PM Modi Leads Tributes at Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Centenary Celebrations in Puttaparthi

The birth centenary of spiritual leader Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was celebrated on Wednesday in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, state officials, cultural icons, and thousands of devotees participating in the commemorative events.

The celebrations began at Prasanthi Nilayam, where PM Modi offered prayers at Sai Baba’s Maha Samadhi in Sai Kulwant Hall and performed rituals at the golden idol of the spiritual leader. A "Godaana" programme was also conducted, during which cows were presented to four local farmers. Modi’s visit was marked by interactions with students, volunteers, and members of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, as well as visits to exhibitions displaying Baba’s global humanitarian impact.

A public gathering at Hill View Stadium was attended by dignitaries including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Ministers, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, and actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

In his address, PM Modi expressed spiritual fulfillment at being on Puttaparthi’s sacred soil, greeting devotees with “Sairam” in Telugu. He emphasized that Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings of love, unity, and selfless service continue to inspire millions worldwide, with initiatives reaching over 140 countries. Modi stressed that service is the supreme duty, noting that devotion, knowledge, and action find their ultimate expression in serving humanity. Baba’s educational, healthcare, and rural development initiatives including free hospitals, schools, disaster relief work, and water projects were cited as enduring examples of compassion in action. Specific programs highlighted included a 3,000 km drinking water pipeline in Rayalaseema, 1,000 homes built for flood-affected families in Odisha, free healthcare facilities, and over 20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme accounts opened for girls. Modi encouraged continued societal contribution and the use of indigenous products to strengthen a self-reliant India.

CM Chandrababu Naidu described Sai Baba as a “living divine force” whose teachings of love, service, and human values touched millions across nations. He highlighted Baba’s contributions, including 102 educational institutions serving 60,000 students, hospitals treating over 3,000 patients daily, water projects benefitting 1,600 villages, and a global network of 2,000 Sai Centres supported by 7.5 lakh volunteers. He also thanked the central government for releasing a ₹100 commemorative coin and a postal stamp marking the centenary.

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan praised Baba’s water initiatives as precursors to national programs like the Jal Jeevan Mission, noting the spiritual leader’s global influence. Sachin Tendulkar shared personal experiences of Baba’s guidance, recalling that the spiritual master’s blessings gave him confidence during the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan paid respectful homage by touching the Prime Minister’s feet before delivering her address, highlighting Baba’s philosophy of the Five D’s Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination, and Discrimination—as guiding principles for a purposeful life. IT Minister Nara Lokesh praised Sai Baba’s teachings of universal love, equality, and service.

As part of the celebrations, a commemorative ₹100 coin and a special postal stamp were released to honor Baba’s life, teachings, and global humanitarian legacy. Officials noted that these releases are intended as enduring national symbols, inspiring future generations to embrace selfless service. Modi shared glimpses of the ceremony on social media, expressing his personal sense of honor in participating in the centenary events.

The Puttaparthi celebrations thus stood as a reflection of Sai Baba’s lasting spiritual and humanitarian impact, bringing together leaders, cultural icons, and devotees in homage to a century of service, devotion, and global inspiration.