PM Modi, Vice-President Radhakrishnan to attend Sathya Sai Baba’s 100th Birth anniversary events

The spiritual town of Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district is being transformed into a global centre of devotion as preparations are underway for the centenary birth celebrations of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi, Satyasai Baba district, scheduled from November 13 to 24, 2025. The event is expected to draw devotees from nearly 140 countries, making it one of the largest spiritual gatherings ever held at Prasanthi Nilayam.

According to the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, which is organising the celebrations, around three to four lakh devotees are expected to visit Puttaparthi during the 12-day period. More than 10,000 special invitees, including foreign delegates, government officials, and dignitaries, are expected to attend. Approximately 1,500 international representatives from Sai Centres across the world have been formally registered through the Sri Sathya Sai International Organisation (SSSIO).

Extensive arrangements are being made by the Trust and the Andhra Pradesh Government to provide free food, accommodation, and transport facilities to the devotees. Temporary shelters and community dining halls are being set up across the town. Security and traffic management measures have been strengthened to handle the anticipated footfall of more than four lakh visitors.

The celebrations will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, who will participate in key events on November 19 and November 22 respectively.

Prime Minister Modi, who will visit Puttaparthi for the first time, is scheduled to take part in a grand programme at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium on November 19. During the visit, he is expected to release a ₹100 commemorative coin and a postage stamp in honour of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Both commemorative items have been approved by the Government of India — the coin being produced by the India Government Mint, Hyderabad, and the stamp by the Department of Posts.

Managing Trustee R.J. Rathnakar stated that the visit of the Prime Minister is being viewed as a momentous occasion for devotees worldwide. He said the centenary celebration had been planned for the past two years, with the participation of followers from nearly every continent. “After Baba’s Maha Samadhi in 2011, this will be the biggest event ever held at Prasanthi Nilayam. Every devotee considers this centenary as a personal celebration, as if it were their own father’s birthday,” he said.

The Vice-President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, will attend the celebrations on November 22, serving as the Chief Guest for the 44th Convocation Ceremony of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL). This will be his first official visit to Puttaparthi since assuming office in September 2025. The convocation will highlight the institute’s continued commitment to free and value-based higher education, a principle established by Sai Baba in 1981.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has declared November 23, the day marking the 100th birth anniversary of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, as a State Function.

The Trust currently operates with a corpus exceeding ₹1,000 crore, sustained through donations and investments. Rathnakar stated that all activities are carried out as per Sai Baba’s vision — to offer free and high-quality services in all fields.

The Trust has also introduced robotic-assisted heart surgeries at the Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospitals in Puttaparthi and Whitefield (Bengaluru), believed to be the first such free robotic cardiac surgeries in the world. Rathnakar said that these advancements are part of the Trust’s ongoing effort to modernise medical facilities while upholding Baba’s mission of service without discrimination.

Thousands of youth volunteers from India and abroad are contributing to the arrangements. The Sai Youth Wing has already organised a “100th Birthday Ride and Run” campaign across 60 Indian cities, drawing 3,000 to 5,000 participants in each location. More than 50,000 volunteers are expected to be deployed in Puttaparthi for crowd management, hospitality, and service activities during the centenary.

Cultural programmes, spiritual discourses, musical performances, and international gatherings of Sai organisations are scheduled throughout the event. The most significant day, November 23, is expected to witness record participation, as devotees celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the spiritual leader whose message — “Love all, Serve all. Help ever, Hurt never” — continues to inspire millions around the world.

Managing Trustee Rathnakar stated that the centenary will be used as an occasion to announce future projects aimed at expanding Sai Baba’s humanitarian mission. “We want to strengthen Baba’s legacy and take His vision to new frontiers. This centenary is not only a celebration of His life but a renewal of our collective commitment to His message of universal love and selfless service,” he said.

With the participation of the Prime Minister, the Vice-President, and devotees from across 140 nations, the centenary celebrations are being viewed as a historic convergence of spirituality, service, and national recognition — reaffirming the enduring global impact of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life and teachings.