PM joins in Sathya Sai Baba's birthday celebrations

On the eve of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 85th birthday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday graced the  convocation ceremony of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. 

While addressing the convocation ceremony, Dr Singh said, "Today, we cannot succeed without providing value based education to our youth. In this endeavour, you are breaking new ground. Others would do well to follow in the path that you have chartered to make both learning and character building universal in the realm of our education."

The prime minister added that he was deeply impressed "by the work undertaken here to help the people of the surrounding villages that are draught prone".

He also commended the excellent work done by the super specialty medical and general hospitals as well as the mobile medical vehicles that take medical care to the poorer sections of society.

The prime minister stated, "What is heartening is that all these services -- water supply, health care and education -- are rendered totally free based on Baba's commitment that the basic requirements of any civil society should not be burdened on the recipients. Such benevolence and philanthropy should be an example to millions in our country who have the means but are not able to emulate your example" 

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah and other eminent personalities were also present at the occasion.

Puttaparthi has been decked with banners, flowers and decorations and is all set to welcome Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 85th birthday on Tuesday. Devotees from all across the world have been gathering in large numbers to celebrate the occasion.