Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu - One Among Us

When one looks at Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu for the first time, what immediately stands out is his attire, a simple white shirt and trousers, an appearance that is strikingly unconventional for someone revered as a Sadguru. There is no outward display that sets him apart, and yet, it is precisely this simplicity that draws one closer. This very attire often makes Shraddhavans feel that he is just like us approachable, familiar and effortlessly present in our world. There is no barrier, no distance; he appears as one among us.

In the early years, around 1996, when only a few Shraddhavans would gather, Sadguru Bapu would personally interact with each one of them. It was not merely a passing interaction; he knew every Shraddhavan by name, and not just that, he was aware of their families, their circumstances, their joys and struggles.

That personal touch, that loving connection, was the foundation of the unique bond He shares with His devotees. Glimpses of this beautiful closeness can be seen in the videos of ‘Aniruddhanchya Palkiche Sevekari’, where one witnesses how effortlessly Sadguru Aniruddha moved amongst his Shraddhavan friends. He did not remain confined to a podium, delivering discourses from a distance. Instead, he blended seamlessly with everyone, talking, guiding, laughing, correcting and uplifting.

Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu is so close to each and every Shraddhavan that he never compels anyone to confine him within a single frame of a Sadguru. Instead, Bapu opens his heart completely and going even beyond that, Bapu effortlessly places himself in the role of our friend, a friend one among us.

In the first volume of ‘Shreemad Purushartha Grantharaj – Satyapravesh,’ Bapu writes:

“Call me what you like, but it is this one role that I wish to live. I am your Friend, a Friend who never betrays, a Friend who wants to see you happy.”

This is how our Bapu is.

We call Bapu our “Dad.” And truly, He is our Dad, a Mega Dad who belongs to each and every Shraddhavan equally. To call a Sadguru “Dad” may seem unimaginable, and yet Bapu not only accepts it but embraces it with love and pride. Time and again, Bapu reaffirms this relationship through his actions, his care, and his constant presence, assuring us that he is indeed our father, a father who is approachable and close like a true friend. It is this beautiful bond with Bapu, who surrounds us with the love and protection of a father while walking beside us with the warmth and companionship of a true friend, that keeps Him ever close to the hearts of His Shraddhavans.

One must witness the interactions between Shraddhavans and Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu at Shree Harigurugram, especially during darshan. It is a truly beautiful sight, an outpouring of love in its purest form. Each Shraddhavan, in those cherished moments, connects with him in their own unique way. Some openly speak their hearts out; some share their joys, worries and questions. Bapu, in turn, responds sometimes through a gesture, sometimes through a glance, sometimes through a few simple words; each response is perfectly understood by the one it is meant for. There are also those who may not express anything outwardly, and yet Sadguru Bapu understands even their silence. He knows each one, inside and out. He knows what to say, when to say it, and how to reach each heart. At times, a gentle and reassuring smile from Bapu is enough to calm the inner storms of a Shraddhavan who desperately seeks solace. Sometimes the conversation happens through words, sometimes through his eyes, and sometimes through the wisdom He shares in His discourses. Even his discourses, especially the second discourse, are less like formal sermons and more like a heartfelt, two-way conversation. Though seated on a platform, Sadguru Bapu interacts freely with everyone present. Anyone can respond, speak, or engage when Bapu asks a question. There is an openness, a freedom, a warmth — this is how approachable our Bapu is. All of this happens so naturally and effortlessly that one experiences a sense of nearness that transcends all formality; a closeness that cannot be described, only felt.

Bapu’s Discourses

Bapu also shares many of his own personal experiences with his Shraddhavans during his discourse. He holds nothing back. He speaks with such openness and simplicity that everyone present feels comfortable and connected. In doing so, Bapu strengthens and reassures the feeling that he is truly one among us, someone who knows our suffering, our pain, our happiness, and our joy.

Bapu also enjoys watching movies and theatre, often in the company of His Shraddhavan friends, sharing their enjoyment and laughter just like everyone else. During vacations with family members and close Shraddhavans, He joins in the games, conversations, and simple moments of togetherness, making everyone feel included and completely at ease. Those who have had the good fortune of spending such time with Him often recall that Bapu never set Himself apart or expected any special treatment; rather, He made everyone around Him feel that they belonged.

Every time you see Bapu smile, look into his eyes, or listen to his words, a quiet certainty arises within that he belongs to you and you belong to him.

There is an unspoken assurance that Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu walks with us, understands us, and holds us close in his grace. In his presence, the distance between him, as our Sadguru and a devotee dissolves, and what remains is a bond of belonging — pure, personal and unwavering.

It is this very feeling that makes every Shraddhavan say, with complete conviction and love that

Bapu is ours… and we are forever his.