A curtain raiser on the Sri Sathya Sai World Education Conference

[Guest guest]

Sunday, July 20, 2008 World Education Conference : Today evening Mr. Srinivasan

and Mr. Goldstein spoke to the audience attending the World Education conference

2008 here in Prasanthi Nilayam. Also, Swami gave a discourse reminding the whole

of humanity to wake up and help each other. Swami talked about today's highly

educated persons and how they are using their education for only selfish

purpose; ignoring the human values and showing lack of compassion towards their

fellow human beings. Swami also reminded the Rich countries to do more by

helping the poor countries. And not to use poor countries for their own selfish

goals Swami said that countries should not ignore the universal human values.

Swami declared that Selfish countries would bear the consequence of their

unrighteous deeds. Swami reminded once again that the common man need to find

the God inside and realize his inner truth. Swami also declared that in few

decades harmony and unity would

dawn on this earth and there would be only one religion one caste of humanity

revering one God. Saying, that its quite late Swami ended His discourse and

assured the assembled devotees and delegates that He would answer to all their

questions & doubts tomorrow. After the divine discourse the Sai Symphony

orchestra filled the Sai Kulwant hall with the celestial vibrations of western

classical music. At around the 6.55 the Sonata ended. Swami accepted the aarthi

at 7.00 P.M and retired back to His Abode.

 

 

Learning To Be…

 

A curtain raiser on the Sri Sathya Sai World Education Conference

July 20, 2008

 

What is the end goal of Sathya Sai Education? Learning To Be. To help develop

the whole human being, a balanced development of the physical, intellectual,

emotional and spiritual domains to endow one with an integrated personality is

the first and foremost aim of Sathya Sai Education.

 

Bhagawan exhorts: Students! Teachers! Patrons of education! You should

understand the true meaning of education. Education does not mean mere

acquisition of bookish knowledge. Can you call all those who know how to read

and write educated? Can one be called educated merely by acquiring degrees? How

can you attain the eternal knowledge if you do not know your true Self? You

should make efforts to know your true identity. All your education will prove

futile if you do not know who you really are. (Dasara 2004)

 

On the auspicious Guru Purnima morning on the 18th July 2008, Bhagawan, citing

the example of a student-turned faculty member who has been invited to go over

to Hungary for his thesis and presentation, exhorted the students of Sathya Sai

Institutions to share the knowledge that they have been fortunate to learn in

the portals of the illustrious hallowed institution, at His Divine Lotus Feet.

Teachers and students should not only study and recapitulate, but should be able

to impart the knowledge, said Bhagawan in a different context during the Divine

Discourse.

 

Sathya Sai Education has its roots in the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai

Baba who has established His Empire of Educational Institutions in the year 1969

that has grown in to a University with unique distinction over the years. Very

early in His life, Sri Sathya Sai Baba declared that His Mission would be to

impress upon mankind on the crucial importance of leading moral lives by the

practice of universal human values: Sathya (Truth); Dharma (Righteousness) ;

Shanthi (Peace); Prema (Love); Ahimsa (Nonviolence) . ‘Education should bring

out human values. “To bring out†means to translate these values into

action’. Ever since, He has remained a constant motivator and guide in the

development of Sathya Sai Education. The most distinguishing feature of this

educational system is its philosophy that helps students to develop good

character with equal importance in fostering the development of skills that will

help them to earn a good living. He

says, education is for life and not merely for living. Revolutionary in concept

and comprehensive in scope, Sathya Sai educational principles have become a

lifelong learning and transformation process for children, men, and women in all

parts of the world.

