Page 61 - My Father-Final Book

ultimately foundwork in a grocery store, but with very low income. He performed daily worship to God. One day, he read a small biographical sketch of Shree Saeebaba, written by Mr. Ramanath Modak. He could not afford to purchase the book and therefore he wrote down the entire book. He became a devotee of Shree Shirdi Saeebaba. Mr. Gandhi used to go Mr. Sopanrao Pawar’s haircutting salon. Mr. Pawar knew about Thursday Arati Prayers conducted by my father. Mr. Pawar and Mr. Gandhi attended the Arati. Mr. Gandhi was moved by the atmosphere and became a devotee. Later, Mr. Gandhi had to face a financial difficulty. He had a job in the Pharmacy but with extremely low income. He prayed to Sai Baba’s photo with tears in eyes. When he opened his eyes, he saw the image with hands showing blessings and with a message, “give up your job”. Later, Gandhi was visiting Shree Muralidhar Mandir in the evening. By coincidence, he met my father outside the temple. My father enquired about his welfare. He explained his whole story to my father. My father said confidently, ‘henceforth, do not worry about your financial situation. Leave your work and start your own business. Youwillbecomeownerandyoushallhavepeople working for you. That is the instruction of Shree Saeebaba for you’. Gandhi returned to home and prayed to Shree Shirdi Saeebaba and offered an incense stick. He purchased a grocery store owned by Mr. Oak for Rs 500. He inaugurated it with my father as a chief guest. He named it ‘Vinayak Provision Store’ after my father’s first name, Vinayak. This shop progressed so well that Mr. Gandhi became financially rich and he continued this business for more than 42 years without any loss. He also had a very pious wife and two beautiful sons. He enjoyed a long life, family and devotional life. I visited Vinayak Provisional Store from my childhood and even after my return from the overseas. I think Mr. Gandhi is no more alive. I knew him for around 45 years.
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