6–10 July 2025 | Prasanthi Nilayam

As part of the Birth Centenary Year celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies (CSSSS) at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), in association with the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, will conduct a series of events from 6-10 July 2025 at Prasanthi Nilayam, under the overarching theme of “Celebration of Universal Human Values.” The celebrations will comprise three interlinked segments:

• 6–8 July: Summer Course in Indian Culture and Human Values
• 9 July: Sri Sathya Sai Human Values – The Clarion Call for Universal Transformation
• 10 July: Guru Poornima Celebrations

This special gathering will bring together over 2500 students and young adults from Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations and the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council.

Event Highlights

6–8 July | Summer Course in Indian Culture and Human Values
Designed to immerse young minds in the spiritual and cultural ethos of India, the Summer Course will feature talks by eminent speakers, interactive panel discussions, student-led reflective sessions, and cultural programmes. Topics will explore the application of human values across governance, leadership, sustainability, music, health, and more.

9 July | Sri Sathya Sai Human Values – The Clarion Call for Universal Transformation
This one-day event will include presentations by distinguished thought leaders, educationists, and administrators, focusing on the role of universal human values in education, governance, social cohesion, and ethical conduct. A key highlight of the conference will be the unveiling of the Prasanthi Declaration on Universal Human Values, a collective reaffirmation of the need to integrate human values at the heart of global transformation efforts.

10 July | Guru Poornima Celebrations
The final day will be dedicated to honouring the timeless tradition of the Guru. With devotional offerings, spiritual reflections, and collective gratitude. The day will pay homage to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Divine Teacher and Eternal Guide.

A Legacy of Transformation

The Summer Course is one of the most cherished traditions at SSSIHL, dating back to the early years when Bhagawan Baba personally guided students, imparting the essence of righteousness, devotion, and selfless service. Today, it serves as an induction programme at the start of each academic year, introducing all students and young adults to Bharat’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

More than just a series of sessions, the Course represents a foundational experience in SSSIHL’s integral education model, nurturing the intellect, character, and spirit of every Sai student. Rooted in love, discipline, and self-reflection, the Summer Course continues to shape students into ideal citizens and torchbearers of universal human values.

We are delighted to announce the launch of ChampStamp, the official sports and cultural events magazine of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam campus.

The inaugural edition was released by our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, on 12 February 2025 at the campus auditorium.

ChampStamp is a reflection of the vibrant campus life, capturing the spirit of unity, discipline, and creativity that defines our community. It chronicles the transformative journey of students through various events, highlighting the shift from “I” to “We” to “He.”

More than just a magazine, ChampStamp is a tribute to the power of sports and culture in fostering teamwork, personal growth, and collective achievement. It showcases the immense talent of our students while celebrating the core values of humility, gratitude, and service that lie at the heart of SSSIHL.

The launch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in documenting the essence of our campus life and the incredible transformations that unfold when we come together as one.

You can read the magazine here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/9413ae01aa.html

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The Prize Distribution Ceremony of the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2025 for the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions was held on 14 January 2025, on the auspicious occasion of Makara Sankranti, at the Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh.

The Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions include Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (Boys wing, Primary section & Girls wing), Smt. Eswaramma High School, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, and all four campuses of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed-to-be University).

The ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of students in sports, cultural, and fine arts events during the academic year 2024-25, honoring their dedication and excellence.

The programme commenced at 8:20 a.m. with a grand ceremonial procession of senior leaders of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) led by the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, the Institute’s brass band, students chanting Vedam, and a flag-bearing squad. Sri Ritwik Chandra Pandey, a Doctoral Research Scholar from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), welcomed the assembly as the Master of Ceremonies. His address beautifully intertwined spiritual insights with the significance of Makar Sankranti and the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet. The Sports Meet, he noted, is more than talent and skill—it fosters unity, courage, and selfless love under divine guidance. Ritwik celebrated the transformative journey of participants, portraying the event as a spiritual exercise and an offering to Bhagawan.

A series of brief talks by the students of both the School and the Institute followed his address. The speakers were Sri Chittoory Sai Krishna of Class XII, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Ms. Harisri Narayanan, of III B.Sc. Chemistry, Anantapur Campus, Sri Rituraj Pradhan, of II M.Sc. Data Science, Nandigiri Campus, Sri Kolla Vinay Sai, II M.B.A. of Brindavan Campus, and Sri Skanda Krishna of II M.Sc. Bioscience, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus.

