Category: SPECIAL

India committed to disaster risk reduction in Asia-Pacific: MoS Nityanand Rai

New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) Minister of State for Home Affairs and Disaster Management Nityanand Rai on Saturday reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enhance regional collaboration and implement innovative strategies for disaster risk reduction in the Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking at the 10th Session of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) on Inclusive Disaster Risk Data Governance held at Vigyan Bhawan, the MoS emphasised India’s commitment to regional disaster resilience and cooperation.

He highlighted that under India’s Chairmanship and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India will champion a comprehensive capacity-building agenda covering risk assessment, geospatial applications, impact-based forecasting, early warning dissemination, and climate-resilient infrastructure planning.

India reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with APDIM and regional partners to reduce disaster and climate risks across Asia-Pacific.

The partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), APDIM, and other multilateral forums is guided by PM Modi’s 10-Point Agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction, he said.

This agenda emphasises investments at the local level, leveraging technology, fostering networks among universities and research centres, strengthening risk data, and promoting regional cooperation, he said.

The session concluded with a shared commitment to enhance regional collaboration and implement innovative strategies for disaster risk reduction in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the deliberations, the specific agenda of Governing Council discussions on previous year activities on APDIM; activities to be undertaken in 2026 and the strategic work plan 2026-2030.

The outcomes of this meeting will guide APDIM’s overall programme of work and also contribute to advancing the goals of the Sendai Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The tenth session of the Governing Council was attended by delegation heads and representatives from member states, including Bangladesh, Iran, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Turkey, along with observer representatives from Tajikistan.

The session was also attended by Stephen Cooper, Director of Administration at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP); Letizia Rossano, Director of APDIM; Mostafa Mohanghegh, Senior Coordinator of APDIM; and other officials from the APDIM Secretariat, Iran, and observer organisations.

–IANS

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Mental health experts urge parents to recognise signs of suicidality in children

New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) Amid reports of a spate of suicide cases among school-going children in Delhi, Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), and Jaipur (Rajasthan), mental health experts on Saturday urged parents to recognise signs of suicidality in adolescents.

In the past weeks, three suicide cases have been reported among school children. A 16-year-old class 10 student died after allegedly committing suicide by jumping from Delhi’s Rajendra Place Metro station.

A Class 11 student at a private school in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district allegedly died by suicide and left a note. A nine-year-old student in Jaipur jumped from the fourth floor of the school building and died on the spot.

The cases point to rising distress among students — especially in urban, high-pressure environments, said experts.

“Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among adolescents are rising globally. But many parents and teachers misinterpret the symptoms as ‘laziness’ or ‘disinterest’ instead of distress,” Dr Shiv Prasad, Psychiatrist at Lady Harding College, told IANS.

“The early warning signs parents and teachers should watch for include emotional and behavioural signs such as withdrawal from family, friends, or activities once enjoyed; excessive worry, irritability, anger, or frequent crying; sudden personality changes,” he added.

The expert also cited sudden loss of interest in studies; complaints of headaches or stomach aches to avoid school/coaching; Sudden weight loss/gain and social isolation.

“In light of the recent suicides of young children, it is essential that we recognise the signs of suicidality in the youth along with prevention, intervention, and treatment measures,” Dr Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent, and Forensic Psychiatrist, at a leading hospital in Delhi, told IANS.

“Often, the suicidal child or adolescent would state their suicidal intent to a loved one before attempting the step. Additionally, the child is likely to have mood disturbance or personality changes during the time before making an attempt. Behavioural changes such as social withdrawal, increasing use of substances, impulsive aggression, and letting go of possessions may occur prior to a suicide attempt,” Joshi added.

The experts pointed out increasing academic pressure and competitive culture, where children fear disappointing parents or teachers. The long coaching hours with limited recreation can also hurt mental health.

In addition to emotional isolation, children also face social and peer pressure wanting to “fit in” or match peers’ achievements. These comparisons are further amplified by social media, as well as cyberbullying, which often remains hidden from adults.

The experts urged parents to create a safe emotional space where they ask children about their feelings and not just marks or academics, and to seek professional help when needed.

