President of India Droupadi Murmu and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu jointly paid rich tributes to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Saibaba, describing his century-long legacy as a beacon of service, compassion and universal peace. Both leaders participated in the special centenary celebrations held at Prasanthi Nilayam on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said Sri Sathya Saibaba’s lifelong message, Service to mankind is service to God, continues to inspire millions across the world. She said Saibaba’s teachings of Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema remain powerful guiding principles for society and added that the welfare initiatives undertaken by the Sathya Sai Central Trust since 1969 have greatly contributed to women’s empowerment and national development.

“It is my privilege to take part in the centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Saibaba. He devoted his life to the wellbeing of humanity. Spiritual organisations must come together to strengthen society, and every individual must work for the nation inspired by his ideals,” the President said.

On her arrival at Puttaparthi airport, President Murmu was accorded a warm welcome by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Nara Lokesh, and trustees of the Sathya Sai Central Trust. She later offered prayers at the Mahasamadhi at Sai Kulwant Hall and ceremonially lit the Universal Torch of Peace, symbolising global harmony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said world peace would become a reality if individuals, institutions and nations follow Saibaba’s doctrine of Love All, Serve All and Help Ever, Hurt Never. Recalling his close association with Saibaba, the Chief Minister said the spiritual leader was even willing to mortgage Prasanthi Nilayam to resolve the drinking water crisis in Rayalaseema.

“Moved by his sincerity, devotees voluntarily contributed to complete the drinking water project, which today benefits regions across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu,” Naidu said. He praised the Sathya Sai Trust’s vast service network, supported by over 7.5 lakh volunteers across the globe.

The Chief Minister also launched the Sri Sathya Sai Tribal Women Health Care Programme, aimed at providing preventive and curative health services for tribal women. The initiative will offer multi-speciality medical care through telemedicine, screenings for anaemia, breast and cervical cancer, and ensure access to safe drinking water.

Describing tribal women as “the conscience keepers of our civilisation,” Naidu said the programme is not merely a welfare scheme but an initiative that contributes to nation-building. He urged citizens to become “ambassadors of peace” and carry forward Saibaba’s universal message.

Sathya Sai Central Trust managing trustee R. Ratnakar welcomed the gathering, while Sri Sathya Sai Seva Dal All-India president Nimish Pandey also addressed the audience.

The centenary celebrations, marked by spiritual fervour and public participation, underscored the continued relevance of Saibaba’s teachings in promoting harmony and human welfare across the world.