In early 2011, Bhagawan blessed that the Summer Course be re-initiated in a similar format over a period of two-and-a-half days for all internal stakeholders of the Institute – students, teachers, scholars and staff. It is now an annual event at SSSIHL in the beginning of each academic year.

Format of the Summer Course

The morning sessions of the event consist of talks by teachers and research scholars of the Institute. Typically, they entail key insights and lessons from the ancient Indian scriptures (such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana), spiritual figures and concepts. The sessions also feature a short video show on Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

In the afternoons, students and teachers from all four campuses have breakout sessions where they discuss teachings and lessons from Bhagawan’s discourses. Key moral messages from these are creatively presented on the final day before the valediction. This year, the theme was Bhaja Govindam, based on the 1972 Summer Course discourses that Bhagawan delivered.

The evening sessions on the first two days of the event consists of a music programme by students of individual campuses, along with Vedam chanting and Bhajans in the Mandir.

Given below is a daily report of the entire event.

Day 1 – Friday, 8 June 2012

Morning Session:

(Four Talks and a Video Presentation)

The SSSIHL Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality 2012 commenced at 8:30 a.m. at the Poornachandra auditorium by invoking Bhagawan’s blessings through the chanting of vedic hymns by the students of SSSIHL.

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Following the welcome address delivered by Sri Srinivas Srirangarajan, the Controller of Examinations, SSSIHL, the Vice-Chancellor of the Institute, Prof. J. Shashidhara Prasad delivered the welcome note, in which he stressed the importance of imbibing the values systems propounded by the Bharatiya culture, and putting into practice the teachings we have received from Indian scriptures and from Bhagawan Himself.

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The first speaker for the day was Sri S. Sai Giridhar, Doctoral Research Scholar, Dept. of Chemistry. Sri Sai Giridhar spoke on the topic ‘Ramayana: The key to be near and dear to God’. The speaker narrated how in 2007 in Kodaikanal, Bhagawan expounded the qualities of five particular characters in Ramayana that made them very dear to Sri Rama. These included mother Kausalya, for her innate divinity; Vaidehi, for a mind tuned totally to the divinity of the Atman; Ahalya, for her patience, perseverance and willingness to be transformed; Hanuman, for his constant integrated awareness; and Bharata for his supreme devotion to the Lord.

The second speaker, Dr. Raghunath Sarma, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, spoke on the topic: ‘Insights from Mahabharata’. He brought forth the inner meaning of several anecdotes from the great epic, and urged each one to develop faith, whilst surrendering entirely to the will of God.

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The two talks were followed by a video presentation, reminiscing the days in which Bhagawan walked the Sai Kulwant hall and granted Divine Darshan to devotees.

This was followed by the third talk of the day by Dr. Sanjay Mahalingam, Senior Systems Administrator, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, who spoke on ‘Vedas: The Breath of God’. Dr. Mahalingam reminded everyone that the Vedas are not mere books, but the very essence of reality – both the physical and metaphysical – that envelopes space and creation. He also added that the Vedas are accessible to each one of us, for they spring forth from within us. The only sadhana that one needs to undertake to unravel these mysteries is to develop silence. A silent mind is tuned to the Cosmic Consciousness and as Bhagawan often reminded us, it is only in the ‘depths of silence that the voice of God can be heard’.

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The last speaker for the day was Dr. N. Siva Kumar, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Commerce, SSSIHL. Dr. Siva Kumar spoke on the topic ‘Lessons for Life from the Upanishads’. Dr. Kumar delved deeply on the etymology of the Sanskrit word ‘Upanishad’, explaining that the word is a combination of three root-words: ‘Upa’ meaning near, ‘ni’ meaning down, and ‘shad’ meaning sit. He further explained that the way to wisdom and knowledge was to be near to the Guru (signified by the first word ‘upa’), accept the teachings with humility (signified by ‘ni’), and maintain equanimity and stability under all circumstances (‘shad’). He concluded his talk by offering a prayer to Bhagawan to take each one of us from ignorance to wisdom, from untruth to Truth.

Afternoon and Evening Sessions:

(Study Circle, Mandir– Vedam, Bhajans & Music Programme and Parayanam Sessions)

The post-lunch session comprised of a Study Circle consisting of discussions on the Discourses given by Bhagawan during the Summer Course held at Brindavan, Whitefield in 1973. They were based on the significance of Sri Adi Sankara’s Bhaja Govindam.

The discussion was on four Discourses: an Anchor Discourse entitled ‘The ladder that enables an ignorant person to become a liberated soul’, and three Auxiliary Discourses, namely, ‘Human life is sacred – Do not waste it’, ‘The Present is the most sacred of all time’, and ‘God is known by a thousand different names.’

Students from all four campuses of SSSIHL were divided into several groups numbering 20-22, with each group consisting of 3 sub-groups. There were elaborate discussions between the students and the teachers/facilitators. The students showed active participation by coming up with relevant quotations, anecdotes, poems, etc. These not only provided an impetus to the enthusiasm and energy of the youth, but also served the purpose of driving home the meaningful lessons of life that the Discourses promoted.

