Photos Summer Course in Indian Culture & Spirituality Day – 1

Prasanthi Nilayam: Following the invocatory Vedam Chanting, the event at the Poornachandra auditorium, Prasanthi Nilayam commenced at 8:30 a.m. with a welcome note by Prof. (Miss) Madhu Kapani, Dean, Faculty of Humanities & Economics; and Director, Anantapur Campus who reminded students that Bhagawan Baba wanted them to practice the values and principles of Bharatiya culture so they can be future leaders of tomorrow and architects who affect positive change in society.

Prof. K B R Varma, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL then delivered the inaugural address. He said that the exceptional opportunity that all new students have in being exposed to true Indian culture here is unparalleled. He compared the induction programme in Indian culture and spirituality at SSSIHL to be in stark contrast to other universities elsewhere. He urged students to reflect on the past glory of Bharat and prompted them to develop noble thoughts as they lead to noble character and noble deeds in life.

A brief video of Bhagawan Baba’s divine discourse was then broadcasted. Baba said that the entire world is built on social structure and that told students to traverse the path of truth, re-establish the glorious traditions of our country and be messengers of peace.

This was followed by a forthright talk by an SSSIHL alumni, Sri Gopal Rao, Managing Director, Landmark Worldwide – India Operations, who stressed on the relevance of being a Sai student and the lifelong accountability that comes with it. His topic was on Self Confidence, which he described as an expression of our true nature. Just as there is no imperfect tree, there is no imperfect love and that we must nurture ourselves to be who we truly are. This is the way to build self-esteem, he said. He touched upon several life experiences in the real world and highlighted that it is possible to live with total integrity in a seemingly corrupt world. He said that the best definition of culture he got from Bhagawan Baba was that culture is care and concern for others.

The morning session ended with a lively quiz titled A Rainbow of Sai Wisdom. Students from the university and school participated in the quiz that included seven rounds.

The evening session in Sai Kulwant Hall consisted of three speeches by students and faculty of the university. They wonderfully expounded the central theme of inwardness that Indian culture exemplifies through the topics that included Lessons from Ramayana, SAI – See Always Inside and Sri Adi Sankaracharya: His Life and Ideas.

Following bhajans and prasadam distribution, the first day of the event concluded at 6:30 p.m.