One hundred and eleven years ago

It was the 29th of August, 1896. Venkataraman's English teacher had asked him, as a punishment for indifference in studies, to copy out a lesson from Bain's Grammar three times. The boy copied it out twice, but stopped there, realizing the utter futility of that task.

This game is totally rediclious

Throwing aside the book and the papers, he sat up, closed his eyes, and turned inward in meditation.

O Arunagireeswara! Father, I long for Thee

His elder brother, Nagaswami, who was watching Venkataraman's behaviour all the while went up to him and said : "What use is all this to one who is like this?" This was obviously meant as a rebuke for Venkataraman's unworldly ways including neglect of studies.

What use is all this to such a one?

Venkataraman did not give any reply. He admitted to himself that there was no use pretending to study and be his old self. He decided to leave his home; and he remembered that there was a place to go to, Tiruvannamalai.

"THERE is no time to waste. I must reach the lap of Arunagireeswara. How to do so? Won't He show the way?", thought Venkataraman and got up at once.

His brother asked him where he was off to. "I have a special class on Electricity at twelve. I have to attend it," replied Venkataraman. The brother said, "Very well, there are five rupees in the box downstairs. Take the keys from aunt and pay my college fees. After all, the college is close to your school." The brother was not at all aware that he was facilitating the journey of Venkataraman who must have thought that his Father was coming to his help. It also confirmed his feeling that his departure was at the command of his Father.

Very well, Lord in the form of my little brother, here is some money for my fees (your secret trip)

Venkataraman went down, hurriedly ate the meal served by his aunt and took the amount as directed by his brother.

He could not bid farewell to his dear little sister, Alamelu, or little brother Nagasundaram, for they were living with a relative in another town after his father's passing away.

Little sister Alamelu was living in another town

How was he to know the way? He did not feel like asking anyone nor could anyone have guessed his plan.

Checking atlas for Tiruvannamalai

Years later, Bhagavan's class fellow Ranga Iyer had his darshan, prostrated before him and asked, "How is it that you did not even tell me that you were leaving home?"

The reply was, "I myself did not know till I actually left the house."

Farewell letter left behind for brother

I have, in search of my Father, and in obedience to his command started from here. This is only embarking on a virtuous enterprise. Therefore none need grieve over this affair. To trace this out, no money need be spent.

Your college fee has not been paid. Rupees two are enclosed herewith.

Thus,
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Please see One hundred and eleven years ago, and this.