FROM PUTTAPARTHI...A RIVETING EXPERIENCE !!!

[Guest guest]

Mr. George Melkay from KERALA recalled the rewarding job that came his way from Bahrain exactly 3 decades ago in 1977. He was a contented man with nothing to complain of…until life suddenly took a decisive turn in 1990. George was hospitalized & 50 days had passed but still no doctor could precisely pinpoint his problem!

"Both your heart valves – mitral and aortic – are completely damaged," finally the doctor confided. "If you want to survive, go back to India and get a double-valve replacement done in a super specialty hospital - the sooner, the better!!!"

Years ago he had gone to the 'land of plenty' empty-handed with his mind full of big dreams, and now, after putting in 13 years of service, he returned with dwindled savings!!!

"You must get operated soon," said Dr. Jay Krishnan, an eminent Cardio Thoracic Surgeon. "But it cannot be done here," he added. "It is better you go to Chennai but it is very expensive. The hospital also told him to arrange 15 people who would donate blood for cross-matching, with further instructions & also said that it is a high-risk surgery.

When he was totally crest fallen, Mr. K P Aravindakshan, one of the seniors from his school and a Sai devotee asked him,"Do you know Sai Baba has a Super Specialty Hospital in Puttaparthi which is completely free?"

In January 1993, George, accompanied by Aravindakshan, set foot for the 1st time in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Puttaparthi. The doctor confirmed that he needed a valve replacement, and that it will be done free, but he will have to wait for 1 or 2 years till he receives the invitation letter from the Hospital due to a long wait list.

George was lucky to find himself in the first line waiting for SWAMI's darshan. Finally when Swami came near him, George says, "I began to cry! I do not know what happened. It was such an overwhelming experience!" The compassionate Lord lovingly stood near him, took his letter, allowed him to touch His feet, and as George bent down SWAMI blessed him profusely.

It was just 1 week since he had returned home and Swami, appearing in his dream, said, "There is nothing to worry. I am here. I will take care of you."

Again in January 1994, he joined the volunteer-group going to Puttaparthi, & was allotted duty at the Super Specialty Hospital. Later Swami would bless every volunteer with chance to touch His feet and Vibhuti.

When SWAMI came near, George immediately went on his knees to touch His feet, and the loving Swami kept both His hands on his shoulders and even before he could say, the all-knowing one Himself spoke in George's native tongue, a mix of Malayalam and Tamil and said, "Why are you afraid? You will be operated here! Nothing will happen to you," and walked away!!!

It was 20 days after returning home and now there was a telegram from Puttaparthi. 'Start immediately for observation and treatment, and if necessary, surgery' - the message from Swami's Hospital read. And exactly at the same time, George received another post from a sevadal-friend & it was a photo of Swami blessing him!!! (See photo)

His admission and double valve replacement surgery performed at the hospital on March 14, 1994, was completely uneventful. Imagine everything best being offered to you completely free and with so much love. Not only was the surgery, George was also given free medicines. (To be replenished every 6 months by the Hospital)

"As long as there is breath in this body, I will serve in this Hospital at every available opportunity." And true to his resolve, George Melkay has been serving at the Hospital traveling from Kerala twice every year continuously for the last 14 years. (See SWAMI's seva photos)

http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_05/01APR07/09-healingtouch.htm

PS: You can also do the HIGHLY NOBLE HOSPITAL SEVA at SWAMI's SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITAL at WHITEFIELD, BANGALORE, either for 6 consecutive days or 3 from Mon. to Sat...Volunteers come here through out the year. In addition to food & stay at the premises, you would get SWAMI's abundant blessings. Please call any of the following people for details & registration:

· V.N.VAIDYANATHAN – 98860-76070

· MANI KRISHNAMURTHY – 99457-03010

· C.P.PRASHANTH – 94481-19693

· T.R.SRIKANTA – 98454-07300

· MADHAVA SWAMI – 98456-67953

· MS VIMALA NAIR – 080-26711906 (LADIES ONLY)

· MS BASANTI DAS – 99453-12853 (LADIES ONLY)