Sri D. Bhima Rao

(Retired Post-Master General. Madras Circle).

Just a fortnight before his Nirvana, H.H, Narasimhaswamiji, our Founder Presi­dent, nominated Sri D. Bhima Rao as his successor President of the All India Sai Samaj, Madras. While doing so, Swamiji made it clear that none except himself would be the spiritual leader of the Sai Movement, and that, residing in the cottage behind the Main Mandir, he will continue to be a permanent helper, guide, and adviser to all Sai devotees.

Sri D. Bhima Rao, a person of excellent character and deep devotion to Sri Sai Baba and H.H. Narasimhaswamiji, took over the mantle and conducted the affairs of the Samaj with dignity and decorum befitting the position of being the President of the A1SS., Madras. He was humility personified and his love of Sai was so great that he paid great attention to the needs of the devotees. He conducted the affairs of the AISS in a strict and disciplined manner.

During his Presidentship, the temporary shed of the AISS. was made into a modern hall and all wings of Sai Samaj grew in importance. Many books of Swamiji were printed. Sai Vidyalaya was inaugurated. Sai bhajans and Nama Sankeertan had a great fillip with the participation of Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavatha Swamiji in all our main functions. Sri Rege Maharaj was the other great Sai devotee who came to the AISS to bless us all. The Bhagavat Sammelan in 1968 marking the Golden Jubilee of Sri Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi celebrations was the crowning event in his tenure as President of AISS.

On the Vinayaka Chathurti Day, in 1971, Sri D. Bhima Rao passed away, attaining Sadgati at the feet of the Divine Master Sri Sai Baba. A Thulasi prasad and 2 neem leaves from the Gurustan of Shirdi came to him on the eve of his passing away, and this was indeed a sign that Baba had absorbed him.

We at the AISS on hearing this rushed to Chrompet where he was then staying and gratefully bade farewell to this great devotee, chosen by Swamiji himself to succeed him as President of AISS.

Sri D. Bhima Rao had contributed articles to our Sai Sudha and given mess­ages to the Souvenirs brought out by the AISS., and we gratefully remember this simple but great and ardent Ankita child of Sri Sai Baba and Swamiji on this happy and momentous occasion.

JAI SAI RAM

T. KESAVA RAO