 

“Education is not for mere living; it is for life, a fuller life, a more

meaningful, and a more worthwhile life. There is no harm if it is also for a

gainful employment; but the educated man must be aware that existence is not

all, that gainful employment is not all. Again education is not for developing

the faculty of argument, criticism, or winning a polemic victory over your

opponents or exhibiting your mastery over language or logic. That study is best,

which teaches you to conquer this cycle of birth and death and that will not be

disturbed by the blessings or blows of fate. That study begins where this study

of yours ends.â€

 

Sathya Sai Educational Programme has become a global phenomenon that has made

its strong presence in many parts of the world and its impact would be known to

the world when the climax would be unfolded, as Bhagawan has taken great pride

in calling His students future leaders. It has been an evolutionary process

starting with His first educational institution in Anantapur in 1968, Bal Vikas

Movement in 1969, a Boys Campus in Brindavan, Bangalore in 1969, Primary and

Higher Secondary Schools in Prasanthi Nilayam in 1970, a Campus in Prasanthi

Nilayam for Men in 1978, the inception of Education in Human Values in the year

1980, Institute of Sathya Sai Education in 1987 followed by the conception of

“Educare†in the mid nineties.

 

Inaugurating the Anantapur College for Women on 22nd July 1968 Bhagawan said:

" This is a Divine and blessed land whose tradition is based on spirituality.

This college has to be an example. Motherhood aspect is very important. The

influence of good or bad, which a mother exerts on her children is far-reaching.

Good mothers are needed to rebuild India again. "

 

The network of Institutes of Sathya Sai Education has now expanded to over 20

countries. It is mainly aimed at “to propagate the ideals of Sathya Sai

Education in primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities.†In

their respective geographical regions, the Institutes provide standardized

training of teachers and teacher-trainers. They also offer Diploma and Advanced

Diploma courses, assist in establishing Sathya Sai Schools, and support the

adoption of existing schools.

 

Yes, towards ‘Learning To Be’, one of the four pillars of education defined

in the report of the International Commission. In the most inclusive sense, To

Be refers to developing the whole human being, or a balanced development of the

physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual domains to endow one with an

integrated personality. By combining spiritual education with secular education

in an integral manner, Sathya Sai Education lays the foundation for developing

an integrated personality. Bhagawan has referred to it as the harmonious

development of a sharp intellect endowed with fundamental discrimination; a

kind, compassionate heart with love for all; and competent hands that serve

selflessly. Such a personality is the combination of nobility and ability.

Bhagawan says, " Nobility without ability is useless to society and ability

without nobility is dangerous to it. " The most important manifestation of this

whole human being or an integrated

personality is character, and that is the goal of Sathya Sai Education. The

human values of Love, Truth, Peace, Right Conduct, and Nonviolence provide the

foundation for character, which in turn manifests itself as unity in thought,

word, and deed, in selfless service and love for all. Character alone confers

the ability to exercise objectivity and a sense of personal responsibility to

attain common goals of the society. Information, knowledge, and skills gained

through secular education are important tools and are prerequisites for

righteous action, but these become ineffective when the personality lacks

character.

 

Addressing the students of Sathya Sai University during the Summer Course in

1992 Bhagawan declared: “I want you to be leaders to protect the world.

Leaders like lions-self-reliant, courageous, majestic and just. Lion is the king

of animals and I want you to be king among menâ€.

 

The end of education is character;

The end of knowledge is love;

The end of culture is perfection;

The end of wisdom is freedom.

 

It could be an ambition, a dream for mortals, but, for the Immortal One it was

His Sankalpa. His Sankalpa, His Will is bound to be done! And Sathya Sai

Education is the perfect tool in His hands to make it happen

 

 

A report on the Pre-World Conference

 

 

Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Education Conferences

A report by the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation

 

With Divine Blessings and Approval of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sai

educationists all over the world are preparing for the Sri Sathya Sai World

Education Conference to be held in Prasanthi Nilayam from 20 to 22 July 2008.

The conference theme will be: “Principles, Authenticity, Accountability and

Service to Mankindâ€. This will be a unique opportunity for Sai educationists

everywhere to contemplate deeply on the spiritual teachings of Bhagawan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba which have inspired and guided the Sri Sathya Sai Education

movement throughout the world. The objective of this conference is to establish

a universal understanding of these principles so that these could be applied

authentically in all Sai Education Programmes everywhere. Organised jointly by

the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation and the All-India Sri Sathya Sai

Organisation, the Sri Sathya Sai World Education Conference will bring together

Sai educationists active in SSEHV, SSE teachers

and teacher-trainers, educators in Sathya Sai Schools and Institutes and

leaders of Sathya Sai Organisations from India and more than 80 overseas

countries.

