Modi releases ₹100 commemorative coin, postal stamp says Sai Baba transformed spirituality into tool for social change at centenary fete

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Sri Sathya Sai Baba transformed spirituality into a tool for social service and human welfare.

Speaking at the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba held in Puttaparthi in Sri Satya Sai district, he said Satya Sai Baba's service to society and teachings guide generations towards a more compassionate world. "It’s been an honour to take part in the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, he said and highlighted Baba’s message of “seva”, the government’s initiatives like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for girls, and released a ₹100 coin and special postal stamp in his honour.

Highlighting that Shri Sathya Sai Baba’s life was a living embodiment of the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the Prime Minister said, "therefore, this birth centenary year has become a grand festival of universal love, peace, and service”. He expressed that it is the good fortune of the Government to have released a ₹100 commemorative coin and postage stamp on this occasion, both reflecting Baba’s legacy of service. He extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to devotees, fellow volunteers, and followers of Baba across the world.

He said Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed seva at the very heart of human life, he remarked. "Among the many noble deeds they are doing, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has focused greatly on animal welfare. Today, I took part in the Gaudan Ceremony, in which farmers are being given cows," he stated on X..

The Prime Minister began his remarks with “Sai Ram” and expressed that being present among all in the sacred land of Puttaparthi was an emotional and spiritual experience. He shared that a short while ago, he had the opportunity to offer floral tributes at Baba’s Samadhi. Shri Modi highlighted that bowing at Baba’s feet and receiving his blessings always fills the heart with deep emotion.

Underlining that the birth centenary year of Shri Sathya Sai Baba is not merely a celebration for this generation, but a divine blessing, Modi noted that although Baba is no longer present in physical form, his teachings, his love, and his spirit of service continue to guide crores across the world. The Prime Minister highlighted that in over 140 countries, countless lives are moving forward with renewed light, direction, and resolve. “

Expressing satisfaction that, inspired by Shri Sathya Sai Baba, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and its affiliated organisations are advancing service in an organised, institutional, and long-term manner, Modi stated "today, this stands before us as a practical model" and commended the remarkable work being done in areas such as water, housing, healthcare, nutrition, disaster support, and clean energy. The Prime Minister made special mention of several service initiatives: the trust laid over 3,000 kilometres of pipeline to address the severe drinking water crisis in Rayalaseema; built 1,000 houses for flood-affected families in Odisha; and runs hospitals where poor families are astonished to find there is no billing counter. He noted that while treatment is free, patients and their families face no inconvenience. The Prime Minister further shared that today, over 20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts have been opened in the names of daughters, ensuring their education and secure future.