India leading in spirituality, technology and economy, PM Modi claims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India was marching ahead in various fields, including technology and economy even as spiritual centres are reviving in the country.

In his virtual address during the inauguration of Sai Hira Global Convention Centre at Prasanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh, PM Modi pointed out that 40 per cent of the total real-time online transactions took place in India and urged the devotees to transform the entire district of Puttaparthi (Sri Satya Sai district) into a digital economy.

If everyone comes together to accomplish this, Modi said the district will turn digital by the next birth anniversary of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

He said that India has the third largest startup ecosystem in the world and was competing with big countries in areas such as digital technology and 5G technology.

"On one hand spiritual centres are reviving in the country and simultaneously India is leading in economy and technology. Today, India is among the world's top five economies," he said in a video.

PM Modi also lauded the ongoing Leaders Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Global Council, terming it an effective medium to know more about India and connect with the world.

India's attractiveness is on the rise globally, he said while referring to the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21 at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, which witnessed participants from the highest number of countries.

For thousands of years Indian saints have nourished the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat', Modi said.

Calling everybody to support tree plantation and make India plastic-free, the Prime Minister highlighted Prem Taru', an initiative to plant 1 crore trees in the next two years.

I have come to Puttaparthi many times, but this time I could not. I have been invited to come and give blessings, but I will come to take blessings but not give, he said.

Though he may not be with them physically, Modi said with the help of technology I am with all of you'.

On the new convention centre, Modi expressed confidence that it will create an experience of spirituality and splendour of modernity and said that it comprises cultural diversity, conceptual grandeur and would become a focal point for discussions.

Heaping praises on Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Prime Minister noted that the former has followers from all over the world and his devotees have connected with Prasanthi Nilayam irrespective of language and culture.

Quoting Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Telugu, the PM Modi said: Seva ane rendu aksharallone lone ananta mina shakti imidi undi (There is limitless power in the word service).

PM Modi also recollected Baba's other timeless teachings such as love all serve all', help ever, hurt never', less talk more work' and every experience is a lesson every loss is a gain'.

"These teachings have sensitivity as well as a deep philosophy of life," he said.

PM Modi praised Baba for building hospitals, schools and colleges to extend free services to people for years, especially the hi-tech heart hospital at Prasanthi Nilayam, including the Sathya Sai Central Trust partnering with the Jal Jeevan Mission' for providing free water to remote villages.

The PM Modi also reminisced about a phone call he had received from the spiritual leader during the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, which offered him guidance and help.

Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has built Sai Hira Global Convention Centre at Prasanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi, funded by philanthropist Ryuko Hira, demonstrating the vision of cultural exchange, spirituality and Global exchange.

The new facility will host conferences, seminars and cultural events, including encouraging dialogue and understanding between individuals from all walks of life.

It is also equipped with meditation halls, serene gardens and accommodation facilities.

Prasanthi Nilayam is the main ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, located in the eponymous district of Andhra Pradesh.