Education that focuses on values. The Hindu, 22 November 2004

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Education that focuses on values

By B. Chandrashekhar

The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.

PUTTAPARTHI, NOV. 21. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, an

autonomous deemed university, here is a unique premier educational institution

in the country, which thrives on imparting modern education in traditional

Indian style. The institution has given many a responsible citizen to the

country so far, who are leaving their mark in their chosen fields, including

civil services. Like many things in the world, the beginning of the deemed

university too was on a small note. The colleges set up by Sathya Saibaba at

Prashanti Nilayam (Puttaparthi), Whitefield (Bangalore) and Anantapur in the

late 1970s flourished in the education field, attracting attention from all

over the globe. Transformation in 1981

Ultimately, the colleges set up by Saibaba transformed into a deemed university

with the name of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning on November 22,

1981. The Government of India and the University Grants Commission have

recognised it as a deemed university a few days ago. The institute was admitted

as a regular member of the Association of Indian Universities in April 1986. The

institution aims at imparting integral education. Development of character is

considered the primary objective of education here. In practical terms, the

courses offered by the deemed university seek to combine the best of both the

ancient traditions of India and modern advancements. While the foundations are

the eternal human values, the superstructure relates to the present day

society. The institution s wholly to the concept and practice of

national integration. It has adopted an open admission policy based purely on

merit. In order to effectively mould the students' personality, hostel living

has been made compulsory and patterned in the ancient `gurukula' style. Free

education

Education offered here is free with admission based purely on merit. The

institution offers 12 undergraduate and postgraduate courses at its women

campus at Anantapur, five undergraduate courses for men at the Brindavan campus

in Bangalore and 15 undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses at the

Prashanti Nilayam campus. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council

(NAAC) has accorded an `A' double plus level to the institution for five years

from 2002-03. The peer team of the NAAC noted in its assessment report that

"this institute stands out as a crest-jewel among the university education

system in the country and this model is worthy of emulation by institutions of

higher learning in the country and elsewhere. Convocation

The 23rd convocation of the institution will be held here on November 22 with

the former foreign secretary of India, M.K. Rasgotra, as the chief guest. The

Chancellor of the deemed university, Sathya Saibaba, and the Vice-Chancellor,

S.V. Giri, will grace the function to be held at Sai Kulwanth Hall in Prashanti

Nilayam.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2004/11/22/stories/2004112205390500.htm

 

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