PM Honors Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Legacy in Puttaparthi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Puttaparthi, the spiritual town in Andhra Pradesh, to take part in the momentous birth centenary celebrations of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The visit was marked by deep reverence, as the Prime Minister paid his respects at the spiritual leader’s Maha Samadhi at Prasanthi Nilayam. This visit underscores the enduring significance of Sai Baba’s teachings on a national and global scale.
Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by large crowds of devotees and held a brief roadshow, receiving an enthusiastic reception. He was accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and other dignitaries, showcasing a united front to honor the revered figure.The town was under a thick security blanket to manage the VVIP protocol and the immense gathering of followers who had traveled from around the world.
During the main ceremony, which was held at the Hill View Stadium, Prime Minister Modi addressed the massive assembly of devotees. He described the centenary year as a “divine blessing,” noting that although Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no longer present in his physical form, his powerful message of love and service continues to be a guiding light for millions of people across more than 140 countries.
A key highlight of the event was the release of a commemorative coin and a set of postal stamps. The Prime Minister, joined by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, unveiled these tokens, which honor the life, selfless service, and lasting legacy of the spiritual leader.The Prime Minister emphasized that such tributes reflect the government’s recognition of the values that Baba championed.
PM Modi profoundly spoke about the concept of ‘Seva Parmo Dharmah’ (Service is the highest duty), calling it the core ethos that has sustained India through centuries. He highlighted that Sri Sathya Sai Baba made service the central purpose of human life, transforming it into love in action. He pointed to the numerous institutions established by the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust—spanning education, free healthcare, and rural development—as practical models of how spirituality and service work hand-in-hand.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to highlight national schemes that align with the spirit of welfare and service. He mentioned the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, announcing that the scheme for the education and betterment of daughters had crossed four crore accounts, with deposits totaling over $3.25 lakh crore. He said this success reflected a commitment to the welfare of every citizen, a principle in line with Baba’s humanitarian efforts.
Further demonstrating the focus on social service, PM Modi participated in a Gaudan Ceremony. As part of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust’s focus on animal welfare, cows, including the native Gir breed, were distributed to farmers. The Prime Minister praised the Trust for its noble work in cow protection and welfare, stating that the cow is a symbol of life, prosperity, and compassion in Indian tradition.
The celebrations also saw attendance from distinguished personalities outside of politics, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who also spoke on the occasion. Ms. Bachchan delivered an inspiring message, quoting Baba’s teaching: “There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. There is only one religion, the religion of love.” Her words resonated with the message of unity and universal brotherhood that the centenary event sought to promote.
The atmosphere in Puttaparthi was one of profound devotion and spiritual reflection. The visit of the Prime Minister, along with the state’s top leadership, served to elevate the significance of the birth centenary from a spiritual event to a national recognition of a life dedicated to selfless service. The various ceremonies and addresses reinforced the timeless message of ‘Love All, Serve All’, ensuring Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s message continues to inspire forthcoming generations globally. The event concluded, leaving devotees with renewed commitment to embody the values of compassion, character, and service.
