Sathya Sai Grama Celebrates 79th Independence Day & the Launch of One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025
India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations at Sathya Sai Grama was not just a celebration of freedom, but a landmark day marking the launch of the One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025. From stirring tributes in the morning to a global cultural gathering in the evening, the day resonated with the spirit of service, unity, and humanity. Guided by Sadhguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, the celebrations embodied the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—One world, One family.
A Morning of Sacred Reflection
The morning witnessed staff and students of 23 campuses of Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam uniting for the first time, a sight Dr B.N. Narasimha Murthy, Chief Mentor, Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam Group of Institutions, described as the “cosmic form of Sadhguru Shri Madhusudan Sai.” He lauded their sacrifice, recalling their words: “We have not come here for comforts. We have come for Swami.”
Speakers reflected on India’s journey since 1947, describing freedom as “the first rays of dawn dispelling the darkness.” Swami Vivekananda’s declaration—“They alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive”—set the tone for a programme rooted in service.
Sister Sneha Jeevi honoured freedom fighters while asking, “Are we truly independent?” She highlighted hunger and homelessness, invoking the ideal Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha and urging: “In unity, let’s rise and stand, and together we will heal this holy land.”
Brother Jhankar quoted Gandhi—“Be the change that you want to see in the world”—and the Katha Upanishad: “Uttiṣṭhata Jāgrata Prāpya Varānnibodhata.” He urged youth to take up the responsibility: “If not now, then when? If not here, then where? If not by us, then by whom?”
Dr Murthy praised Sneha’s “gentle flow of love” and Jhankar’s “twang of a bowstring,” recalling Sri Madiyala Narayan Bhat’s resolve: “For the salvation of the country is more important.”
Sadguru Madhusudan Sai concluded by affirming India’s eternal freedom: “India was always free in her spirit. India can never die, for its wisdom and spirituality are eternal.” Citing Tagore, he reminded that true independence also means freedom from exploitation in healthcare, education, and daily living. His call was clear: “If not us, then who? If not here, then where? If not now, then when?”
An Evening of Global Unity
The evening marked the grand launch of the One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025, organised under the One World One Family Mission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
The key dignitaries of the evening celebrations were
- Padma Bhushan Shri Subramanian Ramadorai – Chairperson, Mission ‘Karmayogi Bharat’ and Former Chairman, Kalakshetra Foundation
- Mrs Mala Ramadorai
- Dr T B Jayachandra, Honourable Member of the Legislative Assembly from Sira (Indian National Congress), with Cabinet status as the State’s Special Representative in Delhi, Government of Karnataka
- Mr Mahendra D, Regional Director of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Southern Regional Centre in Bengaluru
The evening also saw significant launches:
The World Cultural Festival logo was unveiled by dignitaries, followed by a group photo capturing the spirit of unity.
A three-minute theme video for World Cultural Festival, setting the tone of shared heritage and harmony.
The launch of Sri Sathya Sai Divya Katha, a series narrating Bhagawan Baba’s life and message, will be showcased daily for the next 100 days.
Dr Narasimha Murthy recalled Dr Stephen Rupenthal’s prophecy that India’s spiritual soil would bring forth a leader to restore peace. He affirmed: “Culture is nothing but concern for others… Survival of the weakest should be the law of human societies.”
Mr Mahendra from Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts ( IGNCA) hailed the day as “an incredible day for us,” calling it a “cultural and spiritual collective consciousness.”
Dr T B Jayachandra applauded the thoughtful initiatives undertaken by the One World One Family Mission to spread the message and continue the legacy of love and service.
Padma Bhushan Shri Subramanian Ramadorai, the Chief Guest of the evening, paid tribute to Bhagawan Baba, “whose life of selfless love and service inspired millions.” Referring to Carl Sagan’s pale blue dot, he reminded: “From space, there are no borders, no divisions, only one fragile, precious home we all share.”
Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Government of India, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a video message, called the festival “a vibrant confluence of Indian culture, spirituality and learning” and affirmed: “India stands today as a beacon of culture, wisdom and hope.”
Sadguru, in his keynote, reminded: “Our Vedas call our country the home for the whole world, where the world comes together and becomes one home, one family.” He emphasised unity: “There are millions of reasons why we can be divided. But this one reason that we are all humans… is good enough to unite us.”
The evening concluded with a soulful performance Vande Mataram by the staff and students from Nada Gurukulam, described by Mrs. Mala Ramadorai as “aesthetically beautiful and spiritually elevating.”
A Day of Inspiration
From dawn to dusk, the celebrations blended gratitude, patriotism, and vision. The morning instilled spiritual independence in the youth, while the evening affirmed global unity. More than a commemoration, it was a call to action—reminding us that true freedom is to serve, to unite, and to live for others.