32nd Annual Convocation of SSSIHL…
Friday, November 22nd, 2013
The 32nd Annual Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, deemed to be University, was held in a glittering function in Sai Kulwant Hall this morning here in Prasanthi Nilayam. Dr Sam Pitroda, Internationally acclaimed development planner, currently Adviser to the Prime Minister of India on Public Administration Infrastructure and Innovation was the chief guest.
Unique, imparting free education promoting human values with spiritual orientation, Sri Sathya Sai Institute has been the beacon of hope for a new world order, engendering thousands upon thousands of students for the past three decades, ever since its inception.
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning was instituted in the year 1981 to provide value based education, absolutely free of cost, and has the unique distinction of being one of the very few institutions that impart emphasis on total values based education.
Besides education, the students are taught human values, morality and spirituality with the five cardinal human values of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa being the backbone of all teachings. The Institution has four campuses, a Women’s Campus in Anantapur set up in the year 1968, Men’s Campus at Brindavan in Whitefield, Bangalore set up in 1969, Men’s Campus at Prasanthi Nilayam set up in 1981 amd Muddenahalli campus for men set up in 2012. This institution has the unique distinction of having been accorded A Grade Reacrreditation certification by the National Accreditation and Assessment Council.
The 32nd Convocation ceremony commenced at 10:00 hrs. with a grand regal procession, from the Yajur Mandir, led by the Institute Brass Band. As is customary, two students carried the Scepter on either side while the Registrar of the Institute carried the Ceremonial Mace.
The dais, the Seat Of The Divine Founder Chancellor, was arranged in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Chief Guest to the Convocation along with the current Chancellor Justice (Retd) Venkatachalaiah, Vice Chancellor Prof Shashidhara Prasad former VCs, academicians, members of the academic council and other officials were seated on the dais.
Ceremonial Veda chanting followed. Submitting himself at His Lotus Feet, Vice Chancellor, Prof. J. Shashidhara Prasad prayed to the Divine Founder Chancellor to declare the convocation open. To the delight of a capacity audience, Divine Founder Chancellor’s beatific voice rung in the air…”I Declare The Convocation Open…” and the assembly went into rapturous applause.
Vice Chancellor’s address followed next.
Presenting the colourful profile of the Chief Guest as well as the current Chancellor, Prof Shashidhara Prasad gave a brief sketch of the substantial progress made by the Institute during the past one year.
The Chief Guest of the Convocation Dr Sam Pitroda is a popular name for his undying spirit and commitment to nation bulding. An internatioinally acclaimed development thinker, policy maker and telecom inventor Dr Sam Pitroda is a man with many feathers in his cap. He began his career in India’s nation buiding during the days of Rajiv Gandhi as Prime Minsiter, whose unstinting support found him bnringing revolutionary changes in Indian Telecom sector. Currently Dr Pitroda is Advisor to the Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation apart from heading the National Knowledge Commission.
Graduates for the year were presented to the Honourable Chancellor – Justice (Retd) Venkatachaliah followed by the Institute Oath, administered by the Vice Chancellor.
Gold medals to various degrees were presented to the students by the Chancellor Justice (Retd) Venkatachaliah. Twenty four students were presented with various gold medals for academic excellence, instituted in honour of distinguished personalities. Five students were conferred with doctoral degrees.
Chief Guest’s Convocation address followed next. Coming from a back ground having hardwork coupled with a resolute spirit to achieve, Dr Pitroda’s speech began with his own story, a story of hard labour and struggle that made him the man that he is today…a man who achieved the best in an area that has much to contribute to nation building. Hailing the discipline and high standards of the students of Bhagawan’s Institute, Dr Pitroda cited the example of one of the alumni of SSSIHL who has been working under him for the past five years, whom he rated as the best with reference to commitment, hardwork, innovation, discipline and open-willingness to accept any challenge, any task etc. He narrated his story of association with the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi whose unflinching support got him to contribute revolutionary path-breaking achievements in the Telecom industry. Dr Pitroda stressed on the greater need to take the nation ahead citing the next ten years crucial in nation’s progress. It is time to move forward, by not getting stuck up in the past… if the youth does not ask for change how will the nation progress…asked Dr Pitroda referring to the greater challenges ahead in this modern world with lots of young talent around. Dr Pitroda wished the fresh graduates the best of best, in their march towards a bright future.
Chief Guest’s speech was followed by a brief speech by the Chancellor of the Institute Justice (Retd) MN Venkatachalaiah, formerly Chief Justice of Supreme Court Of India.
Founder Chancellor’s Convocation discourse followed next, played on the public address system, wherein Bhagawan spoke of Educare, Bharatiya Culture etc.
National Anthem was sung followed by Mangala Arathi at 1145 hrs. before the University Band retreated leading the procession back to Yajur Mandir.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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