A historic gathering in Puttaparthi
India (Commonwealth Union)_ Puttaparthi witnessed a unique convergence of spiritual enthusiasm, emotion, and national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to attend the centenary celebrations commemorating Sri Sathya Sai Baba‘s 100th birth anniversary. Devotees had begun to gather well before daylight, and by the time the Prime Minister arrived, Prasanthi Nilayam and the surrounding areas were already packed with thousands of followers from all across the country. The Prime Minister received a warm and ceremonial welcome at Puttaparthi Airport from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and several senior leaders. Traditional priests blessed him on arrival before he proceeded towards the ashram for the day’s events. The atmosphere was festive, dignified, and deeply reverent, an appropriate reflection of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s lasting influence.
Among the many dignitaries in attendance were Union Ministers Ram Mohan Naidu, G. Kishan Reddy, and Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma. Prominent public figures such as former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan were also present, along with the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust’s Managing Trustee, R.J. Rathnakar. Their presence illustrated the extent of the benefit that Sai Baba’s message has had in the lives of many people, both past and present, and in the future of various individuals and professionals. Prior to his arrival in Puttaparthi, the Prime Minister shared a loving message for Sai Baba on social media that spoke of their long association. He shared pictures of their meetings and referred to Sai Baba’s teachings, where he spoke of his life being a great example of service, compassion, and communitarianism.
Prayers at the Maha Samadhi
One of the most important moments of the tour occurred when the prime minister offered silent prayers at Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Maha Samadhi within Prasanthi Nilayam. Surrounded by the calm of the ashram, he bowed in reverence before the saint’s final resting place. Later, in Sai Kulwant Hall, Modi performed special ceremonies before Sai Baba’s golden statue. During the ritual, a group of Vedic academics sang hymns, filling the chamber with rhythmic chanting that added to the sacredness of the moment.
The Prime Minister’s participation in these rites demonstrated not only official respect but also a personal sense of dedication. Prasanthi Nilayam, popularly known as the “Abode of the Highest Peace,” has long served as the spiritual center for Sai Baba’s activities. The ashram continues to draw followers, both Indian and foreign, who seek sanctuary, counsel, and opportunities to serve the community inspired by his teachings.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba: A life of spiritual service
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, born Sathyanarayana Raju on November 23, 1926, in Puttaparthi, rose to international prominence as a religious leader who upheld moral standards and provided humanitarian services. He advocated five global principles: truth, righteousness, peace, love, and nonviolence. He called upon people to recognize God within themselves and live a life of service, love, and moral action. At the age of 14, he made a public declaration about his divine mission, an event that marked the beginning of what devotees describe as his spiritual advent.
Over the decades, his direction spurred the development of hospitals, schools, universities, water projects, and several other efforts that continue to serve millions without discrimination. Sai Baba frequently stated that his message was contained within his life itself. His motto, “Love All, Serve All,” has shaped the activities of the global Sai organization, which is now present in over 130 countries. For many people, his legacy includes not only spiritual teachings but also the practical execution of those principles through free healthcare, education, and large-scale drinking water initiatives.
Modi participates in the Godanam ceremony
As part of the centenary celebrations, Prime Minister Modi participated in the traditional godanam ceremony, which represents the gifting of cows to those in need. During the event, he distributed animals to several farmers and participated in a bigger campaign, which included the giving of 100 cows to economically disadvantaged families. During the event, the prime minister stressed the cultural and economic importance of cattle in India. He shared about activities carried out in his own Varanasi constituency and mentioned India’s help to countries such as Rwanda through the giving of Gir cattle. He praised the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust for promoting welfare activities such as animal conservation and rural development. The Prime Minister urged citizens to continue engaging in selfless service, drawing inspiration from Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life and philosophy.
Also read: PM Modi in Bhutan: What Modi set in motion in Bhutan?
Sachin Tendulkar shares a personal story
Sachin Tendulkar, the cricket star, delivered a message that gave a highly personal depth to the event. He cited a visit to Sai Baba in 2011 as emotionally momentous and linked to a watershed period in his cricket career. Tendulkar said the blessings he received during that visit gave him spiritual strength during India’s triumphant run in the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He told the audience that his association with Sai Baba dated back to the mid-1990s and that the spiritual leader’s guidance had been a source of inner stability throughout his life. Tendulkar shared lighter memories too, recalling how, as a young cricketer, people often compared his hairstyle to Baba’s. Calling the centenary celebrations a “truly special occasion,” he offered his respects and spoke about the comfort and direction millions have found in Baba’s teachings.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s emotional tribute
Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s speech brought a wave of emotion to the gathering. Before addressing the audience, she greeted the prime minister with a traditional show of respect by touching his feet for blessings, which was extensively observed by those present. In her address, she highlighted the universality of love, a central theme in Sai Baba’s message, emphasizing how humanity transcends caste, creed, and religion. She described her first contact with the Sai community through the Bal Vikas program, where she learned discipline, humility, and the importance of service.
Aishwarya reflected on Sai Baba’s teachings, especially the “five Ds”: discipline, dedication, devotion, determination, and discrimination. She said Baba’s guidance continues to influence the way people across the world strive to live meaningful and spiritually grounded lives. She expressed gratitude to the prime minister for participating in the event, saying that his presence added a sense of sanctity and inspiration to the occasion.
Prime Minister Modi’s address
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi described the centenary celebration as both emotionally moving and spiritually enriching. He said Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings continue to resonate globally, guiding millions across continents even after his physical departure. He highlighted Baba’s emphasis on seva, or selfless service, calling it the moral foundation of India’s cultural heritage. The Prime Minister said that the institutions founded by Sai Baba stand as powerful examples of how spiritual ideals can translate into tangible service like free healthcare, large-scale water projects, housing initiatives, and nutrition programs.
Modi outlined several major initiatives undertaken by the Trust, including the installation of thousands of kilometers of drinking water pipelines in Rayalaseema, the construction of homes for disaster-affected families, and hospitals that offer free medical care without billing counters. He also praised the Trust’s recent effort to open thousands of Sukanya Samriddhi accounts for girl children, aligning with national efforts to support women’s empowerment. The Prime Minister said that the centenary year serves as a reminder of the nation’s duty to uphold values of compassion, service, and unity—virtues at the heart of Sai Baba’s mission.
Commemorative coin and postal stamps released
As part of the centenary observances, Prime Minister Modi released a ₹100 commemorative coin along with a special set of postal stamps dedicated to Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The coin and stamps honor the spiritual leader’s enduring influence and the vast humanitarian legacy built over his lifetime. The release marked a symbolic tribute during a historic milestone year.
Inside the grand celebrations
The centenary celebrations began with colorful cultural performances by hundreds of students from Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust schools. The ceremony concluded with a merger of spirituality, culture, and public service, which has been essential to the Sai movement for decades. One of the most notable events of the centenary year was the first Sri Sathya Sai Rathotsavam. Earlier in the day, over a thousand couples attended the Sri Sai Sathya Narayana Vratham at Sai Kulwant Hall, generating an atmosphere of devotion. Later, a ceremonial puja was held to inaugurate the newly built silver chariot, attracting thousands of devotees from around India and overseas. The day ended with heartfelt bhajans and the Mangala Harati, marking the end of a spiritually uplifting event that captured the essence of Sai Baba’s message.
