I must confess that I am not one of those who go in search of spiritually great men. But, when my good friend Prof A.S. Gnanasambandan invited me to Tiruvannamalai to meet Yogi Ramsuratkumar at the latter's request, I readily agreed. When I met him, I could experience the magnetic effect of his personality. Like a few other spiritual leaders, he has created a kind of fence around him to drive away people not inclined spiritually. He does not bathe, looks dirty, changing his clothes once in a few months and even then, when compelled by his devotees to accept their offering of new clothes. He sits under a tree in the open during day time and lays himself down during nights in the corridor of any shop. It is no wonder police gave him a lot of trouble mistaking him for a vagrant beggar.

His oft-repeated cry, 'Mahatma Gandhi Ki Jai' probably infuriated some politicians. A Westemer who had known him intimately speaks of even attempts on the life of this wanderer; but those who are spiritually thirsty easily break through this fence and enjoy the light of his eyes and the love of his heart. He is like all great men, a child; he has no inhibitions; and no dogmatism. He seas goodness everywhere and speaks highly of even the controversial spiritual figures of India. He is full of humour, dissolving himself sometimes in riotous laughter. There is an atmosphere of serene calmness and spiritual upsurge around him which we notice even within a few minutes of our stay near him.

He is a great scholar in Hindi and an effective and fluent speaker in English. His love for India and her culture is immense. He believes in the regeneration of India as early as possible to lead the world aright. In this sense, he is not other-worldly. He brings solace to many a troubled heart. He asserts firmly that once a disciple is accepted, the Guru takes care of him even when he lays down his mortal body and therefore the disciple need not be worried about his spiritual development. Therefore, we may assume that he also, as a Guru takes care of the disciples surrendering to him and this assumption is confirmed by the various happenings in the lives of his immediate disciples.

My children and myself prefer to stay with him under a tree rather than in any hotel, because of the calmness which we get. In addition, he feeds every one who comes to him. People from Spain, Belgium, Australia and the United States of America - not to speak of the places in India and Ceylon - are often round near him, all sitting in silence, even when they cannot converse with him in any language known to him, and in spite of religious differences.

Thus, his presence itself is a blessing, as I have myself experienced with others including such foreigners. It is no wonder, therefore, that the people who have enjoyed the bliss of His presence come together to celebrate His Jayanthi on the lst December, 1976. He has confined Himself to Tiruvannamalai, but I hope His Blessings will be personally reaching every one in this world.