The Anchor Discourse highlights the comparison of the Bhaja Govindam to a ladder that helps us reach our destination. The lowest step is the stage of the Moodhamati or the ignorant one, with the highest step represents the Muktamati or the liberated one. Between these two are the twenty-nine steps or verses of the Bhaja Govindam, which, on deeper understanding, dispel our ignorance. In the Discourse, Bhagawan stresses on the continuous utterance of the Lord’s Name so that when the end is near, we may leave the body with the Holy Name.

Sankara, on his travels all over India, came across a Moodhamati, a foolish Brahmin, who was busy trying to master the rules of Grammar in order to earn his livelihood to provide for his family. At that time, Sankara cautioned him, saying that when one’s death is drawing close, the rules of Grammar will not help him achieve liberation from birth and death. The only way by which man may attain liberation is by worshipping Govinda.

The students supplemented this with a Chinna Katha narrated by Bhagawan. A man gave his sons the names of the Lord so that he may utter the holy name in his last moments. But, on his deathbed, he failed to do so as his worldly concerns overpowered the thought of the Lord.

The first auxiliary Discourse reflects on the rarity and sacredness of human birth that is attained after accumulating many good deeds in previous lives. To justify this gift from God, we should recognise that the same divine Atma exists in all, thus dispelling our ignorance. Just being born as a human is not enough. One has to strive to transform oneself from an ignorant person to a Paramahamsa, and the easiest way to do this is to be in Satsanga, that is, good company.

In the second auxiliary discourse, Bhagawan urges students to make the best use of the present, as it is the most sacred of all time. Upon enquiry from the participating students as to how they would make optimum use of their time, a large number of them said that service to one’s parents and chanting the Lord’s Name are the most fruitful. They also cited the examples of Pundarika and Prahlada who devoted their time to service and namasmarana (chanting the name of God), respectively. The peak of motivation and zeal was seen when the students came up with relevant stories to make the understanding of the values beneficial.

In the third Auxiliary Discourse, Bhagawan clarifies the concept of positive thinking. It is said, ‘Yad Bhavam, Tad Bhavati.’ Every person views an object from his or her perspective. The appearance of the world conforms to the colour of the glasses worn. If green spectacles make the world appear green, red ones make it appear red. Optimistic thinking enables one to acknowledge only the good in the world. So, it is we who make the world around us what it is.

Bhagawan reiterates the need to understand that all the forms of God are one and the same. Furthermore, many of us believe in God if our desires get fulfilled, but lose faith when our life goes contrary to our wishes. The various groups of students agreed that it is important to be equal-minded at all times, and that personal considerations should not be the basis for understanding the truth about God.

The four Discourses made us realise that it is ego that veils clear thinking. Ravana had mastered all the Shastras (scriptures). There was no science unknown to him. In fact, Bhagawan said that Ravana was the greatest scientist ever. But, unfortunately, his ego overpowered him so much so that he failed to recognise the divinity in Lord Rama.

The whole session resulted in endowing the students with values that they can practice in daily life. The Summer Course has, thus, been an enriching experience for the academic year 2012-13 as it leaves the students with value-laden minds, prayerful hearts, and energy channelised towards the welfare of society.

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After a tea break, students assembled in the Sai Kulwant Hall by 5 pm. Following Vedam Chanting, there was a summary presentation by students after which, there was a music programme by the students of the Brindavan campus of the University.

After Dinner, the four campuses met separately and continued the much sought after Satsanga, talking about individual experiences with Bhagawan.

Day 2 – Saturday, 9 June 2012

Morning Session:

(Three Talks, a Quiz and a Video Presentation)

The first talk this morning was delivered by Dr. R. Sai Sathish, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Chemistry. Dr. Sathish spoke on the subject, “Insights from the Srimad Bhagavatham.” He began by saying that it is important to first answer the questions – ‘What is Bhagavatham?’ and ‘How did it come into existence?’

The Bhagavatham fills one with devotion, wisdom and detachment, and instills in us the urge for liberation. Beginning with Bhakti (devotion), the Bhagavatham culminates in the idea of Mukti (liberation). It is the repository of the experiences relating to God and the godly.

The Bhagavatham came into existence as a result of Sage Veda Vyasa’s attempt (on the advice of Sage Narada) to cleanse his mind of the preoccupations with Prakriti (creation); and to focus on the Purusha (the One without attributes). When we contemplate on the good within, the same good gets projected outside as well.

The Bhagavatham begins with the dialogue between Sage Suka and Emperor Parikshit who is cursed to die in seven days. Sage Suka counsels Parikshit on how to face death, the ultimate test of life. The speaker affirmed that, despite his noble birth, Parikshit got carried away by his anger and brought the curse of Shringi upon him.

During the seven days that King Parikshit spent in the company of Sage Suka, he was constantly immersed in the Bhagavatham. Therefore, at the end, he gained amanaska, freedom from the desires of the mind.

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The second speaker of the morning session was Sri. KM Ganesh, Doctoral Research Scholar, Dept. of Chemistry. Sri Ganesh spoke on the topic, “Lessons from the Bhagawad Gita.” He delved into the meaning of Sanathana Dharma, which represents the imperishable, eternal truth.

