Referring to the Meherabad Sahavas, Baba stated that Pendu had a concussion and moved about with canes because of his broken pelvis; yet, he remained in charge of the entire function and arrangements. Pendu had told Baba, "Give me two months and I will complete the job." Baba replied he would think about it.
Adi had the funds and Pendu needed money to buy supplies, but Baba warned him, "Don't spend anything. I might cancel the program and not go ahead because of the intense pain."
One day Baba went to Meherabad and informed Pendu, "Don't worry; we will see to it."
There was work to be done — facilities for feeding, sleeping and providing all conveniences for 800 people. This was two weeks before the date of the sahavas. Five days before the scheduled date, nothing had started. The disciples were frantic and Pendu was about to have a nervous breakdown.
Embracing him, Baba assured him, "Don't worry; all will be completed. I will let Adi open the purse strings."
Already people from far away in India had started on their journey. The contractor stood by and claimed it was impossible to complete the work in five days.
Baba assured them, "It can and will be finished. I will embrace you if you do it."
So the contractor was glad and all his men worked with enthusiasm and in double time. Night and day, the work went on. Amazingly, in five days everything was ready.
Ned Foote then gave his eyewitness account. He said everyone was in a state of great excitement. Accommodations and cooking and sleeping arrangements were excellent. There were immense tents, each with 400 cots for men and women. Cooking was a big problem because of different regional eating habits. But those Eastern devotees who came to the sahavas were prepared for difficulties and endured them with love and gratitude.
During the two-weeks of sahavas, Baba was in constant physical pain and fever but remained cheerful, and people said, "You don't look too unwell." He had been advised by Dr. Kenmore that he should not allow himself to be embraced and garlanded, but it made no difference.
(Baba gestured, "It went in one ear and out the other.")
Daily he embraced the men and women at the sahavas and gave his love to all. Many offered to die there in happiness. Five persons really did die very shortly upon their return home with Baba's name on their lips, so great was their joy.