Convocation 2008
Sri Sathya Sai University – Alma Mater for Ambassadors of Peace… Source:
www.sssbpt.org
The 27th Annual Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University was held on the 22nd
November 2006, in a glittering ceremony that had its grandeur, richly deserved for
the yeomen service it has been rendering in the field of education for a quarter
century. This prestigious institution that is undoubtedly the one of its kind that
has won attention and accolades for simple reason that it promotes value education
with spiritual orientation helping in engendering students whom Bhagawan Sri Sathya
Sai Baba prefers to address as future ambassadors, has thousands of such students in
its alumni list who are engaged in relentless service activities in different part
of the world, following the invaluable inputs that they received before leaving the
portals of this great institution.
Sai Kulwant Hall, the venue of the XXVII Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University
was tastefully decorated with flowers of various hues. A beautiful arch decked with
flowers bearing the letters XXVII Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University welcomed
Bhagawan into the Hall. Another arch bearing the same lettering embossed in gold was
placed near the gate facing the dais. A backlit panel bearing the letters XXVII
Convocation … with serial lights of various colours was placed just the dais.
The dais had virtually a bower with flowers in the
background in the shape of an arch. Roses arranged in the shape of a Kalasam were
placed on either side of the dais. On the dais were neatly arranged chairs for
Bhagawan, the Chief Guest, the Vice Chancellor, Members of the Governing Body and
Members of the Institute Trust. The regal convocation procession began at 3.50 p.m.
led by the students of Institute Brass Band. They were followed by two students on
either side holding the scepter with the Institute insignia embossed on it. The
Registrar of the University carried the ceremonial mace. Members of the Governing
Body and Members of the Institute Trust followed them. Bhagawan the Chancellor of
the University came to the Hall in a red robe. At the outset, Prof. Vishwanath
Pandit, the Vice Chancellor of the University garlanded the Chief Guest Prof. G.
Venkataraman. He also welcomed the prominent guest from the UGC, the Vice Chairman
of University Grants Commission, Prof. Moolchand Sharma. The proceedings began with
the customary Vedic chant which has a lofty meaning to consider the mother, father,
preceptor and guest as God and hold them in high esteem. The Vice Chancellor then
requested the Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to declare the convocation
open. The convocation was declared open by Bhagawan exactly at 4 p.m.
The Vice Chancellor in his speech welcomed the Chief Guest and Members of the
Governing Body and Members of the Institute Trust to the XXVII Convocation of Sri
Sathya Sai University. The Vice Chancellor then introduced the Chief Guest Prof. G.
Venkataraman. Prof. Venkataraman, educated at the University of Madras, had an
illustrious career. He has rendered yeoman service to the nation, starting his
career at the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC). He also held the position of
Director, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In recognition of
his services, he was elected President of Indian Physicist Association. He was also
conferred Padma Shri by the Government of India. Above all he has been a humble
devotee of Bhagawan and was also the Vice Chancellor of the University. Prof. Pandit
said that this was the 17th Birthday of Bhagawan as he had come to serve Bhagawan in
the year 1992. He pointed out that this University was declared as the crest jewel
of all universities by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). We have
to be grateful to Bhagawan for giving this University to the world, he said.
Then the Vice Chancellor announced the achievement of the students of the
University:
8 students have cleared the CSIR examination.
42 students have passed the GATE examination with a student securing the top rank.
Sri Sathya Sai Grama Seva and the spectacular sports events every year showcases the
calibre of the students. He said 3 lakh residents in 150 villages were covered by
students in the Grama Seva held this year. 437 students received their degrees this
year, 20 students were decorated with gold medals by Bhagawan this year. 5 students
had completed their doctoral dissertations from the departments of Mathematics,
Physics, Finance (2 students) and Economics.
The candidates for the various degrees were then presented to the Chancellor. The
principal of the Sri Sathya Sai University then administered the oath to the
students: “I hereby solemnly declare and promise that if admitted to the degree for
which I have been duly recommended, I will conduct myself which befits as a member
of Sri Sathya Sai University …” The various gold medalists were as follows: List of
Gold Medallists
Chief Guest’s Key-note address:
The Chief Guest of the Convocation Prof. G.V. Venkataraman began his convocation
address by expressing his gratitude to Bhagawan for being conferred the honour of
the Chief Guest of the 27th Convocation. Prof. Venkataraman congratulated the
grandaunts not for only for their degrees, but also for being the students of
Bhagawan. Many years ago Prof. V.K. Gokak declared that this university has the good
fortune of having Bhagawan as the Chancellor of the University who is also the
Chancellor of the universe. He said, when Bhagawan established the Sri Sathya Sai
Arts and Science College in 1968 for women in Anantapur, He made the first move for
a Kali Yuga Gurukulam. The seed had sprouted into a sapling with the establishment
of Sri Sathya Sai Arts and Science College in the year 1969 in Brindavan. He said
that Bhagawan takes care of the minute details of the University right from its
management to its finance to examination. While students learn from teachers how to
earn a living, Bhagawan teaches the students how to live, the learned speaker said.
