Dr Dhanasagaran “Sagie” Naicker will be launching his debut book, The One Before the Zero: Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Image: Supplied
After a life-altering accident that left him paralysed, Dr Dhanasagaran “Sagie” Naicker hopes to inspire those facing hardship and hopelessness, and share his love for Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in his debut book.
The book, The One Before the Zero: Sri Sathya Sai Baba, will launch at the Sudha Mandir in Moorton, Chatsworth, on Sunday.
Naicker, 67, of Queensburgh, said the book was based on lived experience and explored Sai Baba's teachings in practice, strengthening one’s faith and devotion to God.
“It is also a reminder to readers that no life is ever without meaning.”
The retired lecturer said that after undergoing major spinal surgery following an accident, he was inspired to write down his experiences with Sai Baba during a “painful and difficult recovery”.
“I started writing the book in October 2025. A draft copy was presented at Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Samadhi (resting place) at the Sai Kulwant Hall in Puttaparthi, India, in time for His centenary birthday celebrations in November last year.”
Naicker said that at age 14 he was exposed to the life, work, mission and teachings of Sai Baba.
“Now, 53 years later, He is still my saviour, guru and role-model. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the wind beneath my sails and is my anchor in life’s turbulent and unpredictable waters.”
Naicker said the book was a reflective journey of faith and transformation following a life-altering accident that left him permanently paralysed in December 1985.
“Grounded in the teachings and grace of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the book shares how suffering, when met with trust and surrender, can lead to inner strength, compassion, and selfless service. Written from lived experience, it offers hope to those facing hardship, strengthens faith, and deepens devotion by reminding readers that when God comes first, pain and hardship become more bearable.
“The book also explores the divine experiences I had with Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in His presence at Puttaparthi as well as in dreams and visions. I recount Bhagawan Sri Sathya materialising vibhuthi (holy ash) for me, and its miraculous healing of an illness that would occur a month later,” he said.
Naicker, who has a PhD in in school leadership and management, said the book also explores Sai Baba's key teachings in a practical and lived way.
“I share my involvement in a rural upliftment project, establishing a sports club for the disabled and undertaking Sathya Sai Education in human values for the United Nations. I was undeterred by the fact that I am a paraplegic and wheelchair bound.”
He added that the book included 12 photographs that depict Sai Baba's miraculous materialisations, the selfless service projects that he led and managed, and his visits to Puttaparthi.
Naicker said the book's central message was that “life’s hardships do not diminish us when God is placed first”.
“Even moments that feel empty, broken, or hopeless can gain meaning when viewed through faith and surrender. The book reminds readers that suffering can become a pathway to inner strength, compassion, and selfless service. When the one comes before the zero, nothing in life is ever wasted. With God (one) in front of us (zero) our lives are sanctified, take on meaning and value.”
The book's proceeds will go to Queensburgh Cheshire Home.
For more information, contact Naicker on 084 585 6908.