A Spiritual Journey: Reflections from a Decade of Service

Completing ten years of service at an institution is a milestone worth celebrating. For Prof. Dr. Santosh Kumar B of the Department of Computer Science, New Horizon College of Engineering, the occasion became deeply meaningful when the management marked his decade of service with a yatra to Ayodhya and Kashi.

Reflecting on the experience, Prof. Dr. Santosh Kumar expressed his appreciation for the gesture and the spirit of equality with which the journey was organised.

“It is extremely rare to find an organisation that celebrates your milestones in life and, even more so, one that gives its employees an opportunity to experience a meaningful journey such as this. What I found especially meaningful was that all staff members, irrespective of their designation, were treated equally. We were given the same travel arrangements, accommodation, food, and Darshan facilities. There was no difference in the way we were treated.”

For him, the journey was not merely a visit to places of spiritual significance, but an opportunity to pause, reflect, and experience something deeply personal. In Ayodhya, the professor reflected on the long history surrounding the temple and the many challenges associated with its construction. Being able to visit the temple and have Darshan of Lord Rama was, in his words, a deeply moving experience.

“When I saw Lord Rama, I felt as though He was alive and looking at me. It felt like a real person was looking at me. There are no words to describe that feeling. I felt a deep sense of connection and gratitude.”

The journey continued with visits to places of spiritual significance, including the Saptarishis. The experience of seeking the blessings of the revered Gurus added another dimension to the pilgrimage. At Kashi, the visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was particularly memorable. The opportunity to have Darshan of the Jyotirlinga and experience the temple from different levels left a profound impression on the team. The Darshan arrangements also gave them the opportunity to return several times, allowing them to make the most of an experience they considered special.

Another unforgettable moment came during the Ganga Aarti. Rain had raised doubts about whether the team would be able to witness the ceremony. Despite the weather, they were able to experience the Aarti along the Ganga.

“The river was overflowing, and the boatman took us safely. We felt extremely fortunate to have witnessed the Ganga Aarti.”

For many of the employees who participated in the Yatra, the experience became an occasion for personal reflection. Prof. Dr. Santosh Kumar too returned with a desire to share the joy he had experienced with the people who are important to him.

“I feel I should also take a lot of people in my life to such Yatras. I would like to share this joy that I have received with everyone dear to me.”

The team also observed the significant improvements in infrastructure and facilities over the years. For them, these changes made the journey more comfortable while preserving the sanctity and significance of the places they visited. As he looks back on the journey, Prof. Dr. Santosh Kumar describes it with a sense of gratitude

“We are truly grateful to the management for giving us this opportunity. I have deeply felt the blessings of the elderly people in my life, and this journey has reminded me of the importance of sharing happiness and gratitude with those around us.”

For him, the Yatra became more than a celebration of ten years of professional service. It became an opportunity to reflect, reconnect with his spiritual side, and appreciate the people and experiences that have shaped his life. It is a personal experience that Prof. Dr. Santosh Kumar will hold close to his heart for years to come.