We are in the midst of celebrating our biggest mela: Baba Siri Chand’s birthday. He is Maharaj’s revered teacher, the elder son of Guru Nanak, the First Sikh Guru. When I greet Hardit Singh, the old and hunched dishwasher, with birthday congratulations, he says, ‘What a great personality Baba Siri Chand is! Just imagine: Guru Arjun Dev (the Fifth Sikh Guru) wanted his darshan so he went to Babaji, but he was in samadhi. He remained in samadhi for 5 months and 13 days, and then finally opened his eyes and Guru Arjun Dev took his blessing. Just imagine—almost half a year in samadhi! There is no one like him—except our Maharaj. They are one and the same.”

Like Baba Siri Chand, our Maharaj ji is highly respected by people of all religions. At his invitation, many spiritual leaders have come to honour Baba Siri Chand’s birthday. Yesterday one of our most special guests made a surprise appearance. Thin and weakened by a serious stroke, Father Paulos Mar Gregorios, Past President of the World Council of Churches (the world’s largest Christian organization), bravely made his way up to the stage and was warmly embraced with great love by Maharaj. At the end of the function, he went to Maharaj and took Maharaj’s hand and placed it firmly on his bowed head. He stayed in that position for several minutes, soaking up as much of the blessing as possible.