The Press Reporters' Visit

The day after the opening ceremony a host of press reporters visited the stall. Their very casual approach and off-hand talk showed that they were skeptical. At the very outset, before we could say something about Baba they questioned the appropriateness of the stall in that environment and how our spiritual theme fitted in those materialistic surroundings. We told them that it may seem odd, but it is the most appropriate and urgent requirement in the present world of growing materialism and selfishness and it is only Divine intervention that can save humanity at this critical juncture. We told them that these materialistic things are only the reflection of the spiritual. It is man's spirit in its quest for the unknown that goads him to discover all these. But man, having taken up with the glamorous externals, forgets the reality behind them which is the cause of his degeneration. The discussion went on for awhile, but they did not seem to be fully satisfied. The next day a news item under the heading "Spiritual Touch In The Industries Fair" appeared in the papers. Though it was not a very flattering one, it did its work as later on we learned from the visitors that had read it.

Foreigners

It was amazing how many foreigners who knew nothing of the English language, passing by for a cup of coffee or waiting to see the musical dancing waters, were drawn by Baba's photograph. A couple of gentlemen who were Polish or Russian, or so we merely assumed from their guttural accent, approached the stall with one pointing at Baba and saying some-thing in their own language which sounded like a question as to who Baba was. To this we answered in English that Baba is GOD-MAN, a Perfect Master. They seemed to understand a word or two as they shook their heads in assent. They came back with another lengthy question, to which we told them something about Baba's silence and seclusion which evidently they did not understand. However, giving a broad smile they walked away saying "No Englishee."

On another occasion, a number of priests who had congregated here for the meeting of the Council of World Churches were discussing something looking at our stall. Eventually, one of them approached us, and looking at Baba's photograph, asked who He was. I told him that it was Avatar Meher Baba, the living Christ. He smiled and with a bow retraced his steps. A few days later, some nuns and missionaries visited the stall and asked the same question and seemed pleased to hear about Baba. One evening there was a