My Savitri work with the Mother

01 January 1959

I reached London on 1st January 1959. Our Agent Mr. I. Kundle had arranged my accommodation in a convent which had a hostel where only Christian girls could stay. The nuns thought I was one of them, so they showed me their chapel which was in the basement and asked me to join the congregation early in the morning. Two nuns also took me round the place. I stood looking about me with an increasing sense of dismay and disagreement.

The occurrences of the day crowded in my head, filling my heart with despair. After a disturbed night, I woke up with a sad, sick feeling. Outside it was cloudy and cold. My spirits dropped to zero.

After my breakfast, I was called by the Rev. Mother. She was almost six feet tall and of ample proportions. She took my hand and asked me to sit in a sofa. I did. Then she inquired where I had come from and what my religion was. At once it flashed across my mind that those two nuns must have given a full account of me in advance. Moreover I had not gone to chapel. I respected Christianity but I could not be a hypocrite. I informed everything to the Rev. Mother. She was mystified but indeed had the grace to give an understanding smile. She told me that all the girls who resided in the convent had gone on holiday. When they would be back then there would be difficulty in accommodating me. I replied that I would certainly find another place.

Once again Rev. Mother called me and talked to me for quite a long time about religion. I listened to her attentively. But in my innermost heart I would not approve of anything. I gave her a few books of Sri Aurobindo along with some carved wood animals which I had brought from Africa. Finally she said with a smile: "Miss Hindocha, I like you. When you shift to another place, I do want you to come every Sunday to take tea with me." I agreed and thanked her. This was the beginning in London.

Mrs. Bee, whom some of my family members knew, was in charge of a big building in Marble Arch and she gave me one of the rooms. I had to open my account in Barclays Bank. I had received £100 from my father in Miwani (Kenya) to start with. I had to do everything by myself regarding my stay and study. Thus gradually I gained confidence.

Sudha Gokal from South Africa met me in the plane. We became very good friends. Both of us joined the Denson Secretarial College. Each and every moment I felt the Mother's Grace guiding and protecting me.

My letters were re-directed to my new residence by the nuns. Among other letters I found an envelope from Pondicherry. I opened it. It contained a lovely card from the Mother showing a gleaming golden-yellow figure of a lady and some heartening words.

1959

To My dear little child Huta
Bonne annee!

At your arrival at London, I want you to find my best wishes for a happy stay and a good success in your studies.

Let this year bring to you the realisation of your highest hopes, and your most sincere aspirations.

With love

I was not satisfied with my studies. Distress, despondency and desolation nagged me day and night. It was not easy to put up with anything. There was a pain woven with doubts about my future. My dolorous mood matched the depressing weather.