The speaker said that the Bhagavad Gita is a textbook of sadhana, which prescribes different types of yoga. However, the practice of the teachings is more important than the teachings themselves, he said. In this manner, sadhana brings us closer to God. In the initial stages of sadhana, we may face certain difficulties,however, with persistence, we will find greater ease in doing sadhana.  If the mind remains in the Divine Presence, that is, focused on God, the chaos that surrounds us constantly will cease to affect us.

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Towards the end of his talk, Sri Ganesh spoke about the Gita’s message regarding the need for detachment and surrender, and the importance of choosing right from wrong.

This was followed by a special video show that was a compilation of select excerpts from Bhagawan’s Discourses. Although Bhagawan speaks in public, He reaches out to each and everyone at a personal level. In the five video clips presented, Bhagawan, through familiar analogies, explains how the mind can be disciplined, how one may atone for one’s sins, experience the highest love, and control one’s anger.

The third speaker of the morning session was Ms. U. Suma, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Commerce. Ms. Suma began her very interesting and illustrative presentation on ‘The Law of Karma’ by saying that Karma refers to both the action and the consequences of action. Therefore, she compared it to a boomerang. Every action that commit to, generates a force of energy that returns to us in equal measure.

The stored Karma that is worked out by an individual, in life after life, is called Sanchita Karma; whereas the Karmic consequences from past lives that affect us in the present are called Prarabdha Karma; and the present Karma which is bound to affect the future is Aagaami Karma.

The speaker emphasized that, unlike common belief, the theory of Karma is built on a great deal of positivity. It is the pathway to evolution. The Law of Karma empowers us with choice. We have a choice to deal with Prarabdha Karma by bearing it stoically, transmuting it or transcending it.

But, the best solution to avoid all the effects of Karma is to engage in Nishkama Karma, in which, the individual renounces the fruits of the action, and not the action itself. This may lead to perfect action that arises from objectivity and balance.The speaker took the example of True Art to explain this point. True Art requires objectivity; that is, drawing what one sees and not what one knows. It also demands a holistic vision. The same is true about life.

In the concluding part of the talk, Ms. Suma answered some of the questions of skeptics; questions such as ‘Why do bad things happen to good people?’, ‘Doesn’t the belief in the Law of Karma make one passive?’, and ‘Is there a way out of the Karmic cycle?’

For the last question, as to whether there is a way out of the Karmic cycle, Ms. Rao referred to Bhagawan’s Discourse in which He says, “Even a mountain of sin can be wiped out by winning the grace of the Divine.” Grace can nullify Karmic effects.

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The morning session ended with an enterprising Inter-Campus Quiz Programme conducted by Dr. Shashank Shah, Post Doctoral Fellow, Dept. of Management Studies and his team. The Quiz consisted of 7 rounds: the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, the Bhagavatham, the Shad Darshanas and the Bhaja Govindam, a Visual Round on Bhagawan’s Life, an Audio Round on Bhagawan’s Discourses, and, finally, the last round on Bhagawan’s Life and Message. The Quiz generated a lot of interest, and there was active participation from the audience as well.

Afternoon and Evening Sessions:

(Study Circle, Mandir – Vedam, Bhajans & Music Programme and Parayanam Sessions)

In the afternoon, the respective campuses engaged themselves in campus-wise study circles based upon the four discourses of Bhagawan described earlier. The discussions on the first day were concluded today by presentations by the students in the form of skits and one act plays, which helped absorb many insights into the great Indian Culture and the spiritual aspects of many a great Epics in the most coherent form.

The students felt that in today’s materialistic world, there is a general notion that spirituality is a completely different path that one has to walk only at a later stage in his/her life (when one has achieved all the worldly things possible). The question that then arose was that, ‘why not have a similar strategy for sleeping, eating and other such activities of our daily lives’? They deciphered that just like we cannot compartmentalize these activities, in the same way, spiritual and the worldly activities have to go together in perfect unison in one’s life. They felt grateful that the Summer Course was helping them understand the practicality of spirituality.

The students felt that the motto of our University, “Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara”– Speak the Truth and follow Righteousness is nothing but practising of Human Values which form the basis of a spiritual life.

Quintessence of Swami’s message in the Four Summer Course Discourses:

In the Four discourses that were discussed by students, Swami has highlighted some of the most illuminating and profound messages of Bhaja Govindam composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The main ones include:

• Though all are striving to reach the top, they should be aware of what they are aiming for on the top. And it is only after we have decided our goal, that we can decide the course of our actions that would be fit for our aspirations.
• Today, the world is full of ignorant people who instead of understanding their real goal, i.e., the Creator – God, are trying to distinguish between the Creator and His creation. We know that we cannot comprehend creation, but still we forget The Creator, the very source, and instead analyze creation and take pride and pleasure in re-modifying, re-designing, and re-shaping the creation of the Lord, and that is the biggest mistake.
• The steps of the Ladder that Swami highlights for our upliftment are to develop confidence in our own self and then question our very existence, which will lead us to the Inner Truth.
• But the problem that Swami stresses is that we are stuck up in the dilemma of the past (which is gone) and future (which is uncertain and cannot be predicted). Rather, we should think of present, which is with us. Swami says, “Duty is God”. If each one of us does the duty allotted to us in the most rightful manner, rooted in the present time and with the awareness of the presence of Supreme Being, we would lead a meaningful and successful life.
• Man has divided God according to his convenience and now gets confused with the different names and forms of God, and is now getting entangled into petty worldly things and arguments, thus forgetting his real goal, i.e. God.

