Puttaparthi: Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan drew national attention on Tuesday when she touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s feet at the Sri Sathya Sai Baba birth centenary celebration in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, before delivering a short, heartfelt address urging unity and love across caste and religious lines.
A gesture and a message
Onstage alongside the Prime Minister, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and several Union ministers, Aishwarya offered a traditional gesture of respect by touching Mr Modi’s feet — an act captured widely on video and shared across social platforms. She then addressed the gathering, drawing on teachings from the Sathya Sai tradition and her own early involvement in the Bal Vikas programme.
“One caste, one religion” – speech highlights
In her remarks, Aishwarya delivered a concise moral appeal: “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.” Her message echoed the inclusive ethos associated with Sathya Sai Baba and received warm applause from attendees.
Event context and notable attendees
The centenary event at Puttaparthi drew a large gathering of devotees and dignitaries. Prime Minister Modi addressed the assembly, and other notable attendees included Sachin Tendulkar and Union ministers. Coverage by multiple national outlets confirmed the presence of senior political and cultural figures at the function.
Reaction and online traction
Video clips of Aishwarya’s gesture and speech went viral within hours, prompting commentary across mainstream and social media. Many praised the actor’s message of unity; some debates also surfaced online about public gestures toward political leaders. News platforms rapidly published video highlights and short analyses as the clip circulated.
Her words on Sathya Sai Baba’s legacy
Aishwarya referenced the central lessons of Sri Sathya Sai Baba — discipline, dedication, devotion, determination and discrimination and linked them to service and humility. She thanked the Prime Minister for attending and said she looked forward to his address, framing leadership as a form of service that amplifies spiritual values.
What this moment signifies
The brief episode combined a personal, devotional gesture with a public plea for social harmony. In India’s charged public sphere, such moments can be read in multiple ways: as personal respect, symbolic politics, or cultural expression. For many attendees and viewers, the overriding takeaway was the speech’s emphasis on common humanity and love.
Readers seeking primary coverage and video can consult reporting from national outlets that covered the event live. For more context on Sathya Sai Baba’s life and teachings, official archival materials and reputable news reports are available.
