Lighting the lamp within

In a talk with Pradeep Krishnan, Shri Jayakumar, founder of the Sai Paduka Yoga and Spiritual Study Centre (SPYSSC), Bengaluru, reveals how one can surmount immense difficulties in life by pursuing Self-knowledge

- Pradeep Krishnan, Shri Jayakumar

If a tragedy strikes when one is at the peak of their career and life, usually, most would succumb to it blaming karma, fate, and the stars. All around, we have examples of people leading a miserable life after an accident, terminal illness, or break-up in a relationship. However, there are extraordinary individuals, who, transcending their misfortune, use it as a launchpad to transform themselves and uplift others.

One such unique soul, who has turned a catastrophe into an opportunity, is Shri Shekaripuram Kailasam Jayakumar, founder of the Sai Paduka Yoga and Spiritual Study Centre (SPYSSC), Bengaluru. His remarkable life story fills one with awe and admiration.

Born in 1954 in Palakkad, Kerala, Shri Jayakumar was a brilliant student, winning gold medals in school and college. His Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony) was performed in the presence of the late Sathya Sai Baba, and after graduating in Chemistry with a Packaging Technology degree from the United Kingdom, he served as an executive for Brooke Bond and Hindustan Lever in different parts of India. However, at the age of 47 (in 2002), when declared totally blind, instead of surrendering to providence, he took a firm decision to transform himself with the systematic study of Vedanta and other spiritual texts.