President seeks Sathya Sai Baba’s blessings

PUTTAPARTI - President Pratibha Patil Friday sought the blessings of Sathya Sai Baba and greeted him on his 85th birthday.

Patil, who addressed women’s day celebrations as part of the birthday festivities, later met Baba at his ashram, Prashanti Nilayam, and sought his blessings.

Addressing the seminar, the president wished Baba on his 85th birthday, Nov 23. She said she was “truly impressed by the range of welfare activities undertaken by Baba to ameliorate the hardships of the poor”.

“Services are provided free and in an atmosphere of love and tender care to the poorest sections of society and women. What is remarkable is that these activities were undertaken in pursuance of the promises which Baba gave to his mother years ago,” the president said.

She noted that Baba’s effort have been to assist everyone to acquire self-knowledge and self-confidence.

Patil said Baba’s progressive views on the role of women were inspiring. “His commitment to their upliftment was evident when in 1969 he opened a college for women at Anantapur, which is among the first of the several educational institutions being run today by the Sri Sathya Sai Trust.”

As the women’s day celebrations coincided with the birth anniversary of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, Patil paid her rich tributes.

“Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly for the progress of the country and the welfare of the people,” she said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is also scheduled to participate in the annual convocation of Sathya Sai University here Nov 22 as part of Baba’s birthday celebrations.