Andhra Pradesh declares 4-day state mourning
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Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday declared a four-day state mourning for Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who died in Puttaparthi in Ananthapur district on Sunday.
The last rites of the Sai Baba will be performed with state honours, a state government release said. Baba will be buried at the Sai Kulwant Hall in Prashanti Nilayam on Wednesday morning.
A government release said a state mourning till on Wednesday has been announced as a tribute to the departed dignitary.
"The chief minister has also announced that the last rites will be performed with state honours. He also declared on Wednesday a holiday for Anantapur District," the release said.
Chief minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed grief over the demise of Sai Baba and recalled the "unparalleled services rendered by him to the humanity in myriad ways which are beyond description."
"Sri Sai Baba is a symbol of love, affection and passion. Sri Satya Sai Baba has given his great self to service of humanity in the form of various services not only to our state, our country but also to the entire world," he said in his condolence message.
"He will be remembered for ages to come by all sections of people all over the world," the chief minister added.
Andhra Pradesh governor E.S.L. Narasimhan said in his condolence message, "Sai Baba's exemplary life epitomises universal brotherhood and loving service to the needy humanity cutting across region and religion. His potent message of love and service would continue to inspire not only the present generation but also generations to come."
Chief minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy said, "Sai Baba lived his whole life trying to spread the message of peace and love among human beings and also worked for the development and uplift of downtrodden."
Reddy said Sai Baba's work in the fields of education and health, and projects like drinking water supply to drought-prone villages were exemplary.
"Sai Baba set an example with his motto 'service to the poor is service to god' and his life itself has been a message. He gave a direction to people on how they should live. The greatest tribute we will be paying him is by following in his footsteps," the chief minister said.
"We have declared state mourning from Sunday till on Wednesday following Baba's demise. There will be holiday in Ananthapur district on Wednesday," Reddy told reporters here.
Replying to a question, the chief minister said: "I have spoken to the Satya Sai Central Trust members and they have assured me that all the activities will continue to go on as they have been presently. We believe Baba still lives with us and only his body has departed. The Trust is in order and it will run as it is now."
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