Celebrating ...
Our 30th Birthday
1953-1983.

   It was in 1953, the year after I met "God in human form" — Meher Baba — that He gave me permission to publish a magazine for Him in the West, with full authority to print His discourses and messages. In fact, He sent us special material and photos, from time to time. We published some impressive "firsts" — the Prayers, the Highest of the High, the 12 Birthday Messages, and so on; the "best of Baba" we republished in a book, The Path of Love. Unusual diaries and reminiscences also filled our pages: Kitty Davy's accounts, Dr. Bharucha's and Malcolm Schloss's stories, Dr. Donkin's unique diary. Four issues were devoted entirely to special Sahavases with Baba: the East-West Gathering, 1962; the 1958 American Sahavas; Three Incredible Weeks, the 1954 Men's Sahavas in India, (now a book); and The Last Darshan — 1969. I wrote up the 1956 tour as Journey of the Heart. Some distinguished Baba devotees were on our staff at various times, including most of the "heroines" featured in this anniversary issue.

From Satara, 1954, came this message: "Baba wishes to tell you that He thinks The Awakener is coming on wonderfully, and knows the love that is put into it and is very happy about it. He sends His love and blessings to you and all who help to make it such a message of Love. We all enjoy it very much."

All little magazines in America have a fragile life, due to postal and printing costs. We too have almost foundered many times. In 1956, in San Francisco, Baba called a staff meeting. He told us to carry on, and that after He dropped the body, "everything — books, magazines, etc. — would go." As He wished, we stay focussed 100% on Him and hope to continue. For all your support through the years — muchos gracias.