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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-Italy Joint Declaration
May 20, 2026

At the invitation of the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, paid an official visit to Italy on 19-20 May 2026. The visit, following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Italy in June 2024 for the G7 Summit and Prime Minister Meloni’s visit to India for the G20 Summit in 2023, provided renewed momentum to the bilateral ties. The two leaders decided to elevate India-Italy relations to the level of a Special Strategic Partnership.

Political Dialogue

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the strong momentum of high-level exchanges and agreed to hold annual meetings of leaders including on the sidelines of multilateral events, as well as regular Ministerial and institutional-level meetings.

They appreciated the concrete progress achieved across the diverse pillars of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 adopted by the two leaders in their meeting during the G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. They agreed to establish Foreign Ministers-led mechanism to review the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 and provide strategic guidance to India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership.

Economic Cooperation and Investments

Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing dynamism of bilateral economic and industrial cooperation, with three high level business fora held since the last year. Building on the opportunities arising from India’s rapid and consistent economic growth and the successful conclusion of the negotiations for the EU–India Free Trade Agreement, they reaffirmed the shared objective of expanding bilateral trade in both direction with aim to reach to € 20 billion by 2029.

They welcomed the increase of bilateral investments in key sectors and encouraged the respective industries to forge industrial and technology partnerships in order to build resilient supply chains. They welcomed the prospect of greater investments, particularly in textiles, clean technologies, semiconductors, automotive, energy, tourism, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, digital technologies, critical raw materials, steel, ports and infrastructure. They encouraged industries to utilize the policy incentives and schemes in place in both countries which seek to enhance business linkages and production facilities.

Both Prime Ministers agreed to encourage dialogue and cooperation among stock exchanges, investment funds, venture capital, banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.

They agreed to facilitate industrial partnerships, including between SMEs, to foster deeper integration of supply chains. They encouraged new sectoral missions in the coming months in priority areas of mutual interest.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in Critical Minerals. They agreed to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in field of critical minerals by establishing a structured framework for collaboration, with particular emphasis on sustainability and resilient supply chains. They underscored the importance of promoting joint efforts in recovery of critical minerals from unconventional sources, including electronic waste and mine tailings, as an integral component of circular economy initiatives. They also expressed satisfaction on signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of agriculture and agricultural research between respective ministries and institutions.

Connectivity

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), recognising its transformational potential in reshaping and promoting global trade, connectivity and prosperity. Appreciating the preliminary discussions around the project, they encouraged the first IMEC Ministerial meeting to take concrete steps for advancing this initiative in 2026.

They welcomed the signing of an MoU on maritime transport and ports and directed their respective ministries/departments to establish a joint working group to implement the MoU at the earliest.

Science, Technology, Innovation, Start-ups and Artificial Intelligence

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed that innovation, science and technology are core drivers of the India-Italy partnership.

They announced the creation of INNOVIT India, an innovation hub located in India aimed at strengthening cooperation between the respective innovation ecosystems, support startup acceleration programs, market access and business matching, joint research, university collaboration, and talent mobility in sectors including fintech, healthcare, semiconductors, logistics and supply chains, agritech, energy, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders welcomed the inaugural Science and Innovation Dialogue between Indian and Italian universities and research centres held in Delhi in April 2025 and look forward to holding its next edition in Italy later this year.

Both leaders underlined the importance of an open, free, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment, which is an enabler for innovation and economic growth. PM Modi thanked PM Meloni for Italy’s constructive participation in the AI Impact Summit that took place on 19th February 2026 in New Delhi. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a human-centric, secure, trustworthy and robust Artificial Intelligence. They agreed to collaborate in this domain including in third countries.

The two Prime Ministers placed particular emphasis on opportunities for cooperation in the field of supercomputing.

Building on the 2025–2027 Executive Program for Scientific Cooperation, they supported the implementation of joint projects and the facilitation of mobility of researchers in area of quantum technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable blue economy. They also welcomed the ongoing implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of scientific research and the launching of a joint call for proposals to fund research projects.

The two Prime Ministers acknowledged the longstanding scientific collaboration between the Indian Academia and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste and welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Indian Department of Science and Technology and the Elettra Sincrotrone center in Trieste, Italy in support of activities related to the access of synchrotron radiation facility at Elettra for Indian researchers.

Space

While appreciating the ongoing collaboration between Italian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation, the two leaders agreed to strengthen the partnership on Earth observation, heliophysics and space exploration, with focused thematic engagement and to explore cooperation on access to space and protection of space infrastructures. They expressed satisfaction with the recent reciprocal visits of their respective space industry delegations and looked forward to further promote commercial collaboration through exchanges of experts and joint initiatives also in third countries.

Defence

Both Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction with the deepening of defence cooperation including through Ministerial exchanges, service-to-service ties, port visits, and welcomed the adoption of a Joint Declaration of Intent and a Defence Industrial Roadmap which will promote partnerships for technological cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, including helicopters, naval platforms, marine armament and electronic warfare. They also recognized the importance of protecting critical infrastructures and their related supply chains through the strengthening of industrial resilience.

