In 1994 I raced against Sri Chinmoy in a 100-meter event. Evidently it was Raratonga, because that is what your photo says. It was the only time in my life when I have raced against my Master, and it was quite something.
I thought it was Samoa, but let it be Raratonga. The day was warm, but not hot, and there were perhaps a hundred participants in the various events, plus, a number of spectators in the stands, including students of Sri Chinmoy.
I am younger than Sri Chinmoy by almost 10 years, and ordinarily I would have been in a different heat, with the "youngsters." At that time I would have been 55 and Sri Chinmoy would have been 63, and most races would have had us in separate age divisions. Well, for whatever reason, Sri Chinmoy decided to include some younger people in his heat. I had a terrible time deciding whether to race all out or not, because what if I beat him? Could I really win over someone who has my infinite esteem? Of course I could, and I did race all out, and I actually came in before him in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Some of the spectators chided me for winning, but I do feel
that it is the greatest tribute that I could offer to Sri Chinmoy
that I had the will he has given me to push myself and do well.
I actually won the heat, so I had a lot of joy, not for winning, but
for doing a good job. I am grateful that Sri Chinmoy included me in that heat. I believe that Nirvik was in it to, and perhaps Tirthika.
Love ya' all,
Nayak