All students felt that we should be grateful to Bhagawan, Who, out of His immense love for us, has created avenues for us to understand and experiment different aspects of life. The students of Bhagawan should emerge as Beacons Of Light for the world with a continuous thought of the welfare of humanity with the feeling of “Samastha Lokaha, Sukhino Bhavantu” (May all the beings in all the worlds be happy).

After tea, the evening session followed the same pattern as the previous day (Day 1). All students assembled in the Sai Kulwant Hall by 5 pm. Following Vedam Chanting, there was a summary presentation by students. This evening, the music performance was by the students of Anantapur Campus of the University.

After Dinner, the four campuses met separately and shared their personal experiences with Bhagawan with one another.

Day 3 – Sunday, 10 June 2012

Morning Session:

(Five Talks, a Global Presentation, a Video Presentation and the Valedictory Session)

The proceedings of the third and final day of the Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality began with Veda chanting from the Holy Scriptures by students of the Institute at 8:30 am in the Poornachandra Auditorium at Prasanthi Nilayam.

Sri Amey Deshpande, Doctoral Research Scholar, Dept. of Management Studies was the first speaker of the day who spoke on the topic, “Sai Avatar – The fountain-head of Indian Culture & Spirituality”. He began with defining culture as told by Swami. Swami defines culture as the process of refinement and also says, “The end of culture is perfection.” Several masters and saints that have graced humanity from time to time have shaped culture. Once in a while, the Lord Himself comes down to earth to show us the meaning of culture and point us in the right direction.

He briefly elaborated on the five points that can be taken as the fundamental points of the Sanathana Dharma, which has shaped Indian culture and help us shape our refinement process. These include: Yadbhavam tad bhavati, vasudhaivakutumbakam, yogahakarmasukaushalam, sarve karma bhagvatprithyartham and sarvamkhalvidam brahma. He gave anecdotes from Bhagawan’s own life epitomising each one of these points. Each of those episodes highlighted how Bhagawan is the fountainhead of Indian culture.

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Following this, the next speaker, Dr. T Ravi Kumar, Associate Prof., Dept. of Chemistry, and Warden, Brindavan Campus, SSSIHL spoke on the topic ‘Indian Culture and Spirituality: Insights from the life of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba‘. At the outset, the speaker hailed Bhagawan as Bharatha Bhagya Vidhatha – the term by which a former West Indies Cricket Captain described Him. He then listed the various definitions of culture that are current and remarked that nothing captures the essence of culture as Bhagawan’s own definition, which is, ‘Culture is concern for others‘.  The speaker – who has had the privilege of close proximity to Bhagawan for over three decades – then delighted the audience by narrating a number of personal anecdotes highlighting the concern Bhagawan has for all those who come in contact with Him.

The gathering was then treated to a collection of video clippings of Bhagawan Baba from the old days. The collage – beamed to devotees on His 85^th Birthday on 23 November 2010 – was in the form of three devotional songs composed in poetry form, sung by His students. From Darshan in various parts across India to the colossal socio-economic projects, to His tender Love and concern for each devotee and humanity at large, the video clips elicited a stream of wonderful memories in everyone’s hearts.

The third talk of the day – a hard act to follow after a moving video presentation of Swami – was by Dr. (Ms.) P L Rani, Asst. Professor, Dept. of English Language & Literature. Given the tough assignment of simplifying the complex topic of The Eightfold Path of Patanjali Yoga Sutra, she began her exposition with an explanation of the three key terms ‘Patanjali’, ‘Yoga’ and ‘Sutra’. The speaker began with the sutra that defines yoga as yogahchittavrittinirodhah – yoga is that which helps to still the mind. Briefly touching upon the different kinds of thought-waves that cause fluctuations of the mind, she dwelt at great length, quoting the relevant sutras, on the practice of ashtanga yoga as a means to achieve this.

Moral restraint, regular practices, right posture, regulation of breathing, withdrawal of senses from the outer world, attentiveness, meditation and supreme contemplation, which form the eight steps, were explained from a practical perspective with the aid of audio clippings of Bhagawan’s discourses on the same topic. The highlight of the talk came when the speaker, very imaginatively, delved on how the practice of the ashtanga yoga is so subtly embedded in the divinely and carefully designed routine of SSSIHL students’ lives in the hostel and on the Campuses. Indeed, the audience seemed enthused by the happy feeling that the integral system of education at the Institute is akin to the practice of the tenets of the ashtanga yoga in its very essence.

The final speakers of the day were two alumni of the Institute. The intent was to help current students get a glimpse on how graduates of SSSIHL have consistently put into practice the invaluable teachings of the Revered Founder Chancellor and how the integral education system of the Institute has positively shaped their inner and outer lives.

Both students spoke on the topics, an ideal Sai Student and his/her role in society.