“Increasing socialisation, using skill-based psychotherapy, collaborating with schools, and using medicines as necessary to decrease the likelihood of a suicide attempt in the future are potential measures that could be taken to address the issue,” Joshi said.

–IANS

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PM Modi and Meloni meet as G20 Leaders’ Summit kicks off in Jo’burg

Johannesburg, Nov 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday briefly met Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni just ahead of the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Nasrec in South Africa’s Johannesburg.

Both leaders shook hands and exchanged warm greetings, displaying the strong rapport that has deeply strengthened India-Italy friendship over the past few years. PM Modi is among several prominent world leaders attending the November 22-23 summit.

PM Modi had last met Meloni on the sidelines of the 51st G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis in June, where both leaders had committed to making the friendship between India and Italy more stronger.

In September, PM Modi called the Italian PM as an “extraordinary political leader who combines ideas and heart”, described her autobiography as a “Mann Ki Baat”, or ideas from the heart.

In the preface to the book titled ‘I Am Giorgia’, PM Modi emphasised the closeness between India and Italy, founded on what he writes as “shared civilizing instincts, such as the defence of heritage, the strength of community, and the celebration of femininity as a guiding force”.

Reciprocating the feelings, Meloni had mentioned that the bond between both nations remains quite strong.

“The words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for whom I have profound respect, in his preface to the Indian edition of the book ‘I Am Giorgia’, deeply touch and honour me. These are sentiments that I sincerely reciprocate, with all my heart, and which testify to the strong bond between our nations,” Meloni was quoted as saying by Italian news agency Adnkronos.

PM Modi’s preface to the book, which Adnkronos said it was able to read, stands out for its personal and symbolic tone as the Indian leader links this message to his personal friendship with Meloni and their shared ability to combine tradition and modernity.

PM Modi had also thanked Meloni for her warm wishes on his 75th birthday, expressing hope to further strengthen the growing India-Italy ties.

“Thank you Prime Minister Meloni for your warm wishes. Deeply appreciate Italy’s friendship and look forward to strengthening it further,” PM Modi posted on X in September.

PM Modi’s response came after Meloni extended warm greetings to him on his birthday. She wished him health and energy to continue leading India towards a bright future while hoping to further strengthen ties between the two nations.

Sharing a photo with PM Modi on X, Meloni stated, “Happy 75th birthday to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His strength, his determination, and his ability to lead millions of people are a source of inspiration. With friendship and esteem, I wish him health and energy to continue leading India toward a bright future and to further strengthen the relations between our nations.”

On September 10, PM Modi held a telephonic conversation with Meloni with both leaders reaffirming their joint commitment to deepen the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. Meloni and expressing support for the success of the AI Impact Summit set to be hosted by India in 2026.

The Prime Minister thanked his Italian counterpart for her support in concluding the trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU) and promoting connectivity through the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC) initiative.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They agreed on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s full support for efforts in this direction.

The camaraderie between PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni has also been making waves on social media, with their interactions sparking the hashtag ‘Melodi’.

–IANS

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K’taka Cong crisis: Union Minister Joshi alleges Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar ‘purchasing MLAs’ for support

Hubballi (Karnataka), Nov 22 (IANS) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Saturday alleged that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are indulging in the purchase of MLAs amid the escalating leadership strife in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Joshi claimed that Shivakumar visited the Bengaluru Central Prison to seek the support of two jailed Congress MLAs, Vinay Kulkarni and Veerendra Pappi.

“He met them in jail on Friday. Why had he not met them all these days?” Joshi questioned, asserting that the meeting was intended to secure the support of the legislators upon their release.

“In the event of voting for the chief minister’s post, their support will be useful to him. Whenever Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is asked to step down, he insists on a vote. Both leaders are busy gathering numbers by ensuring the support of MLAs on their side,” the Union Minister alleged.

On Friday, Shivakumar visited Bengaluru Central Prison and offered words of encouragement to Congress MLAs Vinay Kulkarni and Veerendra Pappi, who are lodged as undertrial prisoners. The visit has now taken a political dimension.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA HC Balakrishna, a staunch Shivakumar supporter, said in Bengaluru that the Deputy Chief Minister has his own strength and capabilities.

