There is only one caste, the caste of Humanity;
There is only one language; the language of the Heart;
There is only one God, He is Omnipresent
———–Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba————
Sathya Sai Baba and his organizations support a variety of free educational institutions, hospitals, and other charitable works in India and abroad. The number of active Sathya Sai Baba adherents was estimated in 1999 to be around 6 million, although followers’ estimations are far higher. Since there are no formal ties of membership, the actual figure may never be known. The Sathya Sai Organization reports that there are an estimated 1,200 Sathya Sai Baba Centers in 114 countries worldwide. In India itself, Sai Baba draws followers from predominantly upper-middle-class, urban sections of society who have the “most wealth, education and exposure to Western ideas.”[ A cultural icon in his home country, Sai Baba has attracted presidents and prime ministers from India and beyond who have become his devotees; in 2002, he claimed to have followers in 178 countries.
March 1940 marked a turning point. 14-year-old Sathya, as the fable goes, was stung one day by a scorpion. Since that day his behaviour changed. An enigma to all, Sathya’s persona had changed. All sort of medications and therapies were tried on him on the belief that he has come under the effect of some evil spirit, but all efforts came to a naught. Withdrawn and indifferent to worldly matters, he spoke rarely and that too only on spiritual matters. He would burst into non-stop recitation of Vedic hymns he had never learnt, challenge the scholarly philosophical subjects. Days and weeks passed, and Sathya remained “abnormal”.
Then it happened. May 23, 1940, Sathya was in a good mood, materialising flowers and sugar candy in plenty, and distributing them to all those who called on him. His father Venkama Raju lost his cool as he suspected that his son was tricking people. Armed with a big stick, he approached Sathya, and asked, “Who are You? Are You God, ghost, or devil?” The big moment had finally arrived. Sathya calmly replied, “I am Sai.” Puzzled, Venkama Raju asked: “What are we to do with You?” Sathya replied, “Worship Me.” Next question:”When?” Came the answer, “Every Thursday.” After that day he used to perform miracles, besides turning more and more towards his spiritually awakened self. Then finally on October 20, 1940, he finally decided to snap all worldly ties and launch the mission he had incarnated for. He declared to his parents, “I am no longer your Sathya. I am Sai. I don’t belong to you. I have my work. My devotees are calling me. I am going. I can no longer stay here.” The Avatar was now for all to see and experience. Such was his magnetism, and such was the faith of the devotees who flocked to him and they had no reservation in accepting him as a divine incarnation.