Centenary celebrations in Puttaparthi

Snakes and earthworms were more than humans in Puttaparthi. From this hamlet, a child born in an ordinary family went on to become a global icon. There is no dearth of legends associated with Sathya Sai Baba. Inaugurating Baba's birth centenary celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Sai Baba was the embodiment of love that lived among us".

Baba's love and service continue to guide millions of people today, regardless of language, religion, or borders. The Prime Minister also pointed out that Baba's message of "Love all, serve all" as he proclaimed the eternal truth that the world is one family.

Baba left after living a great spiritual life, putting into practice the Guru's maxim, "Regardless of religion, man should be good."

Sathya Sai Baba, whose spiritual radiance traversed the whole world, spent his life for humanity, not for religions. Baba's life service can be seen in many aspects and dimensions. Baba had valued ​​the hands that do human service more than the lips that chant the holy verses. In every discourse, Baba called for leading an honest life in which there is no difference between words, thoughts and deeds.

Except for a few breaks he took during the year, Baba always resided at Prasanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi, giving darshan to devotees. Baba's first major initiative was a clean water project to solve the most serious problem in his hometown. He brought clean water 2500 km from the Tungabhadra River through a canal, even faster than the government could complete a clean water supply project in a panchayat. Baba saved 1300 villages from thirst during the scorching summer. He also implemented a water supply project worth Rs. 200 crores for the residents of Chennai.

There is only one hospital in India that does not have a payment counter. It is the Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital in Puttaparthi. Lakhs of people have undergone heart surgeries there. This includes people of Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Sikh faiths. The Sathya Sai Central Trust has not published a list of the religion of people undergone surgeries since they don’t yearn for such fame. The Sai Trust's ongoing contributions to value-based education, healthcare, village service, and women's empowerment continue unabated all over India even after Baba's Parinirvana.

Beyond the façade of social projects, Baba helped lakhs come out of grief and continue their lives modestly. For the years ahead, the anecdotes from Puttaparthi will continue to radiate around the world.