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PM Modi addresses the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh

Published By : Admin | November 19, 2025 | 10:30 IST
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the birth centenary Celebrations of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh today. Prime Minister began his remarks with “Sai Ram” and expressed that being present among all in the sacred land of Puttaparthi was an emotional and spiritual experience. He shared that a short while ago, he had the opportunity to offer floral tributes at Baba’s Samadhi. Shri Modi highlighted that bowing at Baba’s feet and receiving his blessings always fills the heart with deep emotion.

Underlining that the birth centenary year of Shri Sathya Sai Baba is not merely a celebration for this generation, but a divine blessing, Shri Modi noted that although Baba is no longer present in physical form, his teachings, his love, and his spirit of service continue to guide crores across the world. The Prime Minister highlighted that in over 140 countries, countless lives are moving forward with renewed light, direction, and resolve.

Highlighting that Shri Sathya Sai Baba’s life was a living embodiment of the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the Prime Minister said, "therefore, this birth centenary year has become a grand festival of universal love, peace, and service”. He expressed that it is the good fortune of the Government to have released a ₹100 commemorative coin and postage stamp on this occasion, both reflecting Baba’s legacy of service. He extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to devotees, fellow volunteers, and followers of Baba across the world.

“The central value of Indian civilisation is Seva, or service”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, highlighting that all of India’s diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions ultimately lead to this one ideal. Whether one walks the path of Bhakti, Gyan, or Karma, each is connected to Seva. He questioned what Bhakti is without service to the divine present in all beings, what Gyan is if it does not awaken compassion for others, and what Karma is if not the spirit of offering one’s work as service to society. “‘Seva Parmo Dharmah’ is the ethos that has sustained India through centuries of changes and challenges, giving our civilisation its inner strength”, emphasised Shri Modi, noting that many great saints and reformers have carried forward this timeless message in ways suited to their times. The Prime Minister emphasised that Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed Seva at the very heart of human life. He recalled Baba’s words, “Love All, Serve All,” and affirmed that for Baba, Seva was love in action. The Prime Minister stated that Baba’s institutions in education, healthcare, rural development, and many other areas stand as living proof of this philosophy. He underlined that these institutions show spirituality and service are not separate, but different expressions of the same truth. Shri Modi added that while inspiring people during one’s physical presence is not uncommon, the Seva activities of Baba’s institutions continue to grow day by day despite his physical absence. This, he said, shows that the impact of truly great souls does not decrease with time—it actually grows.

Highlighting that the message of Shri Sathya Sai Baba has never been confined to books, discourses, or the boundaries of an ashram, Shri Modi remarked that the impact of Baba’s teachings is visible among the people. From cities to remote villages, from schools to tribal settlements, there is a remarkable flow of culture, education, and medical service across India. The Prime Minister highlighted that millions of Baba’s followers are engaged in this work selflessly. He noted that “Manav Seva hi Madhav Seva” is the highest ideal for Baba’s devotees. The Prime Minister added that Baba imparted many thoughts that embody compassion, duty, discipline, and the essence of life philosophy. He recalled Baba’s guiding principles: “Help Ever, Hurt Never,” and “Less Talk, More Work,” and affirmed that such life mantras of Shri Sathya Sai Baba continue to resonate in the hearts of all even today.

Underscoring that Shri Sathya Sai Baba used spirituality for the welfare of society and the people, the Prime Minister connected it with selfless service, character building, and value-based education. He highlighted that Baba did not impose any doctrine or ideology, but worked to help the poor and alleviate their suffering. Shri Modi recalled that after the Gujarat earthquake, Baba’s Seva Dal stood at the forefront of relief efforts. His followers served with full dedication for several days, contributing significantly in reaching aid to affected families, providing essential supplies, and offering psychosocial support.

The Prime Minister remarked that when a single meeting can melt someone’s heart or change the direction of their life, it reflects the greatness of that individual. He noted that even in the present programme, there are many individuals whose lives have been deeply transformed by Baba’s message.

