baba replied, "even if the whole world turns against me. It is my work; I must endure it."
Norina's birthday cake with candles was brought in. Baba cut the cake and handed a piece to each. He then discussed matters with the group, giving Garrett instructions to travel in India.
Baba again alluded to the "thorns" in his work, stating, "None of these things can happen: It must not rain on the birthday celebrations of February 17th or 18th; I must not fall ill on either of those days; and none of my dearest ones must pass away before the end of March. If none of these things happen, then we can face the 'Big Thorn,' and after facing it, the atmosphere will become wonderfully spiritual!"
Baba did not explain what the "Big Thorn" would be. After one night in Nasik, he left for Rahuri the following afternoon.
One small "thorn" seemed to be the timing of Baba's birthday. When Baba had returned from the West, he specifically chose the 17th and 18th for the celebration, although his actual birthday that year fell on the 15th (according to the Parsi calendar). Subsequently, the government declared the 17th of February as the date for a nationwide vote on a new constitution. Baba had specified that he wanted as many persons as possible to attend his birthday program, stating:
I wish to touch the feet of thousands on my birthday for reasons of my own. This year, my birthday has a great importance and significance. I want to touch the feet and give my prasad not only to thousands of the poor and destitute, but I want all my devotees and others — as many as can be gathered and are able to come — to be near me on the occasion for the special benefit all will receive at that time.
Baba said that he wanted about 20,000 persons present and asked if it could be accomplished. Rustom undertook overall responsibility and others, such as Ramjoo, Vishnu, Adi Sr. and Chanji were told to write to all devotees, their friends, and others, inviting them to be present for the occasion. But because of the vote for the new constitution, many perhaps would be too busy to take advantage of the opportunity Baba was presenting.