The students shared their remarkable experiences of accomplishing extraordinary feats with just a few weeks of preparation, emphasizing that they were merely instruments of Bhagawan’s grace and love. They described how these events became a transformative journey, providing a platform to discover and showcase talents, cultivate humility, and achieve both personal and collective growth. Notable examples included stitching 169 costumes in just two weeks and overcoming fear through surrender to perform daring fire stunts. The students credited their successes to Bhagawan’s love and compassion, which empowered them to transcend limitations and achieve the extraordinary. Their speeches resonated with a consistent theme: pure, selfless love for their Master, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and an unwavering commitment to bringing Him joy and pride.

This was followed by a talk by Dr. Sai Shyam, Assistant Professor from the Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, who highlighted the spirit of unity among campuses, which brought out the best in every student. The participation of international coaches from Singapore and Russia, he said, underscored that there exists just one universal caste of humanity. He described the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet as the biggest festival of love for Sai students embodying the one religion of love. He also shared the touching creation of a 100 x15 ft banner filled with heartfelt messages from students, a beautiful expression and reflection of the language of the heart.

As we celebrate the 100th year of Love, Dr. Shyam reminded us of Bhagawan’s omnipresence. He said Swami represents the ‘1’ as the Divine guide while the “zeros” were the students following Him. Concluding with a poem, he depicted the annual meet as a time of illumination and enthusiasm, a transformative journey of learning and inspiration, guided by teachers and anchored in Swami’s love leaving cherished memories etched in every student’s heart.

The Prize Distribution ceremony commenced with the presentation of the Founder Chancellor’s Cups of Love by Sri K. Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, to the captains and vice-captains of each institution and campus. This honored the dedication and sportsmanship of the students. Sri R J Rathnakar, Managing Trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (SSSCT), awarded the House and Individual Championship trophies to the students of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and Smt. Eswaramma High School.

Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, presented the House and Individual Championships to students from all four campuses of the Institute. Outstanding students from each campus received the prestigious Sri Sathya Sai All-Rounder Gold Medals: Kum. Gunda Navyasai, II M.B.A. (Anantapur Campus), Sri Sumukha Sreenidhi Boddapati, II M.Sc. in Data Science and Computing (Nandigiri Campus), Sri Thota Hemavardhana Reddy, III B. Com (Hons.) (Brindavan Campus), and Sri Amarjith P.K., II M.A. in Economics (Prasanthi Nilayam Campus).

The sports categories for students at SSSIHL included 10 track events – 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, 100m hurdles, 4 x 100m, and 4 x 400m relays, as well as 7 field events – shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw, high jump, long jump, and triple jump. Additionally, there were over 12 team and individual games such as basketball, football, cricket, volleyball, ball badminton, handball, throw ball, kho-kho, lawn tennis, table tennis, tennikoit, and badminton. In the cultural category, there were over 57 segments, encompassing debate, drama, quiz, orchestra, instrumental, light vocal, modeling, mono acting, painting, photography, poster making, elocution, short story writing, sketching, stotram and Vedam chanting, yoga, classical and folk dance, bhajan antakshari, Carnatic and Hindustani classical vocal, mehndi, cartooning, clay modeling, and more.

A total of 1533 prize winners from SSSIHL were recognized at the event. This included the distribution of 137 Gold, 97 Silver, and 94 Bronze medals. The ceremony featured the presentation of 32 Championship trophies, with 14 allocated to Athletics, 14 to cultural events, and 4 to Fine arts.

For participants from the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Individual Championship winners and runners-up, in sub-juniors, juniors, and seniors were honored, alongside awards for the Athletics House championship, Games Cup, Talent Search Programme Cup, and Overall Championship presented to the respective Captains and Vice-captains of the victorious houses.

The Physical Directors, and the sports and cultural coordinators who dedicated themselves to guiding, motivating, and supporting the students throughout, offered their gratitude and sought Bhagawan’s blessings.

