Sri Sathya Sai Baba, adored and worshipped by millions of His devotees across the globe, was born on November 23, 1926, in the tiny hamlet of Puttaparthi in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
His selfless love and limitless compassion for all, manifested as His Divine Mission of alleviating the suffering of the poor and needy through education, healthcare and massive drinking water supply projects – all totally free of cost. Above all, His contribution to spiritual growth and religious harmony in the world is unparalleled.
After a sojourn of 85 years on this planet, on April 24, 2011, He shed the mortal coil. He used to time and again remind His followers that He was not the ephemeral body but rather, the Immortal Spirit that is housed. True to His words, He continues to Live, Love and Lead mankind through His Subtle Presence.
Those who experience His bound less Presence as He continues His amazing Global Mission from the Subtle, bear testimony to an event unprecedented in human history.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba will remain the eternal inspiration and the only chief luminary, whose footsteps the Trust will follow.
In Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s own words:
“I have a Task. To foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full of Ananda (Bliss)”.
“I have a Vow. To lead all who stray away from the straight path again into goodness and save them.”
“I am attached to a work that I love. To remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack.”
A bright ray further brightened and inspired many
In the land of Alike, a town in the south-western part of Karnataka, there sprang up a self-illuminous germination soaked in spirituality and the passion to serve humanity, Sri Madiyal Narayan Bhat. Kindled by Gandhian philosophy and patriotism on one side, and lofty philosophical sensitivity on the other side, he was an epitome of spirituality in thought, word and deed.
The purity and sincerity of his spirit for serving his countrymen was so much so, that he himself was transformed into a magnet attracting multitudes of youthful energy in large numbers to tread the noble path of service to humanity. With a sense of urgency to embark on good work, Loka Seva Vrinda was formed in the year 1960 under the direct guidance of Sri Madiyal Narayan Bhat, fondly called ‘Anna’ or elder brother, with his band of ardent commandos of service. He was popularly known to be the revered Guru and Mentor for many of his followers.
The depth of Anna’s spiritual hunger and the steady burning flame in him to serve the country only deepened and shone forth with added luminescence, upon his encounter with Sri Sathya Sai Baba in the year 1962. Anna nurtured an aspiration to set up free Schools all over Karnataka that would impart values-based education. He planted the seeds in Alike in 1963. This further expanded to the Sathya Sai Vihar Campus, Sharada Vihar Campus, Vani Vihar Campus and Sri Sathya Sai Mandira - Madiyala.
Sri Narayan Bhat had a grand vision for the emancipation of his countrymen. He dreamt big. He wanted to build a missionary organization under the name of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. On the 6th January 1976, Sri Narayan Bhat along with some of his loyal servitors submitted the desire to offer Loka Seva Vrinda along with its group of educational institutions to Him. lovingly accepted. knew, at that time, the grand plan that he concocted for the Loka Seva Educational Institutions. A good seed has to yield good fruits!