First up was Mrs. Mahima Kapoor. She recollected how she was very determined be called a “Sai Student” and it is only after graduation she realised how that tag comes with a fair bit of responsibility. She said that the disciplined and tough routine of the hostel and college, though bitter and frustrating at times, has directly impacted her daily life in a positive way. Ten years on, she realised how the strict rules have helped her deal with complex and challenging situations in her adult life – both personally and professionally. She described in particular a couple of moral situations in her professional life where she had the courage to follow the truth and be honest at all times.

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The next speaker was an alumnus from the early days of the Institute, Sri Daman Hejmadi. He fondly recollected how in his days, students would ask Swami for every small doubt they had. He briefly described how the ‘life skills’ that students of SSSIHL learn are very different from the transient skills that are acquired in one’s professional life. The dictum, Education is for life, and not for a living that Swami often elaborated upon and what all students learn during their time, had helped him in a myriad of ways. Some of these, he said include cooking, waking up early at 5 am, simple living (vs. luxurious living), and general resourcefulness that the Self Reliance activities of the Sri Sathya Sai Hostel teaches students.

He then gave examples from his professional life as to how the lesson of Life is a game, play it that he learnt during his time as a student has helped him be generous, create win-win situations and maintain equanimity in good times and difficult ones. He ended his talk with a personal example of how Bhagawan had directly guided him in His physical form in the United States and asked him to move back to India.

Collective Presentation by students from all campuses

The end of the Summer Course 2012 was nearing, but not before a Global Presentation by all the students of all four campuses, as well as the XI and XII Standard (Boys and Girls wings), Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School. This creative extravaganza, was in essence, a presentation of the collective learning of the key moral and life lessons from Swami’s discourses deliberated upon during the Study Circle sessions conducted by all campuses and the school students during the course of the Summer Course.

It was presented in two parts – first by the girls of the Anantapur Campus and XI and XII Standard (Girls wing) girls, followed by the boys from the school and all the men’s campuses.

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Surrender to God (and taking refuge in His feet – literally the key theme of the Summer Course 2012 – Bhaja Govindam), the importance of spiritual inquiry, how material life is a prop to reach the higher goals of life, and the fact that God has embedded permanent gems of ideals in an impermanent body (for us to discover the higher purpose of our lives); these were some of the subtle but powerful lessons highlighted by the women students during their narrative.

The men’s students started their presentation with a skit based on a popular analogy that Bhagawan often narrated about the attitudes between Duryodhana (who sees bad in all people except himself) and Dharmaraja (who cannot see anything but good in people except himself) when asked by Krishna to find one good person (to Duryodhana) and bad person (to Dharmaraja). This was in the Dwapara Yuga.

The skit then highlighted how in the current Kali Yuga, negativity in men has multiplied manifold (full of fault-finding in others).

Other skits included moral dilemmas between friends in a professional situation and the enduring dedication of Hanuman (in the scripture Ramayana) to do anything to be close to Lord Rama.

Lastly, a satire from the fictional life of a man called Bhola (unlearned, foolish but extremely sincere) highlighted the universal message of our Lord Sai that God is everywhere and in everyone.

Felicitations – A moment of thanksgiving:

Each year, senior faculty members (often after decades of dedicated service) retire and new faculty members take their place, whilst others are promoted. The Academic Year 2012/13 was no different.

Dr. Naren Ramji, Registrar, SSSIHL presided over the ceremony and reminded everyone of the main quality Bhagawan has taught us all by His own personal example – that of gratitude.

The two main outgoing faculty members felicitated for their outstanding service and contribution for thirty-three long years to SSSIHL and Bhagawan’s mission were Prof. G Balachandran, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Humanities and Prof. S. Krupanidhi, Dean of Sciences.

This was followed by the announcement of new faculty members who joined SSSIHL during the current academic year and current members of the fraternity who have been promoted to higher designations in their respective departments.

Valedictory Session:

The Valediction to the SSSIHL Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality 2012 was led by Dr. (Ms.) TR Rajeshwari, Associate Prof., Dept. of Commerce. Drawing parallels to how Michelangelo sculpted beautiful pieces of art from masses of rock, Ms. Rajeshwari echoed,  that Swami expects us to chisel out the negative gross matter (ignorance) and bring out the good virtues within us, which are already there.

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Ms. Rajeshwari reminded everyone how the system of education at SSSIHL provides the platform to shape students’ lives in accordance to Bhagawan’s teachings and help them evolve, and make the correct choices in life. This however necessitates that we are empty (from inside), open to learning and have readiness with the correct attitude.

Along with thanking various factions for making the event successful, the speaker concluded in recapping how the three-day event had served as a wonderful reminder to the fortune that all the students, teachers and staff have, of being part of this unique institution and prayed that all of them endeavour of being worthy of His tremendous, unconditional Love.

II Samasta Lokaha Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Avatar of the age, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai, Who coined His Name Sai with His previous Avartar’s Name, Ram, to form the most endearing one word Mantra, “SaiRam” has always been exhorting Sri Rama’s glory teaching erring humanity to tread the path of Truth and Righteousness. Sri Rama Navami marks the annual commemoration of the advent of the Lord in Tretha.

