World Religions Summit from November 21–23 in Muddenahalli, Karnataka
By Prof. S.S. Dogra
“To consider some people as our own and some as others is the way of narrow-minded people. But for the broad-minded, the whole world is a family. The solution to all the problems of the world lies in the idea – One World, One Family.”
— Sri Madhusudan Sai
As conflict, division, and social fragmentation continue to trouble nations across the globe, a clarion call of unity emerges from India. At the heart of this message is humanitarian and spiritual leader Sri Madhusudan Sai, whose global mission of service—rooted in the ancient Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—has transformed millions of lives across 100 countries. Under his leadership, the One World One Family Mission has expanded into a large-scale movement providing free nutrition, education, and healthcare to the underserved.
This November, Karnataka will host one of the most significant global gatherings of spiritual and cultural harmony—the World Religions Summit—as part of the historic 100-Days One World One Family World Cultural Festival, a first-of-its-kind celebration of diversity, unity, and humanitarian spirit.
A Global Cultural Movement Born from Compassion
The 100-Days One World One Family World Cultural Festival was envisioned as a global celebration of shared humanity. Bringing together 100 nations across five continents, the festival honours the centenary of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba while reaffirming the universal values of love, peace, and service.
At a time when the world faces widening political and social rifts, the festival offers a space where cultures meet, ideas flourish, and unity becomes a lived experience. It highlights how compassion, when practiced globally, can redefine the future.
The Philosophy Behind “One World, One Family”
The festival’s core theme—One World, One Family—carries a powerful yet simple message: humanity is interconnected. Beyond nationality, faith, gender, or language, every individual shares a common destiny.
The philosophy calls for a shift from self-centered progress to shared responsibility. When people view the world as family, cooperation replaces conflict, and empathy becomes the foundation of society. It is a message of hope—that true peace arises not from wealth or power, but from universal brotherhood.
Legacy of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba: A Guiding Light
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings—“Love All, Serve All” and “Help Ever, Hurt Never”—continue to guide the mission’s humanitarian transformation. His life was dedicated to uplifting humanity through truth, love, peace, right conduct, and non-violence.
After Baba’s Mahasamadhi, Sri Madhusudan Sai transformed these spiritual values into large-scale global action—ensuring free healthcare, nutrition, and education reach millions. His leadership embodies the belief that spirituality must express itself through service.
Three Pillars of Transformation: Nutrition, Education & Healthcare
The One World One Family Mission operates through three core pillars—all offered completely free of charge:
- Nutrition
• Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Programme:
10 million children receive nutritious morning meals daily across 150,000 government schools in India and five other countries.
Over 2 billion servings have been provided so far. - Education
• 27 educational campuses in South India and a school in Nigeria offer values-based, holistic education to over 3,700 students, from Grade 6 to doctoral studies.
• More than 7,900 scholarships have been awarded.
• The Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research—India’s first free private rural medical college—was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. - Healthcare
• 12 specialty hospitals in India and international hospitals in Fiji, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and a medical centre in the USA.
• Over 4.8 million outpatient services have been provided.
• More than 38,000 children with congenital heart defects have received life-saving treatment.
• The mission also promotes community upliftment through Centres for Human Development operating in 10 countries.
Festival Highlights: A Historic Gathering of Nations
The cultural festival, organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and IGNCA, is already being considered for the Guinness World Records as the longest-running cultural festival ever held.
Key highlights include:
- Inauguration of the World’s Largest Free Hospital
A groundbreaking 600-bed healthcare institution at Sathya Sai Grama, featuring:
• No billing counters
• A robotic cardiac surgery wing
• The world’s first free postgraduate programme in medicine
• A global heart valve and organ bank
• A 45-metre dome with a statue of Lord Dhanvantari
• A 22-foot monolithic statue of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
The adjoining Museum of Love will chronicle the mission’s evolution from spiritual inspiration to worldwide humanitarian impact. - World Religions Summit
Leaders from 12 major world religions, scholars, reformers, and change makers will gather from November 21–23 to:
• Discuss shared values
• Explore global peace building
• Celebrate interfaith harmony
• Emphasize collective responsibility for humanity’s future - Global Musical Tribute
More than:
• 450 musicians from 45 countries
• A 50-member global choir
• 200 young prodigies from India’s Sai Symphony Orchestra
will perform a grand symphony dedicated to the 100th Birth Anniversary of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
A Worldwide Mission: How People Can Engage
Active in 100 countries, the mission continues expanding into socio care—addressing elderly care, mental health, youth support, and social equity.
Individuals can contribute by:
• Supporting free nutrition, healthcare, and education programmes
• Volunteering time or skills
• Practicing the principle of “One World, One Family” in daily life
More than 90% of the mission’s impact has been driven by individuals who chose to serve without self-interest.
Recognitions and Global Impact
Sri Madhusudan Sai’s humanitarian contributions have received international acclaim:
• Companion of the Order of Fiji (2025) — the third Indian ever to receive this honour after PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
• Highest Peace Leader Award 2025, Universal Peace Council, Israel.
His work stands as a testament to how love and service can transcend boundaries and create lasting global change.
[Author-Prof. S. S. Dogra is Bureau Chief, Delhi for Himalini Magazine, Nepal, and Founder of Creatives World Media Academy.]
