Hari Milan: My First Meeting with God
By: Surbhi Samdani
Ram Ram
राम राम
It was my birthday in 2017, and four of my friends and I planned a trip to Nainital. Back then, I had no idea who Neem Karoli Baba was. After celebrating my birthday on August 13, we spent a couple of days there and started our journey back to Delhi on August 15. We were traveling by car when, suddenly, our car stopped on its own—right in front of Kainchi Dham Ashram.
At first, we were simply drawn to the waterfall outside the ashram. Curious, we decided to step out and explore. As we walked towards it, we saw a temple beyond, and without much thought, we entered. That was the first time I saw Baba’s presence—I had unknowingly entered Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram. The temple was peaceful, not crowded, and the energy felt majestic. We did darshan, soaked in the serenity, and left.
It was only after we got back in the car that I Googled Neem Karoli Baba, realizing whose presence I had just experienced. That moment marked the beginning of an inexplicable connection. Since then, Baba has appeared in my life in mystical ways—on Instagram feeds, books, random conversations, and unexpected travels.
A couple of years later, I rode my bike from Rishikesh to Haridwar, unknowingly arriving at Baba’s ashram in Haridwar. Then, on Kartik Purnima, while traveling to Vrindavan for Banke Bihari’s darshan, I had my most ecstatic moment. It was around 7:30–8 AM, and as I sat in the car, I saw him—Baba himself, wrapped in a dark green shawl, walking with two buffaloes ahead of him. We exchanged a smile, and it was only later that I realized what had happened. Even now, just writing this fills me with indescribable joy.
The miracles continued. Once in Gurgaon, I randomly searched for a Gaushala and booked an Uber bike to visit. The driver, coincidentally, belonged to Baba’s village—Neem Karoli! When I reached, I was stunned to find myself at Baba’s ashram in Gurgaon, unaware that such a place even existed.
Baba also found a way to reach my father, who had never heard of him before. A friend invited him on a trip to Jim Corbett, and on the way, they visited Kainchi Dham. My father returned home with Baba’s prasad, a book, and sacred bands from the ashram. It was another sign—Baba was making his way into our lives.
Even on Fiverr, where I met a dear friend, Baba’s presence emerged. Two years ago, this friend randomly asked me if I knew Neem Karoli Baba. When I said yes, he told me he wanted to create a Hanuman bhajan dedicated to Baba. That conversation turned into a beautiful friendship.
Time and again, Baba keeps appearing in the most unexpected ways. His presence is a constant miracle, a guiding force that connects me to something far greater than I can explain. And for that, I feel deeply blessed and fortunate.
जय गुरुदेव
राम राम
Surbhi is an Indian Classical Vocalist, composer, songwriter and performer. Originally from Rajasthan, India she brings together elements from Hindustani Classical music along with new age and western music. Check her music out.