In the early days at Brindavan, the students rose as early as 4 a.m. and took care
of activities like milking the cows, even ploughing the fields, feeding cattle and
whitewashing walls. Prof. Venkataraman then narrated an interesting incident of
those days when this college was affiliated to Bangalore University wherein a
student was awarded 7 gold medals. In the convocation function when the medals were
about to be given, the student requested the chancellor of the University that he
wanted the medals to be given in his hand as he wanted his Guru to confer the
medals. As soon as the convocation function was over, he rushed to Brindavan and
offered the medals to Bhagawan so that he could be decorated by Bhagawan for his
achievement.
He also related an incident which amply showed the love of students for Bhagawan’s
physical proximity. When in 1975, the Brindavan college was growing and the hostel
was relatively small for the students. So, Bhagawan wanted to build a spacious
hostel near the sports ground. All preparations were being made by Col. Joga Rao. A
day before the ground breaking ceremony, Bhagawan came to hostel. Then a student
gave a letter to Bhagawan. After Bhagawan read the contents of the letter asked the
student whether He could ask the warden to read the letter for the benefit of
others. The student readily agreed. He had expressed his anguish at being separated
from Bhagawan. He had written, “Why was Bhagawan so upset that He was distancing
them from Him?” Bhagawan was moved by the sincere prayer of this boy and He
immediately changed the plan to construct the hostel at that place. Instead the
hostel was built close to His residence. After a few years Bhagawan built a college
and hostel in Prasanthi Nilayam when it was considered impossible to have college in
such a remote place, but Bhagawan established a University itself. He said, Bhagawan
would visit the hostel and institute frequently and discoursed on Atma Vidya
(education of the Self). Bhagawan even used to visit the stadium and witness the
matches. Once in the course of a volleyball match, Bhagawan said to the teachers and
senior students present there that once the server serves the ball, his teammates
would at any cost ensure that the ball does not touch the ground on their side. In a
similar way, the teachers should maintain that students do not slacken in their
efforts.
Bhagawan used to take the students along with him to Kodaikanal in the summer
months. On an Easwaramma Day, Prof Venkataraman said, Bhagawan had suddenly gone out
in his car and came back after one and a half hour. The students thought that
Bhagawan had gone for a ride, but Bhagawan revealed to His students that He had gone
to distribute blankets to poor people who could not come to the Sai Sruti Ashram
when the distribution was done. He said this showed Bhagawan’s care and concern for
the poor and needy.
The erudite speaker said that the current economic meltdown is due to uninhibited
consumerism without any regard to moral values. He said that Bhagawan has been
emphasising a lot on moral values in business to MBA students in His talks. He
referred to a Bhagawan’s Discourse when Bhagawan said that Mother Yashoda had butter
in one hand and a stick on another hand to catch Krishna. Similarly Bhagawan draws
students with education. Like Mother Yashoda, He does not have a stick, but imparts
Atma Vidya to His students. He also narrated an incident when He took upon Himself
the injury the students were to suffer while doing a stunt on lorries. The learned
speaker said that such is the concern of Bhagawan for His students.
Prof. Venkataraman then related what Bhagawan had told in one of His Discourses
during Kodaikanal visit in 2007. “The students as long as they are here, behave
well, but when they go out how they would conduct themselves is My concern. This is
what worries Me. If they behave well that is enough gratitude for Me.” Does any
chancellor bestow so much love? That God is here playing innumerable roles being the
revered Chancellor the universe. As Sadguru, He is steering the students to the
moral path in His Gurukulam, opined Prof. Venkataraman. He concluded His speech by
saying that he did not speak about students because the world knows about it, but
wanted to tell the secret behind it.
After Prof. Venkataraman’s speech, Bhagawan delivered His Divine Discourse, the
text of which follows:
The Divine
Benedictory Address - Convocation Benedictory
Address - 22nd November 2008
LOVE IS GOD LIVE IN LOVE
This land of Bharat is the motherland for great people, who acquired name and fame
in different continents. The land of Bharat is the battlefield wherefrom the
warriors of foreign countries were driven out and freedom from foreign rule was
acquired. This land of Bharat has acquired great name and fame for erudite
scholarship. This land of Bharat is a divine land which has produced great
intellectuals in the fields of music, art, literature and various sciences. Having
been born in such a great land, Oh Boys and Girls, the responsibility to protect and
uphold the righteousness of this country is yours. (Telugu poem)
The fame and fortune of Bharat is truly great while several countries of the world
have faced calamities of various kinds Bharat has remained stable. It is a country
richly endowed with a variety of wealth.
Forbearance is the real beauty in this sacred land of Bharat. Of all the rituals,
adherence to truth is the greatest penance. The nectarous feeling in this country is
the feeling of love towards one's mother. Character is valued far higher than the
very life itself. People have forgotten the basic principles of this great culture
and are imitating Western culture. Alas! The Bharatiyas are not aware of the
greatness of their cultural heritage just as a mighty elephant is not aware of its
own strength.
(Telugu poem)
Throughout history Bharat has been pre-eminent in material and intellectual plenty.
