XXXIV Annual Convocation of SSSIHL…

Unique and distinct, uniquely distinct and distinctly unique, Sri Sathya Sai Institute Of Higher Learning (deemed to be a University), Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi is undoubtedly the one off institution that imparts Value based education with an emphasis on spirituality, absolutely free of cost. What makes it unique and distinct from the rest of the world is that, the institution has as its patron none other than Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Who, for the elevated conscious world is nothing short of Supreme Persona Of Godhood.

Today, 22nd November 2015 marks the XXXIV Annual Convocation of the prestigious Institution. The Convocation Ceremony was held this afternoon at Sai Kulwant Hall in the immediate Divine OmniPresence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Founder Chancellor of the prestigious Institution.

Delivering the Convocation speech Prof Kenji Uchino, Director of International Center for Actuators and Transducers, United States Of America advised the students ‘not to hesitate to change their career related options, as,  sometimes change comes from the society that impacts the person and at times, the change comes from within which impacts the society.’

Narrating his ‘eventful’ living philosophy, the Professor sent out a potential message to the fresh gradaunts to be ever ready to accept and embrace challenges and changes, not withstanding any barriers of tough, adverse situations or age. Advising the fresh grandaunts a unique ‘four character slogan’, that is, cooperation, protection, reduction and continuation, which according him is the basis for their future developments, Prof Uchino expressed great confidence that the students would be able to imbibe the message of the ‘four character slogan’ and demonstrate the manifestation of human values and morality seeking the welfare of humanity at large.

In conclusion the Chief Guest wished the grandaunts great success in their personal and profession life, not before giving a piece of special advice to the young ambassadors that they should be indebted to their parents for what they are today, as their current status is because of their parents and family.

Prof Uchino’s speech was structured in two parts, first part being his life and experiences followed by perspectives on future technologies.

Founder Chancellor’s Divine benediction followed, played on the public address system.

National Anthem next was followed by Mangala Arathi at 1455 hrs. marking the end of the Convocation proceedings.

Earlier, the function commenced at 1500 hrs with the ceremonial procession from the Yajur Mandiram. The proceedings of the Convocation began with Vedic incantations by the students. Thereafter, the Vice-Chancellor prayed to the Revered Founder Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to declare the Convocation open. The convocation was then declared open in Bhagawan’s voice. Delivering his customary introductory speech, the Vice Chancellor Prof KBR Verma then read out a detailed performance report of the Deemed University.

Following the Vice-Chancellor’s speech, Sri G S Srirangarajan, The Controller of Examinations, presented the gradaunts of the year to the Hon’ble Chancellor, Justice MN Venkatachaliah for admitting them to their respective degrees. The Vice-Chancellor then administered the Convocation Pledge to the gradaunts.

This year 469 candidates were admitted to various degrees.28 students  won gold medals for various disciplines while 5 research scholars were awarded doctoral degrees.

The venue then shifted to the Poornachandra Auditorium for the Annual Convocation Drama, entitled ‘Jagannatakam Jagathiki Sandesham’. The drama can easily be summarized by what William Shakespeare once famously declared: all the world is a stage and all men and women are actors. The presentation, portraying the story of protagonist ‘Chaitanya’ – an actor, who, in his ambitious, illusory world of name and fame forgets his route, his mentor Jagannadh Ji, sends out the message that,  all that one needs in life is his Guru’s blessings and with this blessing, one can surely reach his Goal. In the presentation, Chaitanya, who finally returns to his Guru after a long ten years,  goes for a final acting at his Guru’s command, donning the role of Chaitanya MahaPrabhu, the Ecstatic Elixir,  only to see and feel Bhagawan Sri Krishna as was the original Chaitanya. It was a perfect reminder of the ‘Drama Of Life’ on the eve of the most anticipated ‘Appearance Day Of Beloved Bhagawan.’

The presentation  at the end revisited some of the momentous moments of the glorious Convocation Drama history, illustrating Bhagawan’s all-out involvement.

Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan marked the end of the proceedings.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II