Although Meher Baba's early disciples had a strong conviction and faith in him, hearing these words directly from one as great as Upasni Maharaj impressed these young men profoundly. They returned to Poona and repeated to others Upasni's words that Meher Baba was Perfect — a Sadguru — and this information gradually spread throughout Poona. The day that Age had long awaited had finally come — the Avatar's divine mission was to begin.
In January 1922, Meher Baba was destined to leave Upasni Maharaj and Sakori and begin his Universal work. A few minutes before his departure, Upasni Maharaj called him into his hut and, with folded hands, proclaimed, "Merwan, you are Adi Shakti [the Primal Force]! You are the Avatar of the Age!"
Baba sobbed tears of infinite bliss and clutched the feet of his Guru. Upasni Maharaj held him in his arms for a long time.
Baba said goodbye to all those gathered outside and swiftly climbed into a waiting tonga, accompanied by Baily. Upasni Maharaj's women disciples rushed forward to touch his feet and have his darshan. Within a few minutes, the tonga departed for the train station, where Baba boarded a train to Bombay.
For a long time until the tonga was out of sight, Upasni Maharaj gazed towards the departing youth. Durgabai's heart too ached, full of love for Baba. Each of the close ones, in whose heart Merwan had found a place was deeply affected,
Baba was almost 28 years old then. Observing this most touching scene, Age wept with joy. Our Age had not waited in vain, and its cries echoed the divine voice which proclaimed: "The Avatar of the Age has come! All hail Meher Baba, the Compassionate Father!"