On 5 June 1977, Swamishri was leaving Mumbai for London. He was flying aboard the Air India jumbo ‘Samrat Ashok’. Hundreds of people had gathered at the airport for the last darshan of their guru before he left.

At around 1:25 a.m., the Airport Manager and the Captain requested Swamishri to board the flight. They escorted him to the plane and asked him to board first. Swamishri hesitated and looked around. Once again, the Captain requested Swamishri to board first. Swamishri waited for a few more moments and Thakorji arrived. Swamishri told the attendant sadhu with Thakorji to board first.