27. IF THERE IS GOD ON THIS EARTH HE IS-BHAGAVAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

 

Alf Tidemand-Johannessen, a resident of Oslo (Norway) who within a period of twelve years of his arrival in India, had established a big shipping agency company. On 25th February 1965, whilst he was standing in front of Shirdi Sai Samadhi Mandir, Alf was approached by a short man in a blue shirt, who asked him "Have you ever met Sathya Sai Baba?. If God ever came upon the earth, it is He. Sathya Sai Baba is coming to Bombay on the 14th of March. You must anyhow go and see Him. Take this vibhuti. This is from His Hand and this is His photograph". Saying this the stranger took out some vibhuti from a silver container and also a small locket having a picture of Baba wearing a blue shirt. He gave these to Alf. When Alf was informed about Baba's coming to Bombay on the 14th of March, none else there knew about any such programme of Baba. It was only after about a week of this incident that the local Samithi received intimation and instructions regarding Baba's  visit to Bombay. Baba was really here on 14th of March, and during the bhajans, as He walked in the audience, He blessed Alf with a smile of recognition. Soon thereafter Alf was granted an interview. "Do you remember the black magician' I helped you then' From now on, I shall be your guide in all matters,' assured Baba to him.

 

During the First World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, held at Dharmak­shetra, Bombay, Tidemand-Johannessen said, "Even before I met Baba, He was with Me". He related how Baba miraculously led him from Shirdi to Bombay to His presence in 1966.