Waiting for Exam Results

After completing my board exams, I eagerly awaited the results, anticipating a good performance based on my efforts. The declaration of results was still 20-25 days away, giving me enough time to explore colleges outside my hometown.

I conducted online research on various institutions located in high tier cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi. However, I found myself unconvinced due to the exorbitant course fees charged by renowned colleges. In the meantime, I decided to wait until my results were announced before making any final choices, taking into account my academic performance.

Rather than getting overly stressed about finding good colleges for my graduation, I decided to focus on enjoying my time playing cricket with my friends and exploring nearby places with them. However, when my results were finally announced, they did not meet my expectations. While my grades were satisfactory enough to please my parents, neighbors, and relatives, I couldn’t help but feel dissatisfied with them. Twenty days after the declaration of my board exam results, I sat for engineering entrance exams. Unfortunately, I didn’t perform well due to a lack of mental preparedness. This situation heightened my concerns about gaining admission to a reputable college, as scoring well in the entrance exams was the sole pathway to secure a spot in a good institution.

A New Opportunity

One day, while my dad was reading the newspaper, he stumbled upon an advertisement for Lovely Professional University, a renowned college that was organizing its own entrance exam right in my hometown. He called me and asked, “Why don’t you give this test?”

Excited by the opportunity, I submitted my application for the entrance test, and, a week later, I confidently appeared for the examination. This time, I had thoroughly prepared myself. Merely two days after the test, I received an eagerly-awaited phone call from the university, informing me that my score surpassed the eligibility criteria for admission. To my joy, they also offered me a remarkable 40% scholarship on the tuition fees.

After sharing the news with my parents, they were overjoyed to hear about my acceptance. However, my mom couldn’t hide her sadness as the college was located approximately 2000 kilometers away in Punjab, far from our native place. Despite her initial melancholy, she eventually agreed to support my decision.

To facilitate the admission process for students across various locations in India, the university had arranged for its staff to be stationed in different cities. This arrangement was made to help students who couldn’t travel all the way to Punjab. Consequently, I, along with my dad and brother, went to Bhubaneshwar, where the university’s representatives were available to assist us in completing the necessary admission formalities.

Excitement for New Beginnings

After completing the admission procedure, the university representatives handed me a booklet showcasing captivating images of the campus. The booklet revealed an array of facilities, including a hotel, a mall, multiple food courts, dedicated sports courts for various sports, and much more. I was intrigued to discover that the university attracted students from over 40 countries, making it a truly diverse and global educational environment.

Additionally, they played a captivating video showcasing the university hosting numerous events graced by Bollywood celebrities, cabinet ministers, and even the President of India, all coming together to inspire and encourage the students. Witnessing these grand events and the vibrant atmosphere, I felt a surge of excitement. It reinforced my belief that I had made the best decision of my life. My elder brother and dad were equally delighted, finding reassurance in the availability of such remarkable amenities and the university’s beautiful infrastructure.

Mixed Reactions from Friends and Family

We returned home and I shared this experience with my friends. Upon seeing my excitement some of my friends seemed very happy and some started criticizing my choice. Some started taunting me too. Some said “Oh! you have a lot of money – that is why you can pursue your graduation at such a prestigious university.” I was sad on hearing such words from them, but I ignored their comments.

I texted Sumay-uncle and informed him about all these. He was also not happy about it. He said, “There are a lot of good universities in Odisha. Why are you going to Punjab? You may not get good association over there.” His words dampened my excitement.

“I just want to leave Odisha. I don’t want to stay here. That’s why I opted for LPU (Lovely Professional University),” I replied.

“Okay, so when are you leaving?” he asked.

“I am leaving on the 27th of July,” I replied.

“Okay, you come tomorrow to our place. We will celebrate Srila Prabhupada’s appearance day. There will be a lot of fun. Stay here at least for a week.” he said.

I agreed, and the next day, I headed to his place. By the time I reached at his place, they were chanting and dancing in front of the photo of Srila Prabhupada. After doing kirtan for about 20 minutes, they offered food nicely prepared by my grandma(Sumay-uncle’s mom) and aunt (Sumay-uncle’s wife). After offering the food, we sat together at the dining table to have lunch. Sumay-uncle sat beside me. His friends and father (grandpa) were also sitting there.

