President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday urged the nation to harness the collective skills and strengths of its people to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, stressing that spiritual organizations, NGOs, the private sector, and citizens all have a crucial role in inclusive development. Speaking at a special session organized at Prasanthi Nilayam to commemorate the birth centenary of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, she said the government is taking several steps to improve citizens’ lives, but true progress will come only through unified effort and selfless service.

Paying rich tributes at the Sai Kulwant Hall, the President described Sri Sathya Sai Baba as an embodiment of selfless love whose entire life was dedicated to the welfare of humanity. She highlighted Baba’s core teaching that “service to man is service to God” and noted that millions of his devotees worldwide continue to serve the underprivileged, carrying forward his timeless message of compassion and unity.

President Murmu said spiritual institutions like the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust have set an exemplary model by providing free education, healthcare, and drinking water to millions, demonstrating how faith-based organizations can complement government efforts in nation-building. She called upon every section of society to adopt the spirit of selfless service to bridge gaps and ensure no one is left behind on the path to development.

On her arrival at Puttaparthi, President Murmu was warmly received by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The visit underscored the continuing relevance of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s philosophy of love, truth, peace, righteousness, and non-violence as guiding principles for building a prosperous and harmonious India.