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President of India had arrived and was siing up front next to the door of the temple near Swami. He would be present during the opening of the ward and would be the guest speaker for the graduation ceremony of the university, which would occur the day following.
Unexpectedly, Swami called me to him. In a moment, I was plucked from my seat in the back to sit next to Justice P. N. Bhagavati, the recently retired chief justice of the Indian Supreme Court, and Justice Eradi, another justice of the Indian Supreme Court. Close by was the President of India. Swami gave me the opportunity to ask permission to film the next day’s hospital event. He said to be there by 8:30 a.m. I was happy as a lark.
The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences at Prasanthi Nilayam
The next day we arrived early at the hospital. As we waited for Swami and the President of India, I approached one of the coordinators of the event. He mentioned that he thought the cameraman at times took too much liberty by popping up next to Swami, shining his bright lights in Swami’s eyes. He asked if I would caution the cameraman to be a bit more modest. I agreed, but before I could talk to Deodaat, Swami came in with the President, and there was no stopping Deodaat; he was on automatic pilot. On went the lights, and the camera was positioned in the most prized spot following Swami all around the hospital in close proximity. I was a bit embarrassed, but
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