Expressing satisfaction that, inspired by Shri Sathya Sai Baba, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and its affiliated organisations are advancing service in an organised, institutional, and long-term manner, Shri Modi stated that today, this stands before us as a practical model. He commended the remarkable work being done in areas such as water, housing, healthcare, nutrition, disaster support, and clean energy. The Prime Minister made special mention of several service initiatives: the Trust laid over 3,000 kilometres of pipeline to address the severe drinking water crisis in Rayalaseema; built 1,000 houses for flood-affected families in Odisha; and runs hospitals where poor families are astonished to find there is no billing counter. He noted that while treatment is free, patients and their families face no inconvenience. The Prime Minister further shared that today, over 20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts have been opened in the names of daughters, ensuring their education and secure future.

Pointing out that ten years ago, the Government of India launched the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana with a focus on girls’ education and their bright future, Shri Modi highlighted that this is one of the few schemes in the country that offers the highest interest rate of 8.2 percent to our daughters. He shared that over 4 crore accounts have been opened under this scheme for girls across India, and more than ₹3.25 lakh crore has been deposited in these accounts so far. The Prime Minister appreciated the noble initiative by the Shri Sathya Sai family in opening 20,000 Sukanya Samriddhi accounts here. Referring to his constituency, he mentioned that in February last year, 27,000 Sukanya Samriddhi accounts were opened for daughters in Varanasi, and ₹300 was transferred into each account. He affirmed that the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is playing a significant role in ensuring education and a secure future for daughters.

The Prime Minister stated that over the past eleven years, numerous schemes have been launched in India that have significantly strengthened the social security framework for citizens. He highlighted that the poor and underprivileged are increasingly being brought under the ambit of social security. In 2014, only 25 crore people were covered, whereas today this number has reached nearly 100 crore. Shri Modi further noted that India’s welfare and social security schemes are being discussed internationally.

Shri Modi shared that on this day, he also had the opportunity to participate in a Gau Daan programme, where the Trust is donating 100 cows to poor farming families. He emphasised that in Indian tradition, the cow is considered a symbol of life, prosperity, and compassion. These cows will support the economic, nutritional, and social stability of the recipient families. The Prime Minister remarked that the message of prosperity through cow protection is visible across the world. He recalled that under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, over 480 Gir cows were distributed in Varanasi a few years ago, and today the number of Gir cows and calves there has grown to around 1,700. He shared that a new tradition has been initiated in Varanasi, where the female calf born from a distributed cow is given free of cost to farmers in other regions, thereby increasing the cow population. Shri Modi also remembered that during his visit to Rwanda, Africa, 7–8 years ago, India had gifted 200 Gir cows. He noted that Rwanda has a similar tradition called “Girinka,” meaning “may you have a cow,” where the first female calf born is given to a neighbouring family. This practice has enhanced nutrition, milk production, income, and social unity in Rwanda.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Brazil has adopted India’s Gir and Kankrej cattle breeds and advanced them through modern technology and scientific management, making them a source of superior dairy performance. He remarked that such examples show how tradition, compassion, and scientific thinking together transform the cow into a symbol of faith, empowerment, nutrition, and economic progress. He expressed happiness that this tradition is being carried forward here with noble intent.

Underlining that the nation is moving forward with the spirit of “Kartavya Kaal” towards a developed India, and achieving this goal requires active citizen participation, Shri Modi emphasised that the birth centenary year of Shri Sathya Sai Baba is a major source of inspiration in this journey. He urged everyone to strengthen the mantra of “Vocal for Local” during this special year, noting that promoting the local economy is essential for building a developed India. The Prime Minister reminded that purchasing local products directly empowers a family, a small enterprise, and the local supply chain, paving the way for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Acknowledging that all present, inspired by Shri Sathya Sai Baba, are continuously contributing to nation-building, Shri Modi observed that this sacred land truly possesses a unique energy—where every visitor’s speech reflects compassion, thoughts reflect peace, and actions reflect service. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that wherever there is deprivation or suffering, the devotees will stand as a beacon of hope and light. With this spirit, he concluded by extending heartfelt greetings to the Sathya Sai family, institutions, volunteers, and devotees across the world for advancing this sacred mission of love, peace, and service.

