When the Prime Minister had to return empty-handed from Baba Neem Karoli's abode; Why did 'VVIP protocol' fail at Kainchi Dham?

New Delhi: In the realm of spirituality, when a saint is immersed in devotion, the influence of even the mightiest worldly powers and authorities pales in comparison. Baba Neem Karoli is revered as an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman and a truly miraculous being. Even decades after he attained 'Mahasamadhi' (left his mortal body), the faith his devotees hold in him remains unshaken.

While there are countless anecdotes associated with Baba's life, one historic incident stands out: the time he flatly refused to meet the country's Prime Minister. 'VVIP protocols' held no sway at Baba's abode, and this event proved that there is no room for a third party between God and the devotee.

When did the incident take place? 

This extraordinary incident took place while Baba Neem Karoli was staying in Kanpur. Baba was present at Sarsaiya Ghat, surrounded by a crowd of about 200 devotees. Everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of Baba and hear his divine words. Amidst this, the Kanpur DSP arrived with a team of police personnel. Approaching Baba with great reverence, the DSP respectfully informed him that the then Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and senior leader Gulzarilal Nanda had come to seek his blessings and wished to meet him.

How did Baba Neem Karoli react? 

Upon hearing the DSP, Baba Neem Karoli flatly refused to meet the Prime Minister. However, the police officials felt that given the stature of the Prime Minister, they should bring the dignitaries in despite Baba's refusal. The police officers escorted Lal Bahadur Shastri and Gulzarilal Nanda toward the building where Baba was seated, but then a miracle occurred that left everyone stunned. Just as the Prime Minister stepped forward, Baba Neem Karoli suddenly dissolved into a divine light and vanished from sight.
Everyone present was left dumbfounded by this miracle. The country's Prime Minister and his accompanying security personnel waited in vain, but there was no sign of Baba anywhere. After waiting for some time, when Baba did not appear, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Gulzarilal Nanda had to return disappointed. Shortly after they left, a stir of excitement rippled through the crowd again as Baba Neem Karoli suddenly reappeared and sat among his devotees.

'Why erect a wall of police between me and the devotee'?

Seeing Baba back, an inquisitive devotee asked, "Baba, why didn't you meet the Prime Minister?" The answer Baba gave holds a profound lesson for everyone even today.
Baba replied with great simplicity, "When I make no distinction between a 'special' devotee and an ordinary one, he too should not have come to me as a 'special' person. Why did he erect this wall of police between me and my devotees? That is the reason I did not meet him. Had he come to me as an ordinary human being, I would certainly have met him.
Through this incident, Baba Neem Karoli wanted to convey to his devotees that one should never let ego or the clout of high office interfere on the spiritual path or in the presence of the Divine. The bond between a devotee and God is based solely on true reverence, faith, and a guileless heart. Even today, 'VVIP culture' holds no sway at Baba's abode, for it is still only the call of the ordinary devotee that is heard there.