Those were the days, when Swami was living in the Prashanthi Mandiram. Some structural works were being undertaken on terrace of the Mandiram, including providing metal posts, to mount Kalasams over the Gopurams. Couple of seva dals were on duty on the terrace; one of them being myself. We were supposed to be very alert, since the work spot happened to be Swami’s residence.
The welders were busy welding some structural materials. The catch up with the canteen timings, we took turns and finished our lunch. It was nearing noon time. Swami climbed up to the terrace, and 
smilingly approached us. He asked us in Tamil, “Petrol Pottaachaa?” , meaning thereby, have you loaded petrol. This is the way of Swami to ask whether you had taken your food. With all humility we replied that we had finished our lunch.
Suddenly asked us, what about these workers”? We could not say anything. Smilingly, Swami turned around and waved at the entrance point of the terrace. Few students appeared with vessels filled with food items. Swami directed the welders to sit on a side, and asked the boys to lay the leaves, for serving food . The welders were taken aback and were in tears. One of them fell at Swami’s Feet, and hugged on the legs of Swami. He was crying. Swami patted them on their back. They were given water and soap to wash their hands. As they sat near the leaves, Swami Himself took one of the vessels and started serving to these workers. One after the other, Sambar rice, curd rice, and vegetable were also served by Swami Himself. As they were eating with wet eyes, 
Swami looked at them with all compassion and starting moving back.
One of the boys told Swami that Swami’s Robe had been spoiled with oily stains from the hands of welder. Swami smilingly told,
“DO NOT THINK THESE ARE OILY STAINS. FOR ME THESE ARE MARKS OF KALABHAMU, THE SANDALS PASTE, OFFERED WITH LOVE AND DEVOTION”
-With Love & Regards, Mumbai Srinivasan
