ALTHOUGH MEHER PRABHU was written after Avatar Meher Baba dropped his physical form in January, 1969, it actually began in October of 1969. Kesham Nigam, a disciple from Hamirpur (in northern India) who had a printing company, was staying at Meherazad. At this time, Meher Baba gave three of Bhau Kalchuri's books in Hindi, written under Baba's instructions, (MEHER SAROD, MEHER GEETIKA and a translation of THE WAYFARERS) to Keshav to print.

One afternoon, Keshav told Bhau that Meher Baba's biography, written in Hindi, was essential to the people of India. Bhau did not pay much attention to Keshav's request since he was preoccupied with other writing. Later Bhau went to Baba's room for nightwatch. Baba asked if he had met with Keshav and Bhau said he had.

"What did he say?" Baba asked.

"Nothing," Bhau replied, "I was asking about the work done in your name in Hamirpur."

"What else? You both talked only about the work?" Baba inquired.

Baba persisted, so Bhau admitted, "Keshav also said that your biography should be written in Hindi for the people of India."

Baba concurred, "Yes, he's right. It should be."

A few weeks later, Baba asked Bhau for a copy of the RAMAYANA (the famous epic poem of Lord Ram's life written by Tulsidas in Hindi). Bhau obtained the book the next day and as he entered Baba's room for night duty, Baba immediately asked for the book, opened it at random and directed Bhau to read a few verses aloud. Baba then remarked, "You will write better than Tulsidas!"

Bhau pleaded, "Baba, don't ask me to write anything else. There is no time these days to write such a large work."

Baba answered, "Yes, I know you don't want to write," and he then let the matter drop.

It was not until January 24th, 1969, that Meher Baba gave Bhau implicit instructions to write his biography. This work was to be the last order that Meher Baba imparted to Bhau. In his Introduction to this first volume, Bhau has written touchingly about the drama in Baba's room that night.