Sri Sathya Sai Baba

100 Years of Pure Love and Selfless Service

Centenary Series, Article 13

“A Century of Divine Presence, Transformative Service, and Universal Message (23 Nov 1926 – 23 Nov 2025)”

From the Cradle of Divine Love to the World

From the tiny village of Puttaparthi, the cradle of divine love, blossomed a mission of Love and Selfless Service that soon embraced the whole world. Born in 1926 in the humble village of Puttaparthi, Sathyanarayana Raju revealed His Divine Nature & Mission at the age of 14 years on 20 October 1940, declaring, “I am Sai Baba”. Through the decades, He built Prasanthi Nilayam – The Abode of Peace – a spiritual nucleus radiating Pure Love and Transformation to every continent. He inspired humanity not by conversion but by Transformation through Pure Love and Selfless Service – awakening hearts to unity, compassion, and selfless service.

“My Life is My Message” – Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Temples of Love in Action

Swami transformed compassion into concrete action through monumental humanitarian projects that redefined service to mankind:

Hospitals of Healing: Super Specialty Hospitals in Puttaparthi (1991) and Whitefield (2001) that provide world-class healthcare — completely free of charge.
Education for Transformation: The Sri Sathya Sai Institutes of Higher Learning (Deemed University) and a network of schools across India providing human values based free education that nurture wisdom and character in equal measure.
Free Water Projects: Provided safe drinking water to millions in drought stricken districts across Anantapur, Medak, Mahbubnagar, East & West Godavari, and Chennai.
Global Seva: Inspired Sri Sathya Sai Global Organisations in 125+ countries serving humanity through free food, medical camps, Value based education and much more.

“Wherever there is pain, let your hand reach, Wherever there is hunger, let your heart serve”

The Five Human Values

At the heart of His teachings blossom the five eternal human values that uplift and unite humanity — Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non-Violence). These values form the foundation of righteous living and serve as guiding lights for a world in search of harmony, compassion, and selfless service.

“When these values blossom in the heart, human life becomes divine”

Empowering the Youth – Leaders of Tomorrow

Recognising the strength and potential of youth, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba launched the Sai Youth Wing in the 1970s to mould young minds through Service, Devotion, and Discipline. He taught that “The future of the nation depends on the character of its youth.”

Today, Sai Youth across the world lead service projects, medical camps, and educational initiatives, embodying His call to “Be good, do good, and see good.” Inspired by His vision, they stand as catalysts of transformation, spreading Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love, and Non-Violence wherever they serve.

“The youth are the real wealth of a nation.

When their hearts are pure and their actions selfless,

the world will be filled with peace and happiness”

– Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Universal Legacy

Revered as the Avatar of Love and the unifier of all faiths, Sri Sathya Sai Baba inspired humanity to seek transformation of the heart rather than conversion of belief. His timeless teachings continue to awaken and guide millions across the world to live with love, service, and unwavering faith in God.

“There is only one Religion, the Religion of Love.

There is only one Caste, the Caste of Humanity.

There is only one Language, the Language of Heart.

There is only one God, He is Omnipresent.”

– Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Milestones in the Life and Mission of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Early Years

1926 (23 November): Birth of Sathyanarayana Raju in the small village of Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.
1940 (20 October): The first public bhajan “Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam” was sung, marking the beginning of the Sai movement. Declared His divine mission, proclaiming, “I am Sai Baba.”

The Building of Prasanthi Nilayam

1949: Foundation laid for Prasanthi Nilayam — The Abode of Supreme Peace.
1950 (23 November): Inauguration of Prasanthi Nilayam Mandir, the spiritual nucleus of His mission.

Expanding the Mission

1954: Launch of Sanathana Sarathi spiritual monthly magazine.
1957: First All-India Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations.
1963: Revelation of His identity as the Shiva–Shakti Avatar — the embodiment of both Lord Shiva and Mother Shakti.
1968: First World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations held in Mumbai.
1975: The Sarva Dharma Stupa at Prasanthi Nilayam was inaugurated on November 23, 1975, the 50th birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The Stupa was a gift to the global population and a symbol of His message of the unity of all religions.

Temples of Love in Action

1973: Inauguration of Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital, Whitefield, Bengaluru.
1981: Formation of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust to manage all global service projects.
1991: Inauguration of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram (Super Speciality Hospital).
1995: Launch of the Sri Sathya Sai Drinking Water Project — providing pure water to millions in Anantapur and surrounding districts.
2001: Inauguration of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield (Bengaluru).