Advice from Elders

“So, you are going to Punjab?”, Sumay-uncle asked with a smile.

I nodded my head saying “yes”.

When my grandpa heard, he asked, “Why?”

“I have taken admission in LPU. So, next month I am leaving for Punjab.” I replied.

He became very happy and he enquired about the fees and placement records. I told him that I got a scholarship of 40% discount on my tuition fees. He was happy after learning this.

“You dad is going to spend a lot of money now. So, please focus on your studies. Don’t get distracted by any other things.” Grandpa said.

“Yes, I will stay focused.” I replied confidently.

Sumay-uncle expressed, “If you had chosen to study in Bhubaneshwar, you could have stayed with us. I would have provided you with practical work experience, and it wouldn’t have affected your spiritual life. But regardless, it’s your life and your will. It seems like you never consider your spiritual life, which is why your decision-making ability appears to be so disappointing.” After hearing his words, I remained silent.

My purpose for going to Punjab was not solely for studies; rather, I wanted to enjoy life and escape from the difficulties I had faced in my relationship with Pranshi. I longed to leave my hometown and start afresh in a place far away from Odisha. However, I chose not to disclose these intentions to others. Perhaps Sumay-uncle had already sensed my true motives, and he could foresee that I was going to face a chaotic situation. He understood that my decision to distance myself from his guidance and spiritual association could potentially bring turmoil into my life.

At that moment, I wasn’t ready to accept his words. I believed that I could create a good life for myself. However, as time went on, I came to realize the truth in his advice. In the upcoming chapters, I will narrate the incidents that made me recognize the wisdom of Sumay-uncle’s guidance.

Visit to Shri Chaitanya Dandabhanga Dham

In the evening, after finishing the kirtan, Sumay-uncle informed me that we were going to Puri. It was already 8 o’clock, and I was unsure of the reason for this sudden trip. Without thinking much, I quickly got ready and joined him in the car. After an hour and a half of driving, we arrived at an Ashram called Shri Chaitanya Dandabhanga Dham. As we entered, I noticed numerous devotees engaged in chanting the Mahamantra kirtan, while others were dedicatedly serving Prasadam to fellow devotees. The serene ambiance captivated me.

Shortly after our arrival, a devotee approached Sumay-uncle and warmly embraced him. I respectfully greeted him with folded hands and said Namaste. He then led us to a designated spot and arranged for us to sit on a comfortable carpet. He graciously served us a delectable Prasadam, which included Rasgullas and cheesecakes on our plates. One of the Prasadam servers mentioned to my uncle, “This particular preparation is very dear to Gurudev, which is why we have specially made it.”

Curiously, I asked my uncle, “Is today a special day or something?”

“Yes, it’s Gurudev’s appearance day,” he replied.

Divine Meeting: Reconnecting with Gurudev

After savoring the delicious Prasadam, Sumay-uncle and I made our way to Gurudev’s room. My uncle gently knocked at the door, and Gurudev himself opened it.

He welcomed Sumay-uncle and us into His room, and we offered our obeisances by bowing before Him. It struck me that I had actually met Gurudev exactly one year ago on the same day, when he had bestowed his boundless mercy upon me by presenting me with a garland. On that occasion, I had visited his residence with Swastik-uncle, and now, I found myself in Gurudev’s presence once again, this time accompanied by Sumay-uncle. As soon as Gurudev saw me, he remarked, “I think I have met you before.”

“Yes Gurudev, last year I came to your house with Swastik-uncle,” I replied.

Gurudev’s MESSAGE

Then he asked about my well-being.

Sumay-uncle suddenly said, “Gurudev, let me tell you about this guy named Chirag. He’s going to study at Lovely Professional University in Punjab. I have already told him it’s foolishness, but he thinks he’s very smart.”

I stayed quiet and looked at Gurudev. After hearing Sumay-uncle’s words, Gurudev said, “You’re going to a dangerous place. Be very careful.” I nodded, acknowledging his words, but I didn’t fully comprehend the depth of his warning at that moment. Little did I know that I would regret not taking his advice more seriously.

As time went on, a series of events unfolded, and I found myself entangled in a web of troubles. The journey that seemed exciting and promising initially turned into a daunting and arduous experience.

Stay tuned to know what happened with me after going to Punjab…