The two sides agreed to examine the feasibility of establishing an annual high level military structured dialogue, complementing the work of the Joint Defence Committee and the Military Cooperation Group, and to promote joint exercises and inter-force courses.

Both leaders agreed to launch a Dialogue on Maritime Security, with the aim of increasing maritime security cooperation, coordination, and the exchange of information and best practices in the maritime domain.

Security

The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism. The two leaders strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated their commitment to cooperate in the fight against terrorists and terrorist groups and their affiliates including those listed in the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions regime. They called upon all countries to continue to work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with the Financial Action Task Force’s guidelines. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to work together at the UN, FATF and other multilateral platforms.

Both leaders welcomed the first meeting of the Permanent Task Force between India and Italy on countering the financing of terrorism and the upcoming meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.

Both leaders welcomed the conclusion of an MoU between the Italian Guardia di Finanza and the Directorate of Enforcement of India and looked forward to early conclusion of the Agreement on Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information and the Agreement on strengthening of Police Cooperation. They also welcomed the ongoing discussions on other agreements including Extradition Treaty and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.

Migration and Mobility

The two leaders agreed to enhance mobility of students, researchers and skilled workers, particularly in STEM sectors, and to expand cooperation on skills development, in line with the needs of the labour market, including through a specific Joint Declaration of Intent on the facilitation of mobility of nurses from India to Italy. In this context, they welcomed the ongoing discussions between relevant agencies on Social Security Agreement (SSA).

They welcomed the launch of "ICI - Italy Calls India: a University-Enterprise talent bridge” aimed at enhancing the talent of Indian students enrolled in Italian universities by offering concrete pathways for guidance, matching, and qualified integration into Italian enterprises.

They also discussed the possibility of strengthening the cooperation to fight against irregular migration, labour exploitation and human trafficking to ensure safe and legal migration.

Culture and Educational Exchanges

The two leaders highlighted culture as a key pillar of bilateral dialogue and welcomed the signing of an MoU regarding Italy’s participation in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. They acknowledged the Indian National Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale in 2026. They expressed their intention to celebrate 2027 as the "Year of Culture and Tourism between Italy and India”, which will feature a broad calendar of initiatives, and pave the way to a major exhibition on ancient cultural relations between Italy and India to be co-organized by the two Ministries of Culture.

The two leaders encouraged the organization of an Italy–India Cultural Forum, bringing together institutions, experts, and representatives of the creative industries. The two leaders appreciated the launching of the twinning program between Indian and Italian sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the protection, enhancement and management of cultural heritage.

The two leaders agreed to further develop the film and audio-visual cooperation between the two Nations, building on the strength and innovative capacities of their industries and on the legal framework provided by the bilateral co-production agreement.

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their intention to strengthening cooperation in higher education and welcomed the adoption of the Indo-Italian Roadmap on Higher Education and Research. Prime Minister Modi invited Italian universities and institutions of excellence to open campuses in India under India’s New Education Policy.

India-EU Relations

The Leaders welcomed the new Joint India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda agreed at the India–EU Summit on 27 January 2026 and the conclusion of negotiations of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement which would elevate ties to a new level by enhancing market access, reducing trade barriers, and strengthening economic security and resilience through diversified value chains and new market opportunities.

They also reaffirmed their support for strengthening the India–EU Trade and Technology Council as a key platform for cooperation in trade, critical technologies, and economic security. The leaders welcomed the India–EU Security and Defence Partnership and appreciated progress in mobility cooperation, including the MoU on a Comprehensive Framework for Mobility.

Multilateral Cooperation

Both Leaders stressed the urgent need to reform the United Nations to make it more representative and suited to present-day realities.

Both Leaders emphasized the importance of working together in the United Nations and other global platforms including G20 to protect multilateralism and uphold a rules-based international order.

Recognizing the strategic priority both countries attach to Africa, the two Prime Ministers agreed to work together in trilateral initiatives with African partners in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, education, healthcare, artificial intelligence, connectivity and infrastructure and renewable energy in line with India’s development partnership in Africa and Italy’s Mattei Plan.

The Leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in line with international law, including UNCLOS. They look forward to their continued partnership in Science and Technology and Academic cooperation pillar of Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiatives.

Both leaders expressed deep concern over the situation in the West Asia/the Middle East and its effects in the region as well as the rest of the world. The leaders welcomed the ceasefire announced on 8 April 2026 and underlined the importance of de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy for a lasting peace in the West Asia/the Middle East. They also called for freedom of navigation and the resumption of global flows through Strait of Hormuz.

Both leaders expressed concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences. They agreed to continue to support efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

Conclusion

Noting the impressive growth and deepening of India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further expand cooperation across all sectors and continue close high-level consultations on key global and regional developments.

Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Meloni for the warm hospitality extended by the Government and the people of the Italian Republic and invited Prime Minister Meloni to visit India at a mutually convenient time.