First-person testimony · Part I

Joseph Fouzdar

Context

Joseph Fouzdar's statement is the principal Christian-witness account in Narasimha Swami's collection. "Fouzdar" is a title for a senior police officer; "Joseph" indicates Christian background.

About the 1936 statement

Fouzdar's statement (page 94 of Part I) is one of the chapter's clearest examples of Baba's reach across all three Indian communities — Hindu, Muslim, Christian — that the masjid (Dwarkamai) gathered.

Verbatim excerpt from Narasimha Swami (1940s)

his behaviour towards all religions was noble. He would never decry or depreciate any religion or person belonging to any caste, groups or position. When I went there, he was told that the Fouzdar was a Christian. “What of that?” was his reply. “He is my brother”. His powers were marvellous. A Police Officer went to him; Baba asked him for dakshina. The Officer replied that he had noth ing. Baba then said, “See your purse. There is a fifty rupee note in it.” The note was then produced and offered to Baba. But Baba wanted only a small amount out of it and told him to keep the balance, as he would soon be in trouble and need it. So indeed it happened. Soon after this visit, the Officer got into trouble and had to use that bal ance to extricate himself. After thus escaping from the trouble, the grateful officer sent the balance to Shirdi. I helped at the time when Baba’s properties were attached at his death. Statements were taken from the public as to the disposal of the property and the Mamlatdar Magistrate issued orders based upon the statements. This saved much trouble to the Sansthan. Baba’s Udhi has cured many cases of illness.

Source: B. V. Narasimha Swami, Devotees' Experiences of Sri Sai Baba (All India Sai Samaj, Madras, 1940s; reprint Akhanda Sainama Sapthaha Samithi, Hyderabad). PDF on Internet Archive · OCR full text. Excerpt matched on the term: Joseph Fouzdar. This is the canonical English excerpt; please consult the original PDF for context.