In His Divine benediction, Bhagawan emphasized the festival’s profound spiritual and cultural significance. He highlighted the changing seasons, the joy of harvest, and the arrival of Uttarayana as symbols of transformation and inner purity. Sankranti marks a shift towards light, urging humanity to develop an inward vision and align with eternal truths. Bhagawan stressed the need for youth to embrace sacrifice, discipline, and spiritual values to achieve life’s higher purpose. He expressed concern over the loss of sacredness in music and sports due to the commercialization of sports and music, urging students to practice sincerity, devotion, and noble ideals in all endeavors. He reminded everyone to express gratitude for divine blessings and foster love, peace, and spirituality as foundations for a harmonious and meaningful life.

The event concluded with performances by the Anantapur and Prasanthi Nilayam Brass Bands, Bhajans, Prasadam distribution, and Mangala Aarati to Bhagawan.

View the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/9sZlXd6SWBc?si=pZNtlgl3D8VK7gM-&t=1387

View Photos

Notes for Editors (About Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), a Deemed to be University in Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India, is one of the few institutions in the world offering values-based education to students at the University level, ever since its inception in 1981. Ethics and morals form the undercurrent of every subject taught at the institute providing its students with a holistic framework of interpersonal development combined with academic excellence. With a merit-based, open admissions policy, SSSIHL welcomes students from all backgrounds—irrespective of income, religion, or region—and provides quality education free of charge.

SSSIHL has four campuses across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, attracting students from all over India and offering a range of programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research levels.

SSSIHL also provides a strong research environment, with exceptional academic practices, that have resulted in the growth of national and international collaborations. The Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF), based at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus is one of the few facilities in the country that houses advanced Characterisation / Analytical Tools to carry out Translational Research in various areas of Science and Technology.

For further information, visit: sssihl.edu.in.

Media contact: media@sssihl.edu.in. Tel: +91 8555 287239

The Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions hosted their Annual Sports & Cultural Meet on Saturday, 11 January 2025, at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh. This year’s celebration held special significance, marking the Birth Centenary Year of the revered Founder Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

As an annual tradition, the event brings together over 3500 students from all institutions under the banner of Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions, which includes Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (Boys wing, Primary section & Girls wing), Smt. Eswaramma High School, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, and all four campuses of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed to be University).

The grand event was a culmination of various sports, cultural, and fine arts competitions held at all the above campuses/Institutions throughout the academic year.

The Morning Session

The morning session commenced at 8 a.m. with the majestic ceremonial procession welcoming Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba into the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium. The procession featured motorcycle escorts and the women’s brass band from the Anantapur Campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) and the band from Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School. This was followed by a flag salute by House and Institute Captains of SSSIHL, schools, and allied institutions, escorted by lion dancers and the slow march squad led by the men’s brass band of the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, SSSIHL. As the Vedam group ascended the Shanti Vedika dais their sacred chants resonating in the air, the Chancellor, and Vice-Chancellor of SSSIHL, along with senior members and student representatives of the Sai educational institutions, reverently offered their salutations to the revered Founder Chancellor.

To commemorate the Birth Centenary Year of the revered Founder Chancellor, students unveiled a 100’ x 15’ banner bearing the words ‘100 Years of Sri Sathya Sai’ alongside heartfelt messages of love and gratitude.

The March Past featured 46 contingents comprising over 2,300 students marching in unison toward the Shanti Vedika dais to offer their salutations. The institute flag, a symbol of unity and commitment, was hoisted, followed by students taking the sports meet oath to uphold the honor and glory of Sri Sathya Sai’s mission. A vibrant macaw mascot soared to the hilltop to light the principal torch, officially inaugurating the 2025 Annual Sports & Cultural Meet. The combined bands of all campuses performed divine renditions, setting the stage for the day’s presentations.

The presentations from the men’s campuses celebrated diversity, creativity, and devotion through captivating themes and stunning visuals. This included – Avatarana, a theatrical tribute to divine incarnations; Celestial Rhythms, a display of harmonious movement; Zorb Gymnastics, combining stunts with Zorb balls; Vishwa Vaibhavam, a dance medley uniting diverse cultures and Emberfang, a high-energy motorbike performance symbolizing strength and resilience.

