Sathya Sai Baba demise: Reactions

Godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who had been suffering from lung and chest congestion and was in critical condition for the last few days, died at 7:40 am on Sunday. He was 85.

Reactions by eminent personalities:

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: I learnt of the passing away of Sri Satya Saibaba with deep and profound sadness. Sri Satya Saibaba was a spiritual leader who inspired millions to lead a moral and meaningful life even as they followed the religion of their choice. His teachings were rooted in the universal ideals of truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-violence.

Sri Satya Saibaba as a preacher of the highest human values was an iconic figure for over five decades. He endeared himself to the people through various institutions, with headquarters at Prashanthi Nilayam, that promoted egalitarian values, education and public health. He believed that it is the duty of every person to ensure that all people have access to the basic requirements for sustenance of life. Sri Satya Saibaba was an inspiration to people of all faiths.

The passing away of Sri Satya Saibaba is an irreparable loss to all and the nation deeply mourns his passing away. I express my sincere condolences to the millions of his followers, disciples and well wishers.

Vice President M. Hamid Ansari: I am deeply grieved to learn about the passing away of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Baba?s message of love should be our guiding light in this trying hour.????Baba?s words and actions have lit the lamp of love in the hearts of devotees. His message of service to humanity as service to God and as a means of destroying narrow-mindedness is of eternal relevance. My wife joins me in offering heartfelt condolences to the millions of devotees of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in India and abroad.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy: Sri Sai Baba is a symbol of love, affection and passion. Sri Satya Sai Baba has given his great self to service of humanity in the form of various services not only to our State, our country but also to the entire world. He will be remembered for ages to come by all sections of people all over the world.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani: His passing away this morning has plunged the whole country into deep sorrow. I offer my tearful homage to the great soul. I would like to go for the antasthi kria (funeral ceremony).

BJP leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi: In the world of spiritual leaders he (Sathya Sai Baba) was unique – who without wandering around the world, attracted it towards Indian culture. He was a great man who dedicated his life to provide water and education to the rural areas and medical services to the humanity. Personally, I have been blessed with his love and grace. I pay my tributes to Pujya Satya Sai Baba on his nirvana.

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Geeta Reddy: The demise of one of the most loved spiritual head of our time. Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the well-known spiritual head ever known in our time. He left his body this morning around 7:40 am?his family and trust members have taken??the decision that his body will be laid for public viewing and paying homage and respect at Sai Kulwant hall this evening, 6 pm onwards. Wednesday evening we will tell the exact time when the burial will take place. This is the decision taken by the trust. Trust said that Swamiji had made all arrangements of the trust and the activities of the trust will continue without change.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev: First of all, on the death of Sathya Sai Baba the humanity has suffered a huge loss. The way he served humanity is incomparable. He was an idol to every one. The things he did for everyone will be remembered for ages. His disciples who have worshiped him as a godman will surely feel sad on his death. They have worshiped him and also thought at the time of distress Babaji will help them out of the trouble. But now also he will continue to serve them in his spiritual form.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan: Heard the very sad news of Shri Satya Sai Baba passing away. I remember the 1st photo I saw of him was in my dadima’s mandir. Aishwarya is a great believer in him. She called this morning to give me the sad news. We send our prayers….Aum Sai Ram.