Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address on Wednesday, highlighting service, or seva, as the central value of Indian civilisation. He was speaking at the birth centenary celebrations of the revered spiritual leader, Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.
A Grand Celebration of Service and Legacy
The event marked the 100th birth anniversary of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, drawing a significant gathering of dignitaries and devotees. In a fitting tribute, the Prime Minister's office released a ₹100 commemorative coin and a postage stamp to honour Baba's enduring legacy. Modi described this as a moment of good fortune for the government.
He reflected that although the spiritual leader is no longer physically present, his profound teachings, unconditional love, and the pervasive spirit of seva continue to guide millions of people across the globe. The Prime Minister stated that Baba's life was a true embodiment of the ancient Indian ideal of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - the world is one family.
Seva in Action: From Philosophy to Practice
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed seva at the very heart of human life. He pointed out that this philosophy was not confined to books or sermons but was manifested tangibly through vast institutions established by Baba.
These institutions, spanning critical sectors like education, healthcare, and rural development, stand as living proof of his commitment to selfless service. To illustrate this, Modi recalled a specific instance following the devastating Gujarat earthquake, where volunteers from Baba's Seva Dal were at the forefront of providing crucial relief and assistance to the affected people.
Inspiration for a Developed India
Linking Baba's teachings to national progress, the Prime Minister noted that the nation is currently advancing with the spirit of "Kartavya Kaal" towards the goal of a developed India, or 'Viksit Bharat'. He asserted that achieving this ambitious vision requires active participation from every citizen.
Modi urged the public to draw inspiration from the birth centenary year of Sri Sathya Sai Baba to strengthen their resolve. He specifically reinforced the government's "Vocal for Local" initiative, stating that promoting and bolstering the local economy is an essential component in building a robust and self-reliant nation. The event was also attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Ministers K Rammohan Naidu, G Kishan Reddy, and Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Verma.
