1992-07-11 - Saturday - bus to Parthi

Condensing multiple days into a single page, since the content is limited.

1992-07-07 - Tuesday - Physics repeating XI stuff. Sanskrit brisk pace. Did Young's uniform bending, got OK results. Rajesh Singh and Vikram Chauhan told to have more interest by Rajkumar Jain Sir. Even comics of Saints elevate on talking by Sikkivahan. Sanskrit Sir gave many eatables - 2 sweets and a cake each for (our class of) 6 boys - didn't say why. 

1992-07-08 - Wednesday - Classes as usual. Eating a lot of Bread and Butter. Fruit Stall / Bakery opened in the Hostel, selling bread, biscuits, fried stuff and fruits. Lemonade for 75 p instead of cold drinks. 

1992-07-09 - Thursday - Physics Test. Was very easy. Threatened English and Chemistry tests did not materialize, for many reasons. Took "Flying Circus of Physics With Answers" from library. 

1992-07-10 - Friday - Sanskrit - didn't take. After classes, packed, washed. 2 batches in 5 buses, due to tax for Karnataka (buses which enter Andhra Pradesh). I am in 2:30 pm bus (scheduled to go tomorrow to Parthi for Gurupoornima.)

1992-07-11 - Saturday - No classes. Read "Invitation to Chemistry".  In the bus, Narahari Sir, Nandagopal Sir. So, singing bhajans, carols, stotrams, chanting Vedam. Reached (Parthi) enthusiastically - Swami was waiting at the balcony* at 7:05 pm. 

Balcony darshan at Prasanthi Nilayam, 1991-'92.

*Waiting at the balcony: In those pre-Sai Kulwant Hall days, the Brindavan students' buses would turn left just after the Gopuram gate and park right in front of the Mandir. Not quietly, but with lots of "Jai Bolo Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba ji Ki! Jai!" If Swami was waiting at the balcony, or in front of the Mandir in case He was giving darshan, we would rush into the Mandir up to Him, He would ask after us for a while, then wave and go inside. We would then go back to the buses to carry our luggage to the "Old Hostel" between East Prasanthi and Gopuram Gate. 

Additionally, in the afternoons, the Brindavan boys staying in the Old Hostel had the opportunity for a bonus "balcony darshan". We were allowed to be in the Mandir compound any time - with silence strictly enforced. So, when Swami would go for "tea" to the dining hall from His room, crossing the verandah in the process, we could sometimes see Him. And sometimes, if He saw us, He would come to the edge of the balcony, talk or wave. During the winter vacations of this year, there were lots of these balcony darshans and more, coming up in November posts. 

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