“He does not need anyone to stage a show of support in Delhi or create a build-up. All matters will be decided by the high command. Let them take a call and resolve the issue without embarrassing the party,” he added.

Balakrishna emphasised, “The final decision must rest with the high command.”

He further clarified, “Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has not asked for support or instructed anyone to back him. MLAs may have expressed their personal opinions. Shivakumar has clearly instructed leaders not to embarrass the party through public statements. As State Congress President, he has confirmed that the high command is monitoring all developments.”

The infighting within the ruling Congress has intensified over demands for a change in state leadership following two-and-a-half years of the Siddaramaiah government.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who arrived in Bengaluru on Friday to attend an event, is staying back in the state capital to address the crisis. He is scheduled to meet Siddaramaiah in the evening and is also likely to hold discussions with Shivakumar.

–IANS

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Coal smuggling case: Cash, gold seized by ED during raids in Bengal, Jharkhand

Kolkata, Nov 21 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials conducting raids and search operations at different places in West Bengal and Jharkhand since Friday morning have recovered huge amounts of cash and gold from some of these locations.

Sources aware of the development said that of the 25 locations in West Bengal and Jharkhand where the raids and search operations are being conducted, huge amounts of unaccounted cash and gold had been recovered from three places, all of which are in West Bengal.

However, the ED officials have yet to disclose the exact locations of the three places from where the cash and gold have been recovered.

Sources said that counting of the unaccounted cash to the tune of Rs 1 crore has already been completed, with the process still on at the time of the filing of the report. The ED officials have also arranged for the valuation of seized gold, mainly in the form of ornaments.

The exact value of the total recovery on Friday will be known later in the day, after counting of the currencies, and the valuation of the gold will be completed.

The places in West Bengal where the raid and search operations are conducted include the office and residence of a high-profile contractor of Coal India Limited’s subsidiary Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) at the coal belt of Asansol in the West Burdwan district of West Bengal.

Residences of three other businessmen, all linked to the coal trade, two at Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata and one at Salap Crossing in Kolkata-adjacent Howrah district, are also being raided by the central investigating agency officials.

The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been conducting parallel probes in the multi-crore coal smuggling case. Recently, the CBI informed the court that the investigation in the matter will be wound up soon.

The current raids by the ED officials at multiple locations in West Bengal and Jharkhand come just a few days after the CBI’s submission at the court on this count.

–IANS

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Leadership crisis: K’taka Cong MLA urges high command to intervene, convene CLP meet

Bengaluru, Nov 21 (IANS) Amid the deepening crisis in Karnataka Congress, senior MLA H.C. Balakrishna, a staunch supporter of Deputy Chief Minister and the party’s state president, D.K. Shivakumar, has appealed to the high command to intervene immediately and provide clarity to legislators over the turn of events.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Friday, Balakrishna said, “I appeal to the Congress high command to intervene. They should convene a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting and communicate clearly with the legislators. They should at least tell the MLAs to remain calm and assure them that decisions will be taken. The high command must end the confusion by giving clarity. Otherwise, it will create daily confusion in the administration.”

He said Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar trusts the MLAs, but more importantly, he trusts the high command to take an appropriate decision. “Other discussions should not take place and damage the party. The high command should give clarity. Shivakumar is not in a position where he will make demands through MLAs. He shares a good relationship with the high command,” Balakrishna added.

“He (Shivakumar) has full faith that a decision will be taken in this regard, and everyone else also has confidence,” he underlined.

“Legislators and ministers often visit Delhi and discuss various matters. It need not be against anyone. They might have gone to ask whether Dy CM Shivakumar will get an opportunity. Shivakumar has not asked anyone to visit Delhi or make demands on his behalf,” he clarified.

Speaking about the alleged power-sharing agreement, he said, “I don’t know what transpired behind closed doors. The high command should intervene and issue clarity. Let them call a meeting and put an end to the confusion.”

