Sri Sathya Sai 5K Run & Ride Finale Celebrates Unity in Puttaparthi
Over 19,000 participants joined the grand finale, promoting fitness, devotion and selfless service.
Anantapur: The grand finale of the ‘Sri Sathya Sai 5K Run & Ride – A Spirit of Unity’ concluded on a spiritually uplifting note, carrying Sri Sathya Sai Baba's timeless message of love, service and human unity at Puttaparthi, the divine abode of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, on Sunday.
The scene transformed into a magnificent celebration of unity, fitness, devotion and selfless service.
Organised by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, India, as part of the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the event marked the culmination of a nationwide movement that inspired more than 1,20,100 participants across 45 major cities to embrace the ideals of “Love All – Serve All and Help Ever – Hurt Never,” while promoting fitness, national integration and universal human values.
The finale was held at Hill View stadium in Puttaparthi, the 46th city where the ‘Sri Sathya Sai Run and Ride for Spirit of Unity’ was conducted. Over 19,000 people from all walks of life participated in it, taking the number of total participants to 1,39,100 from 46 cities.
Thousands of participants, volunteers and devotees assembled in the serene ambience of Baba Divine Presence. The event was ceremonially flagged off by RJ Ratnakar, managing trustee, SSS central trust, and Nimish Pandya, national president, Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, India.
The programme began with the lighting of the lamp, followed by warm up – yoga and drill and the ceremonial lighting of the unity run torch.
Former Indian cricketer and cricket coach A Mazumdar, collector Shyam Prasad and SP Satish Kumar were among those present.
Addressing the large gathering, managing trustee Rathnakar expressed his joy at witnessing the sea of participants. It would be wonderful if such a vibrant atmosphere could be seen in Puttaparthi every day, he said.
He noted, “Maintaining good health through regular physical activity was a valued tradition passed down by our ancestors. However, due to today's hectic lifestyles and work pressures, people often neglect their health until a doctor advises them to take action.”
Nimish Pandya said the event had brought together people from across the country, reflecting the spirit of unity that lay at the heart of the Run & Ride initiative. This collective participation, he said, was a living expression of Baba’s universal message of "Love All, Serve All."
Emphasising the importance of physical well-being, he said a healthy body and a healthy mind, guided by a noble spirit, enabled individuals to lead meaningful lives and render selfless service to society.