It was ruled by great kings and righteous rulers. Several women famed for their
chastity were born in this country. Savitri could bring back her dead husband
Sathyavantha to life by the power of her chastity. Can you find parallels to such
noble and chaste women elsewhere in the world?
This land of Bharat has given birth to many noble women like Savitri who brought her
dead husband back to life; Chandramati who extinguished wild fire with the power of
truth, Sita who proved her chastity by coming out of the blazing fire unscathed and
Damayanti who reduced an evil-minded hunter to ashes with the power of her chastity.
This land of piety and nobility attained plenty and prosperity and became the
teacher of all the nations of the world because of such women of chastity.
(Telugu poem)
Sadly, however today, many persons born in this great land of Bharat are succumbing
to and are tempted by trivial things. Their perception is bad, he listens to bad
things, and even his behaviour is bad. What a great fall! The Bharatiyas today are
like the elephant which is unaware of its own strength. With a swish of its tail an
elephant can knock a man off his feet and throw him yards away. Such a powerful
elephant will humbly obey the commands of the mahout. It just acts according to the
wishes of the mahout. Similarly, the Bharatiyas today are surrendering to the
dictates of outsiders and becoming their slaves. The way of life of Bharatiyas is
conditioned by truth and righteousness, in accordance with the Vedic injunction,
“Sathyam vada (speak truth) and Dharmam chara (follow righteousness).” In fact,
truth and righteousness are the very treasure of Bharatiyas. Unfortunately, today
the Bharatiyas have forgotton these great values and therefore become slaves in
their own country. Their lifestyle itself has undergone a change where truth and
righteousness have no place. Truly speaking, there is none in this world who can
conquer Bharat. The Bharatiyas are born with the great human values, namely, Sathya
(truth), Dharma (righteousness), Santhi (peace) and Prema (love).
Every individual has to enquire into his or her true nature, “who am I?” The reply
that comes from within is “I am a human being”. Along with this reply, one has to
assure himself “I am not an animal”. That is your true nature. When you consider
yourself to be a human being, you must display human qualities. What are they? First
and foremost, Sathyam (truth). From truth comes righteousness (dharma). It is said
“Sathyaannasthi paro dharmah” (There is no greater dharma than adhering to truth).
Sathya and Dharma together bring Santhi (peace) and Prema (love). Where there is
love, there cannot be hatred and jealously. Unfortunately, today people have lost
the great quality of love. Even a dog loves its puppy. Even the birds love their
offspring. But, a human being does not love a fellow human being. Lack of unity
among the people is the root cause for the present state of affairs in Bharat. There
is no unity in the family, in the society and in the country. Where there is unity,
there will be purity, where there is purity, there divinity shall be. What is
required today is unity, purity and divinity. The scientists today are inventing
several things. A double-decker aeroplane is being flown in the sky. However, along
with the great advances made in science and technology, loss of the quality of human
life is also on a large scale. This was not the case in earlier times. Several
people used to live together under one roof, with peace and happiness. There was no
fear complex at all! But, today, the fear complex is all pervading. Wherefrom did
this fear come? It is due to lack of self-confidence. Man has no faith in his inner
Self. It is said “Naayamatma balaheenena labhyah” (the Atmic consciousness is not
for the weak minded). Man has developed faith in everything in this world, but not
in his own Self. Where there is self-confidence, there will be self-satisfaction;
where there is self-satisfaction, there will be self-sacrifice; where there is
self-sacrifice, there will be self-realisation. It is common knowledge that where
the foundation is strong, the walls will be safe; where the walls are safe, the roof
will be secure. It is only in such a house can one live safely. Today, the
foundation itself is not strong. How then can the walls remain safe? Self-confidence
is the foundation for a human being, self-satisfaction represents the walls,
self-sacrifice is the roof and self-realisation is life. Hence, there should be
perfect between among these four.
