Whitefield during the 1990's was quite often uncrowded. The afternoons were hot and sticky so many people chose to skip the afternoon bhajans. Thus, the Sai Ramash hall remain half empty all through those long summer months. Thus, it was quite easy to be seated towards the front and close to Swami.
One very hot afternoon at the end of bhajans and just before Arathi, a Sal Dal volunteer climbed onto the stage to light the Arathi lamp. He fiddled for ages, trying to find his matches, but he'd forgotten them. Swami stood there looking at him waiting patiently, but after a while it was obvious the poor man was feeling awkward. Swami, then put his hand forward, pointed at the Aarti lamp with his finger, suddenly there was a brilliant flame. The Aarthi lamp had been lit! Swami without much ado, turned to leave the stage in his usual way. HE IS THE LIGHT IN ALL OUR LIVES... Sai Ram
