Those from Andhra had brought many parcels for Baba, who asked, "Why do you bring these fruit baskets and tins of sweets? It is better you come with empty hands — but of course not with empty hearts! The garlands and other offerings are not necessary."
He further explained, "As you sit in my presence, there is a possibility that your thoughts are diverted toward the garlands and other offerings. You are here, but your mind runs after the garlands and baskets. I have to give the signal, 'Garland Baba and be free of the botheration!'
"Again, you bring so many things as offerings, but I do not taste those things. You know my simple diet. I have to distribute the sweets and the fruit to the mandali."
With a twinkle in his eye, Baba added, "And when the mandali do full justice to the things, it is I who get a stomachache!"
One day Dadi Kerawala brought a cake for Baba.
Baba distributed it among those present, but rebuked Dadi, "If anyone presents a gift to me, he places a load on my head. You [think you] put a straw on my head, but it is enough to bring down the entire roof! Henceforth I forbid you to give me anything, as it is a burden to me."
On the 3rd about 15 or 20 close ones came, including Adi Sr., Aloba, Homi Satha and Kaikobad, who had been called for a few days. Bachoobhai and Madhusudan sang. That day, a member of India's Parliament in Delhi named Sardar Amar Singh Saigal, 57, met Baba for the first time.1 Saigal had first seen Baba's picture three years before and had been deeply drawn to it. He was a staunch follower of Guru Nanak, but as soon as he focused on Baba's photograph, he saw Guru Nanak's face in it. That vision was enough for Amar Singh, and thereafter the enthusiasm and energy with which he devoted himself to Baba's work were exemplary. He became very close to Baba, and Baba would often remember him.
Footnotes
- 1.Saigal was a Congress Party representative from Bilaspur, Madhya Pradesh, in the Second Lok Sabha.