Follow us:

Posted on : Oct 8, 2011

BABA'S FANTASTIC FLUTE
- A tribute to the elevating life of late Dr. Victor 'Krishna' Kanu
Part 6

Victor Tours Africa Toiling Relentlessly for the Sai Organisation

In fact even as Victor was deeply involved in Baba's education mission, he was also the Central Coordinator for the Sai Organisations in Africa. And, in this capacity, he did yeoman Sai work. Dr. Narendranath Reddy, director of Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, who has seen Victor in action for several years, says: “In addition to his leadership in education, Dr. Kanu actively participated in many humanitarian works of the Sai Organisation. He helped coordinate the provision of food, clothing and medical relief to the needy. He was also instrumental in the Sainet project, which provided life-saving insecticide treated mosquito nets in malaria endemic areas of Africa. In a one year follow up, there was a 50% reduction in the incidence of malaria in the African villages where the Sainets were distributed. Dr. Kanu is an exemplary devotee who loved and served Swami till his last breath.

Dr. Kanu speaking in the Divine Presence during the EHV conference held in July 2008

“In fact during the Sri Sathya Sai World Education Conference in July 2008 in Prasanthi Nilayam, Dr. Goldstein and I submitted the conference programme for Bhagawan’s approval and guidance. Dr. Kanu was included in the list of speakers, but we were not sure if he would talk because of his poor health. But when Swami graciously blessed the programme, He insisted that Dr. Kanu should speak in His Divine presence. And at the conclusion of his talk, Swami as always blessed him profusely.”

Father Charles Ogada who has worked with Victor at very close quarters in Zambia and in fact always addressed him as 'dad' is stupefied at Victor's devotion for the Lord, and in turn Baba's concern for this beloved devotee. He says: “Victor was a colossus of inspiration. I will never stop wondering how he did this. He was the perfect example of total dedication to one’s duty, come rain or shine. With his health condition, it would have been completely impossible for anyone to do what he did with extreme dexterity. His body suffered from diabetes and as a result, his eyesight was so heavily impaired that he could hardly see anything. For quite a long time, he had a poor heart condition coupled with high blood pressure. Yet never a time did he talk about his health problems or complain about them. Vibrant, energetic and with cheerful joy, he carried out his work as a divine duty. Since he had surrendered his body to the Lord, it was the duty of the Lord to take care of it.”

Sai Takes Care of Victor's Ailing Heart

And the instances when Bhagawan did look after Victor with so much love and concern are numerous. In 2007, Victor suffered a cardiac arrest and the doctors advised that he should be operated upon. But what actually happened was something remarkable. Let us hear it from Victor directly. He narrated this just after he recovered from his illness in 2007:

“Well, I was not keeping well and the doctors there (in Zambia) told me that I had a heart attack. They said there are two types of heart attacks - a violent one which gives pain and a silent one caused by diabetes. 'Yours is the second variety and it could kill you at any time,' they said and suggested that I find a cardiac hospital.

“They asked me to go to South Africa where there were big hospitals. But when Mr. Kalyan Ray and Dr. Michael Goldstein heard about my condition, they spoke to Dr. Safaya of Baba's hospital and thanks to the help of many Sai students I was soon in Puttaparthi. Once I was there Baba instructed Dr. Safaya: 'There is no need to operate on him; just give him the best medicine and I will do the rest.' That is exactly what was done.

“I spent 19 days in the air-conditioned Critical Care Unit of Baba's beautiful super-specialty hospital. And today I am fully fit, that’s why I could speak to you so strongly! It’s Swami’s energy!”

According to Father Charles Ogada, Victor was one who had attained victory from the feeling of body consciousness. He says: “From my personal encounters with Mr. Victor, I am certain that he has well transcended body consciousness. And his life is a clear testimony of how one can go beyond ahamkara (feeling of ego) through Seva (selfless service). I used to take care of him when he visited Nigeria, and although he was unable to see anything, he travelled alone to different parts of Africa to discharge his duty as the Central Coordinator. His beloved wife, Genevieve, would meticulously package and label his medications according to use, time and dosage. I used to ask him, 'Dad (as I call him), how do you manage to do this?' And he would reply with a big broad laugh, 'Charles (stressing the 'ar'), this body has its course. I don’t give it a thought.'

