New York City Mayor proclaims April 24 as ‘Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centennial Celebration Day’

Proclamation presented to members of Sri Sathya Sai Global Council by Deputy Commissioner for New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan at a special event in City Hall

New York: New York City Mayor Eric Adams has proclaimed April 24, 2025, as ‘Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centennial Celebration Day’ in the city, highlighting the message of selfless service for the community.

The proclamation from the Office of the Mayor was presented to members of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council by Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan at a special event in City Hall on Tuesday.

Chauhan was joined by senior representatives from the Mayor’s office, including Deputy Commissioner of NYC Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit Christian Williams and South Asian Liaison Sookranie Dhanpat.

The proclamation notes that from “Abrahamic and Eastern religions to folk traditions and everything in between, our global metropolis is a multicultural mosaic of believers who are dedicated to giving back to others”.

“Today, in that spirit, I am delighted to recognise the centennial year of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s birth and his thousands of followers who advance the many community services that take place throughout New York City and across the globe in his name,” Adams said in the proclamation.

The proclamation further adds that “with a foundation rooted in strong humanistic values, the legacy of Sri Sathya Sai Baba is a beacon of light centred around the tenet of mutual uplift”.

Adams said in the proclamation that his administration is committed to ensuring that people of all backgrounds and beliefs feel respected, safe and welcome in the city.

“I am grateful to count the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council as an ally in this mission. As you gather to commemorate this meaningful milestone, I applaud the many ways the enduring legacy of Sri Sathya Sai Baba as well as the ongoing contributions of his adherents continue to foster positive change in New York and beyond.”

Chauhan said at the event attended by members of the community that the proclamation “shines a light on the profound humanitarian impact of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s mission, which has uplifted thousands here in New York and millions around the world”.

“Wherever there is a need for selfless service, you will find Sri Sathya Sai volunteers — serving meals and hygiene kits to the underserved, educating young minds with values-based learning, and offering vital support during times of crisis. Their compassion knows no boundaries,” he said, adding that on behalf of Mayor Adams and the City of New York, he acknowledges and recognises the “outstanding leadership of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Sri Sathya Sai Global Council”.

Chauhan said as the centennial of Sri Sathya Sai Baba is commemorated around the world, his timeless message of “Love All, Serve All. Help Ever, Hurt Never” should inspire everyone.

Sundar Venugopalan from the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council New York, who received the proclamation on behalf of the followers of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, said New York City leads the world in honouring Sri Sathya Sai Baba, whose timeless message of ‘Love All, Serve All’ and ‘Help Ever, Hurt Never’ continues to resonate with millions, demonstrating everyday that selfless love and compassion can transform lives and unite humanity.

Venugopalan added that Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life “was His message, a constant demonstration of selfless love, transcending boundaries of caste, creed, religion and nationality”.

The Sri Sathya Sai Centres worldwide, including here in New York, foster spiritual growth and community outreach. “This centennial year, we are committed to expanding our service to those in need right here in New York City,” he said.

“But, at the heart of all this humanitarian work is the firm conviction that community service is for our own self-transformation, enabling us to create positive change in society,” he said.

In a statement from Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, managing trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, RJ Rathnakar said the recognition by New York City “one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities, resonates deeply with Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision of global harmony and spiritual fellowship”.

On the occasion, a short video highlighting the humanitarian work of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and his followers from around the world was also screened.