Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, describing the occasion as an emotional and spiritual experience. Earlier in the day, he offered floral tributes at the Mahasamadhi of the spiritual leader.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba continue to inspire millions across more than 140 countries, even though he is no longer physically present. “His teachings, his love, and his spirit of service guide crores across the world,” he said.
PM Modi emphasised that seva – or selfless service – is the central value of Indian civilisation and a unifying thread across the country’s spiritual traditions. “‘Seva Paramo Dharmah’ has sustained India through centuries of change and challenge,” he said, adding that Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed service at the heart of human life.
He recalled Baba’s message of “Love All, Serve All” and noted that institutions founded by him stand as living examples of how spirituality and social service work together. PM Modi highlighted the Trust’s initiatives in drinking water supply, housing, healthcare, nutrition and disaster relief, including the laying of over 3,000 km of water pipelines in Rayalaseema, construction of 1,000 homes for flood-affected families in Odisha, and hospitals offering free treatment with “no billing counter”.
The Prime Minister appreciated the Trust’s recent initiative to open more than 20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts for girl children. He noted that over 4 crore accounts have been opened nationwide under the scheme, with deposits exceeding ₹3.25 lakh crore.
PM Modi also took part in a Gau Daan programme where 100 cows were donated to poor farming families. He spoke about the cultural, economic and nutritional importance of cattle in India and highlighted similar initiatives in his constituency Varanasi, as well as India’s gifting of Gir cows to Rwanda.
Calling on citizens to embrace the spirit of Vocal for Local, PM Modi said empowering local economies is essential for building a developed India. He described the centenary year as a source of inspiration in the nation’s “Kartavya Kaal”.
The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Ministers K. Rammohan Naidu, G. Kishan Reddy, and Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, among others.
Earlier, the Prime Minister released a ₹100 commemorative coin and a set of postage stamps in honour of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life and legacy.