“Shivakumar has instructed all his supporters not to issue statements in his favour. He has said the high command will make the decision. That is why no one is speaking out. There has been no news on this matter recently. MLAs are not speaking to the media. As State President, Shivakumar has ensured this,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sringeri MLA T.D. Raje Gowda, speaking to the media from Delhi, said he had travelled to Delhi on his own to demand a cabinet berth for a leader from his native Chikkamagaluru district. “We have won five seats in the district, and I have won from a BJP stronghold. I do not know about other matters. I had gone to meet AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday, but I was informed that he had gone to meet Sonia Gandhi.”

“The office gave me another appointment. When I went there, several MLAs and ministers were already at Kharge’s residence. I have conveyed my demands to the leadership,” he said.

However, according to information, more MLAs and ministers are headed to Delhi on Friday to join the group of legislators already stationed there, pressing for the Chief Minister’s post for Deputy CM and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar.

–IANS

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Nehru’s writings record of India’s evolving conscience, not just history, says Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that Jawaharlal Nehru’s writings are not merely historical documents but a reflection of India’s evolving conscience. Gandhi made the remarks after the digitisation of 100 volumes of Nehru’s selected works was completed.

He said that he was glad this legacy is now open, searchable, and freely accessible to all, and noted that the archive will continue to expand.

Rahul Gandhi shared his thoughts on the social media platform X and said, “Nehru’s writings are not just history, they are a record of India’s evolving conscience. For anyone seeking to understand our nation’s democratic journey – its courage, its doubts, its dreams – his words remain a powerful compass.”

He further said, “I’m glad this legacy is now open, searchable, and free for all. It will keep getting expanded.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also posted on X, “Facts are facts and will not disappear on account of your likes” ~ Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In an era of deliberate distortion, disinformation and misinformation regarding Pandit Nehru and his colossal achievements for India, it is worthwhile to digitise his writings for truth and posterity.”

He said he was pleased that “The Nehru Archive” is now live, calling it India’s first comprehensive, open-access digital archive of Nehru’s letters, speeches, notes, and other writings — all interconnected and available for easy access.

“I am happy that ‘The Nehru Archive’ is now live: http://nehruarchive.in. This is India’s first comprehensive, open-access digital archive of Jawaharlal Nehru’s writings — letters, speeches, notes & more, all interconnected and freely available for easy access.”

According to the Nehru Archive website, it is an ongoing digital library project dedicated to preserving Nehru’s writings, speeches, related documents, visual material, and audio recordings.

The 100 volumes of the Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, covering the period from 1903 to 1964, have now been uploaded. They are fully searchable and available for free download.

Earlier on November 20, Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, had highlighted a new digital archival facility introduced by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund to access documents related to the freedom struggle and early years of Independent India.

The Congress leader shared information on X and said, “The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund has just launched a smartphone-friendly http://nehruarchive.in.”

“This is an easily searchable and freely downloadable digital archive initially built around the 100 published volumes of the Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru covering the period 1903-1964. There are over 75,000 pages and over 3,000 illustrations to begin with,” said Ramesh.

“The archive will keep getting expanded to cover more text, photographs, audio, and films. Archives across the world containing letters to and from Nehru are being contacted to expand the archive. Books by and on Nehru during his lifetime will be included,” wrote Ramesh.

Earlier, the JNMF said in a statement, “The website The Nehru Archive is available on nehruarchive.in. The entire set of 100 volumes has been digitised; they may be searched and freely downloaded, and they may be used with equal ease on the mobile as on the laptop. The facsimiles of the original print version are also available alongside the digital text.”

“This online version would be of immense benefit to anybody who wishes to study any aspect of Indian history from the 1920s to the 1960s, the years when Nehru was a major leader of the movement for Independence and thereafter was Prime Minister of the country,” said JNMF Secretary Professor Madhavan Palat in the statement.

It contains some 35,000 documents and about 3,000 illustrations. From volume 44 onward, that is, from September 1958, his speeches in the original Hindi and in English translation are also available. The documents consist of his correspondence, speeches, interviews, administrative notes on files, diary entries, and even doodles. However, this is only a beginning, it said.

