Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh): Actor and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan touched the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday during the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi. The gesture drew widespread attention at the commemorative gathering.

Modi arrived in Puttaparthi to offer his obeisance at the holy shrine and ‘Mahasamadhi’ of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He paid his respects and offered prayers during the visit.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan were also in attendance alongside the Prime Minister. Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Union Ministers Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and G Kishan Reddy were also present.

Priests at the venue offered Vedic blessings to Modi as part of the ceremony.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan addressed the gathering during the event. She introduced her message by reflecting on unity and shared human values.

“There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. There is only one religion, the religion of love. There is only one language, the language of the heart, and there is only one God, and he is omnipresent,” she said.

She then expressed gratitude to the prime minister for attending the ceremony. The actor highlighted the significance of his presence at the centenary observance.

“I extend a heartfelt thank PM Narendra Modi ji, for being with us here today and for honouring this special occasion. I'm looking forward to listening to your wise words, impactful and inspiring as always, to enthral us today. Your presence here adds sanctity and inspiration to this centenary celebration and reminds us of Swami's message that true leadership is service and service to man is service to God,” she remarked.

The actor also highlighted the guiding principles Sai Baba often shared through his spiritual philosophy.

“Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often spoke about the five D's. Five essential qualities needed for a meaningful, purposeful and spiritually anchored life- Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination, and Discrimination,” she added.

During the event, PM Modi and CM N Chandrababu Naidu release commemorative coin and a set of stamps honouring the life and teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Before the event, PM Modi held a roadshow while on his way to Puttaparthi to attend the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Satya Sai Baba. People in large numbers lined the streets to welcome PM Modi.

(with inputs from PTI & ANI)