In a special proclamation, New York City has officially designated April 24, 2025, as Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centennial Celebration Day, honoring his enduring legacy of universal love, peace, and selfless service.
Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Innovation in the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Dilip Chauhan, presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams to representatives of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council on April 22nd in New York City.
“New York City is home to 8.5 million people; it is not just a cultural capital — we are the 9th largest economy in the world, and last year alone, we welcomed over 63 million tourists. Our city’s greatest strength lies in its diversity,” said Chauhan, commending Sri Sathya Sai volunteers for their steadfast dedication to humanitarian work, including providing aid, education, and support during times of crisis.
“Wherever there is a need for selfless service, you will find Sri Sathya Sai volunteers,” he added, acknowledging the leadership of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Global Council, as well as the tireless devotion of individual followers. He highlighted the historical importance of honoring Sri Sathya Sai Baba at City Hall, recognizing the profound global impact of his mission and message.
Chauhan encouraged New Yorkers to reflect on Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s guiding principle: “Love All, Serve All. Help Ever, Hurt Never,” expressing hope that it would continue to inspire a more compassionate and inclusive city.
He also recognized the visionary leadership of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Global Council, naming R.J. Rathnakar, Nimish Pandya, Sundar Swaminathan, Kalyan Ray, Dr. Axay Kalathia, Dr. Balu Karanam, Dr. Geetha J. Kamath, Geetha Mohan Ram, Prof. Koteswara Rao, and Sundar Venugopalan.
Chauhan also praised the women leaders and volunteers at the forefront of large-scale service initiatives through the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization’s Women’s Wing and Sri Sathya Sai Mahila Vibhag.
Venugopalan emphasized Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s embodiment of selfless love that transcends all barriers and reaffirmed the commitment of Sri Sathya Sai Centers – including those in New York – to expanding community service during the centennial year.
Rathnakar expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Adams, Deputy Commissioner Chauhan, and Pastor Gilford Monrose for their “extraordinary gesture of recognizing the timeless message of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba through this Centennial Proclamation on the grand occasion of Swami’s Centenary Year Birthday Celebrations.”
The event also featured the screening of a short film produced by the Sri Sathya Sai Media Centre, highlighting the global scale and impact of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s humanitarian work.
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