PM addresses centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi

Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, Nov 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the birth centenary celebrations of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, calling it an emotional and spiritual experience. The event marked 100 years since the birth of the revered spiritual leader known for his message of service and compassion. Beginning his address with “Sai Ram”, the Prime Minister said that offering tributes at Baba’s Samadhi was deeply moving. “Bowing at Baba’s feet and receiving his blessings always fills the heart with emotion,” he said. Highlighting the global legacy of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, PM Modi noted that followers in over 140 countries continue to draw inspiration from his teachings, love, and spirit of service. The centenary year, he said, is not just a celebration but “a divine blessing”. The government has released a `100 commemorative coin and a postage stamp honouring Baba’s legacy.

‘Seva is the soul of India’

Calling Seva (service) the central value of Indian civilisation, the Prime Minister said all pathways of Indian spirituality - Bhakti, Gyan, and Karma - ultimately lead to service. “Seva Paramo Dharmah’ is the ethos that has sustained India through centuries of changes and challenges,” he remarked. The Prime Minister emphasised that Sri Sathya Sai Baba transformed spirituality into a tool for social service, placing Seva “at the very heart of human life”. He recalled Baba’s motto - “Love All, Serve All” - and said Baba’s institutions in education, health care and rural development proved that spirituality and service are “different expressions of the same truth”. PM Modi pointed out that the impact of Baba’s teachings is visible across India - from cities to tribal areas - through the work of millions of volunteers operating selflessly. He cited Baba’s guiding principles: “Help Ever, Hurt Never,” “Less Talk, More Work”

The Prime Minister praised the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust for running long-term service projects, including: 3,000 km of pipelines to solve the water crisis in Rayalaseema, 1,000 houses built for flood-affected families in Odisha, Hospitals with no billing counters, providing free treatment, 20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi accounts opened for girls’ education and security. Urging citizens to strengthen the spirit of Vocal for Local, the Prime Minister said that empowering the local economy is essential for building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). “Purchasing local products directly supports a family, a small business, and the local supply chain,” he said, calling it a step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Underlining that India is moving forward with the spirit of Kartavya Kaal (Era of Duty), PM Modi said the birth centenary year of Sri Sathya Sai Baba must inspire greater citizen participation in nation-building. He expressed confidence that wherever there is suffering, Baba’s devotees will “stand as a beacon of hope and light”. He concluded with greetings to the Sathya Sai family and devotees around the world, praising the sacred land of Puttaparthi as a symbol of compassion, peace, and service. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Union Ministers K. Rammohan Naidu, G. Kishan Reddy, and Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Verma were among those present. Earlier in the day, PM Modi offered his respects at the Mahasamadhi of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and released a commemorative coin and stamp set celebrating his life and legacy.