Aishwarya Rai touches PM Narendra Modi’s feet during Sathya Sai Baba centenary event in Puttaparthi

Aishwarya Rai touches PM Narendra Modi’s feet during Sathya Sai Baba centenary event in Puttaparthi

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan touching Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s feet at the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba became one of the most talked-about moments at the grand event in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. The actor was among several high-profile attendees, including Sachin Tendulkar and Union ministers Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and G Kishan Reddy, who gathered to honour the revered spiritual leader.

The gesture came moments before Aishwarya stepped up to deliver her address. With the stage filled with dignitaries and devotees, the actor acknowledged PM Modi with the traditional gesture of respect, drawing immediate attention from the crowd. She then began her speech, which centred on themes of unity, compassion and spiritual responsibility — values closely associated with Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings.

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Aishwarya’s words struck a reflective tone as she spoke about moving beyond barriers of identity. “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. Her message echoed the spiritual leader’s emphasis on universality and service, and the audience responded with warm applause.

The actor also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for attending the centenary celebrations. She said she looked forward to hearing his address and linked his presence to Baba’s philosophy of leadership as service. “Your presence here adds sanctity and inspiration to this centenary celebration and reminds us of Swami's message that true leadership is service and service to man is service to God,” she said, before recalling the five guiding principles taught by Baba: Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination and Discrimination.

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The event itself reflected the scale of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s enduring influence. Born Sathyanarayana Raju on November 23, 1926, he rose to global prominence through his message of compassion and his extensive philanthropic work. His initiatives in education, healthcare and social welfare continue to support millions, both in India and abroad.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba passed away on April 24, 2011 at the age of 84, but his teachings remain deeply rooted in communities worldwide. The centenary celebrations brought together followers, leaders and public figures to honour his legacy. Aishwarya’s gesture and her speech added a personal layer to a day shaped by remembrance, respect and the continued relevance of Baba’s message.