In the year 1953 the Parliament of World Religion was called at the Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh. Except one or two speakers, who spoke in Hindi, all read their papers and gave talks in English. Gurudev (Sri Swami Sivananda) also spoke in English. English was the common language in the Parliament.

There was an institution called ‘Atma Vijnana’. A Swami (Sannyasin) who was residing there was also invited to speak in the Parliament. His was a very aggressive personality. He started thundering in Sanskrit. Afterwards he switched over to Hindi. In his thundering speech he outrightly abused Gurudev in front of about a thousand distinguished people. He said, “It is utmost foolishness, a big blemish and an action contrary to Hindu religion and tradition for sannyasin to speak in a foreign and polluted language.” He did not speak on any religion nor even on any subject. It was a direct tirade against Gurudev. Gurudev was regarded with such high reverence by all that within a few minutes the whole audience became restless. Some people from the audience went to the incharge of the stage and said, “This speech must be stopped, or cut off the microphone connection.”

When that Swami had spent all his force panting and fuming, he resumed his seat. Before anything could be done, Gurudev immediately got up, went to the microphone and said in Hindi, “We are most grateful and most thankful to Swamiji Maharaj for having told us the right thing indeed. Sanskrit is the Devabhasha (the divine language). Verily all religious discussions should be in Devabhasha. We congratulate him for his command over the Devabhasha. Hindi being the national language is next to Devabhasha in importance. His suggestion is indeed very very correct and timely. We are most grateful to him for giving this valuable advice.” And he went on praising the Swami expressing gratitude and thanks.

I was on one side of the stage. Throughout the entire period of time when that Swami was holding on, Gurudev’s face was absolutely calm and serene. There was not a single ripple or ruffle in his mind. If there had been any, it would have been impossible to hide it from making an appearance on the face. Gurudev was seated like a Buddha, completely serene and unperturbed.