On the evening before the function was to take place, Eruch returned to Saharanpur with Baba's permission. He found the hall shut and so he went to the chairman, who said, "I was waiting for you. Please arrange your program elsewhere; it cannot take place in the Company Bagh."
"You have given me a letter of permission," Eruch protested. "Please don't change your mind now. We have already invited 1,001 families to the Bagh tomorrow; how could we possibly inform them of a change at this late hour? And besides, why this sudden change?"
"A fortnight ago, there was a riot between the Hindus and Muslims here," the chairman said, "and the members of the committee are afraid that during such a program inflammatory rumors are likely to spread when the families are called in the hall turn by turn. The committee is of the opinion that if you want to help the poor, why not hold the function in the open in front of all? Why is the hall needed?"
Age was saddened by their misunderstanding. Maya was at work again, putting hindrances in the way. The Avatar always has to fulfill his mission amidst numerous obstacles. At times circumstances arose when the recipients of his love-gift doubted the authenticity of the giver and had to be prevailed upon and have matters explained to them before they would accept it. Sometimes the poor would be suspicious of Baba's washing their feet, bowing down to them and giving them prasad, as such things never happen in the world. "What was the catch?" they wanted to know. It was against their religion to allow such a person to bow to them. Yet this was a gift from God, and how can such things be in accordance with religious precepts?
Eruch did his best to explain things to the chairman, and they talked until late in the evening. At last the man said, "I place the hall at your disposal on my own responsibility, as it is our good fortune that Meher Baba comes among us discreetly to do his work."
Baba went there the next morning with Pendu, Gustadji, Elcha, Kishan Singh, Kumar and Hellan. The work began at nine. After the usual ceremonial washing and bowing down to the poor, each was given Rs.21 as Baba's love-gift. After Baba's departure for Dehra Dun, the committee members came to know of his identity through the chairman and greatly repented for their folly. As a precautionary measure they had even informed the police to be present and watch the proceedings.