Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the birth centenary Celebrations of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh today. Prime Minister began his remarks with “Sai Ram” and expressed that being present among all in the sacred land of Puttaparthi was an emotional and spiritual experience. He shared that a short while ago, he had the opportunity to offer floral tributes at Baba’s Samadhi. Shri Modi highlighted that bowing at Baba’s feet and receiving his blessings always fills the heart with deep emotion.

Underlining that the birth centenary year of Shri Sathya Sai Baba is not merely a celebration for this generation, but a divine blessing, Shri Modi noted that although Baba is no longer present in physical form, his teachings, his love, and his spirit of service continue to guide crores across the world. The Prime Minister highlighted that in over 140 countries, countless lives are moving forward with renewed light, direction, and resolve. 

Highlighting that Shri Sathya Sai Baba’s life was a living embodiment of the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the Prime Minister said, "therefore, this birth centenary year has become a grand festival of universal love, peace, and service”. He expressed that it is the good fortune of the Government to have released a ₹100 commemorative coin and postage stamp on this occasion, both reflecting Baba’s legacy of service. He extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to devotees, fellow volunteers, and followers of Baba across the world.

“The central value of Indian civilisation is Seva, or service”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, highlighting that all of India’s diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions ultimately lead to this one ideal. Whether one walks the path of Bhakti, Gyan, or Karma, each is connected to Seva. He questioned what Bhakti is without service to the divine present in all beings, what Gyan is if it does not awaken compassion for others, and what Karma is if not the spirit of offering one’s work as service to society. “‘Seva Parmo Dharmah’ is the ethos that has sustained India through centuries of changes and challenges, giving our civilisation its inner strength”, emphasised Shri Modi, noting that many great saints and reformers have carried forward this timeless message in ways suited to their times. The Prime Minister emphasised that Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed Seva at the very heart of human life. He recalled Baba’s words, “Love All, Serve All,” and affirmed that for Baba, Seva was love in action. The Prime Minister stated that Baba’s institutions in education, healthcare, rural development, and many other areas stand as living proof of this philosophy. He underlined that these institutions show spirituality and service are not separate, but different expressions of the same truth. Shri Modi added that while inspiring people during one’s physical presence is not uncommon, the Seva activities of Baba’s institutions continue to grow day by day despite his physical absence. This, he said, shows that the impact of truly great souls does not decrease with time—it actually grows.

Highlighting that the message of Shri Sathya Sai Baba has never been confined to books, discourses, or the boundaries of an ashram, Shri Modi remarked that the impact of Baba’s teachings is visible among the people. From cities to remote villages, from schools to tribal settlements, there is a remarkable flow of culture, education, and medical service across India. The Prime Minister highlighted that millions of Baba’s followers are engaged in this work selflessly. He noted that “Manav Seva hi Madhav Seva” is the highest ideal for Baba’s devotees. The Prime Minister added that Baba imparted many thoughts that embody compassion, duty, discipline, and the essence of life philosophy. He recalled Baba’s guiding principles: “Help Ever, Hurt Never,” and “Less Talk, More Work,” and affirmed that such life mantras of Shri Sathya Sai Baba continue to resonate in the hearts of all even today.

Underscoring that Shri Sathya Sai Baba used spirituality for the welfare of society and the people, the Prime Minister connected it with selfless service, character building, and value-based education. He highlighted that Baba did not impose any doctrine or ideology, but worked to help the poor and alleviate their suffering. Shri Modi recalled that after the Gujarat earthquake, Baba’s Seva Dal stood at the forefront of relief efforts. His followers served with full dedication for several days, contributing significantly in reaching aid to affected families, providing essential supplies, and offering psychosocial support. 

The Prime Minister remarked that when a single meeting can melt someone’s heart or change the direction of their life, it reflects the greatness of that individual. He noted that even in the present programme, there are many individuals whose lives have been deeply transformed by Baba’s message. 

