The account of Puttaparthi’s evolution is a graceful tribute to Sathya Sai Baba’s vision (‘The divine who moved human hearts’, November 30). Few spiritual leaders have shaped a town and touched the world with such quiet power. His free hospitals, universities and water projects demonstrate what is possible when service is treated as a sacred duty.
At a time when institutions often pursue profit over purpose, Sai Baba’s model reminds us that compassion can be organised, and that excellence can coexist with humility.
Congratulations to THE WEEK for capturing this rare blend of idealism and practicality. Puttaparthi stands as a testament to how love, when translated into action, can transform communities.
K. Chidanand Kumar,
On email.
Your cover story made for a fascinating reading. The scale of social work undertaken in the service of humanity by Sai Baba is astonishing and beyond words. He transformed the tiny hamlet of Puttaparthi into a self-sufficient modern town—an achievement far beyond ordinary human effort.
Sai Baba remains beyond the comprehension of the ordinary mind. His devotees comprise who’s who from across the world. The service rendered by the organisations he founded has been steadfast, selfless and deeply laudable. May it continue to expand, grow wider, and reach every corner of the country.
G.V. Prasad,
On email.
At a time when our country is flooded with self-styled babas and yogis—many of whom have been exposed as frauds, casting a shadow over the lofty ideals and values for which India is known—the journey of Bhagawan Sathya Sai Baba stands out as a rare blessing. His life and work remain a source of inspiration not only for believers but also for non-believers. His unwavering commitment to the ideal—‘Love all, serve all; help ever, hurt never’—was unmatched. He never missed a day in pursuing his sacred mission of rendering selfless service to the poor, the needy, the sick, and the destitute.
The legacy Sai Baba has left behind should serve as a guiding light for each of us—to share our love unconditionally and to serve humanity to the fullest extent possible. After all, service to the poor and the needy is service to God, a truth Sai Baba embodied throughout his life.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
On email.
Thank you for the wonderful cover story on Sai Baba. Dr S. Radhakrishnan once observed that when science fails to answer life’s deeper questions, spirituality begins.
My brother, a leading scientist, devoted his life to the service of humanity, deeply inspired by Sai Baba, who drew not only vast numbers of ordinary people but also intellectuals, scientists, educators and artistes. He mobilised volunteers and resources to build institutions for public welfare—schools, universities, hospitals and drinking-water projects—all free of charge. In a developing nation, this itself is nothing short of miraculous.
Sai Baba occupies a permanent place not just in the hearts of his devotees but also in the conscience of the many who benefitted from his work, irrespective of religion, caste and colour.
K.V. Jayaram,
On email.
My compliments to THE WEEK for carrying such expansive coverage of Sathya Sai Baba on the occasion of his centenary.
It is no surprise that Sai Baba drew devotees from every walk of life, cutting across religion and geography.
Prasanthi Nilayam truly lives up to its name as the “abode of peace”; a fact evident in the profound silence and self-imposed discipline observed even when thousands of devotees gather within the ashram campus.
Rajiv Magal,
On email.
It is interesting that THE WEEK has carried cover features on both Shirdi Sai Baba and Sathya Sai Baba within a span of seven years. Whether Shirdi Sai Baba or Sathya Sai Baba, I do not necessarily see them as gods, yet their stature is undeniably god-like.
Virender Pawan,
On email.
Pregnancy after 40
Egg freezing can appear to be a promising option, especially for working women who may wish to have children after the age of 35 and 40 (‘Point blank’, November 30). Despite the risks involved, many women choose this path to preserve their fertility. Freezing eggs, or embryos, during a healthier phase of life can offer greater flexibility for the future.
That said, pregnancy after 40 carries higher medical risks.
Vyom Prakash,
On email.
What Sania Mirza appears to be doing is a sensible option and one that many couples may consider. In western countries, this is already common. Medical science does not state that women should not have children at 39, 40, 41 or 42; it simply emphasises that greater care is required at later stages.
Kuldeep Kaur,
On email.
Uneven playing field
The elections in Bihar were conducted on a markedly uneven playing field (‘Patriarch’s powerplay’, November 30). While fissures within the grand alliance undermined its electoral prospects, the NDA gained decisive edge through its preemptive Rs10,000 cash transfer to women voters.
C. Chandrasekaran Bharati,
On email.
Share with authorities
Way to go! THE WEEK’s events are drawing huge attention and are being attended by eminent personalities (‘Eat less; burn more’, November 30).
The key discussions and recommendations from the Health Summit 2025 should be formally shared with the authorities and followed up. Coming from a credible news organisation such as THE WEEK, this will be surely taken very seriously.
Veena Nandan,
On email.