Due to an indiscriminate use of technology the air, water, food and everything is
polluted and poisoned all over the world. Fortunately, the country of Bharat is
spared from this widespread pollution. We should not run after science and
technology. Science without humanness is fraught with great danger to the very
existence of humanity. There is no greater power than human power. Some people
question “Where is God?” The answer is very simple. Man himself is God, you are God,
verily. The Vedas declare, “Chandrama manaso jaathah; chaksho surya ajaayatha” (the
moon was born out of the mind and the sun out of the eyes of the Supreme Being). The
real strength comes from our own inner self. This strength is unparalleled
In spite of his education and intelligence, a foolish man will not know his true
Self and a mean-minded person will not give up his evil qualities. (Telugu poem)
Modern education leads only to argumentation, not to total wisdom. What is the use
of acquiring education which cannot lead you to immortality? Acquire the knowledge
that will make you immortal. (Telugu poem)
Today’s education does not provide real knowledge that maturing to wisdom. They just
help one to earn a livelihood. They promote acquisition and misuse of wealth. With
the money people acquire through various means, people send young boys to foreign
countries for higher education. They spend lakhs of rupees for that purpose. By the
time they return to their homeland, the children are spoiled totally. Here is a
small incident that had happened sometime ago. The Indian parents took their son to
a temple before his departure to a foreign country for his studies and advised him,
“Dear son, this deity is the mother to one and all. She is the Mother of the
Universe. You should never forget the Mother. Constantly contemplate on Her,
wherever you are”. They, in fact, extracted a promise from him to that effect. The
boy then left for U.S.A. Once he set his foot in America, he totally forgot about
the Mother, fully immersed in that new environment. After a lapse of three years, he
returned to his native country, Bharat, fully accustomed to the American way of
life. The parents took that boy to the same temple straight from the Airport, for a
darshan of the Divine Mother. As soon as he entered the temple, the boy, instead of
offering his namaskar to the deity, greeted Her in English, “How are you Madam?” The
parents scolded the boy for his impertinence and not paying his obeisance to the
Divine Mother. They regretted very much that their son, brought up in a traditional
family, did not even care to offer his pranams to the Divine Mother and all the
lakhs of rupees spent on his foreign education had gone waste. They finally decided
to advise all those parents who wished to send their children abroad for higher
education, against it. It is indisputably true that higher studies abroad are
resulting in people acquiring bad thoughts, habits and behaviour. One need not be
crazy about foreign education. The wealth of education and culture available in this
country is not to be found in other countries. We must be proud of our birth in this
great land of Bharat. It is a great privilege to be referred to as Bharatiyas. We
must, therefore, develop self-confidence. We must develop interest in leading a
moral, virtuous and spiritual life. Unfortunately, today there is no morality in
people. How then can you lead a happy and peaceful life? The great spiritual wealth
available in this country of Bharat is not to be found in any other country. People
from several countries are inviting Me to visit their places, offering Me even
special aircraft. But, I am consistently turning down their requests. I am always
happy here in India. I don’t need these aeroplanes and such other comforts. I want
only devotion.
I did not come across anyone who hate Me, till now I have no enemies at all. All
people love Me, since I love one and all. However, people do not understand My love
properly. Because of My universal love, even people from far-off lands come to Me.
Why then should I go abroad? Some people misunderstand and misinterpret My love.
Some even develop aversion towards Me on the ground that I did not oblige them by
granting their requests on some occasions. In fact, will they progress in the
spiritual path if I grant all their requests? No, not at all. On the other hand,
they get spoiled. That is the reason why I wish to keep the boys and girls in proper
limits right from their childhood. You can observe that no one in our educational
institutions ever hates Me in the least. All students gather round Me lovingly
calling “Swami! Swami!”. When I come out after paying a visit to their campuses,
they take leave of Me with tears in their eyes. Do you find the same situation
prevalent in educational institutions elsewhere? Do the colleges and universities
outside function as temples of learning? Even the parents visiting their wards in
those educational institutions are not treated with due respect. Parents are sacred.
The Bharatiya culture exhorts people “Mathrudevobhava! Pithrudevobhava!” father is
God; mother is God. Every human being is an embodiment of God. In fact, the entire
creation is God. Unable to realise this great Truth, we say “this person is my
enemy, he ill-treated me” and develop hatred against that person. As you think, so
it will be, (yad bhavam thad bhavathi) love begets love and hatred begets hatred. It
is common to help those who help you. But, it is only Sai who is gracious enough to
help those that try to cause harm to Him, ignoring their own faults. You must love
even those who harm you. That is real humanness. You must develop such a human
quality. Whomever you come across treat him as an embodiment of Divinity. It is
said, “Daivam manusha rupena” (God is in human form). You may observe the picture of
any form of God, there God is portrayed in the human form. Rama, Krishna or any
other deity – all are in human forms only. You may relate to God in different forms
and names; but all are embodiments of Divine Self. The Atma Tathwa is the same in
all human beings, irrespective of names and forms. It is said “Ekatma sarva
bhuthantharatma” (One Atma resides as the Indweller in all living beings). One has
to cultivate such noble feelings right from the childhood. You may think it is a
difficult task. No; there is nothing easier than this feeling of equality. Supposing
a person whom you consider as an enemy is approaching you; you offer your pranams to
him and enquire, “Hello, How are you brother?” Immediately the other man will
respond saying “How are you brother?” He will not get angry. Why? Since you called
him brother, he will also treat you in the same way. It is in your language that
either love and faith or enmity and distrust in the other person is displayed. You
must rise to a level where you will be able to visualise the same Atma Tathwa in
all. Then you will truly become “Divyatma Swarupa” (embodiment of the Divine Self).
You must consider “I am a Divyatma Swarupa. All these different forms of human
beings are only my reflections. I am able to see myself in these bodies, which are
like mirrors”. It is only when you are able to reach that stage that you will enjoy
real peace. You will not experience peace by merely doing japa (constant repetition
of the Lord’s name), thapa (penance), yoga or sacrificial rites like yajna and yaga.
People crave for peace and undertake several spiritual practices for the purpose.
