Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba as an embodiment of universal love, emphasizing that his message of compassion, service, and humanity continues to inspire millions across the world. Modi made these remarks during the centenary celebrations of Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai district, while offering prayers at the Maha Samadhi of the spiritual leader at Prashanti Nilayam.

Accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Modi paid tribute to Baba’s enduring legacy, highlighting the spiritual leader’s contributions to education, healthcare, disaster relief, and rural development. Addressing a large gathering at Hill View Stadium, the Prime Minister said, “Though Baba is not physically among us today, his love continues to remain with us. His teachings have transformed countless lives across the country. Millions of his devotees continue to serve humanity.”

Legacy of Compassion and Service

Modi praised the work of the Sri Sathya Sai organisations, calling Puttaparthi “a sacred land with a special divine energy.” He noted that the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—guides the Baba-founded institutions. “Love all, serve all — this remains the guiding principle of the Sai organisations. They continue to provide rural development, free healthcare, and social service across India,” the Prime Minister said.

He highlighted the role of Sai Seva Dal volunteers during the Bhuj earthquake and the extensive water supply projects executed by the trust, spanning over 3,000 km of pipelines. Modi also noted that free healthcare institutions established by Baba continue to serve lakhs of people annually. Drawing parallels with national welfare initiatives, he mentioned India’s Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, which now has over 40 million accounts with deposits totaling ₹3.25 lakh crore, adding that as a Varanasi MP, he facilitated deposits for 27,000 girl children under the scheme.

On the occasion, Modi handed over Gir cows to economically disadvantaged families through the Sathya Sai Trust, underlining the importance of supporting rural livelihoods and strengthening the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement.

Reflections from Andhra Pradesh Leadership

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu described Sathya Sai Baba as “the divine presence we witnessed on this earth,” emphasizing his universal message of love, peace, and service. “His teachings of ‘love all, serve all; help ever, hurt never’ are a guiding force for humanity. He influenced people from diverse countries and even inspired atheists towards spirituality,” Naidu said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the contributions of Baba’s educational institutions, which provide free, value-based education to approximately 60,000 students across 102 schools and colleges. He also detailed the healthcare initiatives, including superspeciality hospitals, general hospitals, and mobile medical services that continue to provide free treatment every day.

Naidu recalled Sathya Sai Baba’s water supply initiatives, including projects covering 1,600 villages across Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, executed at a cost of over ₹550 crore and benefiting more than 3 million people. Additionally, the modernisation of the Chennai drinking water system involved an investment of ₹250 crore.

Commemorative Releases and Personal Tributes

As part of the centenary celebrations, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin and a set of postal stamps honouring Sathya Sai Baba’s life and teachings. The event also saw personal tributes from Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who shared their spiritual association and experiences with the late guru.

The centenary event underscored Sathya Sai Baba’s enduring influence, both in India and abroad, as a symbol of selfless service, compassion, and spiritual guidance. Modi’s remarks reiterated the continued relevance of Baba’s teachings in guiding societal welfare and human development initiatives.