Hon’ble Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi’s Speech

The Sai Hira Global Convention Centre at Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi was inaugurated by Sri Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, in the august presence of Sri S Abdul Nazeer, Hon'ble Governor of Andhra Pradesh on July 04, 2023. Built within the holy precincts of the Ashram, the convention centre has two auditoria equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems and teleconferencing capabilities. On this occasion, Sri Narendra Modi addressed the gathering live from Delhi. Presented below is the transcript of the talk delivered originally by him in Hindi.


Sairam! I extend my greetings to the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Abdul Nazeer, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust Managing Trustee, Sri R.J. Rathnakar, Sri K. Chakravarthy, my dear old friend, Sri Ryuko Hira, Dr V. Mohan, Sri S.S. Naganand, Sri Nimish Pandya and dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen, Sairam to all. 

I had the great fortune of visiting Puttaparthi a number of times earlier. It has been my desire to spend time with you and be a part of this momentous occasion. But owing to my prior commitments, I could not be present there today. When brother Rathnakar invited me to attend the function and bless everyone, I would like to say, I will definitely come to Prasanthi Nilayam – not to give but to receive the Divine Blessings. The gift of technology has enabled me to be present there amidst all of you virtually and I congratulate all the members of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, devotees and everyone associated with this occasion. Swami’s abundant blessings and grace are evident behind the organisation of this wonderful programme. I am delighted that Swami’s Divine Mission is expanding through this noble event. The world has gained a premier centre for conferences through the Sai Hira Global Convention Centre. I have already seen the pictures of the Convention Centre and now, have watched a few glimpses of the same, through the video. This centre is the seat of spirituality, modernism, cultural heritage and scientific ideology. It will become a centre for spiritual conferences and academic programmes. It will be a platform for distinguished academicians and prominent dignitaries across the world. I hope the youth benefit immensely from this centre. 

Friends, the influence of any thought can be seen only when it is implemented in the right manner. Mere words without actions do not inspire as much as a single noble deed does. 

Today, along with the inauguration of the Convention Centre, the Leaders’ Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Global Council has also started. Delegates from different countries have come to take part in this conference. The theme selected for this conference, “Practise and Inspire” is very motivating and relevant in the present scenario. It is said that “Yat Yat Acharati Sreshtaha, Tat Tat Eva Itaraha Janah”, which means, as great people act, so the society follows. Hence, our actions themselves serve as an inspiration for others. Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Life itself is a perfect example of this idealogy. Today India is marching ahead with duty as its first priority. Keeping in view the 100 years of Independence, we have transformed our golden era into an era of duties. Our duties are not only guided by spiritual values but also have futuristic goals. They encompass both our heritage and development. 

Today, just as spiritual centres are being revived in our country, India is also taking the lead in the fields of economy and technology. India has now emerged as one of the top five economies of the world and it also has the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is also competing with the leading nations in the world in sectors like digital technology and 5G. 40% of all real-time online transactions happening in the world are taking place in India. I would like to urge Sri Rathnakar and all Sai devotees to transform the entire Sri Sathya Sai district of Puttaparthi into a 100% digital district. If every transaction is made a digital one, it will enable this district to create a unique identity for itself in the world. With the blessings of Baba and the sincere efforts of my friends such as Rathnakar, if this task is taken up as their responsibility, by the next Birth anniversary of Baba this can be achieved.

Dear friends, every section of society has contributed to bringing about the transformation which we witness in our country today. Hence organisations like the Global Council are an effective medium for people to know more about India and to connect it with the world.

Dear friends, In our country, saints are considered to be like flowing water as they never cease their noble pursuits and actions. The lives of saints are defined by their uninterrupted flow and uninterruptible efforts. The birthplace of a saint does not determine his followers. For them, any true saint becomes one of their own and he becomes a representative of their beliefs and cultures. Thus, the saints have nourished the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat - One Bharat Great Bharat’ for thousands of years in India. Even though Sri Sathya Sai Baba was born in Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh, his followers and devotees can be found in every corner of the world and his institutions and ashrams can be found in every part of India. They have all connected with Prasanthi Nilayam for a common mission, irrespective of language and culture. It is this consciousness that weaves India into a single thread, making it immortal.

