Humorous Conversations with Students of Self-Reliance Departments

March 5, 1997, Evening

The kitchen boys were sitting with a card. As Swami approached them, He noticed a student holding a tray containing different types of provisions that are normally used in a kitchen…

Swami: Kitchen students ….. I know Ra.. I know. (After seeing the card, Swami remarked about its shape) Kodi Guddu! (Egg!) 

(To a small boy) Why are you sitting in first line? Are you in U.G or P.G? (There was no reply from the student.)  Aren’t you from Hyderabad?

Student: Yes, Swami .

Swami: Marwadi.. Marwadi! (Smiling)

Student: Yes, Swami.  Swami, Padanamaskar.

Swami: Birthday?

Student: No, Swami .

Swami: Then why do you want to take Padanamaskar? 

March 6, 1997

To Dispensary and Fruit Stall students waiting with a card…

Swami: You all come with something or the other daily. All stunts ra, stunt… stunt. (One of the fruit stall boys was holding a tray, which contained different items that are normally available in the fruit stall.) Meere Thinandi… Thinandi (You only eat.) 

(Later)  Entaku Ammutunnaru?  (How much do you sell this for?) (There was no reply from the student) Entaku Ammutunnaru? (Student still did not understand) Kannada… Tamil or Hindi, which language?

Student: Kannada, Swami.

Swami: (Showing different items in the tray) How much do you sell these for?

Student: Depending on the item, price differs, Swami.

Swami: (Pointing to a particular packet) How much do you sell this for?

Student: ₹ 14 

Swami: ₹ 14!

Student:Yes, Swami.

Swami: How much profit will you make out of this?

Student: No profit, Swami.

Swami: How can you run a business without any profit?

Student: This is not a business, Swami. We consider it as act of service offered to You.

Swami: How much is your salary?

Student: Swami, no salary, only service. Swami, Padanamaskar.

Swami: Chesko… Chesko.  Are all these students from fruit stall?

Student: Yes, Swami.

Then Swami moved towards those students and enquired the price of an orange. One of the students was holding a tray containing different types of fruits…

Swami: What is the cost of this Orange?

Student: Swami, ₹ 3.50

Swami: It is very sour! (While these students were taking Padanamaskar, Dispensary students showed their card to Swami)

Students: Swami, Dispensary students.

Swami: Aah?

Student: Swami, Dispensary students.

Swami: Defence.. (Punning on the word dispensary) Aaah!  

Swami blessed the tray containing different types of medicines.

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