Sathya Sai Baba's 100th birthday celebration!!

Sathya Sai Baba!!

Birth & Early Life

Sathya Sai Baba was born on 23 November 1926 in the village of Puttaparthi (in present-day Andhra Pradesh) as Ratnakaram Sathyanarayana Raju. 
From a young age he stood out for his devotion and spiritual leanings, eventually proclaiming himself the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba when he was about 14 years old. 

Message and Mission

Sathya Sai Baba emphasised universal values: Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, Non-violence. According to his devotees, his motto could be summarised as: “Love All, Serve All; Help Ever, Hurt Never.” 
Under his guidance the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (SSSCT) was formed in 1972 to carry out philanthropic work—medical care, drinking water projects, education. 

Birth Anniversary & Centenary Celebrations

Because his birth date is 23 November, each year devotees around the world commemorate his birth-anniversary in Puttaparthi and other centres. Recently, in 2025, the 100th birth anniversary (centenary) was observed:

• The state government of Andhra Pradesh declared the occasion a state festival. 

• The event in Puttaparthi attracted national dignitaries including the Prime Minister and other luminaries. 

• Various activities, like a 24-hour global bhajan/kirtan and blood donation camps, were organised to mark this occasion. 

Why His Birth Date Matters

• Beyond being the day of his physical birth, devotees view the date as significant because it marks the beginning of his karma-based mission—serving humanity through love and self-less service.

• The centenary in 2025 amplified that message globally and locally: it reaffirmed the trust’s and his followers’ commitments to service (seva) rather than merely ritual commemoration.

• For visitors to Puttaparthi, the atmosphere around 23 November is specially charged: pilgrims, devotional music, communal service, and gatherings to reflect on his legacy.

Legacy

• His humanitarian works continue: free hospitals, education institutes, water-supply projects. For example, SSSCT’s water projects impacted over a thousand villages. 

• His teachings and life are still influencing a global community, beyond India.

• The birth anniversary serves not just as a remembrance, but a reaffirmation of service-oriented living.

Key Influences Seen by Celebrities

• Actor Vijay Deverakonda says that his early years in Puttaparthi shaped his outlook:

  “I don’t like being alone. … No matter how difficult the situation is, I strongly believe it will pass. Whenever possible, I step forward to help others.” 
  He adds that his direct experience of the self-less service by the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (in Puttaparthi) “without any discrimination” strengthened his devotion and service mindset. 

• Veteran actor Rajinikanth recalls singing in Baba’s presence and being deeply moved by what he saw:

  “I sang two to three times before Swami. … He blessed me saying my voice should resonate across the world.” 
  He mentions how he observed doctors, IAS and IPS officers happily cleaning plates, wiping tables and sweeping, chanting “Sairam” (a devotional greeting) as part of voluntary service. 
  Following the loss of his daughter, this spirit of service inspired Rajinikanth to establish the Sneha Nandana Charitable Trust to support under-privileged musicians. 

• Singer Chitra shares that her family’s long association with Baba influenced her own path:

  “My grandparents and mother were devotees, and later we followed the same path. Baba himself named me.” 
  She further credits listening to Radio Sai bhajans while studying medicine in Georgia for helping her stay calm, disciplined and focused. She points to the practices of morning meditation, maintaining composure during hardships, and overcoming stress as lessons learnt from Baba. 

Actor Saikumar (named after both Shirdi Sai and Puttaparthi Sai) reflects:

“Baba’s teachings — ‘Help Ever, Hurt Never’ and ‘Love All, Serve All’ — guide my life.” 
He emphasises his commitment to supporting poor students, conducting motivational sessions for youth in Sai organisations, because he has struggled in his own education and values time for a student.  

 

Why It Matters

These celebrity reflections underline that beyond rites and rituals, the teachings of Sai Baba carried practical impact:

• Service beyond status: Seeing high-rank professionals (like doctors and officers) engage in basic service tasks helped to normalise service (seva) as an expression of devotion, not just a duty of the disadvantaged.

• Discipline & inner resilience: The guests attribute to his teachings the ability to remain calm under pressure, to serve rather than wait to be served, and to treat every person with respect.

• Legacy of naming, family tradition, and personal commitment: In Chitra’s case the naming by Baba, and family continuity, show personal connection; in Saikumar’s and others’ cases the adoption of his mottos into active work.

• Impact on charitable work: Rajinikanth’s starting of a trust and Saikumar’s student-support efforts show how the ideals translate into institutions and continuous action.

If You Plan to Visit Puttaparthi

Here are some tips:

• The main ashram Prasanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi is the spiritual heart for the celebrations. 

• Accommodation will be in high demand around the birth-anniversary date (late November). Early booking is advised.

• Expect large crowds, devotional programmes, and a general spirit of service and celebration.

• If you are going for darshan or meditation, plan for time and transport: the town will be busier than usual.

• Respect local rituals and decorum: modest dress, willingness to participate in communal activity, quiet reflection are appreciated.