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Ministers, Shri K Rammohan Naidu, Shri G Kishan Reddy, Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Verma were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Prime Minister visited the holy shrine and Mahasamadhi of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, and offered his obeisance and pay respects. Participating in the Centenary Celebrations of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Shri Modi released a Commemorative Coin and a set of Stamps honouring the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

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India – Finland Joint Statement on the State Visit of President of the Republic of Finland
March 05, 2026

At the invitation of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Republic of Finland, H.E. Dr. Alexander Stubb, is on a State Visit to India from 4-7 March 2026. President Stubb, who is on his first visit to India in his present capacity, is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai and is accompanied by Ms. Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment of Finland, Mr. Matias Marttinen, Minister of Employment of Finland, and a high-level delegation comprising of officials and business leaders. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue on 5 March 2026 in New Delhi with President Stubb as the Chief Guest delivering the Inaugural Keynote Address. President Stubb’s visit follows the visit of H.E. Mr. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.

On 5 March 2026, President Stubb was warmly welcomed by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Modi and President Stubb held wide-ranging discussions during a bilateral meeting, and jointly addressed the media. Prime Minister Modi also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary.

The President of Finland congratulated India for successfully hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026. Both Leaders shared the view that working towards safe, trustworthy, and inclusive development of AI is of paramount importance.

The Leaders affirmed the deep and enduring friendship between India and Finland, built on a foundation of mutual respect and the values of democracy and rule of law, as well as commitment to global peace, security, and international law.

The Prime Minister of India and the President of Finland reiterated their commitment to the rules-based international order and multilateral cooperation, with the UN at its core.

The Leaders underlined the importance of redoubling efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, and the importance of global cooperation against the challenges of climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Welcoming the landmark Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union concluded in the India-EU Summit on 27 January 2026, the Leaders acknowledged the immense and mutually beneficial opportunities for both parties of increased trade and investments, including for the India-Finland bilateral relationship.

Building on the momentum provided by the India-Finland Virtual Summit on 16 March 2021 and the meetings of the Prime Ministers of both countries in the margins of two editions of India-Nordic Summit in 2018 and 2022 in Stockholm and Copenhagen respectively, as well as during the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, the Leaders emphasized their shared commitment to continue expanding and deepening the cooperation between the two nations. In this spirit, the leaders agreed to elevate the India-Finland relations to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability, based on converging interests and mutual benefits.

Trade and Investment

The Prime Minister of India and the President of Finland called upon the business community to make use of the vast opportunities unleashed by the landmark India-EU FTA. In this context, The Leaders agreed that the aim should be to double the value of current trade between India and Finland by 2030.

The Leaders took note of the lively interactions between the respective business communities, reflected by the large business delegation visiting India together with the Finnish President, as well as the companies that joined the Finnish Prime Minister in February in connection with the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Both leaders expressed confidence that the India-Finland Business Summit and CEOs interaction scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 7 March would help pave the way for enhancing trade, technology collaboration and investments ties.

The Leaders welcomed the growing startup collaboration, manifested by the active participation of innovative Indian startups in Slush in Helsinki and Finnish startups in Startup Mahakumbh in New Delhi, as well as initiatives such as the Indo-Finland Startup Corridor.

Digitalization

Recognizing the transformative power of digitalization as a key driver of inclusive social and economic development, the Leaders identified digital transformation, including new and emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, high-performance and quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence, as priority areas where collaboration based on mutual trust and benefit can be strengthened. The Leaders noted India’s experience in Digital Public Infrastructure, including digital payments such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and discussed possibilities for cooperation in this area.

Against this backdrop, the Leaders asked the relevant ministries to establish a cross-sectoral Joint Working Group on Digitalization to define priorities and foster work on concrete and substantial actions driving the digital transition.

