“At the very least,” I thought, “if someone gets this book, they’ll appreciate how, by Srila Prabhupada’s grace, our movement is spreading worldwide.”
When I reached the lobby, I was surprised to find it completely deserted. I approached the receptionist.
“I heard there’s an important event. Where is everyone?” I asked.
“The police and army have sealed off the hotel for the next three hours. The daughter of a government minister is having her wedding reception here,” she replied. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be arriving in an hour.”
“The Prime Minister is actually coming?” I asked, astonished.
“Yes, that’s why security is so tight. Just look outside.”
Peering through the window, I saw armed police officers stationed everywhere. In the distance, I spotted three military tanks, two buses full of soldiers in black combat gear, and snipers on the rooftops of nearby buildings.
“Well, that settles it,” I thought. “The Prime Minister will be here.”
“Is there any chance I could attend the function?” I asked the receptionist.
“Unlikely,” she said. “Even the hotel staff have been told to keep our distance. The attendees are all government officials, dignitaries, and wealthy VIPs. Everyone is dressed in formal attire.”
“Oh well,” I thought. “At least I tried.”
As I turned to leave, a well-dressed man approached me.
“Are you from ISKCON?” he asked.
“Yes, I am,” I replied. “Where are you from?”
“I’m from New York,” he said. “But I visited your temple in Los Angeles when I was there on business. It’s beautiful.”
“That’s wonderful,” I said.
“Are you attending the reception?” he asked.
“Well, no,” I admitted. “I recently underwent surgery and I’m recovering in this hotel. But when I heard about the event, I thought I’d come down in the hope of meeting someone influential. Ideally, I’d love to meet the Prime Minister and present him with one of my books.”
“Well, if you’re interested,” he said, “you can accompany me. I have an extra invitation. My friend was supposed to join me, but he couldn’t make it. I’m sure the hosts would appreciate your presence. You can bless the couple.”
“Really?” I said, surprised. “Thank you!”
With a playful grin, he added, “Who knows, maybe you’ll even get lucky and meet the Prime Minister!”
“Maybe, just maybe,” I replied.
As we stepped out of the hotel’s main entrance, all eyes immediately turned toward us, no doubt because of the contrast between my flowing saffron sannyasa robes and the formal evening attire everyone else was wearing. My companion presented our invitations, and after a strict security check, we were allowed inside.
The reception was grand. People conversed in small groups with drinks in their hands. A live band played soft music on a small stage in one corner. Taking in the elegant atmosphere, my companion pointed to an elevated platform where the newlyweds stood greeting a long line of guests.
“You wait here,” he said. “I’ll go and see if you can meet them and offer your blessings.”
Smiling, I replied, “Alright. We’ve come this far. Let’s see what happens.”
I watched, surprised, as he went straight to the front of the line and spoke with the couple. He gestured for me to come forward.
I walked slowly, not wanting to draw too much attention. As I passed by a long queue of guests holding wrapped gifts, I approached the couple. At first, they seemed slightly startled to see me.
Introducing myself, I said, “I am a sannyasi from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and I wanted to offer my blessings for your marriage.”
To my surprise, the bride turned to her husband and said excitedly, “Isn’t this wonderful? This was exactly what was missing!”
She warmly accepted a copy of my book. “I’m sure my father, a government minister, will enjoy reading this as well!” she said.
“Everything is going so nicely,” I thought, as I rejoined the crowd. “Maybe, just maybe, I’ll actually get to meet the Prime Minister.”
I noticed that people had started gathering along a roped-off pathway leading into the event. “That must be where the Prime Minister will arrive,” I thought. Carefully manoeuvring my way to the front, I found a spot where he would be sure to see me when he entered.
Just then, six of the Prime Minister’s security personnel arrived and stood right in front of me, their backs forming a wall that blocked my view. I looked around for an alternative position, but there was nowhere to move. The guards were scanning the crowd and I noticed a few of them eyeing the book in my hand with suspicion.
One of them pointed at it and asked, “Sir, what is that?”
“It’s a book I’d like to present to the Prime Minister,” I replied politely.
“That’s not allowed,” he said firmly. “Hand it over now.”
I hesitated but knew I had no choice. As I handed it over, I said, “Sir, with all due respect, the Prime Minister is familiar with our movement, and I’m sure he would appreciate reading about how we are sharing India’s spiritual culture around the world.”
Overhearing our exchange, another security officer, apparently of higher rank, said to the first guard, “Check through it and put it through a radiation scan.”
The officer took the book to a secure area inside a nearby tent. Fifteen long and anxious minutes passed. Finally, the officer returned, handing the book to his superior. “Alright, it has passed inspection,” said the senior officer. “If and when the Prime Minister wishes to speak with you, I will return it so you can present it to him. But keep in mind, he has had a long day. He just arrived from the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, and he is exhausted. Most likely, he will greet the couple briefly and then leave.”
“Well there’s still a small chance,” I thought. “Maybe, just maybe.”
Suddenly, wailing sirens filled the air, signalling the Prime Minister’s arrival. His security detail turned once again to scan the attendees. I glanced upward and noticed snipers on the rooftops adjusting their positions.
Two minutes later, there was Prime Minister Narendra Modi surrounded by a tight ring of security personnel. Since I am taller than most people in India, I lifted my head slightly and smiled as he passed by. He caught my glance and gave a polite nod before continuing toward the stage.
“It’s alright,” I thought. “He has come to greet the couple. Maybe he will stop and speak to me on his way out.”
He climbed the stairs and acknowledged a few people he knew before turning his attention to the newlyweds. Their conversation lasted no more than a minute. He posed for a photo and started making his way back.
Twenty yards from where I stood, he paused twice to exchange words with two other guests. Then, as he turned around his gaze fell upon me, and, to my astonishment, he walked straight in my direction.
The security officer standing beside me quickly handed back my book and whispered, “You’re in luck.”
As Prime Minister Modi approached, he called warmly, “Hare Krishna!” Within moments, we were standing face to face. He appeared calm and composed despite the long day he had endured.
Realizing I had only a few moments, I spoke with clarity and conviction. “Prime Minister Modi, I had been hoping to meet you this evening. For the past 52 years, I have been traveling and sharing the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita all over the world. I wanted to share this journey with you through my newly published book.”
He accepted the book with both hands and thanked me sincerely.