The women’s campuses delivered an artistic and spiritually uplifting series of performances that exemplified grace, strength, and devotion. This included the Soaring Souls blending yoga and aerobics on poles to symbolize transcendence from “I to We”; Flying High to Greet Sai, a majestic Bamboo Dragon Dance; Mine and Thine, a game-inspired journey of self-discovery; the Symphony of Souls, a dance portraying spiritual unity; and the Ascending Angels, an aerial spiral performance of grace and grit. These heartfelt offerings, rich in artistry and spiritual significance, deeply inspired the audience while reflecting the transformative vision of Bhagawan.

The morning session concluded with Mangala Aarati to Bhagawan.

View Pictures

The Evening Session

The evening session commenced at 4.15 p.m. with a ceremonial procession welcoming Bhagawan Baba into the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium.

Students from Smt. Eswaramma High School opened with Candyland, a delightful performance by young children dressed as sweets, followed by Mystic Marionette, an enchanting puppet act, and A Spiritual Odyssey, a ballet on man’s quest for God. The Girls’ Wing of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School amazed with performances like Salutations to Saieshwara, celestial dances, and daring gymnastic acts like Daring Dynamos and Mind-boggling Mono-cyclists, culminating in breathtaking formations like Pyramid on Poles. Later, the Boys’ Wing of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and Smt. Eswaramma High School added action-packed energy with Super Strikers, Team Extreme, and martial arts in Nunchuc, along with innovative formations in Sparkling Souls.

The grand finale by the men’s campuses of SSSIHL was a spectacular culmination of the evening’s celebrations, blending artistic brilliance, technical precision, and profound devotion to honor the Birth Centenary Year of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The first act, Silent Harmony, set the tone with stunning visual formations using white and orange umbrellas, symbolizing harmony, unity, and devotion. This was followed by the breathtaking Fire Event, an awe-inspiring act featuring fire stunts performed with a variety of props. Divided into five modules, the performance expressed gratitude for Bhagawan’s unparalleled gifts to humanity—Educare, Medicare, and Sociocare—and celebrated the universal brotherhood He championed.

The evening reached its crescendo with Dragon Warriors, a dynamic rendition of the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance. Students maneuvered LED-lit dragon costumes with remarkable agility and coordination, embodying the qualities of strength, prosperity, and good fortune that the dragon represents. The dazzling display illuminated the Hill View Stadium, leaving the audience spellbound and bringing the celebration to a truly spectacular conclusion.

The grand finale featured a golden chariot bearing Bhagawan’s image, carried ceremoniously through the formations, signifying the glory of the Sai Avatar.

The skies lit up as the theme song of the Birth Centenary Year resonated through the stadium. The event concluded with Mangala Aarati, bringing the 2025 Annual Sports & Cultural Meet to a magnificent close, leaving the audience inspired and in awe.

View Pictures

View the recording here:

Morning Session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOJBmqw_GJg&t=5454s

Evening Session: https://www.youtube.com/live/Cet-IubVd4w

Notes for Editors (About Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), a Deemed to be University in Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India, is one of the few institutions in the world offering values-based education to students at the University level, ever since its inception in 1981. Ethics and morals form the undercurrent of every subject taught at the institute providing its students with a holistic framework of interpersonal development combined with academic excellence. With a merit-based, open admissions policy, SSSIHL welcomes students from all backgrounds—irrespective of income, religion, or region—and provides quality education free of charge.

SSSIHL has four campuses across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, attracting students from all over India and offering a range of programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research levels.

SSSIHL also provides a strong research environment, with exceptional academic practices, that have resulted in the growth of national and international collaborations. The Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF), based at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus is one of the few facilities in the country that houses advanced Characterisation / Analytical Tools to carry out Translational Research in various areas of Science and Technology.

For further information, visit: sssihl.edu.in.

Media contact: media@sssihl.edu.in. Tel: +91 8555 287239

Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions will host the Annual Sports & Cultural Meet on Saturday, 11 January 2025 at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions include all four campuses of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Sri Sathya Sai Primary and Higher Secondary School, Smt. Eswaramma High School and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.

The event is a culmination of a year filled with spirited competitions in sports, culture, and fine arts across our campuses, and holds a special place in the hearts of our students and staff. Over 3300 students will captivate audiences with splendid physical and cultural presentations during two sessions scheduled for the morning and evening. Most importantly, it is an offering of love encased in the three D’s – Duty, Discipline, and Dedication to our most Revered Master and Founder Chancellor Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in celebration of His Birth Centenary Year.