The Finnish President emphasized the positive impact of the considerable number of Indian professionals in the Finnish R&D and tech innovation ecosystems, contributing to social and economic development by means of digital transition and sustainability for the benefit of all.

The Leaders noted with satisfaction the Joint Calls by the Indian Department of Science and Technology and Business Finland to provide RDI funding for joint initiatives of Indian and Finnish companies and research organizations with focus on semiconductors, 6G, and energy systems. They also took note of the cooperation framework between Bharat 6G Alliance and the University of Oulu, Finland, welcoming all efforts to further strengthen bilateral collaboration on 6G.

Furthermore, the Leaders welcomed the work between the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Business Finland to further explore avenues of RDI collaboration with special focus on AI, noting also the discussions between the Indian Centre for Development of Advanced Computing and the Finnish IT Centre for Science with respect to High-Performance Computing.

In the field of advanced technology, the Leaders also highlighted Space tech as an emerging area of collaboration with considerable future potential and active private sector engagement between Indian and Finnish players.

Sustainability

On sustainability, both Leaders underlined the great potential in advancing clean energy solutions, notably in areas such as low carbon transition, energy efficiency, biofuels, smart grids, and green hydrogen. In addition, they highlighted the importance of cooperation in circular economy, sustainable water management and meteorology.

To this end, the Leaders welcomed the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Sustainability, bringing together relevant actors from both countries to enhance collaboration on sustainability-related issues.

Moreover, the Leaders underscored the importance of implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy, encompassing many key areas of collaboration that contribute to sustainability, including bioenergy and waste-to-energy solutions, power storage and flexible RE systems, green hydrogen, as well as wind, solar and small hydro power.

They acknowledged the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation, and collaboration under the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) and encouraged the parties to advance the deeper collaboration in circular economy, climate action, and sustainability.

Both sides acknowledged that the rapid deployment of Smart Energy solutions, including Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and other digital grid technologies, has enhanced efficiency while increasing cybersecurity risks to critical power infrastructure. They agreed to explore future areas of cooperation in promoting resilient, reliable and sustainable smart grid systems.

The Finnish President extended his appreciation to India for hosting the next World Circular Economy Forum in the later part of 2026, a Finnish initiative providing a platform to enhance circular economy solutions and bring together leading expertise in the search for new collaborative initiatives.

The Prime Minister of India acknowledged Finland’s active role in bringing together Indian, Finnish and other Nordic stakeholders in the framework of the Indo-Nordic Water Forum, promoting new collaborations and best practices in water resources management and wastewater management for circular economy solutions.

With respect to meteorological collaboration, the Leaders underscored the ongoing cooperation in aerosol monitoring and air quality forecasting between the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). They welcomed the work to establish a Virtual Research Center between FMI and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), also taking note of the already ongoing FMI-IITM research collaboration with multilateral projects exceeding a total value of Euros 11 million.

The Leaders also took note of the exchange of experiences between the Indian Ministry of Rural Development and the National Land Survey of Finland and the Finnish Environment Institute, cities, and companies about Land Stack, an integrated GIS based digital platform of land and property information.

The Leaders welcomed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on fostering cooperation in the field of Official Statistics which provides a framework for exchange of best practices, methodologies, and technical expertise in the area of official statistics.

Mobility, education, and people-to-people contacts

The Prime Minister of India and the President of Finland recognized the importance of people-to-people contacts in all fields, including skilled workers, specialists and young professionals, researchers and students, businesspersons, and academics, thereby nurturing economic prosperity, contributing to a rich social fabric, and enhancing mutual understanding.

In this context, the Leaders hailed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility Partnership, laying the frameworks for smooth, orderly, and mutually beneficial mobility for the years to come. Both sides agreed to take the steps required for the implementation of the MoU in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, that serves both India’s and Finland’s prosperity and economic growth. The Leaders also acknowledged the contacts between the respective Foreign Ministries, looking into possibilities of establishing bilateral dialogue on consular matters.

The Leaders took note of the Joint Statement endorsed by the High-Level Dialogue on Cooperation in Education (31 January 2024) and encouraged the relevant parties to accelerate their joint efforts to advance the common agenda, focusing on the agreed areas of secondary education, higher education, skill development, and student mobility.