But, they don’t find peace anywhere. Wherever you see, there are only pieces in the
outside world. But, once they direct their vision inward they will be able to find
peace there. The peace within is manifesting outside. Such a person with inner
vision can only be called a human being in the real sense. Animals, however, have no
such inner vision and discriminatory intellect. They therefore display cruelty. You
are not an animal. You are a human being. Hence, lead a life befitting that of a
human being. You say that you are a human being, but, you live the life of a cruel
animal. How then can you be called a human being? Live like a real human being. Get
rid of animal qualities like kama (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha
(delusion), mada (pride) and matsarya (hatred and envy). You should not hate
anybody. I have no anger against anyone till date. That is why all people love Me. I
have only one quality that is love towards all. Hence, even if I go to a forest,
people will follow Me to that place. It is only My love that draws all people to Me.
Yet, some people develop antipathy towards Me. It is not My fault, but their own
imagination. People wonder how Swami is so divinely peaceful and is able to interact
with so many people day in and day out. In fact, peace is natural to Me. I always
smile and put up a serene countenance. I can never put up a castor oil face. I am
always happy and smiling. I exhort you also to be so. When you all are happy, I am
happy. You happiness is My happiness. What could be the reason for millions of
people loving Me? What brought you here in such large numbers? Did I send any
invitation to you all? It is only your love that brought you here. Can the
invitations draw crowds? Even when there is no invitation, people rush towards Me if
they come to know that I am passing through a particular place. What could be the
reason for this? Only love. Love is God; live in love. That is what you have to
learn and cultivate. Love is the foremost quality that you should cultivate. Take a
pledge accordingly on this sacred day.
Very soon, the entire world will be united. In fact, after 28 years the world itself
will become “Bharat”. Everyone will call himself a Bharatiya (one imbued with
godliness – Bhagavat rathas). No one will refer to himself or herself as belonging
to this state or that state, this region or that region. You may go to any country,
but you refer to yourself as belonging to the country of Bharat. For example, there
may be Karnataka State or Tamil Nadu State, etc., but, they are all parts of a
larger country called Bharat. Without the country, the States cannot exist. You are
all Bharatiyas first and last. Hence, you say that you came from Bharat. The
different states might have been created certain linguistic or geographical
considerations. But, they are all parts of one country that is Bharat. We all belong
to only one party – the party of love. Love, love and only love. Keeping love as
your guiding force, you go to any country, people will respect you, consider you as
their own brothers and sisters and extend all necessary help to you. Love is
selflessness. A human being should never have selfishness. However, people of their
own accord develop evil qualities like selfishness, hatred, anger, etc. These are
traits cultivated by human beings themselves; they are not God-given. God has
bestowed only one noble quality on all human beings, that is love. Love is eternal.
Physical strength, courage or valour can never be a match to the power of love. When
Sita was kept in confinement in Lanka under the guard of rakshasas, it was her love
for Rama that gave her courage and confidence to boldly face all difficult
situations. She constantly contemplated on the divine name of Rama during the
period. Finally, Rama’s love saved her. During that ten month period, none could
touch her. If only you cultivate such divine love, it will confer everything on you.
You all should become the embodiments of love. Pray “Samastalokah Sukhino bhavantu”
constantly, that is the only prayer you all have to do. Then, all people in all
countries will be happy and peaceful. I am loving you all. I have no enemies. No one
hates Me. Sometimes I do speak harshly in a raised voice. But, that is only
outwardly. I do not bear ill-will towards anyone. Hence, if you follow the ideal set
by Swami and love all, your life will be sanctified. Your parents, brothers,
sisters, relatives and friends will feel happy.
The grand convocation function concluded with the singing of National Anthem by all
at 6.15 p.m.
In the evening at 6.30 pm. students of Sri Sathya Sai University presented a play
"Divya Premashrayam", in the Poornachandra Auditorium. The Drama entails the
tenets of His essential teachings to serve the society in the name of the Lord. This
presentation interspersed with scenes from the epics and lives of the greats
bringing greater effectiveness sending out the message of service to the society.
Songs set to melodious music added flavour go the glittering presentation that was
watched by Bhagawan, the Chief Guest, the UGC Vice Chairman, The Vice Chancellor,
scores of other dignitaries, students and staff from the university and devotees in
general. A grand finale to the glittering Convocation of the unique Institution, Sri
Sathya Sai University |
| The dawn of the day saw
hectic activity in Kulwant hall as the Muddenahalli students worked in great zest
and zeal to play what has now become their annual role in the Convocation ceremony
of the Sri Sathya Sai University. Swami has chosen them to do all the decorations
for the ceremony for which He is the host! And everytime, they do a job that fills
Him with joy and satisfaction. By 1:00pm, the whole Sai Kulwant hall wore a new
look. The stage was tastefully decorated with flowers of various hues. A beautiful
arch decked with flowers bearing the letters XXVII Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai
University was placed at the western end of the hall to welcome Swami. Another arch
bearing the same lettering embossed in gold was placed near the gate facing the
dais. At about 2:00pm, Swami came in the car to inspect the arrangements.
All those students graduating on the day were seated in the central marble block.
Swami got down and with the first view of the decked stage, He seemed overwhelmed.