“Hereafter, new items will be added in stages. These are photographs, audios, videos, books by Nehru, books and other publications on Nehru that appeared in his lifetime, any other documentation available in the public domain, the Hindi original of his speeches which had not been published in the Selected Works, and other similar items,” said the JNMF.

–IANS

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RBI likely to cut repo rate by 0.25 pc to 5.25 pc in Dec: Report

Mumbai, Nov 19 (IANS) Leading global financial services firm Morgan Stanley expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent at its monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting, scheduled for the first week of December.

The report said the broader policy stance is likely to stay prudent, with the central bank poised to become data-dependent once this step is taken.

The report states that RBI is expected to adopt a wait-and-watch position as it evaluates its three-pronged easing cycle covering interest rates, liquidity conditions, and regulatory measures. This would give the RBI room to assess how these changes interact with domestic growth patterns and inflation indicators before deciding on any future action.

Regarding the country’s fiscal policy, the report said the government is likely to continue following fiscal pragmatism, focusing on gradual consolidation while still giving priority to capital expenditure. These measures are necessary for sustaining medium-term economic expansion, the report maintained.

Morgan Stanley expects India’s headline CPI to rise slightly in 2026-27 from the lower levels anticipated in 2025, while eventually gravitating towards the RBI’s medium-term target of 4 per cent.

It estimated that both food and core inflation will move towards 4 to 4.2 per cent year-on-year. With this alignment, inflation expectations should remain anchored and help consumer sentiment, it further observes.

As far as the external sector is concerned, Morgan Stanley expects India’s current account deficit to stay under control in a range near or below 1 per cent of GDP. Despite global trade disruptions, services exports remain steady, keeping India’s global share at 5.1 per cent. India’s external balance sheet continues to appear robust at present and stable, supported by foreign exchange reserves, adequate import cover, and low external debt-to-GDP ratio, the report added.

Meanwhile, the RBI has upgraded its GDP forecast for FY26 to 6.8 per cent year-on-year from 6.5 per cent earlier, it also indicated a potential moderation in growth in the first half of FY26 due to trade and tariff-related headwinds. The RBI also lowered its headline CPI inflation forecast for FY26 to 2.6 per cent from 3.1 per cent earlier.

–IANS

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Stampede case: CID prepares to file chargesheet against RCB, DNA

Bengaluru, Nov 19 (IANS) The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probing the tragic stampede case which claimed 11 lives during the IPL victory celebration by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team has completed the probe regarding the incident and is preparing to submit a chargesheet against the RCB franchise, DNA event management firm and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), police said on Wednesday.

The investigating authorities are finalising the 2,200 page-chargesheet in the case and held the RCB, DNA and KSCA directly responsible for the tragic event. The CID sleuths have gathered hundreds of eyewitness accounts, CCTV footages and recorded the statements of injured persons.

In turn the RCB, DNA and KSCA have submitted to the court that the state government is directly responsible for the tragedy.

It can be recalled that for fans of RCB in Bengaluru, an 18-year wait to celebrate the victory of their favourite team turned into a bitter tragedy as a crowd surge led to a stampede on June 4, 2025, when 11 people — all aged below 40 — died and scores of others were injured when a massive build up of fans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium led to chaos and stampede.

The Karnataka Police in the FIR stated that the accused parties — RCB franchise, DNA event management firm, and the KSCA Administrative Committee — organised the victory celebration without the necessary permissions.

The FIR was registered under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by using dangerous weapons or means), 118(2) read with Section 3(5) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt, when the act is done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 190 (unlawful assembly), 132 (criminal force to deter a public servant), 125(a) (filing false affidavit), and 125(b) (rash and negligent acts that endanger human life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

It can be recalled that the report by the One-Man Commission of Inquiry regarding the stampede tragedy was placed before the Karnataka Cabinet on July 17.

The RCB franchise has announced Rs 25 lakh compensation to the families of each of the victims.

Taking to social media X, the RCB has made the announcement under the ‘RCB Cares’ initiative.

