Dr. Deshmukh wanted to have group photographs taken with Baba, but Eruch explained that there was no time. On Deshmukh’s insistence, Baba asked who would take this responsibility. He added that if the person who took the responsibility failed to fulfill it, he would have to fast for seven days on water – not for any spiritual benefit but as a punishment. Adi Arjani of Karachi was prepared to shoulder the responsibility and to arrange for the photographs to be taken on February 19th (1958) between 9 and 10:00 A.M. Baba decided the photographs should be taken at lower Meherabad rather than on the Hill.
Even though Baba did not like the idea of photographs at this time, he agreed to the plan to please those who wanted it, but he remarked, “What is the use of having my photograph on paper; it would be best to establish it in one’s heart.”
Ramjoo opposed the taking of photographs, and a discussion (sometimes heated) ensued between those in favor of it and those against it.
Ram Lakhan Sharma of Jabalpur said, “We should have Baba’s photograph in our hearts and on paper, too!” Amiya Hazra seconded him.
Baba remarked, “Sharma wants to keep one hand on the tabla and the other on the dholak at the same time.” But there were many who agreed with Sharma, and the argument continued. In the end, Baba decided that because the men had more than once posed with him (in 1955), he would be photographed only with the women at the sahavas who had not had the previous chance.
Lord Meher, Original Publication, Bhau Kalchuri, Vol. 15, pp. 5297 – 5298.