His face seemed to say, "It's so beautiful!" He wanted to test the switch that would
light up the decorated board to mark the "Convocation being declared open" by the
Chancellor. As those lights came on, His face lit up! He then moved along both, the
right and left wing of the stage and inspected the arrangements. When He came on
stage, two students came up to Him with the convocation robes. The post graduate
students had a brown coloured robe while the undergraduates had light blue. He saw
the robes but blessed the students! He then wanted to go to the eastern side of the
stage and for that He had to literally wade through the boys. Having satisfied
Himself that all was fine, Swami was about to leave when from the corner of His eye,
He saw an ex-student. Well, the concept of ex-student is only from the University
angle. As far as Swami is concerned, once you are His student, you always remain
asone. He called him to His side and enquired about his well-being. He also asked
him, "How is the decoration?" The boy told the Truth - that it was magnificent.
Swami was so pleased and as they say, when God is very happy, He bestows that look
which fulfills all the desires of those on whom that look falls on. It appeared to
be that kind of a look! Then, moving through the veranda where the roof had been
decorated, He reached the other end of the mandir. The veranda had been curtained
from public view and so His journey through it was like a ride in a dark corridor.
As He moved near His beloved students, they mobbed around Him. Like bees hovering
around a flower, they buzzed near Him and Swami smiled warmly and spoke to some of
them. Then, getting back into the car, Swami drove back to Yajur Mandir.
The 27th Annual Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University was held as a glittering
ceremony which it richly deserved for the yeomen service it has been rendering in
the field of education for more than a quarter century now. This prestigious
institution that promotes value education with spiritual orientation - a chiseller
of wonderful students whom Swami prefers to address as future ambassadors - has
thousands of students in its alumni list who are engaged in relentless service
activities in different parts of the world. The regal convocation procession began
at 3.50 p.m. led by the students of Institute Brass Band. They were followed by two
students on either side holding the sceptre with the Institute insignia embossed on
it. The Registrar of the University carried the ceremonial mace. Members of the
Governing Body and Members of the Institute Trust followed them. Swami came out of
the Yajur Mandir in a beautiful maroon robe and as always was the shining star and
life of the procession. As the procession moved on Swami did something so wonderful
and beautiful - something that comes very naturally to Him.
Sitting on the chair, Swami was engulfed by the procession in such a manner that
surely none would be able to see Him when He arrived into the Kulwant hall. So after
being part of the procession for a few moments, He asked to move out of it. as the
entire procession entered the Kulwant hall, He sat watching it. He told the
photographers nearby, "The procession has gone there. Go there and shoot.....Why
here?" Surely, He knows as well as anyone else why they were there and not with the
procession! Then He started. As the Sathya Sai part of the University entered the
hall, there was a huge burst of applause. Whatever be the occasion or ceremony, the
Lord remains the heartthrob of His devotees. Swami moved gently through the rows of
capped graduates from both the mens' and women's campuses. Then, via the
'filled-to-the-capacity' marble block Swam made His way to the stage. The revered
chief guest this time was Prof.G.Venkatraman - a man of superhuman achievements both
in the scientific world and in Swami's mission. Educated at the University of
Madras, he had an illustrious career. He has rendered yeoman service to the nation,
starting his career at the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC). He also held the
position of Director, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In
recognition of his services, he was elected President of Indian Physicist
Association. He was also conferred Padma Shri by the Government of India. Being the
director of the Prashanthi digital studios and the world renowned Radiosai
broadcasts and moreover a true instrument in the Lord's hands, it was no surprise
that Swami had decided to honour him with that prestigious position on this day. At
the outset, Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, the Vice Chancellor of the University garlanded
the Chief Guest Prof. G. Venkataraman. He also welcomed the prominent guest from the
UGC, the Vice Chairman of University Grants Commission, Prof. Moolchand Sharma. The
proceedings began with the customary Vedic chant which has a lofty meaning to
consider the mother, father, preceptor and guest as God and hold them in high
esteem. The Vice Chancellor then requested the Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai
Baba to declare the convocation open.
Swami held the mike and everyone in the audience- their breath. With a sweet smile
and even sweeter voice Swami said, "I declare the Convocation open" and thunder
seemed to strike the Kulwant hall. There was genuine pure joy on every face as
people applauded with all their might. The Vice Chancellor then delivered his
opening address the highlight of which was the statement of the UGC committee that
he quoted, "Rather than the University having a need for the UGC, the UGC needs the
University." The candidates for the various degrees were then presented to the
Chancellor. The principal of the Sri Sathya Sai University then administered the
oath to the students. Then the gold medallists recieved their most cherished dreams
- the medal from the Divine Hands! The feeling of a gold medallist as he/she goes on
stage to receive the medal from Swami is something that no other will understand. If
an actor gets the Oscar, a soldier- the ParamVir Chakra, that joy is still lesser
for this medal is gifted by Swami. It is as if Swami is saying, "I am happy and
proud of you my child." and that is enough for this birth and later births too if
any! The students made no secret of that joy as they posed beside Swami for
photographs after getting the medal. Swami too smiled broadly at the photographers
for He knew that these pictures would be something that not only the medalists but
their generations to come would treasure and cherish. This year 437 students
received their degrees, 20 students were decorated with gold medals by Bhagawan this
year. 5 students had completed their doctoral dissertations from the departments of
Mathematics, Physics, Finance (2 students) and Economics.
The Chief Guest of the Convocation Prof. G.V. Venkataraman began his convocation
address by expressing his gratitude to Bhagawan for being conferred the honour of
the Chief Guest of the 27th Convocation. Prof. Venkataraman congratulated the
grandaunts not for only for their degrees, but mainly for being the students of
Bhagawan. His entire talk traced the wonderful story of the University intertwined
in which were the many love stories between Swami and His students. One story will
suffice as an example. When in 1975, the Brindavan college was growing and the
hostel was relatively small for the students Swami wanted to build a spacious hostel
near the sports ground. All preparations were being made by Col. Joga Rao. A day
before the ground breaking ceremony, Swami came to hostel. Then a student gave a
letter to Swami and He read the contents of the letter asked the student whether He
could ask the warden to read the letter for the benefit of others. The student
readily agreed. He had expressed his anguish at being separated from Swami. He had
written, "Swami why are you so upset that You are distancing us from You?" Swami was
so moved by the sincere prayer of this boy and He immediately changed the plans to
construct the hostel at that place. Instead the hostel was built close to His
residence. The erudite speaker said that the current economic meltdown was due to
the uninhibited consumerism without any regard to moral values. And thus it is that
the Sathya Sai University gains profound importance. his talk moved many a member of
the audience to nostalgic and joyous tears of hope. As he completed his speech, he
received a loving congratulation from Swami. Then, Swami asked for His mikes to be
brought. Along with the mikes came a feeling of anticipative joy in all. Given below
is a summary of Swami's discourse:
Click here for
complete Divine Discourse -
Convocation Benedictory Address - 22nd November 2008
Bharat is the motherland of many noble souls who earned great reputation in all the
continents of the world. This is the land of many valorous people who could vanquish
the enemies in the battlefield. This is the land of many learned people who taught
the Vedas and other sacred scriptures to the people of other countries. But,
unfortunately, the Bharatiyas today have forgotten the principles of spirituality
and are taking to wrong path. (Telugu Poem)
Boys and Girls!
It is your responsibility to uphold the glory of this country Bharat. This country
Bharat is highly reputed and is the land of plenty and prosperity. In spite of many
foreign invasions, this country has prospered. The real beauty in this land is
observance of forbearance. There is no greater feeling than the feeling that one has
towards one's own mother. This country Bharat is known for women of chastity.
Savitri could bring her dead husband back to life. Do you find such chaste women in
any other country? This is also the birthplace of Damayanti. Mother Sita came out of
blazing fire unscathed to prove her chastity. Today everyone seems to succumb to
silly problems. People seem to have forgotten their responsibilities. Just as a
mighty elephant submits to the dictates of the mahout, the Bharatiyas are unaware of
their own strength and are aping others. Truth and righteousness have been the
guiding principles of Bharat. Since these twin principles are forgotten by the
Bharatiyas they are suffering.
Man should declare that I am a human being not an animal. When he declares that he
is a human being, he should have human qualities and not animal qualities. Where
there is love, there is no chance for hatred or enmity. The dog loves its puppies
and the birds love their young ones, but modern man does not love his fellowmen.
Today there is no unity in Bharat. Where there is unity, there is purity, where
there is purity, there is divinity.
Man should develop faith in the Self. But man today lacks Self-confidence.
Self-confidence leads to self-satisfaction, self-satisfaction leads to
self-realisation.
Human quality is still prevalent in Bharat. In other countries there are so many
problems. Today even countries like U.S.A. and Japan are envious of Bharat.Today the
food is polluted, water is polluted, even air is polluted. Bharat faces no such
pollution problems.
Man is verily God. But man is not able to know his true nature. Education leads to
only argumentation. Modern education is not conferring the knowledge of the Self.
Parents spend lakhs and lakhs to send their children abroad for studies. But they
return totally spoiled. There is no need to go abroad. What is available in Bharat
is not available elsewhere. The greatness of Bharat is beyond estimation. The kind
of fortune that you find is Bharat is not found anywhere. There are many people who
invite Swami to foreign land. They are prepared to bring aeroplanes to take Bhagawan
with them. I do not want these comforts, I want only devotion. There are no enemies
of Swami. Swami loves everyone. But His pure divine love is often misunderstood.
If your desires are fulfilled, you are sure to be spoiled. So, Swami is training
youngsters here with all limitations. Students have great love for Swami. As Swami
leaves this place to go elsewhere, they bid farewell with tears. Such is their love.
He is an intelligent man who helps those who have harmed him too. That is true human
quality. Whomsoever you meet, consider him as God. God is in human form. Rama, Sita,
Hanuman, all were humans. All are divine. Names may be different, but the principle
of Atma is the same in all. It is necessary to develop equal-mindedness at this
young age. You may think it is difficult, but in reality it is easy. You will not
experience in spite of doing Yajnas and rituals. In the outside world, there are
only pieces. Peace is within you.
You call yourself as humans and behave like an animal. Evil qualities like greed,
avarice, hatred are animal qualities. Be a human with fellow human beings. Do not
hate anyone. Till this moment, Swami has no hated anyone. Bhagawan is full of love.
Swami may be at a distant place, but divine love is drawing people like magnet. He
is not angry with anybody. He is always happy. Bhagawan always smiles. Swami wants
us to be blissful. Swami has not sent any invitation to anyone, but thousands have
gathered here. It is only your love for Bhagawan that has drawn you here. When
Bhagawan goes in the streets, shopkeepers come running out of their shops to have
His Darshan. On this sacred day, one has to develop love primarily. Very soon the
world will be united under one roof. Nobody would say, I am from Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Kerala and so on. Everybody would call themselves a Bharatiya. We do not
belong to any party. We have only the party of love. You may go anywhere, you will
respected and honoured if you have the party of love. Love is selfless. A true man
is one without an iota of selfishness. Every human being has love. There is no
greater quality than love. Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the beings of all
the worlds be happy!). This should be our prayer if we want the world to be
peaceful. This is the message of Swami today.
Swami concluded His discourse with Hari Bhajana Bina. But there was another
beautiful thing that happened. Swami keeps telling, "My boys are my voice." Today,
after singing the first line, Swami told the boys to lead! The whole bhajan was sung
by the students as the rest of the Kulwant hall followed. It was a wonderful feeling
and Swami watched on with a gleam in His eye. As that bhajan concluded, Swami told
everyone to rise for the national anthem. The Institute brass band struck up the
national anthem and everyone joined loudly in chorus. As the ceremony concluded,
announcement was made that in another 20 minutes there would be a cultural programme
by the students of the University - a play "Divya Premashrayam", in the
Poornachandra Auditorium.
Anand, an alumnus of Sri Sathya Sai University, rejects offers from many top
companies and decides to dedicate his youthful years in uplift of villages. He
chooses a village called Ramanathapuram for this endeavor. There he joins forces
with an educated and hardworking youngster named Krishna for the hard task at hand.
Anand gets a glimpse of the difficulty ahead at his first meeting with the village
elders. During his arrival there is an altercation between two brothers on a
property issue. Anand attempts to resolve the issue by various means and having
gained their goodwill narrates the story of the two great brothers from the
Ramayana, Sri Rama and Bharatha.
Sage Vasishta and King Janaka are the arbiters between the two brothers. On one hand
there is Sri Rama who having got the command from His father is firm that he will
not return to Ayodhya till He completes 14 years in the forest. On the other side is
Sri Bharatha who emphatically states that only Lord Rama has the right to ascend the
throne and that he will take his brothers place in the forest. Sage Vasishta raises
his hands in surrender and says that he is incapable of judging in this
confrontation not between two brothers but between Dharma (Righteousness) and Prema
(Love) itself. He requests King Janaka to do the honours. The Rajarishi then
delivers a landmark judgment. He informs Rama that in a battle between Dharma and
Prema, Prema has to be the victor. He then instructs Bharatha that though Prema is
the victor, Prema by definition is Selfless and hence he should ask what his brother
desires and act accordingly. The scene ends with Bharatha taking the Padukas of his
brother and agreeing to rule the kingdom as the caretaker but not the king.
Moved by the story, the brothers decide to set aside their differences and work
together. What follows is a golden period for the village when Ramanathapuram
becomes a model village enriched with development and communal harmony. However, the
wheels of fortune turns and the village is engulfed by ravaging floods and
epidemics. The same people who lived peacefully during all these years changed in
the face of crisis. Selfishness became the order of the day. Anand is devastated and
in a moment of severe introspection cries aloud to his Lord. He opens a book of
Bhagawan's message to his students and reads about the enthralling story of Emperor
Shivaji.
Faced with a severe crisis wherein his kingdom was becoming weak internally and
power of his enemies where growing exponentially, Shivaji longs to call it a day and
renounce his kingdom. At that moment, Shivaji's guru, Sri Samartha Ramadas enters
and offers to give Shivaji renunciation. Shivaji surrenders his crown and sword to
the sage and accepts the ochre robes. On the enquiry of Sage Ramadas he reveals that
he feels extremely peaceful now. Content with the answer, the holy one commands
Shivaji to rule the kingdom on His behalf and returns the crown to Shivaji.
Having learnt this lesson in non-doership, Anand is now the very embodiment of peace
and he feels confident that Swami will take care and sets aside the burden from his
shoulder. No sooner had he done this, he learns that Swami has sent a contingent to
the village to rebuild the houses. The whole village gathers together again in
gratitude to Bhagawan. The story was based on the recent announcement that Swami
made about rebuilding the homes and infact the lives of flood affected people in
Orissa.
After the drama, Swami blessed the participants with group photographs onstage
before accepting Arati and retiring for the day at 8.20 pm. The group photograph
session this time had a new flavour as Swami posed for photographs with the "Sets '
boys" too as they are called. And so scores of boys in black dresses surrounded The
Orange and had pictures taken. Swami then blessing everyone, moved backstage and
finally retired. An announcement was made about breakfast and lunch being provided
tomorrow free to all as Bhagawan's prasadam.
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