The recent death of Sathya Sai Baba has evoked many of his devotees to speak up in his defence. To millions he is their saviour. As one follower put it “He is God himself”. To cynics, he is just a very successful orange robed conman preying on the vulnerable to build his $9billion empire. This is only an estimation as no true valuation can take place – he did not have a bank account!
So who is Sathya Sai Baba?
This we will never know. We can only read between the lines of those who have encountered him. The Vatican comes to my mind. A hugely celebrated and obeyed institution that comes with its own set of corruption. Is Sai Baba’s charity similar?
Like many cults, Sai Baba managed to get rich through donations from his followers. Like many cults, he would go to them during their times of need. Unlike many cults, Sai Baba’s followers ranged from celebrities to the highest echelons of society.
Yes, he inspired many Ashrams and did philanthropic work. However, he has also numerous counts of sexual abuse attached to his name, which in India, he will never be held accountable for. India is renown for bribery and extortion.
The legacy for Sathya Sai Baba is filled with ambiguity. Successful billionaire, philanthropic, humanitarian, conman, criminal, the list goes on. The more I read about him and his life, the less appealing a man he becomes.
Whilst Sathya Sai Baba’s death didn’t mean much to me, I do respectfully say RIP.
Bunty