Baba's Special Visit to the Hospital Only For Victor

In fact in June 2010 when Victor was again sick and had to be admitted in Baba's hospital in Puttaparthi, Bhagawan in His boundless love made a special visit to the hospital to see him and bless him. Shortly thereafter, Victor was discharged and feeling completely recharged he returned to Africa to continue Baba's work with heightened enthusiasm and vigour.

By Baba's grace in April 2011 Victor was back to his school in Zambia to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sathya Sai School – the 'Miracle School' which by now had become a shining model and inspired several other schools in Africa and elsewhere to excel in academic attainment as well as character development.

Kanu - A Mountain of Inspiration and a Fountain of Dedication

Bhagawan Baba's beautiful physical form which had drawn Victor decades ago was no more there after April 27, 2011. Victor's grief and shock was unimaginable; still that did not dampen his spirits even a bit. He was now more committed than ever to work and die for his Lord. “He visited Prasanthi Nilayam again in July 2011,” Dr. Reddy recalls and says: “During the meeting of the education committee of Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, Victor echoed his sincere conviction that all the institutions, organisations and establishments started by Bhagawan should be treated with utmost respect and reverence. He emphasized the importance of all officers and devotees of the Sai Organisation working in harmony, unity and love in the divine mission.”

What Victor said was always heard with respect and reverence for the simple reason that he lived every word of what he said.

After he returned from Prasanthi Nilayam, Victor for some mysterious reason felt drawn to visit his hometown. He now wanted to spread the Sai message of love in Sierra Leone; so he travelled there with a team of paramedical and medical experts from the UK and other countries to offer service to people who had been torn and deformed by the ravages of war.

Victor Rests in Peace and Fulfillment in the Lap of His Motherland

And in the first week of September 2011, Victor was again in Sierra Leone and this time he was there to supervise the construction and inauguration of a Sai Centre in his place of birth. At the time when he was overflowing with joy and overwhelmed with a deep sense of contentment having brought the love of Swami to his motherland that Victor peacefully breathed his last. It was during the early morning hours of September 3, 2011 – in the hearts of everyone who knew Victor, his passing away created a crater that can never ever be filled.

Just like there is only one Hanuman and one Prahalada in our sacred epics, there can be only one Victor. “Victor was a spiritual victor in his human life and will, no doubt, be enshrined as such in the eternal life of our souls,” read the message from Dr. Goldstein, director of Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation. It further said: “Our Beloved Swami selected Victor to be such a light of love and beacon of wisdom for all of us... Let us remember him and embrace his legacy: his love and compassion, his gentle understanding, the firmness of his conviction between right and wrong.”

The Lord touched Victor and through him inspired thousands to lead a life of love and dedication.... the legacy continues.

Kalyan Ray who was too shocked at Victor's demise said: “Till the end, Victor himself remained firm in this conviction.  He thus became the ideal Sai leader. Let us be inspired by the example that Victor has set for us. Let each of us rise to the occasion. This is the best tribute we can give to Victor. Let us all pray to our dear Lord Sai that Brother Victor rests in eternal peace at the Lotus Feet.  He lived and died for his beloved Swami's Mission and will now live with Him forever.”

Baba's Inimitable Instrument – Forever Inseparable

Victor will live with the Lord forever and Baba had, in fact, physically mentioned this. In an interview that He granted Victor in 1985, Baba had clearly told him that Victor would have to come back to live and work with Him when He reincarnates as Prema Sai.

Then, is it so surprising that just a couple of months after His Samadhi Baba called His dearest devotee closer to Him? Every devotee needs the Lord but the intensity with which the Lord pines for His devotee who is egoless and pure, straight and simple, humble and holy just like the flute, is million times more. Victor loved to be called Victor 'Krishna' Kanu and truly lived to be a fantastic flute through whom Lord Sai Krishna breathed out the ethereal melody of the eternal human values that elevated the minds of millions. Through Victor, the Lord demonstrated how each one of us who loves Baba can lead a life so that Swami tells us, “I love you... I am working through you!”

 - Radio Sai team