India Pavilion Expo 67

Then it happened ... though, in view of Mr. Luthra's October 14th letter, I can't for the life of me recall why. As a very last chance, he must have suggested I call him every two weeks to find when the new Exhibitions Director would come to Montreal. But whatever the reason, I did just that and, on January 26th, 1967, wrote to Adi: "Following yesterday's long-awaited meeting with Mr. Raghbir Dayal — head of the India Pavilion* just arrived from New Delhi — I now have firm news. On a no-cost basis, we may have a small space in the India Pavilion where we can display Baba's literature (but no photographs or other material such as those used in New York). We cannot get paid space in the India Pavilion and, by now, I believe that all other possibilities connected with Expo or other Centennial projects across Canada have been exhausted so that no paid space can be obtained anywhere ... Mr. Dayal and his representative in Montreal, Mr. Luthra, advised that the whole of the India Pavilion will be 'an integrated exhibit'. Rates are $100 per square foot. In addition to cultural and commercial sections, there will be a `beautiful' spiritual section (size and plan not yet defined) which will contain the books and literature on some 20 spiritual leaders and 'publishers' .

Baba's disciples will not be permitted to attend their display. Instead, the India Pavilion's own attendants will be on hand in the spiritual section—most if not all of the time ... If Baba favors these conditions, the first thing we must do — and soon, because Expo opens in late April — is send samples of our literature to Mr. D. N. Chopra, Deputy Director of Exhibitions, Ministry of Commerce, Udyog-Bhawan, New Delhi ... I'm sure you will join me in my great relief and joy that, at last, I may be of direct service to Baba."

*Actually, Mr. Dayal was the Commissioner General of India for Expo.