PM Modi Honors Sathya Sai Baba’s Legacy, Calls for Service and Nation-Building
The Prime Minister highlighted that Baba’s influence extends to more than 140 countries, guiding countless individuals with renewed courage, clarity, and purpose.
- Country:
- India
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the birth centenary celebrations of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, describing the occasion as a deeply emotional and spiritual experience. Beginning his address with “Sai Ram”, the Prime Minister said that offering floral tributes at Baba’s Samadhi had filled him with profound devotion and gratitude. He emphasised that although Baba is no longer physically present, his teachings, compassion, and message of selfless service continue to inspire millions around the globe.
Sathya Sai Baba: A Global Symbol of Love, Peace and Service
The Prime Minister highlighted that Baba’s influence extends to more than 140 countries, guiding countless individuals with renewed courage, clarity, and purpose. Calling the birth centenary year a “divine blessing”, Shri Modi said that Sathya Sai Baba embodied the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
To commemorate the centenary, the Government of India released a ₹100 commemorative coin and a postage stamp, celebrating Baba’s vast contributions to spirituality and humanitarian service. The Prime Minister extended his greetings to devotees and volunteers worldwide who continue to carry forward Baba’s mission.
“Seva Parmo Dharmah”: India’s Civilisational Ethos
Shri Modi underscored that service (Seva) is the core value of Indian civilisation. Regardless of whether one follows the path of Bhakti, Gyan, or Karma, all traditions converge in the principle of service to humanity.
He emphasised that for Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Seva was the essence of love, reflected in teachings such as:
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“Love All, Serve All”
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“Help Ever, Hurt Never”
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“Manav Seva hi Madhav Seva”
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“Less Talk, More Work”
Baba’s institutions—spanning education, healthcare, nutrition, rural development, water supply, clean energy, and disaster relief—stand as living proof that spirituality and service are deeply intertwined.
Even after Baba’s physical departure, the Prime Minister noted, the scale and impact of Seva activities continue to grow, showing that the influence of truly enlightened masters increases with time.
Transforming Lives Through Compassionate Service
Shri Modi reinforced that Baba’s teachings were never confined to scriptures or ashram boundaries. The impact is visible across India—from tribal regions to major cities—through selfless service in health, education, sanitation, and social upliftment.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, along with its affiliated organisations, has built an institutional and sustainable model of service, expanding its work year after year. He highlighted several notable initiatives:
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Over 3,000 km of pipelines laid in Rayalaseema, resolving a severe drinking water crisis.
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1,000 homes constructed for flood-affected families in Odisha.
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Hospitals offering world-class, cashless care, where patients are astonished to find no billing counter.
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20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts opened for young girls, ensuring financial security and education.
Shri Modi said these projects demonstrate the power of service rooted in compassion.
Women Empowerment Through Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, launched 11 years ago, has become one of India’s most impactful financial schemes for girl children. Offering an interest rate of 8.2%, the scheme has:
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4 crore accounts opened nationwide
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₹3.25 lakh crore deposited so far
He appreciated the Sathya Sai community for opening 20,000 accounts, empowering young girls with financial security.
Shri Modi also described similar initiatives in Varanasi, where 27,000 accounts were opened and seed money was deposited for beneficiaries.
Promoting Livelihoods Through Gau Daan and Dairy Development
The Prime Minister participated in a Gau Daan ceremony, where 100 cows were donated to poor farming families. He said the cow is a symbol of prosperity, nourishment, and compassion in Indian tradition.
Shri Modi highlighted India’s efforts in promoting indigenous cattle breeds:
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Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, over 480 Gir cows were distributed in Varanasi, growing to 1,700 cows and calves today.
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A tradition of gifting the first female calf to other farmers is strengthening cattle-based livelihoods.
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During his visit to Rwanda, India gifted 200 Gir cows, contributing to the local “Girinka” tradition of sharing prosperity.
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Countries like Brazil have developed India's Gir and Kankrej breeds into high-yielding cattle through scientific methods.
These examples, the Prime Minister said, demonstrate how traditional values combined with modern science create systems that uplift communities.
Building a Developed India Through Collective Duty
Reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the era of “Kartavya Kaal”, Shri Modi urged all citizens to participate actively in building a developed, self-reliant India.
He called for strengthening the mantra “Vocal for Local”, emphasising that buying local products directly supports families, small businesses, and village economies—paving the way for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
A Sacred Land of Service and Spiritual Energy
Shri Modi concluded by stating that Puttaparthi radiates a unique energy where speech becomes compassion, thought becomes peace, and action becomes service. He expressed confidence that Sathya Sai devotees will continue to illuminate lives wherever suffering exists.
He offered heartfelt greetings to the entire Sathya Sai family, volunteers, and institutions worldwide, acknowledging their tireless work in advancing the path of love, harmony, and Seva.
The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Ministers, and several distinguished leaders, marking a momentous occasion in celebrating the timeless legacy of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
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