Chapter 36: Interested In Remaining Disinterested
1962Page 4,789 of 5,444
They sat outside in front of the hall under a tree. Francis Brabazon had been composing songs for Baba and would sing a new one each day. Baba suggested Francis sing one of the songs he had written, so Baba could accompany him on the drum. ("Francis looked as if heaven had just dropped on his head!") After a few moments of inner debate, Francis sang forth while Baba beat on the drum. Don Stevens took shots from several angles and continued filming. Baba instructed Don to purchase 100 copies of Francis' collection of 25 songs, titled Let Us, The People, Sing , which was being printed on paper from Meherjee's factory, White Cloud.1
As observed, Baba seemed a bit perturbed with the filming, but Don Stevens reminded him, "Baba, you told me I could continue shooting anywhere at any time for the remaining days." Once again, just as the reel came to an end, Baba signaled that Stevens had taken enough.
Baba later consulted with Don Stevens about Kari and Joseph Harb's continued stay in Poona. Stevens and Francis were pessimistic because of Joseph's poor health; only Eruch thought it could work out.
On the morning of Thursday, 22 February 1962, Baba held a meeting in the hall with Adi, Eruch, Mani, Francis and Don Stevens about a new edition of God Speaks . It was agreed not to have Baba's photo on the cover, not to change the text, and to continue their association with Dodd, Mead.
Later, at 10:00 A.M., the Harbs arrived with Meherjee in their new Chevrolet. For two hours, Baba discussed with them the pros and cons of their remaining in India. Joseph felt he could and had made an easy adjustment; Kari was not so sure of her ability, as she had been ill, but summed up the situation when she said, "I would rather die in India than somewhere else!"
Adi and Francis both felt the Harbs should return to America. Don Stevens said he thought Joseph's mind was unalterably set for at least the present, and Kari would never leave him. In the end, Baba gave Kari a week more to think it over and then to write him with her final decision.
After lunch, Joseph Harb was quite ill but recovered enough by 4:00 P.M. to be cheerful when Baba returned. Photographs were taken with Don Stevens nervously supporting Baba's arm. Afterwards, Baba sent everyone out for five minutes to say goodbye to Stevens, who was leaving that day.
Footnotes
- 1.Meherjee Karkaria owned a filter paper factory in Poona, which Francis named White Cloud. Later, Meherwan Jessawala became a partner and worked in the factory for many years.