Dear friends, Sathya Sai says that “Seva ane rendu aksharallone anantamaina shakti imidi lundi” which means there is infinite power in the two-letter word SEVA. Sathya Sai Baba’s life is a perfect example of this principle of service. It has been my great fortune to be in Swami’s proximity, to learn from Him and to live under the umbrella of Swami’s Divine Blessings. Swami always showered His grace and abundant Love on me. Whenever I would meet Him, He would convey the most profound of truths in simple language. Even today all of us can remember Swami’s teachings - ‘Love All Serve All’; ‘Help Ever Hurt Never’; ‘Less Talk More Work’; 'Every Experience is a Lesson - Every Loss is a Gain’. Swami has imparted many such valuable life lessons to us.

These lessons encompass profound sensitivity as well as a deep philosophy of life. I still remember that Baba Himself enquired about the well-being of all the people of Gujarat after the earthquake. Thus, Swami Himself took an interest in the relief and rescue operations there. Under His Divine guidance, thousands of people belonging to the Sai Organisation rendered service tirelessly in the earthquake-affected areas in Bhuj. Swami was always concerned about each and everyone and considered everyone as His own. For Sathya Sai Baba, Service to Man is Service to God. This ability to see God in everyone elevates one from Man to Divine. 

 

Dear friends, In a country like India, religious and spiritual institutions have always been at the centre of social upliftment. We have completed 75 golden years of Independence and have entered Amrit Kaal with the resolutions for the next 25 years. Organisations like the Sathya Sai Trust have a major role to play in giving momentum to heritage and development. 

I am happy that the spiritual wing of the Sathya Sai Organisation is laying a strong foundation of cultural heritage within the minds of the new generation, through programmes like Bal Vikas. Swami has established hospitals for serving humanity, like the hi-tech hospital in Prasanthi Nilayam. Schools and colleges also have been imparting free education for years.

The Sathya Sai Organisations are working with dedication towards the initiatives taken by the country. The Nation is committed to providing potable drinking water in every village in our country through the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’. The Sathya Sai Central Trust has become a partner in the humanitarian work of providing free water to remote villages.

Friends, Climate change is one of the major challenges faced by the World in the 21st century. India has taken initiatives like ‘Mission LiFE’ on the Global platform and the entire world is looking up to India for its leadership. It is common knowledge that India is heading the prestigious G-20 this year, based on the theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. The entire world is inspired and impressed by this vision. 

Last month, on 21st June, on the occasion of International Yoga Day, we all witnessed the world record created at the UN Headquarters where the representatives of many nations came together for the practice of Yoga. Today, yoga has become an integral part of our lives.

Today, people from other countries are adopting Ayurveda and sustainable lifestyle practices from India. They are also curious about our rich culture, heritage, and glorious past and their growing respect for our country is a testimony to this.

Many valuable artefacts which were stolen from our country centuries ago have been brought back to our country in recent times. Cultural thinking is the driving force behind these efforts and the leadership of India. Therefore, cultural and spiritual institutions like the Sathya Sai Trust have a great role to play in all such efforts. 

The ‘Prem Taru’ initiative, ie., a pledge to plant 1 crore trees in the next 2 years, has been taken by you. In this context, along with the plantation of saplings, I would request my friend Hira ji to share the technique of MIYA WAKI (mini forest) with the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and thereby create mini forests in different areas because trees have the natural tendency to support and sustain each other when planted in large numbers. This should serve as a specimen for the entire nation.

I urge everyone to come forward to support such initiatives, be it tree plantation or the resolution to make India plastic-free. It is also important to encourage and motivate people to look for healthier options like solar energy and clean energy.

I have been informed that the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has been providing Sri Anna Ragi-Java to about 40 lakh students of Andhra. This is also another commendable act. The country will benefit greatly if other states are also connected with such initiatives. There is health in Sri Anna (millets), and there are also possibilities. All such efforts will increase India's potential at the global level and will strengthen India's identity.

Friends, Sathya Sai's blessings are with all of us. With this power, we will build a developed India and fulfil our resolve to serve the whole world.

I regret my inability to attend the occasion in person but I shall surely make a visit in future. I assure you that I will definitely spend some quality time amidst all of you, reminiscing the golden moments spent in the past. Once again, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to all of you and I would like to thank you.

Sairam.