In this context, they noted the growing interest in India towards the Finnish education system, the increasing cooperation in teacher training, as well as early childhood education institutions and schools that are being set up according to the Finnish model, as concrete expressions of the stakeholders’ shared will and commitment to continue developing the collaboration on education.

Furthermore, the Leaders highlighted the discussions on a bilateral audiovisual co-production agreement that will provide a solid frame to enhance cooperation in the film and gaming industries.

India-EU-relations

Both Leaders welcomed the new Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, endorsed in the India-EU Summit on 27 January 2026, based on shared values and principles, mutual trust, converging interests, and shared political will. They agreed that India and the EU can be stable, predictable, and trusted partners, building a multifaceted and deepening long-term relationship with many positive outcomes for both sides.

The Leaders underlined that the conclusion of Free Trade Agreement takes the India-EU relations to a new level. In addition to clear economic benefits by enhancing market access and removing trade barriers, both Leaders noted that the FTA could support economic security and resilience through diversifying critical value chains and opening new markets.

As a platform to address key trade, technology, and economic security issues, the Leaders reaffirmed their support to further enhance the work of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council as the cornerstone of the India-EU technology partnership.

The Prime Minister of India and the President of Finland underscored that the signing of India-EU Security and Defense Partnership added another meaningful dimension to the India-EU Strategic Partnership that will deepen co-operation in areas of shared interests, including maritime security, defense industry, cyber and hybrid threats, space, as well as counter-terrorism.

The leaders lauded the signing of the MoU on Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility and the launch of pilot European Union Legal Gateway Office in India.

Multilateral cooperation

The Leaders recognized the need to reform the UN system. In this context, they emphasized the importance of a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more efficient, representative, inclusive, and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities. The President of Finland reiterated Finland’s support for the permanent membership of India in a reformed UNSC.

The leaders underscored the vital role of cooperation within the United Nations and other international bodies to safeguard multilateralism and uphold a rules-based international order, including supporting mutual candidacies and nominations.

Both sides agreed to continue their constructive cooperation in multilateral fora, including on peace and security, human rights, sustainable development as well as climate change and biodiversity.

The Leaders reiterated their shared commitment to promoting a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo‑Pacific, in accordance with international law, including the UNCLOS. In this context, India welcomed Finland to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation and dialogue on Arctic matters, including through joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and capacity-building programmes. They took note of the first India–Finland Arctic Dialogue titled "The Himalayan and Arctic Ecosystems: India–Finland Partnership for a Sustainable Future” held in January 2026 in Rovaniemi, Finland, which brought together parliamentarians, government officials, academics and experts to deliberate on strategies and pathways for deepening collaboration on Arctic matters. Both leaders also underscored the importance of advancing cooperation in the structures of the Arctic Council, and within the broader framework of the India-Nordic Summit.

Both leaders unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They called for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner and in accordance with international law. They agreed to enhance cooperation to counter violent radicalization and extremism, combat financing of terrorism, promote internationally agreed anti‑money laundering standards, prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, and tackle terrorist recruitment. The leaders reaffirmed strong commitment to continue taking active measures to disrupt the terror financing channels including at the UN and FATF. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and the terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi on 10 November 2025.

Both Leaders agreed to continue to support efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, including independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Conclusion

To take forward the cooperation under the India-Finland Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability, the Leaders asked the respective Working Groups on Digitalization and Sustainability to develop a future-oriented and concrete Action Plan, including definition of priority areas and related actions, and report back to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India on the progress achieved.

The President of Finland thanked the Prime Minister of India for the excellent arrangements during his state visit, and both Leaders expressed their appreciation of the open and constructive dialogue, and the forward-reaching and evolving cooperation. They agreed to continue their interaction with a solid foundation in a shared spirit of mutual respect and collaboration. President Stubb invited Prime Minister Modi to pay a visit to Finland, and Prime Minister Modi accepted the invitation.