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“Sri Sathya Sai Trust has set an unparalleled example of private initiative in implementing a project on their own, without any State's budgetary support, a massive water supply project, with an expenditure of Rs 300 crore to benefit 731 scarcity and fluoride, salinity-affected villages and a few towns in Anantapur district,” the Ninth Five-Year Plan document summarised the Trust's activity.
With interests in education, healthcare, water supply, relief to the poor and culture, Sathya Sai Central Trust was started in 1972.
As Sai Baba's clout and influence grew over the years among politicians, businessmen and celebrities, donations began to pour in, making it one of the richest Trusts in the country.
Initiatives
The trust runs Institute of Higher Learning, Higher Secondary School, Super-Speciality hospital colleges (one each in Puttaparthi and Bangalore), Mirpuri College of Music, Gurukulam English Medium School (Rajahmundry) and International School for Human Values in New Delhi.
In the water sector, it runs water projects for water-hungry districts of Anantapur, Medak and Mahboobnagar districts, covering hundreds of villages.
Another major work the Trust undertook was the revival of the 150-km stretch of Telugu Ganga project that sought to provide drinking water to Chennai, besides irrigating about 3 lakh acres.
Mr M. Karunanidhi, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister known for his atheistic stand, himself was present at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in January 2007 to thank Baba for the work. The Trust also takes up housing, relief works, besides organising cultural events.
Leadership issues
People now express concern as to what would happen to these activities now after the demise of Baba. They also raise doubts on the continuation of leadership and running of the Trust. Flow of funds too could be hit. Allegations of misappropriation of Trust funds have already become a topic of discussion. The State Government recently had refused to take over the Trust activity, fearing criticism from the public.
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