Celebrations for Baba's birthday were held in a variety of ways in various centers throughout India and abroad. Feeding programs for the poor, bhajan-kirtan programs, large processions, exhibitions, plays, lectures, et cetera, were arranged to mark the occasion. Those in Masulipatnam were inaugurating a free medical dispensary in Baba's name.
Baba cabled this message: "Feed me and clothe me and tend me in the poor."
In Hyderabad, to commemorate the God-Man's 71st birthday, 71 days of continuous programs were held, starting on 17 December and concluding on the 25th. Baba sent this telegram to them:
I give my love and blessing to you and all my lovers in Hyderabad and Secunderabad that each of the 71 days of your program may be a blossom on the tree of my love.
To those gathered in Kakinada, Baba cabled:
I give my love blessing to you and to all lovers in Kakinada and elsewhere that each of the 71 days of your program be a flower of your love to be woven into a garland for my 71st birthday.
To Age it seemed that Baba had opened the doors of the Tavern on that day and was pouring out copious amounts of Wine for his lovers. Yet the Saki had kept wide the doors and was letting his lovers drink and become intoxicated at the cost of great personal suffering to himself. Can his mercy ever be fathomed? For the redemption of mankind, Baba bore the yoke of infinite suffering round his neck. No one can understand his mercy. He was the personification of compassion, the personification of love, and his Universal suffering was the channel through which his love and mercy flowed.
The Poona workers were called for a meeting with Baba on Sunday, 28 February 1965 to discuss the May darshan program. Meherwan Jessawala returned to Poona that day. After Viloo and Sarosh's return to Ahmednagar from Mehersthan in Andhra, Baba called them and Usha Kulkarni to Meherazad on 3 March. They gave a report of the functions they had attended, and Baba was happy to hear it. At the end of their account, Sarosh smiled and remarked, "I would not be surprised if in time Andhra Pradesh came to be known as Meher Pradesh !"
To Usha, who was celebrating passing an accounting exam, Baba commented, "I am pleased with your songs. You have a sweet voice, so continue your singing. I have my nazar on you."