Sathya Sai Baba, whose message of universal love and brotherhood attracted millions of followers across the globe, was on Wednesday interred at the very spot from where he used to meet and address his disciples for years.The mortal remains of the 85-year-old spiritual leader, whose clout spread far and wide among both the commoners and the high mighty, were buried after the last rites were performed by his nephew R.J. Ratnakar in accordance with vedic customs following full police honours.The spot where he was buried is now expected to become an eternal memorial for Sai Baba, who at the age of 14 announced himself as a reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. He made his mark initially with miracles but later founded institutions of excellence in education and medical facilities besides undertaking development work and philanthropy.Sai Baba died on Sunday morning after fighting illness for nearly a month caused by multi—organ failure.
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Baba has left behind two big controversies and unanswered questions for devotees to ponder on:1: Who will succeed Baba?2. Did the Baba get proper treatment at the proper time as he was controlled by a few people around him?The first big question looming large in the mind of the devotees is: Who will succeed Baba?Even before the demise of Baba, a wrangle had reportedly broken out among the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. In fact, the Trust met on Thursday as the Baba was ailing to determine who can manage the Rs 40,000 crore spiritual empire.It was then decided that Baba's nephew R J Ratnakar and spiritual leader's student and caretaker Sathyajit would together manage the ashram and other important affairs.But according to sources, in the course of the discussion, it was made clear that this was only a temporary arrangement. The two will have no control over Trust's future activities.Sources said Trust secretary K Chakravarthy struck a formula calling for a joint management system.Sathyajit, an MBA who joined the ashram when he was a kid, has been taking care of the godman for over a decade-and-a-half now; Ratnakar is the son of Baba's younger brother Janakiramaiah, a former trustee who expired about six years ago.But behind all the mourning and show of sorrow, there is a quiet backroom drama unfolding among the `investors in the godman's business'. In typical boardroom style battle for stakes, a silent battle has broken out in the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, the all-powerful inheritor of Sai Baba's legacy.There are three people in the row: the powerful Trust secretary Chakravarthy, Sathyajit and Ratnakar. There is also deep unrest now that Baba is no more.Ratnakar reportedly wanted cheque power which is presently with trust member secretary A. Chakravarthi, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who quit his job on Baba's advise to join his network.Though not a member of the trust, Satyajit, Baba's personal caregiver, is allegedly trying to have a greater say in the financial matters as Baba had reportedly promised him last year a key post on the trust.The biggest worry is the growing fears of the misuse of assets of the trust by the members themselves and the possibility of members of Sai Baba's family.In 2005 came a change with the death of Sai Baba's older brother Janakiraman. He had strongly protected the interests of Sai Baba's immediate family. After the demise of Janakiraman, his son Rathnakar, was picked by Sai Baba himself. But he has never asserted himself and is a weak link in the chain of succession.Now there is fear that the family members of Sai Baba -- mostly unemployed nephews and nieces -- would demand a greater say in the affairs of the trust.Read Morehttp://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5137916&page=3
One of India's most revered spiritual leaders, Satya Sai Baba is critically ill and on a life-support system, his doctors say.Thousands of his followers have begun converging at his home town in southern India, prompting the authorities to increase security.The 84-year-old guru is thought to have millions of followers around the world.His distinctive orange robes and distinctive hairstyle have made him one of India's most recognisable gurus.Sai Baba was admitted to a hospital in his hometown of Puttaparthi last month with what doctors described as lung and chest congestion.After initially showing signs of improvement, his condition has again turned critical, they say.A health bulletin issued by the hospital said his vital organs were not responding well to treatment."Non-functioning of the liver and persistent episodes of low blood pressure are causing great worry to the doctors," said the bulletin.The news of Sai Baba's ill-health has prompted many of his followers to rush to Puttaparthi.Police have erected barricades around the hospital as a safety measure and also announced a ban on large public gatherings to prevent a build-up of crowds.Sai Baba counts former Indian prime ministers, prominent businessmen and cricketers among his followers.But his career has also been dogged by controversy. He has been accused of faking some of the so-called miracles attributed to him.And some former followers have levelled accusations of sexual abuse against him and other members of his ashram - charges that he has denied.He has never been charged by police in connection with these allegations.Read Morehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13167420
