Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the principle of “Seva Paramo Dharma” (service is the highest duty) has been the civilizational backbone of India for centuries, and Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed service at the core of human life.
Addressing the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Prime Minister Modi said that devotion without service, knowledge without compassion and work without social contribution have no meaning.
Prime Minister Modi asked, “All our diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions ultimately lead to this one ideal. Whether one follows the path of bhakti, knowledge or karma, each is linked to service. What is bhakti without service to God present in all beings? What is knowledge if it does not awaken compassion for others? What is karma if not the feeling of dedicating one’s work as a service to society?”
Prime Minister Modi also said that ‘Seva Paramo Dharma’ is the guiding force that has empowered India for centuries. He further said, “Seva Paramo Dharma: is the principle that has sustained India through centuries of change and challenges… Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed service at the center of human life. He often said, “Love all, serve all.”
Highlighting the health services of Sri Sathya Sai Hospital, the Prime Minister said, “The poor families who come to Sri Sathya Sai Hospital for the first time are stunned to see that there is no billing counter there. Even though the treatment is free, there is no inconvenience to the patients and their families.”
The central government’s Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, which was launched a decade ago to secure the future of girls.
He said, “Today, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts have been opened in the names of more than 20,000 daughters. This has ensured their education and a secure future. The Government of India launched Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana 10 years ago with a focus on the education of daughters and their bright future. It offers one of the highest interest rates in the country to our daughters at the rate of 8.2%.”
Prime Minister Modi said, “So far, accounts of more than four crore daughters have been opened under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and you will be happy to know that an amount of more than Rs 3.25 lakh crore has been deposited in these bank accounts.”
Earlier, on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin and a set of postage stamps dedicated to the life and teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu honored Prime Minister Modi in Puttaparthi.
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Union ministers Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and G Kishan Reddy were also present. The celebrations also included cultural dance and singing performances.
PM Modi also visited the holy temple. And ‘paid homage and respect at the Mahasamadhi of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.’