"There has never been such a war, and never will be another like it! But when this is over, peace will reign for 400 years.

"From this mass destruction, I will build life anew and quite different from now — much happier, better. All who die in this war will take form again and enjoy this peace."

After discussing seven possible places they might stay for a year — Meherabad, Burma, Assam, Nepal, Dutch West Indies (Netherlands Antilles), or Siam (Thailand) — Baba told the women, "Be ready to leave Meherabad in 25 days."

Baba's seclusion in the first week of June 1940 directly coincided with an intensification of developments in the Second World War. Belgium was overrun by the German forces and surrendered. The Germans also began invading France, and 300,000 Allied troops were evacuated from Dunkirk. Five days after Baba entered seclusion, Hitler declared a war of annihilation against all his enemies. Mussolini in Italy declared war, and England (which now stood alone, as America was still neutral) began bombing Libya and Italian East Africa. In retaliation, Malta and Alexandria were bombed by Italy, and the evacuation of children from London began. Paris was captured by the Germans on 14 June, and the Russians occupied Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Baba was carefully following the tide of events from his seclusion. He had newspaper reports read aloud to him each day, and he would keep an atlas by his side to chart the progress of events.

One day Baba called the five Bangalore boys and asked each, "What do you want? What do you want to do in life?"

Raju said, "I want to be a farmer."

Kalappa replied, "I want to sell cooking oil."

Amdoo said, "I would like to drive a tonga."

Venkoba Rao said, "I want to go into business."

Krishna alone replied, "I want you, Baba!"

Baba looked at him, gesturing, "I will give you Baba!"

He then informed Venkoba, "Wait for some time before you become a businessman."

Baba kept Krishna and Venkoba Rao in Meherabad and sent the other three boys back home, after making arrangements for them according to their wishes. As it turned out, all three of the boys prospered and became wealthy.

Baba joked with Krishna, "You have fallen into a ditch! Now you will be in trouble."

Pappa Jessawala was assigned to escort the masts Phulwala and Ramshish back to their villages and Kalappa, Amdoo and Raju to their homes.

Baba's remark to Krishna proved to have a literal meaning a few days later. As mentioned, Baba frequently cleaned the masts' pan-type toilets.