Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was among the notable personalities who gathered in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, on Tuesday for the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The ceremony drew several prominent attendees, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, and Union ministers Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and G Kishan Reddy. Before beginning her address—centered on unity, faith, and compassion—the actor greeted PM Modi by touching his feet on stage.

The centenary event brought together people from diverse backgrounds to honour the spiritual figure’s enduring teachings.

During her speech, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan spoke about the need to transcend barriers of caste and religion, stressing that humanity should be at the heart of all social interactions. She encouraged the audience to embrace love, compassion, and oneness—principles reflected in Sathya Sai Baba’s philosophy.

“There is only one caste, and that is humanity. There is only one religion, and that is love. The only universal language is that of the heart, and the divine is present everywhere,” she said, receiving warm applause from the crowd.

Expressing her gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, she said she looked forward to hearing his address. She then reflected on the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, highlighting his emphasis on the “five D’s”—Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination, and Discrimination—qualities he believed were essential for a purposeful and spiritually aligned life.

Born on November 23, 1926, Sri Sathya Sai Baba became a revered spiritual guide whose message of service, love, and unity resonated across the world. His humanitarian initiatives and philosophical teachings earned him millions of followers. Since his passing on April 24, 2011, his legacy continues to inspire devotees globally.

The centenary celebration in Puttaparthi served as a reminder of his enduring influence, bringing together admirers to honour the values he championed.