A Blue Nutmilk, a Smile, and a Blessing: My 5 Days of Seva (Service) for Gurudev

From seemingly nowhere, dozens of people filled the 16th floor of the Hilton—each one hoping to inch a little closer to HIM. Within seconds, Gurudev moved on, and I lost sight of him in the sea of love and longing. Yet amidst the crowd, a quiet, innocent thought stirred in my heart:

“Gurudev, what about the Blue Nutmilk?”

And just then—just for a moment—the crowd parted. Gurudev turned, looked straight at me with a mischievous smile, and said, “Now I’m going to try the blue one.”

If you’ve heard of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, you’ll understand why moments like these feel eternal. For those who haven’t yet had the blessing: Gurudev is a globally renowned spiritual master, humanitarian, and founder of the Art of Living Foundation—one of the world’s largest volunteer-run nonprofits. Since 1981, it has touched over 800 million lives across more than 180 countries through stress-reducing breathwork, deep meditation practices like Sudarshan Kriya and Sahaj Samadhi, Intuition-Enhancing program (IP) for youth, and massive service initiatives spanning education, disaster relief, prison rehabilitation, and environmental restoration.

The Call to Serve

About two weeks before Gurudev’s visit to San Jose - CA, I received a call from Nitisha Gilra, a dynamic youth teacher from our Art of Living Sacramento chapter. She had been assigned as one of the core volunteers helping coordinate Gurudev’s five-day stay for the Guru Purnima celebrations.

She asked if I’d be interested in preparing some fresh breakfast items for Gurudev.

It will be my honor to serve Gurudev, I replied.

I set three clear intentions:

1. Everything must be 100% certified organic and sourced from the best available options.

2. No repeat recipes—each day had to be unique.

3. Everything must be nutrient-dense, and crafted with love.

   
   

As a certified health & nutrition coach, I decided to use my expertise and made a plan. For each of the five days, I would prepare:

• A rejuvenating, cold-pressed home-made vegetable juice

• A home-crafted, nourishing nut milk

• An exotic, rare variety of home-grown sprouts

• A freshly made, antioxidant-rich immunity shot

  
  

The Preparations Begin

I relished the opportunity to create something extraordinary. I carefully selected high-antioxidant sprouting seeds like broccoli, alfalfa, fenugreek, clover, and radish. I even started growing wheatgrass at home using organic seeds. Sprouting, especially with these delicate seeds, is a subtle art—requiring exact timing, light, water, and care. I used two different sprouting techniques to ensure success.

For the nut milks, I sourced premium macadamias, pistachios, hazelnuts, pine nuts, and raw almonds, combining them with luxurious touches like saffron, rose water, and vanilla beans—creating elixirs truly worthy of offering to a Master.

For juices, I bought the freshest organic produce from Whole Foods.

Each immunity shot was intentionally designed to be potent and functional—using ingredients like homegrown wheatgrass, backyard blackberries and tulsi, fresh turmeric root, ginger, lemons, and cayenne pepper.

Even the presentation mattered. My wife, Luna, lovingly helped wash and sterilize the beautiful glass jars. Together, we created custom labels listing ingredients and health benefits—because every detail counts when serving your Guru.

Off to San Jose

Before heading to San Jose, I tested all the nut milk recipes on friends and family. Only after their enthusiastic approval did I finalize them.

We stayed with our dear friends Sathish and Prasana, who warmly welcomed us and had set up everything for success before our arrival on July 2nd.

Day one began at 5:30 AM—and we barely made the hotel delivery by 8. From day two onward, we began rising at 4:00 AM to stay ahead of the curve.

The Moment That Made It All Worth It

Later that first morning, I was standing in the hotel lobby when I saw a volunteer rushed past and said, “Gurudev was asking about you when we offered HIM what you had prepared".

My heart leapt with Joy.

I immediately called Nitisha, who was just as thrilled. “Come up to the 16th floor and wait near the elevators,” she said. “He’ll be back soon.”

So I went up and waited patiently.

