Puttaparthi, Nov 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, remarked on Sunday that Sri Sathya Sai Baba was a “divine being in human form”, who left an indelible mark on the lives of millions through his extensive social service, conflict resolution, spiritual teachings, advocacy for non-violence, and the journey towards liberation.

During the centenary celebrations of Sathya Sai Baba's birth, the Chief Minister emphasized the mantra of 'Love all, serve all, Help ever, hurt never'.

“On November 23, 1926, Sathya Sai Baba was born in this sacred land with a profound purpose. He dedicated 86 years of his life to this land, imparting the philosophy of Bhagwan Sai to the world. He provided wisdom and illuminated the right path,” said the Chief Minister.

Naidu noted that from the tender age of 8, Sathya Sai Baba emerged as a figure of divine thoughts, engaging in prayers, kirtans, and bhajans. At the age of 14, on May 23, 1940, he renounced his birth name, Satyanarayana Raju, and embraced the name Sathya Sai.

The Chief Minister stated, “Divine beings manifest in specific places. Sri Sathya Sai chose this holy land, transforming Puttaparthi along the Chitravati River into a hub of spirituality and divinity.”

CM Naidu affirmed that Sathya Sai Baba initiated a new era founded on the principles of truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence.

Numerous dignitaries, including Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and Minister Nara Lokesh, participated in the celebrations and paid homage at Sathya Sai Maha Samadhi.

Naidu reminisced that Sathya Sai Baba's humanitarian efforts took form with the inception of Sathya Sai institutions in 1960.

“Sathya Sai Baba envisioned universal peace, happiness, and the welfare of all humanity. People from all walks of life, both affluent and influential, flocked to follow his path of service, often without any invitation, seeking the tranquility offered in Puttaparthi,” he noted.

Chandrababu Naidu remarked that even in Sathya Sai Baba's absence, his influence permeates the area, referring to Prasanthi Nilayam as an energy center.

Established 75 years ago on this day, Prasanthi Nilayam has evolved into a venue for spiritual gatherings and a sanctuary providing solutions to the trials and tribulations of devotees, he mentioned.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Sathya Sai Baba, who regarded service to humanity as akin to serving God, further broadened his mission through the Sathya Sai Central Trust. He made essential services in education, healthcare, and mental well-being accessible to all, both nationally and internationally.

Naidu pointed out that 60,000 students are benefitting from free education at 102 Sathya Sai schools, while 3,000 individuals receive medical assistance daily from hospitals operated by the Trust.

The Trust has also provided drinking water to over 3 million people across 1,600 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu at a cost exceeding Rs 550 crore, alongside spending Rs 250 crore on modernizing the Chennai drinking water initiative.

With a presence in 140 countries and 2,000 centers, the Sathya Sai Trust continues to flourish.

The Sathya Sai International Organization is advancing Sai philosophy and services across ten global zones.

CM Naidu expressed pride in the fact that Sathya Sai institutions have attracted 750,000 service members, with the state government officially commemorating Sathya Sai's contributions.

He also congratulated Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for organizing the centenary celebrations in Telangana.