XXXIII Convocation Of SSSIHL…

Educational Institutions mushroom like anything, but no one understands the true value of Education, observed Bhagawan ‘delivering’ Divine Chancellor’s Convocation Address herein Prasanthi Nilayam today.

A set tradition for the past over three decades, Prasanthi Nilayam witnessed the 33rd Annual Convocation of SSSIHL this morning, held in a glittering ceremony at the spacious Sai Kulwant Hall.

Set up in the year 1981, SSSIHL is unique in its methodology, imparting free education, promoting human values with spiritual orientation. SSSIHL provides value based education, completely free of cost following Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s dictum that, Education Should Be Given Free…

The 33rd Convocation ceremony commenced just after 1030 hrs. this morning with the regal procession, from Bhagawan’s Abode Yajur Mandiram, arriving at the venue,  led by the University Brass Band.

A special dais, the Seat Of The Divine Chancellor, was set in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum.  Chief Guest to the Convocation, flanked by former VCs, academicians, members of the academic council and other officials were seated on the dais.

Ceremonial Veda chanting followed. Offering obeisance to The Divine ‘Founder’ Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Prof J. Sashidhara Prasad then prayed to Bhagwan to declare the Convocation open. To the delight of the capacity audience present in the hall, Divine Chancellor’s beatific voice rung in the air…”I Declare The Convocation Open…” and the assembly burst into rapturous applause.

Addressing the unique assembly, the Vice Chancellor then briefed about the Unique ‘modus operandi’ SSSIHL follows generating students of character. Quality of the students stand testimony to the unique system of Sathya Sai Education, said the Vice Chancellor, who then introduced the Chancellor Of SSSIHL Mr. Justice (Retd) MN Venkatachalaiah, Former Chief Justice Of Supreme Court Of India and the Chief Guest for the ceremony, Dr Krishnaswami Kasturirangan, Former Director Of ISRO, Indian Space Research Organisation.. A proud Vice Chancellor also announced the unique distinction of the Institute, being No. 8 in a group of 250 accredited universities under NAAC of UGC.

Candidates for various degrees were then presented to the Chancellor. The Chancellor followed suit admitting the candidates for the degree. The ‘Institute Oath’ followed next, administered by the Vice Chancellor.

Gold Medals to various degrees were then presented to the winners by the Vice Chancellor. Sri Sathya Sai All-Rounder Gold Medals were awarded to four students, Kum Sai Kiran, Sarvasee Santosh CR, Adarsh Saraf and Sandeep Kumar Chavan from Anantapur, Brindavan, Prasanthi Nilayam and Muddenahalli Campuses.

Winning students were presented with various gold medals for academic excellence, instituted in honour of distinguished personalities; conferring of doctoral degrees to desrving candidates followed next. 

Chief Guest’s Convocation Address followed next. Paying obeisance to Bhagawan, delivering a ‘Science – Technology – Vision’ oriented address, Dr Kasturirangan, at the outset, hailed the commendable holistic education being provided by the Institute producing young, bright, creative minds. The unique eco-system filled with vibrancy reflects the character of 21st Century Gurukul.  Congratulating the graduants of the year, Dr Kasturirangan reminded the passing out batch, of India’s fast progress as an economic super power where young students would be rewarded with challenging opportunities, in the field of socio-economic-growth.

Referring to the success of Indians in the global scene, Dr Kasturirangan made a special ‘detailed’ mention of young Rahul Narayan who leads the Indian team, raising ahead, accepting the challenge of Google Lunar X Prize mission announced in year 2007, a unique model for challenging entrepreneurship.

Hinting upon the ‘success mantra’ of Team Work, the scientist par excellence explained how in his own chosen field, at ISRO, young minds could come up with innovative indigenous projects utilizing their brain, creativity, innovation only to become world beaters. In conclusion, the learned speaker reminded the students to overcome challenges with character, courage and knowledge, opting to the path of hard work, integrity and conviction. The wealth of knowledge is the best of the knowledge, concluded Dr Kasturirangan.

The Divine Chancellor’s Convocation Address followed next. Exhorting the students on the true value of Education, Bhagawan asked them to engage in Satsangha, good company, to reflect the humanness in them. The dictates of conscience is True Dharma…Explainig the purport behind the scriptural dictum Sathyam Bruyath, Priyam Bruyath, Na Bruyath Sathyamapriyam…, Bhagawan further exhorted the boys not go give up human values under any circumstances.  Referring to the Convocation Ceremony, Bhagawan reminded the students that – the rare great opportunity should be made use of to earn good name for themselves and for their Alma mater…

The XXXIII Convocation ceremony ended with National Anthem followed by Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.