Festivals
and Events
Convocation
of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
 The
Convocation of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
is celebrated on the 22nd of November every year. Bhagawan,
as the Chancellor of the University, along with the Chief
Guest leads the procession consisting of the members of the
Academic Council and the Governing Body of the Institute onto
the dais. After all the esteemed members are seated on the
dais, Bhagawan declares the Convocation open to the thunderous
applause of the multitudes. Later, the Principal presents
the outgoing students to the Chancellor and then Baba blesses
the students and Himself gives away the medals and certificates
to the outstanding performers. The Vice Chancellor then administers
the Convocation oath to the graduands. 
Then, the Chief Guest addresses the graduands.
Following this, Bhagawan blesses all the students with His
benedictory message. The function concludes with the National
Anthem. The day’s proceedings conclude with a cultural
programme presented by the students of the Institute.
Excerpts from
Bhagawan’s Discourses:
“Students,
Boys and Girls!
Give up selfishness. Develop the spirit of
sacrifice. Be prepared to sacrifice your life for the sake
of Sathya and Dharma (truth and righteousness). Today people
are afraid to follow the path of truth. Why should one be
afraid to speak truth? In fact, one should be afraid to utter
falsehood. One who adheres to truth is always fearless. When
you do not follow the path of truth, the fire of fear will
burn you to ashes.
Embodiments
of Love!
Consider love as your life and truth as your breath. There
is an intimate and inseparable relationship between love and
truth. Today, man uses the word ‘love’ without
actually knowing its meaning. As he does not know the value
and meaning of love, he is utilizing it for trivial and mundane
purposes. He is under the mistaken notion that worldly and
physical attachment is love and considers such love as his
life. True love will reign supreme only when he gets rid of
selfishness and develops spirit of sacrifice. Love is God,
God is love. But you are craving for worldly love which is
bereft of life. You should aspire for divine love which is
your very life.
Today, there are many who are highly educated.
But, of what help are they to society? Practically nothing!
They are acquiring degrees for the sake of earning money.
They do not serve society with the spirit of love and sacrifice.
Love is the very form of Brahman. True spiritual discipline
lies in connecting your love with divine love. Your life will
be sanctified when you have steady and selfless love”.
- Divine Discourse: November 22, 2003
"Dear Students!
You must protect the honour of this great
country. You must develop self-respect. One who has lost self-respect,
cannot attain glory. Self-respect comes only out of spiritual
practice. Today, students wish to achieve wealth, physical
strength and a wide circle of friends. What about character?
Of what use is it to have the above three, without character?
Therefore, you must give first preference to character. When
you respect others, others will respect you. You complain
that others are not respecting you. But, did you enquire whether
you are respecting others? Only when you serve others will
others serve you. What you expect from others, you extend
it to others first”.
- Divine Discourse: November 22, 2002
|
Previous
