A notable moment from the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, captured widespread attention on Tuesday when actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s feet on stage. The respectful gesture took place just moments before she delivered her address at the high-profile spiritual event.
The centenary ceremony saw the presence of prominent personalities, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Union ministers Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and G. Kishan Reddy, alongside thousands of devotees who gathered to honour the revered spiritual leader.
Aishwarya’s gesture toward PM Modi quickly became one of the most discussed visuals from the event. Following this, she went on to deliver a reflective speech that emphasised universality, compassion, and service — all principles central to Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings.
“There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. There is only one religion, the religion of love. There is only one language, the language of the heart, and there is only one God, and he is omnipresent,” she said, receiving warm applause from the audience.
The actor also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for attending the centenary celebrations, saying that his presence symbolised Swami’s philosophy that true leadership lies in service. She recalled Baba’s five guiding principles — Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination and Discrimination — noting their continued relevance in society.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, born on November 23, 1926, rose to global recognition for his spiritual teachings and large-scale philanthropic work in healthcare, education, and social welfare. Though he passed away in 2011 at the age of 84, his influence remains deeply rooted in communities worldwide.
The centenary event in Puttaparthi brought together devotees, dignitaries, and public figures in a grand tribute to his legacy. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s gesture and heartfelt message added a personal and emotional layer to the day’s proceedings.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
