World Renowned Spiritual Leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 85th Birthday Celebrations, 'The Festival of Divine Love' Culminates on 23rd November After Week Long Festivities

World Renowned Spiritual Leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 85th Birthday Celebrations, 'The Festival of Divine Love' Culminates on 23rd November After Week Long Festivities

PUTTAPARTHI, India, November 23, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- The township of Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh, India is all set to
celebrate Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 85th Birthday today. There is excitement in
the air and while over a million devotees have thronged at Puttaparthi; there
are millions of followers across the globe and arrangements have been made
for broadcast via satellite for coverage by television networks and video
recordings in 16 states in India and 62 countries worldwide.

(Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101123/420973-a )

(Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101123/420973-b )

Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 85th birthday Celebrations, 'The
Festival of Divine Love' began on November 15th with a beautiful symphony of
sound and spirit as hundreds of devotees from world over have been arriving
at Puttaparthi all through the week.

The inaugural performance of the Festivities was by the world
renowned Sarod Maestro, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan followed by the (South Indian)
Carnatic Vocalist Sri Abhishek Raghuram. During the week the Sri Sathya Sai
Village Integrated Program (SSSVIP) exhibition displayed its initiative for
the holistic development of Indian villages. The Celebrations also witnessed
the mass marriage ceremony at where 85 couples were bound in holy matrimony
with the entire wedding cost borne by Sri Sathya Sai Baba's organization as
he was in essence the Father of the Bride and the Best Man.

On 19th of November, The President of India, Pratibha Patil
attended Women's Day being observed at Puttaparthi; organized by Sri Sathya
Sai Easwaramma Women's welfare Trust (SSSEWWT) - a project which through its
various initiatives renders empowerment to women. The President said, "Today,
we are gathered at Puttaparthi to begin the 85th Birthday celebrations of Sri
Sathya Sai Baba. I pay my regards and I wish him the very best on this
occasion. His progressive views on the role of women are inspiring."

Recognizing Women's central role in society, the Project seeks
to help in the development of women in a holistic manner by understanding and
supporting the different roles a woman plays, be it as a daughter, mother or
breadwinner. The President also Stated, "Women's participation in the
political and economic activities of a society enrich the fabric of a nation.
Many women in India have reached high positions and many others are doing
well in different spheres and even in professions once unthinkable for women.
I am, however, conscious about the constraints and difficulties that they
face in realizing their full potential."

And on the 22nd, on the eve of His 85th Birthday, The Prime
Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh attended the 29th Convocation ceremony
of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning with his presence. In his
speech The Prime Minister expressed that he was "Deeply impressed by the work
undertaken here to help the people of surrounding areas" and remarking on the
excellent work done he stated, "What is heartening is that all these
services, water supply, care and health care and education are rendered
totally free based on Baba's commitment that the basic requirements of any
civil society should not be burdened on the recipients. Such benevolence and
philanthropy should be an example to millions in our country who have the
means but not able to emulate your example."

Sri Sathya Sai Baba is a global phenomenon of contemporary
times and the fundamentals of teachings is the five-fold path of: Sathya
(Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanthi (Peace), Prema (Love), and Ahimsa
(Non-Violence). He is considered one of the world's greatest Spiritual
Leaders and Humanitarian.

Contact:

Priya Sarkar
tel +91-9845222887
email priya.sarkar@kaseya.com

Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101123/420973-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101123/420973-b

Source: Sathya Sai Seva Organization

Priya Sarkar, tel +91-9845222887, email priya.sarkar@kaseya.com

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