After this declaration, Baba had an interview with Keshav Nigam, who spoke to Baba about the love the people of Hamirpur District had for him.
Baba appointed Keshav to carry on his work there, warning him, "In that work you may be ridiculed, humiliated and even may lose your life."
Keshav happily agreed to accept the responsibility. Keshav had brought the mast Shah Saheb from Hamirpur, and Baba worked with the mast for a few days. Meanwhile, Baba allowed Keshav to stay in Dehra Dun for a few days.
March 21 was celebrated as the Irani New Year, and Keki Nalavala's family was invited to spend the day with Baba.
Although Baba had told Kishan Singh that he would not allow any darshans or interviews in Dehra Dun, since he wished to work undisturbed, nevertheless after his arrival people frequently came seeking darshan. A lawyer named Harichand Kochar, who had met Baba in Delhi the previous December, would sit from morning to evening in front of Baba's bungalow, and Baba often sent Kishan Singh to tell him to leave. At one point, however, Baba did go once to his house to console him.
Several came with the intent to derive material gains, whereas others sincerely wanted Meher Baba's darshan. Opposite Baba's residence lived Bal Kisan Bakhshi, 38, and his wife, Meher Kanta, 33, who loved Baba dearly. They never once tried to come near Baba's bungalow or to send a request for darshan, and were never a hindrance.
Thus there were many who wanted Baba's darshan, and so Monday, 23 March 1953 (a public holiday for Ram's birthday) was fixed for that purpose. The darshan was publicized in the newspapers, but Baba forbade erection of a canopy, and decided to give darshan in the hall of the mandali's bungalow. The time fixed for darshan was from 8:00 to 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. Early in the morning, a large crowd collected and darshan began. To ask Baba for anything or to touch his feet was prohibited. Baba would hand prasad to each and touch his own forehead with his hand as they saluted him, repaying their homage to him. People were asked to leave as soon as they had taken darshan. Baba would allow some to sit beside him for five minutes; then others would take their places to enable them to spend a few more minutes in Baba's company.