PM Modi, CM Naidu pay tribute to Sathya Sai Baba; spotlight on people’s welfare initiatives

Puttaparthi: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu described Sri Sathya Sai Baba as a ‘living God’ whose life was dedicated to the service of humanity and whose message of Love All – Serve All continues to inspire millions.

Speaking at the grand state-level centenary celebrations at Hill View Stadium, the Chief Minister highlighted Baba’s monumental contribution to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region, where safe drinking water was provided to over 30 lakh people across 1,600 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu through projects worth more than Rs 550 crore.

Baba also spent Rs 250 crore on the Chennai Drinking Water Modernisation Project, he said.

Educational initiatives

The Chief Minister recalled his discussions with Baba on Trust initiatives and noted that the Sri Sathya Sai Trust, on Wednesday, provides quality education to over 60,000 students through 102 educational institutions.

The Trust also delivers free healthcare through super-speciality hospitals, general hospitals and mobile clinics. He expressed pride in celebrating Baba’s centenary as a state function in his birthplace, acknowledging the global spiritual impact of his teachings.

He further stated that the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, established in 1972, now operates in 140 countries through 2,000 centres, supported by over 7.5 lakh Sevadal volunteers.

“It is our collective responsibility to carry forward Baba’s legacy and teachings to the next generations,” he added.

Rs 100 commemorative coin

Participating as Chief Guest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Baba’s unparalleled service to humanity and unveiled a Rs 100 commemorative coin along with four special postal stamps marking the centenary.

The Prime Minister also distributed Sukanya Samriddhi scheme certificates to girl beneficiaries, noting that the Trust extended the scheme to 20,000 girls.

In his address, the Prime Minister said that Baba’s life exemplified Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and universal peace. He said Baba’s message of Love All – Serve All mirrors India’s timeless values. Recalling the support of Sathya Sai Sevadal volunteers during the Gujarat earthquake, he expressed gratitude for their long-standing service.

Contributions to wildlife

The Prime Minister also appreciated the Trust for donating 100 Gir cows to farmers and shared that, as MP from Varanasi, he had facilitated the distribution of 480 cows under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. He urged citizens to support India’s march toward Viksit Bharat by embracing the Vocal for Local movement.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Minister Nara Lokesh, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, actor Aishwarya Rai and Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust Managing Trustee Rathnakar also addressed the gathering.