Heavy rains continued to fall in Bombay, and all the outlying lakes that supply water to the city were filled. From different corners of the land, letters and telegrams would arrive about this critical water shortage, and Baba heard their pleas. The mandali later learned that, as the letters and telegrams were being read to Baba, it would start raining at those particular places.
In Ahmednagar, also, there was an acute shortage of water, and Baba asked Baidul to grow a beard and pray to God for rain. He did so and was fervently offering his prayer daily. Baidul had high hopes that, on account of his sincerity, rain would surely come, but months passed and no rain fell. If anyone came seeking rain, Baba would tell them to tear out Baidul's beard. Finally, Baidul became so disappointed he told Baba, "If it is not your wish, how will my prayer be of avail? Now, I know that you do not wish there to be rain." Baba did not answer, but the next day it did rain.
On 17 July, Meherwan and Roshan saw Baba briefly and then returned to Poona.
A royal princess of one of the former Indian states had been waiting in Ahmednagar for days in the hope of Baba granting her a moment's darshan, despite his seclusion. Baba granted her request. When she met Baba, the Rani told him, "I pray to God so hard, but He never answers my prayers. I cannot understand why that should be. I thought God did not let anyone down."
Baba replied, "God not only does not let anyone down, God is constantly forgiving those who let Him down!"
Meanwhile in America, Baba's message on drugs was being widely spread by a group of hard-working young lovers, such as Robert Dreyfuss, Allan Cohen and Rick Chapman, who wrote articles, gave talks and appeared on television and radio shows, appealing to young people to give up drugs. A joint statement from them, outlining Baba's message on drugs, was sent to hundreds of college campus and city newspapers as a letter to the editor. It was published widely in America, including excerpts in major national media outlets such as the Christian Science Monitor, Time and Newsweek magazines.
As a result of this anti-drug campaign, many came to know of Baba and several to love him. In fact, previously on 21 April 1966, Baba had Adi write the following to Ivy Duce, eliciting her full support for this work: