21 July 2024, Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli
On the auspicious morning of 21 July 2024, Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence (SSSUHE) celebrated its 3rd Convocation at the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham Auditorium. The event was graced by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, esteemed Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. This momentous occasion recognised the achievements of 7 honorary doctorates, 6 Doctors of Philosophy, and 154 graduating students. This year's theme, "ekaṁ sat viprāḥ bahudhā vadanti" - Truth is one, but the wise call it by many names, underscores our commitment to embracing diverse perspectives in our pursuit of knowledge.
Addressing educational challenges highlighted by the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2023: Beyond Basics), which shows that about 25% of rural students aged 14-18 years still cannot read a grade two-level text fluently in their regional language, SSSUHE provides quality education free of cost, including lodging, boarding, and all daily essentials. This commitment significantly benefits youth from rural areas, with over 70% of students below the poverty line, more than 65% being girls, and about 32% being first-generation graduates. The University currently enrolls 117 students across various disciplines, including MBBS, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences, making a profound impact on bridging the education gap in underserved communities.
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, praised the initiative, saying, "Grateful to Sri Madhusudan Sai for inviting me for this occasion, his efforts in raising human consciousness and promoting human excellence are commendable & span 60 countries around the world. The mission of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence to provide free quality education of global standards, based on ancient Indian ethos, is truly admirable. It emphasises on students from rural and impoverished backgrounds, ensuring education as a right for every child. The University's new medical college, inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji in March 2023, aims to serve rural healthcare. This initiative will bridge the gap in affordable and quality healthcare for our rural communities.."
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Global Humanitarian and Spiritual Leader and Founder of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, welcomed Hardeep Ji and expressed confidence in India's future. He introduced seven honorary doctorate recipients for their selfless service:
1. Mr. T B Jayachandra: Recognized for five decades of service to Karnataka, bringing water to dry areas, and establishing the University.
2. Prof. Darshan Shankar: Celebrated for his work in Integrative Medicine and creating a large herbarium of medicinal plants.
3. Prof. Kalangos: Honored for pioneering pediatric heart valve repairs and upcoming training in pediatric cardiac surgery.
4. Dr. Lakshmi Prasad: Biotechnologist contributing to soil rejuvenation, biofuels, sustainability, and climate causes.
5. Dr. Isaac Tigrett: Recognized for founding Hard Rock Café and supporting a free specialty hospital.
6. Mr. Dimitris: Greek-American musician proficient in over 30 instruments, contributing to the largest symphony orchestra in the country.
7. Dr. P T Usha: Wished success in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Sri Madhusudan Sai emphasized the importance of graduates, postgraduates, and doctorates, acknowledging the sacrifices of devotees for free education. Parents were encouraged to bless their children to walk the path of service. The mission of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, rooted in ancient Indian ethos, envisions the world as one family. This concept, emphasized by the Prime Minister at the G20 Summit, was the theme of the Convocation: ekaṁ sat viprāḥ bahudhā vadanti – despite our differences, we are inherently one. This Vedic and scriptural message urges our students not just to be educated but enlightened beings who foster transformational change. With an attitude of living for each other and for God, Sadguru wished the students, their parents, and the guests a prosperous future and blessed Guru Poornima.
Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, said, “At the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, founded by Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, we integrate India's ancient wisdom with modern science and technology, merging spiritual wisdom with contemporary education. For the first time in higher education, human excellence is given equal importance to academic excellence. Students are assessed on both, with grades out of 10, and their overall grade is the average of the two. Today, we honour students receiving gold medals: 10 undergraduates, 8 postgraduates, and 6 doctorates, who excel in both academic and human excellence. This pioneering approach includes intelligence, emotional, social, and spiritual excellence, aiming to create citizens with individual character, professional excellence, and social responsibility—brilliant heads, compassionate hearts, and competent hands.”
Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence stands out as a unique institution that blends spiritual and worldly knowledge based on the ancient Indian Gurukulam System of Values-based Education. Offering a diverse range of 18 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the curriculum extends beyond traditional education to include Vedic Studies, Performing Arts, Medical and Paramedical Education, Agriculture, Mental Health, Sports and Yoga, Physical Education, and Vocational Skills. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically proficient but also well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to society's welfare.
