“How fat you have become?!! Are you doing any exercise?”

July 4, 1997

Looking at Mr. V.K. Narasimhan (Editor, Sanathana Sarathi)…

Swami : Narasimhan…

V.K.N : Swami?

Swami : Why do you always sit in that corner?

V.K.N : Swami, it is more comfortable here.

Swami : But the carvings of the pillar might be giving you trouble as you lean against them, Paapam. (the word Paapam in Telugu indicates sympathizing with the person)

After the interview, Bhagavan enquired...

Swami : How were the classes today?

Student : Fine, Swami. … Swami, I have stomach ache.

Swami : Neeka? Tinadam Tagginchu Kumbhakarna! (For you? Reduce eating, Kumbakarna!) (Noticing another fat student sitting nearby) Aa Dunnapothuni Chudu! (See that Dunnapothu!) 

(To that student) What is the meaning of Dunnapothu?

Student : Buffalo.

Swami : Not just buffalo, but He-buffalo. How fat you have become?!! Are you doing any exercise?

Student : Yes, Swami.

Swami : What exercise? Loading and Unloading! That is the exercise you are doing. Ground Bhi Nahi Ja Sakta.

In the middle portico Swami introduced a devotee from Guatemala to the students.

Swami : Where do you come from?

Devotee : Swami, from Guatemala.

Swami : Guatimala or Guatemala?

Devotee : Swami, Guatemala.

Swami : (To the students)  Do you all know who this person is? Central America President, not Sathya Sai Organisation President, but Government President. Now, he is also the Sathya Sai Organisation President.

Swami : (To the devotee) What is your age?

Devotee : Swami, seventy-nine years.

Swami : Only seventy-nine years! Young boy, you can still work.

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (1991-2000)