'That simplicity, that love... that affection.... You don't find it anywhere else...'

It is no swami speaking here, this is the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram talking about Amma, his beloved Guru. Still sweating after escorting Amma through the pushing masses that were waiting anxiously for her arrival, Police Assistant Commissioner A.K. Venugopal of Thiruvananthapuram looks happy with a special light in his eyes. Is he here just on official duty, or is this more than just helping out with crowd control?

"This is much more to me then work" he says. "Amma is my Guru, I am so happy that She is here. I was also working on the security of Amma's birthday in Kochi. I volunteered for that. It was an honour, I was responsible for Amma's close circle security. But Amma has no enemies, the security is just because people try to get so close to Her." His eyes start shining even more as he begins telling about how he met Amma.

"I met Amma   a long time ago, in 1981, when a friend of mine told me he had seen Amma and that he had found his Satguru, and was going to stay permanently in Amritapuri. I did not believe in Amma; I went there to rescue him. There I met Amma and She gave me darshan. I still did not believe in Her, but because I kept seeing my friend, I also saw Amma more and more. And now I know that when I see Amma.... when She touches you, don't ask anything, don't think - it is more then a mere touch. Don't try to achieve anything, just feel... Then you know it is not just a touch or a smile. In my mind and in my heart I know I receive something. I cannot explain it, I just know it. She is doing something to me, something personal. Amma is my Guru now."

"It also helps me with my duty. When I have to do something I touch (a photo of) Her feet, and I know She helps me and I can do it better." The Commissioner takes a mala with a medallion with a photo of Amma's feet from under his uniform shirt. "When I have to testify in court, for example, I touch Her feet and I know I can do it better. I have more confidence in what to do."

Is Amma different then other religious or spiritual leaders?

"Oh yes!" he exclaims. "That simplicity, that love, that affection... You don't find it anywhere else in the world."

Commissioner Venugopal is not limited to his role as police officer. He is a versatile actor as well, and can be found acting in television serials... and has been blessed with the role of a lifetime in Amma's divine drama.

- Devadath