Puttaparthi witnessed a historic spiritual gathering on Sunday as thousands assembled at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and several other dignitaries participated in the global event, with speakers reflecting on the appeal of Sathya Sai Baba’s message of love and service.
Vice President Radhakrishnan paid glowing tributes to the spiritual leader, recalling Sathya Sai Baba’s large-scale humanitarian initiatives, particularly drinking water projects that uplifted lakhs across multiple States. He fondly remembered Baba as the only saint who had visited the residence of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, calling it a testament to his boundless compassion that transcended political and social barriers.
“At a time when society is challenged by division, Baba’s teachings of love, unity and service hold greater urgency. His mission lives vibrantly here,” he said, urging devotees to honour his legacy through purposeful action rather than symbolic celebration.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu described November 23, 1926, as the divine advent of a figure who transformed millions through unconditional love. Calling Prasanthi Nilayam a “divine energy centre,” he said people from across the world were drawn to Sathya Sai Baba without any outreach, purely by the power of his message. He reiterated Baba’s universal declarations — “Love All, Serve All” and “Help Ever, Hurt Never” — and highlighted the 75th anniversary of Prasanthi Nilayam’s inauguration. Mr. Naidu lauded the immense educational, medical and drinking water projects undertaken by Sai institutions and urged devotees to carry Swami’s message across the world.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said it was an honour to participate both as a devotee and as a constitutional head. He praised Sathya Sai Baba for achieving what even governments struggle to accomplish, citing free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level, life-saving medical services, and major drinking water schemes benefiting Palamuru, Anantapur, and Tamil Nadu. Though physically absent, he said, Baba’s philosophy continues to inspire lakhs of people.
Earlier, the celebrations opened with the spectacular Swarna Rathotsavam, featuring chanting of Vedas, Nadaswaram, contingents from several countries, Bal Vikas cultural presentations and offerings from various wings of the Sai Organisation.
Dignitaries, including the Governor of Tripura N. Indrasena Reddy, and a special message from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, added to the solemnity of the occasion.
The session concluded with Mangala Harathi and the National Anthem, as Prasanthi Nilayam basked in devotion, gratitude and celebration.
Published – November 23, 2025 03:08 pm IST
