3rd National Convention of Sathya Sai Schools…
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
Educare – in the human heart – a much needed software…
Make your life a rose that speaks silently in the language of fragrance.
So counseled Beloved Bhagawan,
As He gently did us channel,
Towards the eternal presence,
Of virtues inherent within us all,
Albeit obscure from sight,
Hidden in a fog ever so dense,
Ignorance at play,
Along with the lure of material array,
Did the appearance of noble principles hinder and stall…
And so to make life speak silently in the language of fragrance,
He bequeathed upon us – Educare,
For the emergence,
Of human values a much needed software…
The Third Convention of Sri Sathya Sai Schools in India was conducted in the divine precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam on 18th and 19th Feb 2012.
The theme of the convention was “The Way Forward To Excellence” – to take stock of the commissions and omissions since the second convention and pave the way for future commitments and actions.
The Way Forward To Excellence
To teach, not to punish
To learn, grow and cherish
To enhance and nourish
Present in every young heart and mind, a legacy from Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai that which will benefit the society, nation, the world and entire human kind…
In her welcome address, Ms Meera Kulkarni, Faculty, Institute of Sathya Sai School, reiterated the need to experience Bhagawan’s omnipresence and strengthen the inner voice so that Bhagawan becomes the voice of our conscience.
Dr B G Pitre, Director, Institute of Sathya Sai Education India, went down memory lane to traverse the journey of education by citing the Divine Plans and the chronological order of events that culminated in the coming together of all Sathya Sai Schools under a common minimum programme and the setting up of 4 training centres across the length and breadth of the country. Accordingly there are four such centres in India – Navsari, Shimla, Bhubaneshwar and Kodaikanal. During this time, even as the material for teachers was ready for print, Swami’s discourses in Whitefield acted as an eye opener giving deep insight into the concept of Education thereby enabling the adaptation of valuable lessons.
Dr B G Pitre concluded by reiterating that the destiny of the Nation is shaped in the four walls of the classroom. He went on to state that the purpose of this convention was to enable us to understand the divine legacy and to forge ahead with strength, understanding, devotion and conviction so that we are able to carry this message with us for posterity. He quoted the lines immortalized by Tagore in the Gitanjali – “Into that heaven of freedom my father, let my country awake”.
Shri Ranga Rao, Convener, Sri Sathya Sai Trust, AP commenced the inaugural addressed and stated that the purpose of the convention was to examine the past events in the field of education since the second convention, take stock of the present achievements and to chalk out the road map for the future.
While elaborating on the milestones covered, he cited the common minimum programme, the common logo, school song and uniform, fixing the basic remuneration for the teaching staff. He stressed on the need of affluent schools to reach out to economically challenged schools. He observed that the necessary pre-requisites for an ideal school was not merely the infrastructure , but an atmosphere of love, eternal human values, student teacher bond and all round development of the children’s personality. While affirming the same in an interview, Bhagawan Baba gave three precious gems – :
Teachers should ensure that the students imbibe and practice values in day to day lives.
Service related activities should be encouraged.
Relevance of Ancient Culture, Sanathana Dharma and Sacred Texts to be expounded.
He concluded his talk by quoting lines from “Saare Jahaan Se Accha” confirming that what sets us apart from others is our ancient culture.
Shri Nimish Pandya, Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Trust, Maharashtra, speaking on the “way forward to excellence” assured there was no crisis ailing Mother India except the crisis of human character. unless values were imbibed by children, peace will never happen on earth. Bhagawan had laid the strategy for Universal Peace then by advocating – “If there is Righteousness in the Heart, there is Beauty in Character, if there is Beauty in Character, there is Harmony in the Home, if there is Harmony in the Home, there is Order in the Nation, if there is Order in the Nation, there is Peace in the World.”
He stated that the Vision of Sathya Sai Schools should be to inculcate courage and skill to win the war between senses and conscience.
Shri S.G. Chalam, State President, AP while delivering the vote of thanks urged one and all to focus on re-structuring their attitudes.
Panel discussions continued during the evening session and subsequently in the next morning.
19th February 2012 – Concluding Session of the 3rd Convention of Sathya Sai Schools
Sri Nimish Pandya briefly synthesized the proceedings of the Convention which would be a preamble to the various essential activities – the valuable suggestions that were offered, the essential work to be implemented.
He then called upon Sri Tribhuvan Sachdeva – Alumnus, SSSIHL – Prasanthi Nilayam and Secretary of National Council, to read out the Report of the 3rd Convention to the august gathering.
Sri Sachdeva addressed the congregation rendering a lucid and detailed reading vis-a-vis the proceedings of Convention, reflecting upon the intense brainstorming through Panel and Group Discussions that led to the dawning of novel ideas, the promising implementation of which could lead to a bright future for all, culminating in the realization of Beloved Bhagawan’s dream.
Following this crystal elucidation it was time for the much awaited address by the All India President of the SSSO. Sri V Srinivasan delivered an illuminating, stimulating and uplifting overview of the myriad topics that came under the scrutiny of this Convention.
Ending his speech of intent, Sri Srinivasan said, The journey towards Excellence is like the journey to Sai. It never ends! Every forward step is itself a milestone. The travellers and the pilgrims may change but the journey goes on. What is sure is that Sai is always with us, holding our hands, soothing our tired limbs, guiding us forward. The journey itself is the joy of the destination.
Dr. Pitre then gave his concluding remarks infusing and impelling every heart to march ever forward on the road to excellence. He summarized that this convention was indeed an eventful chapter in the progress towards excellence.
The 3rd Convention came to a close with an enchanting Valedictory Session wherein each delegate held a lit candle in their hand and sang the glorious theme song – Sai Prem Ki Jyoti Lekar, Nikal Padey Hai Hum – inciting and invoking a spirit of solidarity, dedication, commitment and devotion to Beloved Bhagawan and the realization of His dream.
The ‘Jyoti’ was handed over to the State President of Madhya Pradesh for the next meet to be held at Indore in February 2014.
The Programme came to a close with the offering of Aarati to Beloved Bhagawan.
II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Posted in Reports |
