Puttaparthi: The end came on the morning of Easter Sunday. After almost a month in the ICU, spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba passed away due to cardio-respiratory failure in the super speciality hospital he helped to set up in his home town of Puttaparthi.
Security was heightened in anticipation of the VIP visitors - but also for the influx of devotees expected here to pay their last respects to the man who brought not only international fame to Puttaparthi - but also drinking water, world class medical care and institutes of higher education.
While the public was kept away from the hospital itself - there was a stream of VIPs - including Andhra Pradesh's chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and Governor ESL Narasimhan and Chandrababu Naidu. More high-profile visitors are expected over the next three days of state mourning culminating in the funeral on Wednesday.
Special arrangements have been made to bring in his followers to allow them to pay their last respects as the body of Sathya Sai Baba lies in state at the Prashanti Nilayam ashram that was his home.
Security was heightened in anticipation of the VIP visitors - but also for the influx of devotees expected here to pay their last respects to the man who brought not only international fame to Puttaparthi - but also drinking water, world class medical care and institutes of higher education.
While the public was kept away from the hospital itself - there was a stream of VIPs - including Andhra Pradesh's chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and Governor ESL Narasimhan and Chandrababu Naidu. More high-profile visitors are expected over the next three days of state mourning culminating in the funeral on Wednesday.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
India Leading In Spirituality, Technology And Economy, Says PM Modi Sathya Sai Baba's first death anniversary observed by devotees Puttaparthi readies for Sathya Sai Baba's death anniversary 600 Jobs, 25,000 Seekers: Air India Drive Sets Off Stampede Fear In Mumbai 4 Top Leaders Quit Ajit Pawar's Party In Major Setback After Poll Drubbing Trump's Running Mate Calls UK "Truly Islamist State With Nuclear Weapons Delhi Doctors Report Rise In Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease In Children World Emoji Day 2024: Know Date, History And Significance BJP Huddle In UP Today To Review By-Election Preps After Big Poll Setback Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.