From 12-15 January 2025, students from various campuses make cultural presentations including drama and devotional music programmes at the Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam. The prize distribution ceremony of the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2025, will be held on the morning of 14 January 2025, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Makara Sankranti, at Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh.

The event on 11 January 2025 will be streamed live on the SSSIHL YouTube channel.

All cultural programmes from 12-15 January, will be streamed live on the Prasanthi Mandir Live YouTube channel.

View Schedule

Notes for Editors (About Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), a Deemed to be University in Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India, is one of the few institutions in the world offering values-based education to students at the University level, ever since its inception in 1981. Ethics and morals form the undercurrent of every subject taught at the institute providing its students with a holistic framework of interpersonal development combined with academic excellence. With a merit-based, open admissions policy, SSSIHL welcomes students from all backgrounds—irrespective of income, religion, or region—and provides quality education free of charge.

SSSIHL has four campuses across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, attracting students from all over India and offering a range of programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research levels.

SSSIHL also provides a strong research environment, with exceptional academic practices, that have resulted in the growth of national and international collaborations. The Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF), based at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus is one of the few facilities in the country that houses advanced Characterisation / Analytical Tools to carry out Translational Research in various areas of Science and Technology.

For further information, visit: sssihl.edu.in.

Media contact: media@sssihl.edu.in. Tel: +91 8555 287239

Prasanthi Nilayam, 22 November 2024:

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), a Deemed to be University, held its 43rd Annual Convocation at the Poornachandra Auditorium, in Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, in the Divine Presence on 22 November 2024 at 10 a.m.

SSSIHL was privileged to have Honourable Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director, U.S. National Science Foundation as the Chief guest for the event.

Dr. Panchanathan is a distinguished computer scientist and engineer, serving as the 15th Director of the NSF, a $9.06 billion federal agency that advances scientific discovery and STEM education. Appointed by the U.S. President in 2019, Dr. Panchanathan has over 30 years of experience across academia, government, and innovation. At NSF, he serves on several high-profile interagency councils, including the White House CHIPS Implementation Steering Council. His illustrious career includes leading Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise, publishing nearly 500 papers, and mentoring over 150 researchers. Dr. Panchanathan has received numerous accolades, including the IEEE-USA Public Service Award. He is a National Academy of Engineering member and a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. In August 2021, Dr. Panchanathan was conferred the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning for his exceptional contributions to the field of Computer Science and Engineering in the service of society.

The event commenced with a ceremonial procession led by the Registrar carrying the ceremonial mace. Dignitaries including the Chancellor, chief guest, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, and members of the SSSIHL Public Charitable Trust, Executive Council, and Academic Council entered the Poornachandra Auditorium to the accompaniment of Vedic chants from the Taittiriya Upanishad. The Convocation was declared open in the Divine Voice of the Revered Founder Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the Institute’s accomplishments during the academic year. Key milestones included launching five new NEP-aligned academic programmes for 2024-25 in cutting-edge fields such as Mathematical Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, and Biosciences, a testament to the Institute’s focus on quality education and innovation. He celebrated the accomplishments of Sri Ayyagari Sathya Sai Srikar, who secured top ranks in GATE 2024, and a research team led by Dr. M. Meera, which won First Prize in the AICTE AMRUT competition, underscoring SSSIHL’s commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and excellence.

Prof. Prasad highlighted remarkable achievements by various departments across diverse fields. These included cutting-edge research in sustainable practices and Corporate Social Responsibility, the development of AI-based diagnostic tools for cardiac care, innovative approaches to drought mapping, and national recognition in cybersecurity, the creation of a globally recognized method to detect PET microplastics, patented pharmaceutical innovations, impactful contributions to Sustainable Development Goals in literature, advancements like AMRx^®, an AI diagnostic tool for UTIs, and pioneering neurodegenerative disease research that earned the 2024 Economic Times Healthcare Award for Best Health Technology, sustainable food solutions, such as anti-inflammatory rice varieties; gamma fluorescence probes for precise cancer surgeries; and the prestigious “TAAL-RATNA-2023” award, conferred on Sri Nishikant Barodekar, a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Performing Arts.

