SRI SATHYA SAI DISTRICT FORMED - A HISTORIC DAY FOR PUTTAPARTHI

Apr 4, 2022

April 4, 2022, Hyderabad: As a result of years of continuous effort, highlighting the need for a district headquarters in Puttaparthi named after Sri Sathya Sai Baba, today the Honorable Government of Andhra Pradesh has decided to form a district namely *Sri Sathya Sai District* with Puttaparthi as the headquarter.

Swami's younger brother Sri Janakiramaiah garu, father of Sri Rathnakar, played an instrumental role as he brought up the demand and highlight the necessity of Sri Sathya Sai district around four decades ago.

On the announcement, *Sri RJ Ratnakar, Managing Trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust* expressed his happiness and said, “_All the devotees were very happy for the recognition of Sri Sathya Sai District across the state of Andhra Pradesh and the world over as well. Let's all pray the formation of a new district will pave way for more development, make more and more people visit this blessed land, and get spiritually recharged_.”

Sri Basanth Kumar IAS (2012 cadre) has become the first District Collector of Sri Sathya Sai District. In the presence of the Managing Trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri Rathnakar, Puttaparthi MLA Sri Duddukunta Sridhar Reddy, and other MLAs, officials, amidst Vedic chants, Sri Basanth Kumar took charge in the temporary office set up at Swami's music college (the building adjacent to the main music college building).

Sri Basanth Kumar is one of the humblest IAS officers of India known for his simplicity and shunning extravaganza.

The people of Puttaparthi are planning a 5-day celebration commemorating the formation of the district.