Proceedings of XXIV Convocation of SSSIHL

[Guest guest]

PROCEEDINGS OF XXIV - CONVOCATION SSSIHL

 

Swami stepped out of the Poornachandra Hall at 2:40 PM amidst a

gentle shower. We find ourselves stunned by the new shade of the

deep orange red hue of the robe.

 

An orange umbrella is held over Swami chair as he gets into the

Porte Car.

 

The procession is led by the Institute Band, smartly dressed in

their white and red finery, the instruments glisten. The esteemed

dignitaries ceremonially robed in velvet and Swami fin the Porte car

come into the Sai Kulwant Hall to the band playing the bhajan 'Shri

Rama Rama Ram, Yadunandan Hey Ganasham...' .

 

2:52 PM

 

Swami walks to the dais, sits on His throne and then Declares the

Convocation open.

 

2:56 PM

 

The Vice Chancellor delivers his welcome address. Speaks about the

uniqueness and relevance of the training imparted at our Institute.

Introduces Karnataka Governor Chaturvedi - the Chief Guest for the

24th Convocation of our Institute.

 

3:03 PM

 

As twenty three batches before them, all students rise to take the

sacred Convocation Pledge - with Prof. U S Rao reading out aloud and

leading the oath.

 

3:07 PM

 

Gold Medals presentation commence.

 

Best ALL ROUNDER Medal for the year - Srikanth Khanna (M.Tech.)

receives the honour from Swami Divine hands.

 

3:24 PM

 

Anathapur Campus medals presentation commences.

 

Swami whilst seated majestically, showers His love on the recipients

and blesses them with photographs.

 

Chief guest's address follows.

 

3:55 PM

 

Governor's speech concludes.

 

Swami acknowledges his address by saying in His inimitably sweet

manner - "Very nice"! Governor returns to his seat.

 

Swami graciously agrees to bless the gathering with His Divine

Discourse - The Sacred Message for the graduates, current students

and alumni.

 

Divine Discourse Highlights:

 

End of Education is Truth.

True education must lead to Selflessness.

Heart will become pure only when you give up selfishness.

Three pronged approach: Self - Help - Sacrifice

Satya & Dharma are the foundation for character.

Satyam nasti paro dharmah!

Satya + Dharma results in Prema.

MANAVA: MA = attachment, NA = without, VA = exists.

Throw away pieces of materialism to get peace.

Ubhaya Bharathi story - Guru comes before All else.

Sanyasa = SHUN all the ashas (desires)

Brahmacharya is most important for students.

Place of living (sthala mahima) is critical - as thoughts are a

function of the place.

Story: Lakshmana's negative thoughts in forest.

As is friendship so are the qualities.

Avoid Bad Company.

Avoid Bad Books

Self enquiry is the path to eliminate bad company.

Betrayal of one who has sheltered you is the greatest sin.

Conduct is critical for assigning esteem.

No value in merely acquiring high degrees and pay packets.

Money acquired by bad means will waste away in bad ways.

Good qualities, good intellect, Truth and Devotion are qualities of

a good student.

The library in our Institute has no bad books whatsoever.

My students set an example even in their own families.

Swami CAUTIONS: Sai Students should strictly adhere to rules and be

an ideal and example for all.

 

4:43 PM

 

Swami's discourse concludes. Swami stands up immediately thereafter

with the assembly commencing the National Anthem with patriotic

fervor in the Divine Presence.

 

4:45 PM

 

Sri M Anil Kumar - jubilantly announces:

SSSIHL Drama at Poornachandra Auditorium at 6:00PM this evening.

Swami's 80th Birthday Celebrations to be held at the Hill View

Stadium tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM.

 

4:50 PM

 

Swami returns to the Poornachandra Auditorium in ceremonial

procession led by the Band Marching - playing their chosen specials.

Band boys stand in attention waiting to catch Swami's attention, as

Swami's car glides into the Auditorium foyer.

The Bandleader approaches Swami as the chair glides out of the

chassis. Swami's speaks to him and brother Satyajit then takes Swami

into the Poornachandra as the grand wooden carved doors close behind

Him.