He further announced the establishment of two new Centres of Excellence: The Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Sustainable Development and the Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies, as well as the launch of the official alumni association, “Sri Sathya Sai Students,” to enhance collaboration and engagement. Looking ahead, he outlined plans under the Institute’s 10-year Integrated Development Plan, including digital transformation initiatives and the Sri Sathya Sai Innovation and Research Foundation, which aims to empower students and faculty to create sustainable, technology-driven solutions aligned with the Institute’s values and societal welfare.

The grand ceremony saw the Hon’ble Chancellor, Shri K Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), admit 463 candidates to their degrees followed by the Vice-Chancellor administering the convocation pledge. The Hon’ble Chancellor and Hon’ble Chief Guest awarded 22 Gold Medals to students who achieved distinction in various disciplines and conferred the Ph.D. degrees to 14 doctoral research scholars with each recipient receiving a special memento blessed by the Founder Chancellor Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

In his inspiring convocation address, Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan expressed his gratitude for being part of this Divine event. Creatively expanding on the acronym “SSSIHL,” he described the alumni as Stellar minds, Selected to Serve and Impact Humanity through Love.

Reflecting on Swami’s teaching that “The End of Education is Character,” he outlined ten guiding “C’s” that encapsulate essential principles for a meaningful and impactful life, inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings. The first five C’s—Convocation, symbolizing new beginnings; Curiosity, the spark for creativity; Courage/Confidence, to turn challenges into opportunities; Convergence, emphasizing the integration of varied perspectives and diverse disciplines; and Collaboration, highlighting the power of teamwork—set the stage for embracing a life of purpose and service.

The remaining five C’s centered on navigating a rapidly changing world with clarity and commitment. These included Change, the only constant, especially with technological advances like AI; Communication, to inspire through words and actions; Commitment, to transform society by uplifting lives; Conduit, embracing the role of being an instrument of the Divine; and Character, the ultimate virtue that integrates all other values. These principles guide alumni to live impactful lives rooted in love, service, and character.

Dr. Panchanathan, concluded by congratulating all the student graduates emphasizing their responsibility to serve humanity with love and uphold the institution’s values and urging them to lead lives rooted in these principles to contribute meaningfully to society.

This was followed by the Divine Benediction of our Revered Founder Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. In His discourse, Bhagawan emphasized the true purpose of education: to build character, wisdom, and societal contribution, not merely to acquire degrees for personal gain. Bhagawan expressed concern over modern education, describing it as mechanical, lacking values, and fostering selfishness. He urged students to cultivate noble thoughts, join good company, and harmonize their thoughts, words, and deeds. Students were encouraged to uphold truth, righteousness, and human values, even in challenging circumstances. Education, He stressed, should inspire ideals, not desires, and guide students to become exemplary citizens who bring honor to their families, institutions, and society. Bhagawan concluded by exhorting students to lead meaningful lives, inspire their peers, and contribute positively to society.

The event concluded with the National Anthem played by the Institute’s Brass band. This was followed by Mangala Aarati to Bhagawan.

As part of the 43rd convocation, a Drama entitled “Tat Twam Asi” will also be streamed on the Prasanthi Mandir Live YouTube channel at 4.45 pm., 22^nd November 2024.

View the recording of the 43rd Annual Convocation of SSSIHL: https://www.youtube.com/live/SH5UbjrbWqA

Notes for Editors (About Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), a Deemed to be University in Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India, is one of the few institutions in the world offering values-based education to students at the University level, ever since its inception in 1981. Ethics and morals form the undercurrent of every subject taught at the Institute providing its students with a holistic framework of interpersonal development combined with academic excellence. With a merit-based, open admissions policy, SSSIHL welcomes students from all backgrounds—irrespective of income, religion, or region—and provides quality education free of charge.

SSSIHL has four campuses across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, attracting students from all over India and offering a range of programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research levels.

SSSIHL also provides a strong research environment, with exceptional academic practices, that have resulted in the growth of national and international collaborations. The Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF), based at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus is one of the few facilities in the country that houses advanced Characterisation / Analytical Tools to carry out Translational Research in various areas of Science and Technology.

For further information, visit: sssihl.edu.in.

Media contact: media@sssihl.edu.in. Tel: +91 8555 287239