Speaking at the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Baba’s teachings continue to guide millions across 140 countries.
He added that all spiritual and philosophical traditions in India ultimately lead to the ideal of seva, adding that bhakti, gyaan and karma are each incomplete without service to society.
Making a significant announcement, PM Modi said that Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts have been opened in the names of more than 20,000 daughters.
The Prime Minister appreciated the noble initiative by the Shri Sathya Sai family in opening 20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi accounts here.
Referring to his constituency, he mentioned that in February last year, 27,000 Sukanya Samriddhi accounts were opened for daughters in Varanasi, and ₹300 was transferred into each account.
He affirmed that the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is playing a significant role in ensuring education and a secure future for daughters.
This is one of the highest interest rates in the country, offering our daughters the highest interest rate of 8.2%, he stated.
“So far, accounts for more than 4 crore daughters have been opened under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and you will be pleased to know that more than Rs 3.25 lakh crore has been deposited in these bank accounts,” he further stated.
Talking about ideals of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, PM Modi said, “all spiritual and philosophical traditions in India ultimately lead to the ideal of seva, adding that bhakti, gyaan and karma are each incomplete without service to society.”
#WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “The poor families who visit Sri Sathya Sai Hospitals for the first time are stunned to find that there is no billing counter. Although treatment is free, patients and their families face no inconvenience. Today, Sukanya… pic.x.com/XUwQS2H6Av
— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2025
He added that Seva Parmo Dharmah has sustained India for centuries and given the civilisation its inner strength, noting that Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed service at the heart of human life with the message “love all, serve all.”
He described Sathya Sai Baba’s life as a true embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, calling the centenary year a festival of universal love, peace and service.
Shri Sathya Sai Baba’s life was a living embodiment of the principle ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Therefore, this birth centenary year has become a grand festival of universal love, peace, and service for us, he stated.
PM Modi and Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu released a commemorative coin and a set of stamps in honour of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life and teachings.
PM Modi stated that being present among you all today in this sacred land is an emotional and spiritual experience for me. “A short while ago, I had the opportunity to pay my respects at Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Samadhi. This birth centenary year of Shri Sathya Sai Baba is not just a celebration for our generation; it is a divine blessing,” he said.
He further said that even though he is no longer physically present among us, his teachings, his love, and his spirit of service continue to guide millions.
He added that millions of lives in more than 140 countries are moving forward with new light, new direction, and new resolve. Shri Sathya Sai Baba’s life was a living embodiment of the principle ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
PM Modi stated, “Therefore, this birth centenary year has become a grand festival of universal love, peace, and service for us,” he added.
Amidst the divine chants of ‘Sai Ram’, PM Modi reached Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, to a very warm welcome.