Aishwarya Bachchan’s Inspiring Speech at Shri Sathya Sai Baba Centenary Celebration

On a historic and sacred occasion marking the centenary celebrations of Bhagwan Shri Sathya Sai Baba, renowned actress Aishwarya Bachchan took the stage to address an audience filled with dignitaries, artists, students, and devotees. The event, graced by the presence of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held with great reverence and joy.

A Tribute to Legacy and Values

Aishwarya began by offering her humble salutations at the divine lotus feet of Bhagwan Shri Sathya Sai Baba. She warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, respected ministers, dignitaries, teachers, artists, performers, and students who had enthralled the audience with their captivating dances and musical performances.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for being part of this monumental occasion, stating that although a century has passed since the birth of Sathya Sai Baba, his presence, principles, teachings, and compassion continue to resonate in the hearts of millions worldwide.

Honoring Leadership and Service

Aishwarya extended special thanks to Prime Minister Modi for attending and honoring the celebration. She eagerly anticipated his words, noting that his presence added sanctity and inspiration to the event. She reminded the audience of Swami’s message: “True leadership is service, and service to man is service to God.” She emphasized that this divine message has always been close to her heart and guides her actions in life.

The Five Ds of Life

Reflecting on her journey as a Balvikas student, Aishwarya spoke about the five Ds—Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination, and Discrimination—that Sathya Sai Baba advocated for a meaningful and spiritually anchored life. She explained:

– Discipline: The mark of a true human being.
– Dedication: Doing everything as an offering to God.
– Devotion: The flow of love towards God.
– Determination: Never turning back once the right path is chosen.
– Discrimination: The ability to choose between right and wrong, truth and untruth.

She quoted Swami: “Education should not be for a living but for life,” highlighting the Shri Sathya Sai Baba education system that provides value-based education and free multidisciplinary university access to thousands of students every year, without discrimination.

A Model of Compassion and Service

Aishwarya praised Sathya Sai Baba’s unparalleled healthcare model, with super-specialty hospitals in Puttaparthi, Whitefield, Kolkata, and Navi Mumbai offering world-class treatment free of cost. She cited the five Cs—Compassion, Charity, Character, Calmness, and Contentment—as the driving forces behind this service, not commerce.

She also mentioned the historic drinking water mission, global disaster relief efforts, rural service, and youth empowerment programs, all guided by Swami’s immortal words: “Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray.”

Balvikas: A Foundation for Life

Aishwarya shared her personal experience with Balvikas, describing it as a positive space where values were joyfully experienced and practiced. She emphasized the importance of living by the principles of satya (truth), dharma (righteousness), shanti (peace), prema (love), and ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, word, and deed.

She recalled Swami’s profound teaching: “You are not one person but three—the one you think you are, the one others think you are, and the one you truly are.” She encouraged everyone to realize and live as their true self—the atma, the divine reality within.

A Call to Rededication

As the centenary celebration continued, Aishwarya called on everyone to rededicate themselves to Swami’s divine message: “Love all, serve all.” She reminded the audience that there is only one caste—the caste of humanity; one religion—the religion of love; one language—the language of the heart; and one God—omnipresent.

A Salute to Sachin Tendulkar

Following Aishwarya’s speech, the event paid tribute to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, celebrated for his focus, discipline, humility, and devotion to Bhagwan Baba. The audience was reminded of his memorable victory as captain of India in the 1997 Unity Cup at the very same stadium.

Aishwarya Bachchan’s heartfelt and insightful words set a tone of devotion, gratitude, and inspiration, reminding all present of the enduring legacy and teachings of Bhagwan Shri Sathya Sai Baba. The centenary celebration served as a reminder to embrace compassion, service, and love in every aspect of life.