Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Touches PM Modi’s Feet at Sathya Sai Baba Centenary Event, Delivers Emotional Tribute

Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan created an unexpected moment of warmth and respect at the centenary celebrations of spiritual leader Shri Sathya Sai Baba in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. As she approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the venue, she bent down to touch his feet, prompting Modi to immediately gesture for her to stand, greeting her instead with folded hands. The brief exchange quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the event.

Aishwarya attended the ceremony as a former Bal Vikas student from the Sathya Sai value-education programme, and her address reflected deep emotional connection to her spiritual upbringing. She said her heart was “filled with deep devotion and gratitude” on what she described as a historic and sacred day marking Sai Baba’s 100th birth anniversary. Emphasising his universal philosophy, she quoted some of his most recognised teachings: “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 credited Sai Baba’s guidance for shaping her personal values, adding, “Once a Bal Vikas student, always a Bal Vikas student.”

During her address, Aishwarya also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for attending the celebrations, saying his presence “adds sanctity and inspiration” to the occasion. She said she looked forward to hearing his remarks, describing them as consistently impactful and inspiring. Linking his participation to Sai Baba’s message, she said the event served as a reminder that true leadership lies in service, echoing the spiritual leader’s principle that “service to man is service to God.” She further reflected on Sai Baba’s “Five Ds” Discipline, Dedication, Devotion, Determination and Discrimination which she said remain essential pillars for leading a meaningful and spiritually grounded life.

The centenary event paid tribute to the legacy of Shri Sathya Sai Baba, revered worldwide for his contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian service, and for advocating compassion, unity and spiritual discipline. The gathering brought together devotees, dignitaries and public figures to celebrate a spiritual leader whose message continues to influence millions across generations.