This year Sri Rama Navami was celebrated on the 1^st of April with special programme. The programme for the morning session began with 20 minute Vedic chanting followed by a 40 minute musical offering by the students from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The songs were in dedication to Lord Ram and Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai. The programme with interlaced songs and commentary had the songs, namely, “Sri Ram…Sri Ram…”, “Sai Ram Subha Dayee Ram…”, “Shuddha Brahma Paratpara Rama…” a song detailing the beauty and grandeur of His Advent, “Ramjee Ke Mahima Apaar…” that lasted 30 minutes.

A short clip of Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse followed that enlivened the audience with golden memories of Bhagawan narrating Ramayana stories. Bhagawan, dwelling on the greater significance of Ramayana, stressed on the ideal life led by Lord Ram and brothers, highlighting the exemplary brotherly relationship among them. Bhagawan also touched upon the efficacy of Vedas in relation to the epic, relating the four brothers with the Chatur Vedas. Concluding His Divine Discourse, commenting on the sweet story of Rama and grandeur of Ramayana, Bhagawan exhorted the audience to install Rama in their heart. Divine Discourse came to an end with Bhagawan singing “Rama Jayam Raghu Rama Jayam…”

Bhajans continued for some time and Mangala Arathi was offered at 0930 hrs. Prasadam was distributed at the end of the session.

Evening Session:

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Indian Classical Music’s two prominent versions, Carnatic and Hindustani, a couple of instrumentals and a ghazal by the music college students marked the Sri Rama Navami evening in Prasanthi Nilayam. Richly talented and devoted, the special bunch of musical students whose inner musical instincts were nurtured at the hallowed portals of Prasanthi presented a scintillating musical display that lasted seventy minutes. The programme concluded with the bhajan in Bhagawan’s voice, “Rama Kodanda Rama….”. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1830 hrs.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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Radiosai today, has 6 different streams – Asia, Africa, Ameri, Discourse, Bhajan and Telugu,  that offer a variety of programs that bring out the message of pure love given by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, to the entire humanity. Under the able guidance of Padmashree Dr. G. Venkataraman,  eminent scientist and former Vice Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning , the Radiosai team offers spiritual programs that enable every human being to follow the path of Dharma and spread the joy of love, peace and harmony.

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In February 2011, Baba gave His Divine consent and blessings to start a 24 hr radio channel that would broadcast programs specifically telugu. This Radiosai Telugu channel was launched on July 15^th 2011, on the auspicious Gurupoornima day and is now growing at a rapid pace.

In order to involve as many people as possible in this sacred mission, Radiosai has conducted selections in 8 districts of Andhra Pradesh. The participation has been very encouraging as more than 2500 people had participated in these selections, and Radiosai has identified close to 500 talented people who would enable the generation of creative content for this 24 hr. radio channel,  purely as a service to the Lord and to humanity at large.

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To enable better functioning and faster processing, Radiosai is establishing small studios in all the districts of Andhra Pradesh. The first of those was  inaugurated on the 29^th of March 2012, in the temple town of Tirupati. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Tirupati, Chitoor district is delighted to open this studio and serve the humanity by spreading the message of pure love.

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The Programme started with Omkaram and Veda Chanting at 1730hrs. Sri L.V.Subramanyam, I.A.S, executive officer of Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams and an alumni of Bhagawan’s Institutions, inaugurated the recording studio. Sri K.V.S.K. Ganesh gave the welcome address followed by a video of Bhagawan’s Discourse. Sri Subash Chandra Bose, District President and Sri S.G.Chalam, State President of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, A.P. spoke next.Sri. Subramanyam then gave the inaugural address while Sri V.S.R.Murthy gave a guest lecture.

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Sri Deepak Mazumdar Ji, a dedicated Bharata Natyam exponent and Bhagawan’s former Balvikas Student, gave a special Dance Presentation. A music presentation by staff of Bhagawan’s institutions in Prasanthi Nilayam including the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music performed to an enthralled audience.

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Sri Dwaram A.V.Swamy, State Coordinator, Radio Sai Telugu Stream, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, A.P, offered his gratitude to Bhagawan and thanked the chief guest and the gathering.

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[Currently Radiosai can be heard through Internet by logging on to www.radiosai.org and through various applications on mobile phones and through Airtel service. Radiosai is heard in 125 countries all over the world and continues to spread this joy, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.]

Starting the programme with the invocation of Lord Ganesha with ‘Vakrathunda Mahakaya…’, the passing out batch of Under Graduate students from Brindavan christened ‘Vajras’ (Diamonds) went on to sing many memorable songs including ‘Kanula Mundara’, ‘Pyare… Sai… Hamare’, ‘What can I do but thank You’ and ‘ Premaku Rupama” which also saw two students choreographing it before concluding with the Qawwali, ‘Dil Yehi Kahta Hain’.

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Between the songs, many students got up and shared their wonderful experiences with their Lord. While one student spoke about the entrance of an Orange flash of light to protect him during a critical surgery, another spoke about how Bhagawan miraculously solved a financial problem they had. A student who has been studying in Bhagawan’s institutions since his primary school recounted an instance when Bhagawan asked him what he wanted and the student had promptly replied with, “I want only You, Swami”. In response Bhagawan stood with outstretched hands and said ‘Take Me’. The student with moist eyes continued to say how He had indeed given Himself to all students. Saving the life of some, consoling the grief of another and solving the financial crisis of a third, Bhagawan has saturated them with gratitude for Him.