Education for Life

1969–1981: Establishment of Sri Sathya Sai Schools and Colleges across India.
1969: Launch of the Bal Vikas / Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) programme for children worldwide.
1981: Inauguration of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed University).
Early 1980s: The “Sathya Sai Education in Human Values” (SSEHV) was developed as a secular modification for children of non-devotees, promoting the five human values in general school settings.
1998: Introduction of Educare — integrating human values into global education. On 20 November 1998 (in the lead-up to His 73rd Birthday), Sri Sathya Sai Baba formally introduced and explained “Sathya Sai Educare” to the world as the next phase of the Sai Education Mission.

Global Expansion

1970s–2000s: Formation of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations in over 125 countries.
2000: Completion of the Andhra Pradesh Water Project.
2004–2007: Expansion of Medicare and Water Projects to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
2006: Launch of the Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated Programme (SSSVIP).

The Eternal Message

2011 (24 April): Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba ended His earthly sojourn.
2025: The world joyfully commemorates the Centenary of His Divine Birth — A Century of Pure Love and Selfless Service.

“Start the day with Love

fill the day with Love

spend the day with love

end the day with Love

– that is the way to God”

The Living Sai Legacy in New Zealand

Carrying the Light of Sri Sathya Sai Baba through Love, Selfless Service, Education, and Unity

Love in Action in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and beyond

Across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Waikato and even beyond New Zealand, devotees of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council New Zealand quietly practice Swami’s teaching that, “Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray.” They feed the hungry, plant trees, donate blood, visit rest homes, and nurture children through human-values education — serving without distinction of faith, race, or status

Educating the Heart – Character Development Through Human Values Education.

Through the Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual Education (SSSSE) programs, children learn that true success lies not in what we possess but in what we share. They grow into compassionate citizens who live Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema, and Ahimsa in daily life.

Sai Youth in New Zealand – Love in Action

Inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s message of “Love All, Serve All”, Sai Youth across New Zealand are actively engaged in selfless service and spiritual growth. From food drives, medical camps, and tree-planting projects to blood donation, SSE teaching, and environmental care, they translate Swami’s message into daily action.

Sai Youth teams regularly lead bhajan sessions, value-based workshops, and community outreach programmes, nurturing compassion and unity among all cultures. Their strength lies in teamwork, humility, and devotion — living Swami’s ideal of Service, Devotion, and Discipline.

“Youth must be shining examples of love in thought, word, and deed.” — Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Ladies Wing in New Zealand – Serving with Love and Grace

Guided by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s message, “Service to man is service to God,” the Ladies Wing across New Zealand serves with compassion and devotion. From feeding the needy and visiting rest homes to sewing blankets and supporting community service, they radiate love in action. They nurture families through spiritual education, devotional programmes, and values-based living, embodying the divine qualities of sacrifice, purity, and selfless love.

The Centenary Call — Our Pledge

As the world celebrates 100 Years of Pure Love and Selfless Service, devotees in New Zealand rededicate themselves to carrying Swami’s Mission forward. Every smile, every act of kindness, every prayer becomes an offering at His Lotus Feet.

Together, we pledge to make New Zealand a land of Peace, Love, and Selfless service — a living reflection of His Divine Message.

— Ravinder Grover

(I held the pen — His ink flowed through me)

Blog Post Introduction

This article, ” Sri Sathya Sai Baba –100 Years of Pure Love and Selfless Service”, is part of our Centenary Series celebrating the life and teachings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Originally published on the official website of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council New Zealand. (www.sai.org.nz) and a shorter version of the same article in The Indian News on the 20 November 2025 issue, we are honoured to share it here. May it inspire and uplift all readers.

Disclaimer: ‘Without Prejudice’. I offer my insight to astrology solely based on my learnings of astrology principles and techniques, some of which I learnt from the Sages of the highest order. These predictions are offered for guidance purposes only. I offer absolutely no guarantee on my calculations and analysis. These predictions are not intended to harm anyone by any means. I expressly disclaim all warranties, implied or contingent, for making use of these predictions, for incurring any loss, loss of profit, or in any manner. No notice or advice from anyone will create any liability whatsoever