The RCB stated, “Our hearts broke on June 4, 2025. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community and our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us.”

–IANS

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Sathya Sai Baba’s life was a living embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: PM Modi

Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life was a living embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, and his words continue to guide and inspire people in their daily lives.

Addressing the birth centenary celebrations of Sathya Sai Baba here on Wednesday, he said that millions of lives in more than 140 countries are moving forward with new light, new direction, and new resolve.

“Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life was a living embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Therefore, this birth centenary year has become a grand festival of universal love, peace, and service for us,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that the impact of Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings can be seen among people everywhere. “Manav Seva is Madhav Seva. This is the highest ideal for Baba’s devotees. He often said: Help ever, hurt never. Less talk, more work. Many of his words continue to guide and inspire us in our daily lives,” he said.

PM Modi said that it is the honour of his government that on this auspicious occasion, a commemorative coin and a postal stamp have also been released. These symbolise and reflect the spirit of service embodied in the life and work of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He congratulated and conveyed best wishes to all devotees, fellow volunteers, and Baba’s followers across the world.

“All our diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions ultimately converge on this one ideal. Whether one walks the path of devotion, knowledge, or action, each is deeply connected to seva. What is bhakti without service to the Divine present in all beings? What is gyan if it does not awaken compassion for others! What is karma if it is not performed in the spirit of offering one’s work in service to society,” he said

“Seva Parmo Dharmah is the ethos that has sustained India through centuries of changes and challenges. It has given our civilisation its inner strength. Many of our great saints and reformers have carried forward this timeless message. Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed seva at the very heart of human life. He often said love all, serve all…”

PM Modi called his participation in the celebrations in the sacred land an emotional and spiritual experience for him. “This birth centenary year of Shri Sathya Sai Baba is not just a celebration for our generation; it is a divine blessing. Even though he is no longer physically present among us, his teachings, his love, and his spirit of service continue to guide millions across the world,” said the PM, who earlier paid respects at Sathya Sai Baba’s Samadhi.

He mentioned how a single meeting with Baba changed the lives of many people. “In just one meeting, if someone’s life can change, it shows the greatness of that person. Here today, many people present have had their lives transformed by the words of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. I am glad that, with Baba’s inspiration, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and its allied organisations are continuing this sacred work of ‘Seva’,” he said.

He noted that millions of Baba’s followers are engaged in this mission with complete selflessness. “Serving humanity is serving the Divine, and this is the highest ideal upheld by Baba’s devotees. He gave us many teachings filled with compassion, duty, discipline, and a complete philosophy of life. He often said, ‘Help Ever, Hurt Never’. Even today, these life-guiding principles of Shri Sathya Sai Baba continue to resonate in all our hearts. Sai Baba used spirituality as a means for social welfare and public good. He connected it with selfless service, character-building, and value-based education. He never invested his energy in promoting any single doctrine or sect. Instead, he dedicated himself to helping the poor and working tirelessly to ease their suffering.”

PM Modi recalled that after the Gujarat earthquake, Baba’s Seva Dal and the entire community of volunteers were among the first to step forward to help the victims. “His followers served with complete dedication for many days. They played a crucial role in delivering relief material to the affected families and providing essential support, material, emotional, and social.”

He said he was satisfied that, inspired by Baba, the Sai Central Trust and its associated institutions are advancing the mission of service in a well-organised, institutional, and long-term manner. “Today, it stands before us as a practical and successful model. Your remarkable work in areas such as drinking water, housing, healthcare, nutrition, disaster support, and clean energy is truly commendable.”

“Paid homage to Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam and went to Omkar Hall for Darshan. Being in these sacred spaces is a reminder of his boundless compassion and lifelong commitment to uplifting humanity. His message of selfless service continues to guide and inspire millions,” the Prime Minister posted on ‘X’

The Prime Minister also shared that among the many noble deeds they are doing, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has focused greatly on animal welfare. “Today, took part in the Gaudan Ceremony, in which farmers are being given cows. The cows in the pictures below are Gir Cows! May we all keep working for the welfare of our society, as shown by Sri Sathya Sai Baba.”

–IANS

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