Interview | 'Spirituality And Science Can Coexist To Make The World A Better Place To Inhabit' Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai

India is a land of spiritual leaders for centuries. Among many is World-renowned humanitarian leader Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, a modern-day spiritual leader whose identity is more than preaching. His work spans education, healthcare, and social upliftment – all circling to inner transformation of individuals involved at lasrge. His spiritual values are turned into tangible actions with initiatives like free hospitals, schools, and nutrition programs across India and abroad. Apart from many accolades, the spiritual leader was recently conferred with 'Companion of the Order of Fiji', highest honour of the country. For him, the spiritual calling is about being chose, as he says, "Divine doesn’t choose the qualified; He qualifies the chosen." We got in touch with the spiritual leader to know more about leadership, faith, and the role of spirituality in an increasingly complex world.

Could you share with us the spiritual journey that led you from being a devotee to becoming a global spiritual guide and humanitarian?

They say when the disciple is ready the guru appears and when the disciple is really ready the guru disappears. I received spiritual guidance from my spiritual guru which made me really ready to follow my intuition.

You have often spoken about the importance of selfless service. What does sevā mean to you personally, and how should one practice it in daily life?

In the world we live in, the common understanding is that when you give something, you lose something in return, be it time, energy, money, or a possession. Giving is often equated with sacrifice or loss. But sevā, or selfless service, stands in complete contrast to this law and defies it. sevā is one of the rare and sacred acts where both the giver and the receiver are equally blessed. In fact, it is often the giver who receives far more, not in material terms, but in inner wealth, peace, and spiritual evolution. For me, sevā is the highest form of worship. It is the most direct expression of divine love in action. When sevā is done with the right intention, without expectation, and with a heart full of compassion, it becomes a transformative force. It heals, uplifts, and sanctifies both the one who serves and the one who is served.

How can we engage in sevā when we are already burdened with responsibilities, family duties, and careers?

The beauty of sevā is that it doesn’t always require grand gestures or large resources. It begins with a sincere intention to be of help. And that help can take many forms—each according to their means and context. For instance, let’s say you are cooking lunch at home. Can you cook an extra portion and give it to someone who may not have the luxury of a meal? On your way to work, if you see a homeless person or a hungry child, offer that meal with a smile. That small act can make a world of difference. Or perhaps you’re in an office environment. When was the last time you greeted the security guard or the housekeeping staff with a warm smile and a kind word? You may not realise it, but such a gesture can uplift their spirits and remind them that they matter. sevā isn’t always about giving something material. It can be time, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or simply treating someone with dignity and compassion. Every little act of kindness, when done selflessly, becomes sevā. That is why I often say, “Do not wait to become spiritual and then begin to serve. Start serving, and you will become spiritual.”

Is your involvement in free healthcare for people part of sevā? What inspired this healthcare model, and how is it sustained?

In ancient India, education was imparted under banyan trees, open to all, and offered not for a price but as a gift of wisdom. Healthcare was rendered by vaidyas who saw their work as service, not as a business. Today, far too often, people are seen as customers, walking ATM machines from whom money is extracted under the guise of service. The very fundamentals of human dignity – health, education, and food, have become unaffordable to the very people who need them the most. If India is to reclaim its true identity as viśvaguru, we must restore this spirit of selflessness and sacred service where ‘one lived for each other and everyone lived for God.’ We established these hospitals precisely for those children and families who have nowhere else to go.

As per the sustainable part, As long as there is goodness in the hearts of people, this mission will sustain. This model of free healthcare rests on what I call the 3S Model: Sarkar (Government), Samaj (Society), and Sanstha (Institution). Only when these three pillars come together in harmony can such massive and meaningful transformations occur.

In a time when people are divided by religion, region, and ideology, how does your ‘One World One Family’ vision hope to bring unity and peace?

The spirit of ‘One World One Family – vasudhaiva kuṭumbakam’ is not just an idea for the future; it is a living reality, subtly guiding our world even today through every act of kindness, every collaborative effort, and every humanitarian cause. The idea of one world and one family is not absent, it simply manifests in various ways, based on each individual’s perception, upbringing, and most importantly, their spiritual evolution. Each of us expresses this spirit differently. The way I serve may differ from the way you serve. But as long as the intention is to help, to uplift, to ease another’s pain, then that service is sacred. It is a manifestation of the One World One Family ideal. Wars, divisions, and strategies for power will continue as long as self-interest overshadows selflessness. But the moment we awaken to our higher purpose as a global family, peace and unity will not just be possible, it will be inevitable.

How do you see the role of education in spiritual development?

The very objective of education is to nurture young minds in achieving holistic growth. While academic excellence, skills, intellectual depth are some of the definitive outcomes of quality education frameworks, true education means realising who we are, what’s our life’s purpose and why we are at a place at a given time and doing what we do. – it’s nothing but the divine force choosing our existence and guiding our actions. Educations should teach to lead a life that is dedicated to the service of the underserved, and compassion-driven action that uplifts the humanity.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing humanity today, and how can spirituality offer a solution?

The greatest challenge that humanity today contends with is not poverty, disease, or even climate change, though these are certainly critical challenges. The widespread forgetting of our inherent unity and interconnectedness is the prime challenge that’s taking humanity away from its quest of inner transformation, contributing to disconnect, discrimination and disengagement. We are so focused on our individuality and diversity that our inherent unity is taking a backseat. Discrimination by nationality, religion, ideology, wealth, and even personal ego tends to fuel fear, competition, hatred, and the relentless pursuit of self-interest, leading to conflict, exploitation, and immense suffering.

How do you respond to skepticism about spirituality in a scientific, rational world? Can the two coexist harmoniously?

In today’s scientific and rational world, the essence of spirituality seems to be lost to many. Science offers the rationale behind how the cosmos function, how our bodies operate and all the logic behind the “how” aspect of everything. However, it is only spirituality that can shed light on the “why” and “what” aspects of everything and address the timeless profound queries – why are we here, what is the purpose of our life, what is the very nature of our consciousness that observes and understands all scientifically derived truths and reaffirms our interconnectedness with the Divine. And, spirituality and science can coexist – they must coexist. They are not opposing forces but complement each other, making the world a better place to inhabit.

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