Sai Ram! The Governor of Andhra Pradesh Shri Abdul Nazeer ji, Shri R.J. Rathnakar ji, Managing Trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Shri K. Chakravarthi ji, my very old friend Shri Ryuko Hira ji, Dr. V. Mohan ji, Shri M.S. Naganand ji, Shri Nimish Pandya ji, all other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen, once again Sai Ram to all of you.
I have had the privilege of visiting Puttaparthi multiple times. I really wished to be among all of you once again, to meet you and be a part of this program by being present there today. However, due to my busy schedule, I couldn't make it. While inviting me, Bhai Ratnakar ji said that ‘you should come once and give blessings’. I feel the need to correct Ratnakar ji's statement. I will definitely come there, but not to give blessings, rather to receive blessings. I am present among all of you today through the help of technology. I congratulate all the members associated with Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and all the devotees of Sathya Sai Baba for this event today. We have the inspiration and blessings of Sri Sathya Sai with us in this entire event. I am pleased to see the expansion of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's mission on this holy occasion. The country is getting a major think tank in the form of Sri Hira Global Convention Center. I have seen pictures of this convention center and glimpses of it in the short film which was screened now. It provides a spiritual experience along with a touch of modernity. It encompasses cultural divinity as well as intellectual grandeur. This center will serve as a hub for spiritual conferences and academic programs. Scholars and experts from various fields around the world will come together here. I hope that this center will be of great help to the youth.
Friends,
Any thought becomes most effective when it progresses and manifests in the form of action. Mere words do not create a significant impact, as much as true actions do. Today, along with the inauguration of the convention center, the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council Leaders Conference is also commencing here. Delegates from many countries are present at this conference. Particularly, the theme you have chosen for this event, "Practice and Inspire," is both impactful and relevant. It is often said in our country: यत् यत् आचरति श्रेष्ठः, तत्-तत् एव इतरः जनः॥ which means, as the noble ones act, the society follows the same.
Therefore, our conduct is the biggest inspiration for others. The life of Sathya Sai Baba itself is a vivid example of this. Today, India is moving forward by prioritizing its duties, aiming for the goals of the 100th anniversary of independence. We have named our ‘Amrit Kal’ as the 'Kartavya Kaal' (Era of Responsibilities) as we believe it encompasses not only the guidance of spiritual values but also the aspirations for the future. It represents both progress and heritage. While there is a revival of spiritual centers in the country, India is also leading in terms of its economy and technology. Today, India is among the top five economies in the world. Today India has the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally. In areas such as digital technology and 5G, we are competing with the major countries. Forty per cent of real-time online transactions worldwide are happening in India alone. I would like to urge Ratnakar ji and all our Sai devotees to make our newly formed Puttaparthi district, which is associated with Sai Baba's name, 100 per cent digital. Every transaction should be digital. You will see that this district will gain a unique identity in the world, and with Baba's blessings, if my friend Ratnakar ji takes this responsibility then it is possible that we can make the entire district digital by Baba's next birthday when there will be no need for a single cash rupee, and this can be done.
Friends,
Change is happening through the participation of every section of society. Therefore, events like the Global Council serve as an effective means to learn about India and connect the rest of the world with it.
Friends,
Saints are often likened to flowing water in our country, because they never stop with their thoughts or cease their actions. Their life is characterized by a continuous flow and relentless effort. For an ordinary Indian, it doesn't matter where these saints were born. A true saint becomes one's own, representing his faith and culture. Therefore, our saints have nurtured the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India) for thousands of years. Sathya Sai Baba was born in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh! But his followers and admirers can be found in every corner of the world. Today, there are places and ashrams associated with Sathya Sai in every region of the country. People from every language and tradition are associated with Prasanthi Nilayam under a mission. This is the consciousness of India that weaves it together as one thread and makes it eternal.