Eventually, the elevator doors opened. Gurudev stepped out, surrounded by devotees. As soon as he saw me, he smiled, walked over, gave me a warm hug, and said: “I had the immunity shots.”.

I was in seventh heaven. A moment later, the crowd surged again, and HE disappeared from view. I innocently thought: “Gurudev, what about the Blue Nutmilk?”And just then—like magic—he turned back, smiled and with a twinkle in his eyes said aloud: “Now I’m going to try the blue one.”

So many people smile at us—friends, family, even strangers. But when your Guru smiles at you, something extraordinary happens. It’s not just a smile; it’s a transmission of grace. When Gurudev looked at me and smiled, it felt as though Love itself had taken form and was gazing straight into my soul. It’s hard to explain—it wasn’t just an emotion, it was a moment of profound recognition. My heart swelled, and in that instant, all the exhaustion, all the effort of the past three weeks simply melted away. I felt seen, held, and uplifted—all at once.

The Secret Ingredient

That “Blue Nutmilk” was a special creation. I had discovered a nutrient-rich ingredient that turned the milk into a stunning sky blue—a visual homage to the heavens.

Later that day, Nitisha told me Gurudev had been fascinated by the color and had asked for it specifically upon returning from leading a meditation session.

Despite sleeping only four hours a night, I was full of enthusiasm every single day—a miracle in itself. For those who don’t know, I live with Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD)—a progressive condition that causes severe fatigue and muscle weakness. But in HIS presence, I felt light, alive, and strong.

Every morning, I’d rise at 4, prepare everything, drop it at the hotel, attend meditation and Satsangs, and come home full of joy at night. None of this would have been possible without HIS grace—and the loving support of angels like Luna and Prasana.

Basking in the Grace of Guru Purnima

In the Art of Living, Guru Purnima is always a deeply cherished occasion—celebrated with profound love, devotion, and reverence. This year was no different.

Observed on the full moon day between June and July, Guru Purnima marks a sacred time for spiritual seekers. Much like a spiritual New Year, it invites one to pause, reflect on the inner journey over the past year, and set fresh intentions for the year ahead. It is also a day of heartfelt gratitude—offered to the Guru for the light, wisdom, and grace that continue to guide us on the path.

It is said that on this day, the Guru Principle is most alive and accessible—making it a powerful time for meditation, introspection, and recommitment to one’s spiritual growth.

After a soul-stirring Satsang, Gurudev delivered a moving wisdom talk that touched every heart in the packed meditation hall, filled with over 5,000 attendees.

As the formal celebration concluded, Gurudev stepped down from the stage and into the crowd. The atmosphere became electric—buzzing with joy, laughter, and devotion. Though the ushers tried their best to maintain order, Gurudev flowed effortlessly through the sea of people—like a soft cloud gliding through a sky of love.

A Birthday to Remember

July 7th—our final day—was Luna’s birthday. She baked an incredible vegan almond cake that morning. As we delivered the last batch of juices, Nitisha told us to wait. Thirty minutes later, she led us to Gurudev’s suite.

The room was glowing with calm and serenity. Soon Gurudev emerged, saw the cake, and smiled: “A birthday celebration…”He looked around, then lovingly placed a shawl on me, and one on Luna.

Soon other people joined in and HE cut the cake, everyone sang and celebrated. It was the most magical birthday Luna could have ever dreamed of. Soon after, he left for another corner of the world, to bless another circle of hearts.

My Reflections

In those five days, I had the rare privilege of seeing Gurudev a few times—brief glances, subtle smiles, a knowing look that cut through space and time.

There is no one like HIM.

Gurudev doesn’t just see our faces—he sees our essence. HIS sole mission is to help each of us reconnect with our highest self—to live with joy, awareness, and inner freedom.

In HIS presence, burdens become light. Questions dissolve. The heart expands. And the soul remembers its light.

It was truly a blessing beyond words to serve, to witness, and to simply be near HIM.

Sharing some of the memories of the special time spent with Gurudev.