The managing trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust since 2020, R.J. Rathnakar studied in schools and colleges founded by Sathya Sai Baba, and earned an MBA. His father, R.V. Janakiramaiah, was Baba’s younger brother.
Edited excerpts from an interview:
Q What are your earliest memories of Baba?
I must have been six years old then; I remember him calling me and asking my name.
Q How was he at home, away from the crowds?
He walked the talk—he lived his entire life in perfect alignment with his teachings. Whether he was before thousands of devotees, in his private chambers, in his drawing room or dining hall, he was always the same—serene, radiant and divinely poised.
Ordinary human beings often act differently in public and in private. But with Baba, there was no difference. His divine nature was constant. Those close to him were always alert, reverent and deeply devoted, because his presence commanded that. He never indulged in casual chit-chat or lowered the bar of his conduct, even in private. He was consistently the embodiment of divinity.
Q Tell us about the recent initiatives of the Central Trust and upcoming projects.
After Bhagwan’s mahasamadhi, the Trust has continued his legacy and maintained the great institutions he founded. Our priority has been to uphold the principles Baba laid down, ensuring that his vision remains at the heart of every activity.
While many suggested adopting new models in line with modern trends, we decided to retain the essence of Baba’s approach, introducing innovations only where they support the core mission.
Over the years, we have added new initiatives. For instance, several mobile hospitals have been launched to reach rural communities. We also undertook housing projects in Odisha. Another major initiative is the Sathya Sai Archives, which preserves his teachings for posterity.
We have preserved nearly 6,000 manuscripts of Baba, and 25,000 hours of audio and video recordings. Advanced clean-room technology has been used to ensure their longevity.
In Andhra Pradesh, we have launched a major nutritional programme for government schools. Around 34 lakh students in 45,000 schools receive a nutritious ragi java drink three times a week throughout the year.
We have also planted nearly three million trees.
We have built, at a cost of 50 crore, a state-of-the-art Central Research Instrumentation Facility at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. It provides advanced equipment for research, accessible to college and doctoral students alike.
We are now preparing to introduce robotic surgeries in our cardiac care department. In Prasanthi Nilayam, we have enhanced facilities for devotees, including battery-operated cars for easier mobility, improved canteens and upgraded accommodations.
Q Are there plans to expand the Trust’s projects nationally and internationally?
The Trust primarily operates within Andhra Pradesh and India, but our service extends beyond geographical limits. Recently, we supported the Mahabodhi Hospital in Ladakh, equipping it fully to serve the local community. Our campus in Dharwad [Karnataka] provides quality education to the region. Similarly, in Aluva, Kerala, we have established a new college.
Q Puttaparthi’s economy is closely tied to the ashram. What is being done to ensure the town continues to thrive?
Yes, Prasanthi Nilayam is the heart of Puttaparthi’s economy. What was once a small, remote village has become vibrant because of Baba’s presence. The influx of devotees from across the world sustains local businesses—hotels, restaurants, taxi services, shops and more.
Farmers, vendors and labourers benefit from the ashram’s activities. Construction work for new projects provides local employment. Many devotees, especially retirees, have settled here, drawn by the peaceful atmosphere and spiritual energy.
Now that Puttaparthi has been made a district headquarters, named Sri Sathya Sai district, new government offices and services have further boosted economic activity. We continue to work closely with local authorities to improve infrastructure and create a better environment both inside and outside the ashram.
Q Can the government do more to promote Puttaparthi as a major pilgrimage centre? What about reopening the airport to the public?
If the government chooses to, it can do a great deal to promote Puttaparthi as a pilgrimage destination. The Trust-owned airport is one such asset.
As a charitable organisation, we are not equipped to run an airport, but we are open to partnerships. Discussions are already under way with potential operators and government. If this materialises in the next few months, it will transform the local economy by creating jobs and making travel more convenient for devotees from India and abroad.
The airport was built to serve devotees when no other facility existed. It was established by the Trust as nobody locally was willing to take the initiative. Today, we don’t require that asset.
Q If Baba walked in our midst today, what would he say about the state of the world?
Throughout his life, Baba taught unity, love and selfless service. In today’s troubled world—marked by conflict, division and even unrest within families—his message is more relevant than ever.
He would remind us—“Love all, serve all. Help ever, hurt never.” That simple mantra holds the key to peace. If world leaders, and indeed all of us, lived by it, the world would be a more harmonious place.
Baba often said, “Nations are many, but the earth is one.” We have divided this planet with boundaries and maps, but in truth, humanity shares one home. Only when we think as one people and act with compassion can we create a peaceful, dignified and mutually respectful world for future generations.