Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Attends Centenary Celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi
The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, attended the Centenary Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh today.
Vice President Highlights Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Teachings
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President described Sri Sathya Sai Baba as a great emissary of peace, love, and selfless service whose message reached beyond barriers of caste, religion, class, and nationality. He stated that Baba’s principles, including Love All, Serve All and Help Ever, Hurt Never, guided his initiatives and influenced those he served.
He referred to a Kural of the saint-poet Thiruvalluvar and said that Sri Sathya Sai Baba embodied this message by dedicating his life to serving humanity.
Relevance of Baba’s Values
The Vice President emphasised the significance of Baba’s teachings rooted in Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema, and Ahimsa. He said these values are essential for a harmonious and progressive society. He added that Baba advocated harmony over discord and sacrifice over selfishness, which he described as especially important in the current global environment marked by uncertainty and conflict.
He highlighted that truth, duty, empathy, and moral responsibility must guide public life, noting that these principles were fundamental to Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s work.
Impact of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
Praising the work of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, the Vice President noted its contributions in healthcare, education, and social welfare. He described the Mobile Rural Health Services as a vital support system for remote communities and appreciated the Trust’s educational institutions for offering values-based, fee-free education.
He said the Trust continues to support communities through drinking-water projects, disaster relief initiatives, and several humanitarian services. He also recalled Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s contribution to rejuvenating the Telugu Ganga canal, which ensured drinking water for Chennai. He noted that this service is remembered by the people of Tamil Nadu.
Vice President Calls for Service-Oriented Action
Marking the centenary celebration, the Vice President urged devotees and citizens to honour Baba’s legacy through meaningful actions by helping those in need and fostering peace within families, communities, and the nation.
He extended greetings to the Sai community and concluded with the prayer Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu, expressing hope that Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings will continue to guide humanity. He added that the greatest form of worship is service and the highest offering is love.
Cultural Presentations and Dignitaries Present
During the celebration, the Vice President also viewed a cultural presentation by students at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.
The event was attended by Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Governor of Tripura Shri N. Indra Sena Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Minister for HRD, IT, Electronics & Communication and RTG of the Government of Andhra Pradesh Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister of the Government of Tamil Nadu Mr. Shekhar Babu, Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust Shri R. J. Rathnakar, All India President of the Sri Sathya Sai Sewa Organisation Shri Nimish Pandya, Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning Shri K. Chakravarthi, and other dignitaries.