Expressing satisfaction that, inspired by Shri Sathya Sai Baba, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and its affiliated organisations are advancing service in an organised, institutional, and long-term manner, Shri Modi stated that today, this stands before us as a practical model. He commended the remarkable work being done in areas such as water, housing, healthcare, nutrition, disaster support, and clean energy. The Prime Minister made special mention of several service initiatives: the Trust laid over 3,000 kilometres of pipeline to address the severe drinking water crisis in Rayalaseema; built 1,000 houses for flood-affected families in Odisha; and runs hospitals where poor families are astonished to find there is no billing counter. He noted that while treatment is free, patients and their families face no inconvenience. The Prime Minister further shared that today, over 20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts have been opened in the names of daughters, ensuring their education and secure future.

Pointing out that ten years ago, the Government of India launched the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana with a focus on girls’ education and their bright future, Shri Modi highlighted that this is one of the few schemes in the country that offers the highest interest rate of 8.2 percent to our daughters. He shared that over 4 crore accounts have been opened under this scheme for girls across India, and more than ₹3.25 lakh crore has been deposited in these accounts so far. The Prime Minister appreciated the noble initiative by the Shri Sathya Sai family in opening 20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi accounts here. Referring to his constituency, he mentioned that in February last year, 27,000 Sukanya Samriddhi accounts were opened for daughters in Varanasi, and ₹300 was transferred into each account. He affirmed that the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is playing a significant role in ensuring education and a secure future for daughters.

The Prime Minister stated that over the past eleven years, numerous schemes have been launched in India that have significantly strengthened the social security framework for citizens. He highlighted that the poor and underprivileged are increasingly being brought under the ambit of social security. In 2014, only 25 crore people were covered, whereas today this number has reached nearly 100 crore. Shri Modi further noted that India’s welfare and social security schemes are being discussed internationally. 

Shri Modi shared that on this day, he also had the opportunity to participate in a Gau Daan programme, where the Trust is donating 100 cows to poor farming families. He emphasised that in Indian tradition, the cow is considered a symbol of life, prosperity, and compassion. These cows will support the economic, nutritional, and social stability of the recipient families. The Prime Minister remarked that the message of prosperity through cow protection is visible across the world. He recalled that under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, over 480 Gir cows were distributed in Varanasi a few years ago, and today the number of Gir cows and calves there has grown to around 1,700. He shared that a new tradition has been initiated in Varanasi, where the female calf born from a distributed cow is given free of cost to farmers in other regions, thereby increasing the cow population. Shri Modi also remembered that during his visit to Rwanda, Africa, 7–8 years ago, India had gifted 200 Gir cows. He noted that Rwanda has a similar tradition called “Girinka,” meaning “may you have a cow,” where the first female calf born is given to a neighbouring family. This practice has enhanced nutrition, milk production, income, and social unity in Rwanda.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Brazil has adopted India’s Gir and Kankrej cattle breeds and advanced them through modern technology and scientific management, making them a source of superior dairy performance. He remarked that such examples show how tradition, compassion, and scientific thinking together transform the cow into a symbol of faith, empowerment, nutrition, and economic progress. He expressed happiness that this tradition is being carried forward here with noble intent. 

Underlining that the nation is moving forward with the spirit of “Kartavya Kaal” towards a developed India, and achieving this goal requires active citizen participation, Shri Modi emphasised that the birth centenary year of Shri Sathya Sai Baba is a major source of inspiration in this journey. He urged everyone to strengthen the mantra of “Vocal for Local” during this special year, noting that promoting the local economy is essential for building a developed India. The Prime Minister reminded that purchasing local products directly empowers a family, a small enterprise, and the local supply chain, paving the way for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. 

Acknowledging that all present, inspired by Shri Sathya Sai Baba, are continuously contributing to nation-building, Shri Modi observed that this sacred land truly possesses a unique energy—where every visitor’s speech reflects compassion, thoughts reflect peace, and actions reflect service. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that wherever there is deprivation or suffering, the devotees will stand as a beacon of hope and light. With this spirit, he concluded by extending heartfelt greetings to the Sathya Sai family, institutions, volunteers, and devotees across the world for advancing this sacred mission of love, peace, and service.

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Ministers, Shri K Rammohan Naidu, Shri G Kishan Reddy, Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Verma were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Prime Minister visited the holy shrine and Mahasamadhi of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, and offered his obeisance and pay respects. Participating in the Centenary Celebrations of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Shri Modi released a Commemorative Coin and a set of Stamps honouring the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. 

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MJPS/SR