Friends,
Sri Sathya Sai used to say, सेवा अने, रेंडु अक्षराल-लोने, अनन्त-मइन शक्ति इमिडि उन्दी। i.e. 'Service to humanity is service to the divine.' In other words, infinite power resides in just two letters ‘Seva’ (service). Sathya Sai's life was a living embodiment of this spirit. It has been my privilege to have the opportunity to observe Sathya Sai Baba's life from close quarters, learn from him and continue to live in the shadow of his blessings. He always had a special affection for me, and I always received his blessings. Whenever I had a conversation with him, he would convey profound thoughts with utmost simplicity. Both I and his devotees remember several such teachings of Sathya Sai even today. 'Love All-Serve All', 'Help Ever, Hurt Never', 'Less Talk-More Work', 'Every experience is a lesson, every loss is a gain.' Sathya Sai has given us many life lessons. They contain sensitivity and profound insights into life. I remember when an earthquake struck Gujarat, he called me specially. He personally involved himself in providing relief and assistance in every possible way. Thousands of people from his organization were working day and night in the affected areas of Bhuj under his guidance. Regardless of who the person was, he cared for their well-being as if they were his own, very close to him. For Sathya Sai, 'Service to mankind is service to God.' This spirit of seeing 'Narayana in every human' and 'Shiva in every living being' makes people divine.
Friends,
Religious and spiritual organizations in a country like India have always played a significant role in social upliftment. Today, the nation has completed 75 years of independence and has stepped into ‘Amrit Kaal’ with the resolutions for the next 25 years. Organizations like the Sathya Sai Trust have a crucial role to play when we are giving a momentum to heritage and development. I am glad that your spiritual wing is nurturing the cultural heritage of the younger generation in India through programs like Bal Vikas (Child Development). Sathya Sai Baba established hospitals for humanitarian service, and the state-of-the-art hospital in Prasanthi Nilayam stands as a testament to that. For several years, the Sathya Sai Trust has also been running good schools and colleges for free education. The efforts of your organization in nation-building and empowering society are commendable. The organizations associated with Sathya Sai are also working with dedication in the initiatives taken by the country. Today, the country is connecting every village with clean water supply under the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’. The Sathya Sai Central Trust is also contributing to this humanitarian cause by providing free water to remote villages and becoming a partner in this noble endeavour.
Friends,
Considering the challenges of the 21st century, climate change is also a major problem facing the entire world. India has undertaken several initiatives on the global platform, such as the Mission "LiFE." The world is trusting India's leadership. As you all know, India is hosting the presidency of an important group like G-20 this year. This event is based on the theme of India's fundamental ideology: ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. The world is being influenced by India's vision, and the attraction towards India is increasing worldwide. You have witnessed how a world record was set at the United Nations headquarters on International Yoga Day on June 21. Representatives from most countries came together in one place at the same time for yoga. Yoga is becoming an integral part of people's lives worldwide.
Today, people are embracing Ayurveda and looking to learn from India's sustainable lifestyle. Curiosity as well as faith in our culture, heritage, past, and legacy are continuously growing. In the last few years, numerous idols have been returned to India from various countries. These idols had been stolen from our country 50-100 years ago. Our cultural ideology remains our greatest strength behind India's efforts and this leadership. Therefore, cultural and spiritual organizations like Sathya Sai Trust play a significant role in all such endeavours. You have taken a pledge to plant one crore 'Prema Taru' (Love Tree) in the next two years. I would hope that tree plantation takes place, and I also wish that when my friend, Bhai Hira ii, is present here, we can use the technique of creating small forests like the Miyawaki method from Japan. I would like the people of the Trust to implement it, and we can present a model of creating small forests in different places across the country. It should be done in a very large amount because it has the power to keep each other alive. Another plant has the power to keep the plant alive. I understand that Hira ji has expertise in this, and I can confidently assign him any task. And that's why I informed him as well. Let the resolution of a plastic-free India be accompanied by the inclusion of as many people as possible.
Solar energy is also needed to inspire people towards clean energy alternatives. I have been told and also saw in your short video that the Sathya Sai Central Trust is providing meals made from Shree Anna Ragi and Java (millet) to around 40 lakh students near Andhra. This is also a commendable initiative. If other states are also connected through such initiatives, the country will benefit greatly. Shree Anna not only provides nutrition but also offers numerous possibilities. All such efforts on a global level will enhance India's capabilities and strengthen its identity.
Friends,
The blessings of Sathya Sai are with all of us. With this power, we will build a developed India and fulfill our resolve to serve the entire world. I was not able to meet you again in person, but I will definitely come in the future and cherish the great moments spent among you, reminiscing about the old days. I keep on meeting Hira ji from time to time. Today I assure you that even though I could not come today, I will definitely come in the future. With this belief, I wholeheartedly wish you all the very best. Thank you all very much. Sai Ram
