Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the birth centenary celebrations of spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Wednesday in Andhra Pradesh, sharing the stage with former Miss World and ex-student of the Sathya Sai Bal Vikas program, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The event was also attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, and R J Rathnakar, managing trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.

Paying tribute to the late guru, PM Modi highlighted the enduring relevance of Sai Baba’s teachings. “Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s centenary celebration is not just a festival, but a divine boon. Though Sai Baba is not among us physically, his love and spirit of service continue to guide crores of people,” Modi said. He emphasised that Seva, or service, remains a central value of Indian civilisation.

As part of the celebrations, PM Modi also released a commemorative coin and a set of stamps to mark the occasion, underlining the national significance of Sai Baba’s centenary.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who had studied under Sathya Sai Baba’s Bal Vikas program, addressed the gathering, reflecting on the spiritual guru’s teachings and their lasting impact on millions around the world. She recalled Sai Baba’s guidance on the “5 Ds”—Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination, and Discrimination—as essential qualities for a meaningful and spiritually anchored life.

“There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. There is only one religion, the religion of love. There is only one language, the language of the heart, and there is only one God, and he is omnipresent,” Bachchan said, quoting the guru’s principles.

At the end of her address, she touched PM Modi’s feet, acknowledging his presence as an inspiration and a reminder of Sai Baba’s message that true leadership lies in service. “Your presence here adds sanctity and inspiration to the centenary celebrations and reminds us of Swami’s message that true leadership is service, and service to man is service to God,” she said.

The event, held in the spiritual town of Puttaparthi, saw large gatherings of devotees and dignitaries coming together to honour the centenary of a guru whose teachings continue to influence spiritual and social service initiatives across India and beyond.