S.M. Krishna condoles Sathya Sai Baba's death

New Delhi, Apr 24 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has condoled the demise of prominent religious leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who breathed his last at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur District on Sunday morning due to cardio-respiratory failure.

"The light of love, compassion and service to humanity that lit from Puttaparthi is extinguished. He gave love to those who needed, gave education to those denied, provided health services to those who could not afford above all provided water to those who were thirsty," said Krishna in his condolence message.

"He was a Yuga Purush, who inspired millions in the country and outside. He interpreted spirituality in terms of love and service, secular approach to issues was his hall mark. He provoked us to act affirmatively in life. Let us continue to walk his path," he added.

Sai Baba, 85, breathed his last at 7.40 a.m. at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,

His body will be kept at the Sai Kulwant Hall in Prashanti Nilayam for two days for people to pay their homage to the spiritual guru.

The Baba will be buried at the Sai Kulwant Hall on Wednesday morning in line with the practice adopted for spiritual leaders in India, contrary to the Hindu custom of cremating bodies.

The exact time will be announced later. (ANI)