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Some other students spoke about the life in Bhagawan’s hostel which is a home away from home. The brotherhood they developed in the place and the self reliance and the self confidence they will take away with themselves, they said, are unique to this place.  Another student recounted how his mother had a vision of Bhagawan on the photograph of Jesus Christ in the hospital during her difficult pregnancy. He thanked Bhagawan for his birth blessed by the Father and the Son.

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The students brought the curtains down quoting Johannes A. Gaertner,

“To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.”

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The teachers of the campus distributed gifts from Bhagawan  to all the passing out students. The Sunday session came to a blessed end with Bhagawan singing “Madhuvana Sanchari Shyama Murari“. Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 1830hrs.

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On the 25th morning after the regular Vedic chanting by the students, Panchanga Shravanam (recitation of religious almanac pertaining to the coming year) was conducted by noted vedic scholar Sri Kuppa Siva Subrahmanya Avadhani. As the festivity marks the beginning of a new Panchanga, it is significant to conduct Panchanga Shravanam, hearing of the annual forecast as predicated in the Panchanga.

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After the Panchanga Shravanam, students from the Institute sang a couple of Telugu songs that was followed by reminscence of Divine Voice Of Wisdom Of Bhagawan, listening to one of His Divine Discourse delivered during Ugadi celebrations in the past.

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At the end of the function, the vedic scholar was felicitated by the Trust Secretary and Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

The venue  was tasterully decorated with symbolic festive greenish tinge – “Pachchathoranam” – parading all over. “Pachchathoranam”is a sign of prosperity and auspiciousness.

Bhajans continued for fifteen minutes and Mangala Arathi was offered at 0945 hrs.

The evening function was marked b a spritual talk by Sri V Sriramachandra Murthy, an erudite scholar and businessman from Hyderabad. Sri Murthy dwelled deep into the significance of the festivity talking from a Sai perspective. Speaking in Telugu, Sri Murthy explained the subtle significance of the festivity keeping Bhagawan and His teachings to the fore.

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A string of devotional numbers followed, sung by popular playback singer Ms. Nithya Santoshini. She sang a mix of mainly Telugu and Hindi numbers followed by solos in Tamil and Gujarathi in a concert that lasted an hour. Her Hindi numbers included “Allah Tero Naam…” and “Sai Baba Bolo…” and the solo in Gujarathi was “Vaishnava Jana To…”, the 15th century composition of Poet Narsinh Mehta.

Passing out students of MSc, MA, MBA and MPhil offered their gratitude to Bhagawan on the evening of 18 Mar 2012 with a variety programme including talks, songs, instrumentals, poetry and dances. The only achievement that the students strive for, they said, is to see a smile on their Master’s face and commenced the programme with that very objective.

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The group christened “Shaurya” by Bhagawan way back in their undergraduate days was multi-talented and utilised the opportunity to display the various facets of their talent with the sole objective of making Bhagawan happy.

Starting the programme with “Eka Dantaya…”, they sang many memorable songs like “Kanula Mundara”, “O Nestama”, “Kaise Jiyon” and “Humko Tumse Pyar Kitna”, which took everyone down the path of nostalgia. One student performed a solo on the guitar to a very moving song entitled, “I will cry for you”.

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The songs were interspersed with various students sharing their experiences with Bhagawan as their teacher, their doctor and their parent. To make the love all the more personal, the students spoke in their native tongues spanning the nation linguistically from Telugu to Nepali. Not to be left behind, the institute brass band also performed a unique symphony paying their gratitude in the universal language of Music while the dance boys choreographed to perfection the same sentiment.

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Amidst the programme, Bhagawan’s voice thundered sweetly as He mentioned how the students of His university live as brothers while the students outside are subjected to evils like ragging. He mentioned how Education is absolutely free of charge and How he provides scholarships to students who cannot pay even the mess charges. Bhagawan concluded with how He expects all His students to be ideal boys.

All the outgoing students were presented with mementos as gifts from Bhagawan. Being Sunday the days proceedings was brought to a close with a Bhajan sung in the sweet voice of Bhagawan, ‘Subramaniam Subramaniam’.

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After initial offerings and introduction they began with a song “we always call You our God…we always call You our friend…we always call You our Mother…Whose Love Never Ever Ends…”. A poem followed reminiscing His glory, all that happened with Bhagawan’s physical disappearance and how Bhagwawan guided the boy in the darkest hour, loving him and guiding him in an unfathomable way. Different tongues spoke, in varied vernacular, but essentially in the language of hearts. Interspersed with songs in Hindi, Telugu and English, some of which were composed specially for the occasion, the group burst into singing expressing tears of love n’ gratitude for all that Bhagawan has been for them defining their lives in the most sanctified way.

