Spiritual organisations should contribute to nation-building: Prez

Lauding the preachings of spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who inspired his followers to follow the path of service, President of India Droupadi Murmu on Saturday reminded that nation-building was the duty of all organisations, including spiritual and charitable ones and NGOs.

She said that the spirit of putting the “Nation First” would ensure that India becomes a developed nation by 2047, on the centenary of India’s independence.

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The President attended the special session to commemorate the centenary celebration of Sathya Sai Baba at Prasanti Nilayam, Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing the gathering, the President said, “Sri Sathya Sai Baba emphasised the belief that ‘Service to Mankind is Service to God.’ He exhorted his devotees to follow this ideal. He oriented spirituality with selfless service and personal transformation.

Sri Sathy Sai Baba inspired millions to follow the path of service. It is a matter of satisfaction that his devotees in so many countries are serving the underprivileged and the needy. Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s message of selfless love through selfless service is inspiring the Sri Sathya Sai service organisations to volunteer for service.”

She spoke of the quality education imparted by Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust to students, free medical care, and finally providing drinking water to thousands of drought-affected villages in Rayalaseema of AP and Tamil Nadu. The President said Sri Sathya Sai Baba oriented spirituality towards public welfare.

The President pointed out that nation-building was the duty of all organisations, guided by the spirit of putting the “Nation First”. Spiritual organisations, too, can make a significant contribution to this. The Government of India was taking numerous steps to make life easier and simpler for citizens, enabling them to utilise their talents and abilities for the nation’s development.

“All charitable organisations, NGOs, the private sector and citizens should contribute to these efforts of the Government of India. Their contribution will be helpful in achieving our goal of making India a developed nation by 2047,” said the President.

Earlier in the day, the President of India was received by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu at Puttaparthi airport as she arrived from Hyderabad. She offered prayers at Sathya Saibaba Maha Samadhi at Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam and also lit the universal torch of peace.

In Hyderabad, Telangana governor Jishnu Dev Varma and chief minister A Revanth Reddy bade her farewell at Begumpet Airport after her day-long visit.