Hailing from a remote village in Tuticorin District, with very little religious involvement, except for a yearly visit to our family temple near Tiruchendur with my father (a strict vaishnavate who had not gone to any other temple except this temple where one of our forefathers had close association with a saint connected with this temple).

Even after my joining N.L.C.Ltd., Neyveli in1957 we will periodically go only to a Vaishvanate (Perumal) koil here. Moreover my wife, though a Hindu, was educated and brought up under Christian influence and was opposed to Guru bhakhi (How she became an ardent devotee of Swami is another leela by Him).

Because of my involvement in photography, I was asked to cover visits of many VIPs and religious leaders coming to Neyveli. Whenever I take photos of religious gurus and saints, though I will have respect for them, I could not agree with those who prostrate before them - why should a human being be worshipped like that, was my reaction.
After the mahasamadi of Sadguru Gnanananda of Thapovanam in 1974 one Shri.V.Ramanujachari, an I.R.S. cadre officer holding high post in NLC Limited and a close devotee of Sadguru, wanted to bring out a book on Sadguru Gnanananda with lot of photos. I was then working in the Finance Department under him at a very low level. As he knows me well and my interest in photography and art, he wanted me to coordinate with him in the collection and selection of photos (to be collected from Thapovanam and devotees, coloring of black and white photos etc.) and also in the design of the book. [The book titled "Sadguru Gnanananda" was later published through Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan by his untiring efforts].

He took me to Thapovanam where we stayed for 3 days collecting photos, negatives and making recopies of framed photographies. On the 3rd day afternoon he asked, whether we can go to Tiruvannamalai. I said yes as I have not gone there and thinking that he will take me to the Temple.

We were at Tiruvannamalai by 6 P.M, opposite to the temple where 4 roads meet. He did not say anything - where we were bound and why we are waiting there. After nearly 30 minutes, a man in dirty clothes, with a long beard and a turban was coming accompanied by 2 men carrying sack bundles. Pointing towards them, he told me that we have come here to meet that Godly man - He is called "The Godchild Tiruvannamalai". He is a great saint by name "Yogi Ramsuratkumar" We affectionately call him "Ramjee". These are the brief words he spoke. I was not impressed either by all that he told or of my vision of his appearance etc.. However Shri Ramanujachari was very emphatic that 1 will like meeting him and it will be a good experience to me. When Swamiji and those followed turned towards the row of shops in front of the temple, we followed keeping some distance.

Swamiji went near a closed shop (1 think it is a vessel shop) spread a blanket in the front of the shop and sat watching the narrow road before the shop. As if waiting for Swamiji's arrival, people started coming to him with flowers and fruits as offerings. Some prostrated before him, some wished / prayed with folded hands. Swamiji blessed them giving fruits and flowers.

On seeing Shri.Ramanujachari, with full smile on His face, Swamiji asked him to come near. He went and prostrated. Swamiji after patting his back asked him to sit by His side. He placed a bundle of cigarettes and a new blanket. Swamiji asked him to put the blanket around his shoulder and he did so.

I was in confusion - whether to prostrate or not - why should I; when my superior, a kind and affectionate officer, is doing why should not I follow? Finally under an urge, I prostrated and my hand touched his feet. This touch sent an electrified sensation throughout my body creating a feeling of ecstasy and joy. My hands tightened the hold in an effort to have the feeling of ecstasy run through my body continuously. Swamiji patted on the back and asked me to get up. After several such pats and Swamjii's repeated words "enough" I slowly released my hold and got up. Swamiji blessed raising both His hands.

Transformation commenced from then (Year 1975); transformation, not only in respect of Guru bhakti, but also in e other aspects of life. Such process still continues with the grace and blessings of Yogi Ramsuratkumar.