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A muslim student narrated his story as to how he got to adjust to the situation in Prasanthi Nilayam. When he joined the higher secondary school he was puzzled as he was a loner, only muslim boy, and thus had an apprehension about the viability of practising his religion. Soon his fear and apprehension vanished as fellow students and teachers were quite cooperative and encouraged him to follow his religion with earnestness. During the years 2010 and 2011, celebrating the month long Ramadan fasting, some of the fellow students who were non-muslims also joined the holy fast, encouraging him to follow his religious practice. He concluded reciting two verses from Holy Quran reiterating that during his stay with Bhagawan he learnt that Islam religion and Sanathana Dharma are one and same.

Another narration followed that was centred around Bhagawan’s omnipresence and love of Bhagawan. As an eleven year old boy when the narrator was playing a vertical tug of war with his elder brother, owing to the powerful pull from the opposite end, the boy who was in the 1st floor at 15 ft height, slipped and fell hurtling down only to land safe, withoug any major injuries. The lesson learnt was – when mortal aid is not there, if one is surrendered, Divine intervention takes place.

A scintillating Jhugalbandhi followed consisting of nine musical instruments, Veena, Violin, Tabla, Mrudangam, Pakhawaj, Khanjeera, Ghatam, Octopad, Keyboard etc. It was an apt finale came as an apt offering of gratitude, for these talented children learnt all these instruments in the Prasanthi portals as blessed by Bhagawan.

A group song in Hindi followed that summed up the feelings in the hearts passing out this year.

Various offerings at the Divine Lotus Feet followed. All the participating students were felicitated with special mementos. Bhajans continued for sometime that was concluded by the Thursday Special in Bhagawan’s voice, “Rama Kodanda Rama…”.Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage of devotees that was followed with Mangala Arathi at 1845 hrs.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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“How can it be said that Bhagawan’s Darshan is history when He wakes us up every morning as the Sun, caresses us as the Breeze and provides fragrance as the Flower”, questioned a student at the start of the 45 minute presentation to their ever near, ever dear and ever here Lord. The programme consisted of songs interspersed with commentary, poems , experiences and expressions of gratitude to Bhagawan.The rendering was in English, Hindi and Telugu.Though gratitude was the underlying theme of the programme, the students also displayed their deep understanding and faith in Bhagawan with some inspirational wisdom.

“Sai mere Baba Mere“, “Sai ma jeevanam“, “Kaise bathayen” among others brought out the deep bond of Love shared between Bhagawan and His students. They concluded the programme with the prayer, ‘ O Sai! okey korika‘.

During the course of the program, the students offered cards, bouquet, etc. while the teachers took the hall tickets of the students to Bhagawan for blessings. With the love of Bhagawan, all the outgoing students were presented with mementos during Bhajans. The programme ended with Bhagawan singing, ‘Chitta Chora‘ in his melodious voice. Arati was offered at 1800hrs.

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You gave me a choice between the world & You,

I chose You over the other.

You after seeing the Lord I sought and knew,

The rest were things that didn’t matter.

You gave me a choice between Your gifts & You,

I chose You over the other.

For i was like a baby placed amidst toys, brand & new

And yet, pined for my Mother.

You gave me a choice between vast knowledge and You

I chose You over the other.

For i knew that the pride of it would take me away

From You, instead of getting me closer.

You then lovingly asked me, “why My child,

Do you refuse what I give;

And choose me instead? With the gifts I give you,

What a kings life you can live”.

I replied, “i would rather choose to live poor,

And have you with me, my Lord.

Than to live rich and wealthy,

And not even know that there is god”.

You smiled in all Your glory so kind,

And flung Your arms, out open and wide.

So did I…

And then did we forever reside.

You in me and I in you…

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

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They started the programme with a choreography to the words of Sri Rudraprasnah Laghunyasah, with a prayer to Lord Sai Shiva to help realise Him in our hearts. Fire, Air, Moon, Directions, the Primordial Ocean, Earth, Plants, Lightning, Rain all forms of Shakti, were depicted through graceful steps as the dynamic manifestation of Shiva Himself. Just as the drop is not different from the ocean, they argued, the I is not different from the Universe.

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The students then went on to choreograph the Siva Panchakshari Mantra interspersed with select Anuvakas of Sri Rudram. Special mention must be made of the choreography of the concluding lines of the first Anuvaka of Sri Rudram,

Namaste astu Bhagavan Vishveshvaraya, Mahadevaya, Thriambakaya, Tripurantakaya, Trikagni kalaya, Kalagnirudraya, Neelakantaya, Mrutyunjayaya, Sarveshvaraya, Sadashivaya, Shriman Mahadevaya namah||

…where in each word salutes Rudra variously as the Lord of the universe; the great God the three eyed one, the destroyer of Tripura, the extinguisher of the trika fire and the fire of death, the blue‐necked one, the victor over death, the lord of all, the ever peaceful one, the glorious God of gods.

The speed with which the students shifted stance to enact all the different salutations was awe-inspiring. Another interesting aspect of it was that all the audio associated with the programme including the chanting of the various shlokas and the background score were done by the students themselves.

The half-hour programme concluded at 1745hrs and the music boys took over and rendered some wonderful Bhajans before Bhagawan concluded the session in his sweet voice with, “Ganga Jata Dara Gauri Sankara”.

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