‘Is it really possible to bring this world together?’: Daggubati Suresh Babu discusses ‘One World, One Family’ mission with Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai discusses the One World One Family mission's impact on healthcare, education, and nutrition in Hyderabad.
In a profound dialogue held in Hyderabad, film producer Daggubati Suresh Babu engaged with Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai to explore the profound impact and vision of the One World One Family mission. The event, titled ‘An Evening Divine’, was organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the mission's transformative work.
A Vision for Global Unity Amidst Global Tension
During the discussion, Daggubati Suresh Babu, who described his profession as being in the "business of storytelling," posed a challenging question to Sadguru. He questioned whether the ideal of bringing the entire world together is truly achievable in an era defined by intense geopolitical tensions, economic rivalry, technological warfare, and deep social polarization.
Responding to the skepticism, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai acknowledged that while the mission might seem impractical against current global conflicts, his personal travels suggest a different reality. "I have travelled to at least 50 countries, several times in the last 10 years, and I found there are so many good people out there," Sadguru remarked. He noted that while political leaders may represent conflict, the majority of people across the globe believe in a world where they can live, love, and serve one another.
The Journey of Service: From Puttaparthi to Muddenahalli
Reflecting on his own path, Sadguru shared how a 17-year-old version of himself was deeply moved after visiting the Sri Sathya Sai Hospital near Puttaparthi. This early encounter with selfless service shaped his life's direction. Following his initial inspiration, he pursued higher education, earning a BSc, MSc, and MBA, and worked in the banking sector in Bengaluru before moving to Muddenahalli to continue the mission's work.
Transformative Impact in Telangana
The mission's footprint is vast, spanning approximately 100 countries. In Telangana, the initiative has made significant strides in nutrition and education:
- Nutrition: Through a partnership with the state government, the mission runs a Ragi Java nutrition programme in government schools, benefiting roughly 16 lakh children.
- Education: A residential school for girls in Kondapaka, Siddipet, provides schooling from Class 6 to Class 12. Over 1,000 girls have benefited, with 70 per cent hailing from impoverished rural backgrounds.
- Healthcare: The Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital in the same region provides free cardiac treatment to children, having already completed more than 500 surgeries.
Advancing Medical Science and Social Connection
Looking toward the future of medicine, Sadguru emphasized that the mission's healthcare institutions are evolving to incorporate cutting-edge advancements. He highlighted the importance of staying at the forefront of fields such as genomics, precision medicine, targeted therapies, and longevity.
Beyond large-scale institutional work, the mission focuses on a unique educational model for medical, nursing, and allied health students. These students receive their education free of charge, with the core expectation that they will go on to serve in rural villages to bridge the healthcare gap.
Advice for the Next Generation
Addressing the social fabric of modern life, Sadguru offered specific advice to "Gen Z," urging them to slow down and prioritize human connection. He suggested that families should adapt to changing communication patterns and spend more time engaging in shared activities like singing, playing sports, or sharing meals. "We have to accept each other," he concluded, emphasizing the need for deeper social skills and togetherness.