Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguezs spiritual mentor identified as Indian guru

Venezuelan Interim Leader Visits India for Energy Cooperation Talks

Delcy Rodriguez, the interim leader of Venezuela, has arrived in India for a five-day visit aimed at boosting energy ties between the two countries. This is Rodriguez’s first trip to India since becoming interim president following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by the US military in January.

During her stay, energy cooperation and the supply of Venezuelan oil to India are expected to be top priorities. The move comes as leaders in New Delhi seek to diversify their energy imports amid supply disruptions caused by the recent conflict between the US and Israel over Iran.

Rodriguez’s visit also includes a personal connection to Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, whom she has been a devotee of for years. Born in 1926, Sathya Sai Baba was an Indian self-styled ‘godman’ and spiritual leader who gained a global following. He advocated for “peace, love and nonviolence” and encouraged people to “Love All, Serve All”.

Sai Baba’s teachings have been followed by prominent figures from India and beyond, including famous cricketers and Bollywood actors. However, his followers have also faced criticism over allegations of sexual abuse, which were investigated by the BBC in 2004.

Rodriguez has spoken publicly about her devotion to Sai Baba, stating that he has provided guidance and comfort during difficult times. She has also conveyed Sai Baba’s teachings to Venezuelans on several occasions, including during a media briefing earlier this year.

Maduro, Rodriguez’s predecessor, was also a devotee of Sathya Sai Baba, as evidenced by a 2005 photo showing the two leaders seated at his feet. Maduro declared a national day of mourning in Venezuela following Sai Baba’s death in 2011 and referred to him as “a being of great spiritual significance”.

Source: Al Jazeera