In a landmark event at New York City Hall on April 22, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams officially declared April 24, 2025, as Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centennial Celebrations Day. The declaration was made in recognition of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s enduring legacy of universal love, peace, and altruistic service to humanity, marking a historic tribute to the global spiritual leader on his 100th birth anniversary.
The proclamation ceremony took place in a formal setting and was presented by Deputy Commissioner Mr Dilip Chauhan. He was joined by officials from the Mayor’s Office and representatives of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council, who gathered to witness this significant occasion. The proclamation celebrates Bhagawan’s life and philosophy, reflecting the city’s appreciation for his spiritual teachings and humanitarian work.
During the event, a written message from Sri RJ Rathnakar, the Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, was read and submitted. This was accompanied by thoughtful remarks from various members of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council. Attendees also viewed a special documentary created by the Sri Sathya Sai Media Centre in Prasanthi Nilayam. The film highlighted the widespread humanitarian efforts inspired by Bhagawan, portraying the global reach of his mission and the transformative impact of his followers around the world.
The Mayor’s proclamation acknowledged the selfless contributions of Sri Sathya Sai volunteers across the United
States. These include food distribution, hygiene kit supply, and youth education initiatives based on human values. Their tireless dedication was recognized as a continuation of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings, emphasizing love, service, and compassion.
Additionally, Mayor Adams commended the leadership of both the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council. He specifically recognized several key figures for their guidance and commitment to the mission: Mr RJ Rathnakar, Mr Nimish Pandya, Mr Sundar Swaminathan, Mr Kalyan Ray, Dr Axay Kalathia, Dr Balu Karanam, Dr Geetha J Kamath, Mrs Geetha Mohan Ram, Prof Koteswara Rao, and Mr Sundar Venugopalan. The Mayor’s office paid tribute not only to these leaders but to all volunteers who continue to embody Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s timeless message: “Love All, Serve All – Help Ever, Hurt Never.”
One of the central figures present at the event, Sundar Venugopalan of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council in Flushing, New York, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the community. Reflecting on the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, he emphasized that the core principle of all religions is fundamentally the same. “Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s main teaching was that the essence of all religions is one, urging us to see the divine spark within each and every creation,” Venugopalan stated. He added that Sai Centers around the world, including those in New York, promote spiritual growth and encourage service-oriented community engagement. “This centennial year, we are committed to expanding our service to those in need right here in New York City,” he affirmed.
The moment carried deep spiritual and emotional significance for the devotees and volunteers who have long worked
in the spirit of Bhagawan’s teachings. The proclamation from a city as diverse and globally influential as New York carries symbolic weight, reinforcing the universality of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s message and mission. In the words of the organizers, “We offer our deepest gratitude to Bhagawan for this divine blessing. This recognition from New York City—one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities—beautifully echoes Bhagawan’s vision of global unity, service, and spiritual harmony.”
As New York officially joins the global celebration of the centennial of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the proclamation serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of his teachings. It also reinforces the vital role that spiritual values and selfless service continue to play in shaping communities across the globe. With this recognition, the city affirms its solidarity with the countless devotees and volunteers who strive every day to live by the ideals laid down by the revered spiritual teacher.
The ceremony, enriched by heartfelt expressions and multimedia tributes, concluded with renewed enthusiasm among the community to continue their work. The video documentary presented during the event provided a compelling overview of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s global outreach efforts—ranging from free medical care and educational services to disaster relief and interfaith dialogue initiatives. These efforts were shown to be coordinated and implemented by volunteers and organizations inspired by his guidance and values.
The Mayor’s proclamation itself is a formal expression of appreciation for a legacy that has transcended religious, cultural, and national boundaries. It draws attention to how spiritual teachings can inspire tangible acts of compassion and upliftment, even in major metropolitan hubs like New York. By setting aside a day to honor Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the city also honors the philosophy that service to humanity is service to the divine.
The observance of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centennial Celebrations Day on April 24, 2025, stands as a meaningful gesture
not only for his devotees but also for anyone committed to the ideals of love, unity, and humanitarian service. As emphasized by the proclamation, the legacy of Bhagawan continues to be felt through the actions of his followers who “Love All, Serve All” and live by the principle to “Help Ever, Hurt Never.”
For many of the attendees and for the broader spiritual community, this recognition represents a sacred milestone. It is a celebration not only of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life and works but also of the timeless values he promoted. The proclamation from New York City ensures that his centennial will be remembered as a moment that brought together people of diverse backgrounds in the shared pursuit of harmony and compassionate service.
With the celebrations continuing worldwide, the proclamation from New York adds a powerful chapter to the centennial commemorations. It reinforces the idea that spiritual legacies can indeed shape public discourse and policy, even in modern urban centers. As the city honors Sri Sathya Sai Baba with this special day, his followers find renewed inspiration to continue his mission of service, love, and unity in every corner of the world.