Tilak-Tika Found a Job for me in London

Vishal Thakkar – Alumni of Gurukul Hyderabad

Batch: 1999-2002

Member ID: 338

Search for a Part-time Job in London

In 2009, 

Vishal Thakkar was in London, pursuing his post-graduate studies. Life was exciting, but it was also challenging. Like many international students, he carried the burden of tuition fees and loans, and needed a part-time job urgently. Adding to the difficulty, the UK was in the midst of a severe recession — opportunities were scarce, and competition was fierce. Every day felt like a race against uncertainty.

A Divine Encounter on the Train

One crisp morning, while commuting to the university on the bustling London train, Vishal stood quietly among the crowd, his Tilak Chandlo marking his forehead, a symbol of faith, honesty, and devotion that he never removed.

A man standing nearby, noticing Vishal’s demeanor and the Tilak, struck up a conversation. He turned out to be the owner of an IT firm that developed software for real estate. Their conversation flowed naturally, and suddenly, to Vishal’s astonishment, the man offered him a job on the spot — a part-time role selling his product.

The Reason Behind the Offer

Surprised and curious, Vishal asked, “Why me? I’m just a student, and there are so many talented locals unemployed right now. Why would you choose me?”

The man smiled warmly and said, “It’s the Spiritual Mark on your forehead (Tilak-Tika). It tells me that you are honest and trustworthy, someone who will not shy away from responsibility. That’s why I believe you are the right person for this role.”

Vishal accepted the offer and spent the next six months working diligently. 

Tilak-Tika is not just a symbol

Every day, he reminded himself that it was not just his skills, but the mark of faith on his forehead — a simple yet powerful symbol of integrity — that had opened this door during one of the toughest economic periods.

Reward beyond logic

Looking back, Vishal realized that life sometimes rewards courage, faith, and authenticity in ways that logic alone cannot explain. That unexpected job offer, given purely because he stayed true to his values, strengthened his belief that faith and integrity are never wasted — they attract blessings even in the most challenging times.

He proved himself as a True Gurukulite & True Devotee of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul is Proud of Vishal Thakkar.