In accordance with Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Guidance and Instructions,

84 national and regional Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Education Conferences are

being held in countries around the world in preparation for the Sri Sathya Sai

World Education Conference. Of these, 80 Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Education

Conferences had already taken place by the end of May 2008. There are 73

countries participating in these Pre-World conferences. This issue carries

highlights of Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Education Conferences held in different

geographic regions.

 

North America

 

Three national Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Education Conferences were held in

Canada, the United States and the West Indies. The Pre-Conferences afforded a

fresh opportunity for Sai educators to come together from different regions of

the vast continent and share their experiences and love for Bhagawan that had

motivated them to adopt Bhagawan’s Divine Teachings into a variety of

educational programmes over the past thirty years.

 

United States

 

Thirty-five Sai educators, Young Adult leaders and senior office bearers from

the United States gathered in Los Angeles on 3 May 2008 for a Sri Sathya Sai

Pre-World Conference convened by Dr. David Gries, the Zone Chairman of the Sri

Sathya Sai Organisation in North America, in preparation for the World Education

Conference in July.

 

Dr. Michael Goldstein, Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation,

discussed the themes of the July Conference—Spiritual Principles,

Authenticity, Accountability, and Service—and stressed the need for unity. Dr.

Narendranath Reddy, Director of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, also spoke

about the need for unity and extolled Sathya Sai Educare as a way to help people

to understand and practice the five Human Values, the underlying value being

Love. Dr. William Harvey of the Prasanthi Council also added insightful

comments. These inspiring talks, encouraging all to work together in unity, set

the tone for the rest of the meeting.

Dr. Ronne Marantz, member of the Education Committee of the Sri Sathya Sai World

Foundation, provided perspective on the evolving Core Syllabus.

Mrs. Berniece Mead, National SSE Coordinator, and Mrs. Bea Flaig, National

Coordinator for SSEHV, reviewed the long and rich history of educational

programmes in the U.S. and facilitated discussions on how to meet challenges

facing the programmes. Mrs. Doris Hampton, the Community SSEHV Coordinator

provided a stimulating example of educational programmes working in cooperation

with the community that had been widely recognised. The last part of the meeting

was devoted to a discussion of creating a U.S. Institute of Sathya Sai

Education.

 

Canada

 

Canada organised its Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Education Conference in Toronto on

26 April 2008. A total of 138 delegates came from all over Canada to participate

in the conference. The conference began with Dr. V.P. Singh, the Central

Co-ordinator for Canada welcoming the delegates and introducing the concept of

Sathya Sai Educare. Mr. T.R.Pillay, the former Principal of Sathya Sai School in

Toronto then gave a succinct review of the Global Overview of Sathya Sai

Education, focusing specially on the future perspectives, emphasising how all

should work in unity to achieve the highest goals of education espoused by

Bhagawan. Dr. David Gries, the Zonal Chairman, emphasised the importance of

suffusing all educational programmes with Bhagawan’s Love which was the

undercurrent of all Human Values. Dr. M.V. Kanchana, National Education

Co-ordinator for Canada, explained the theme of the conference and introduced

the four topics of the World Conference:

Principles, Authenticity, Accountability and Service to Mankind. This highly

interactive conference brought out the unity and love underlying all Sai

education programmes and underscored the close relationship between educational

and other activities of the organisation. The participants finally articulated

some questions for consideration at the World Conference.

 

UK and Continental Europe

 

Five national Pre-Conferences took place in the UK, Germany, Hungary, Spain and

the Netherlands by the end of April 2008.

 

UK and Ireland

 

The United Kingdom Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Education Conference was held on 19

April 2008 at the Sathya Sai School in Leicester - the ‘Midlands’ area of

England. The event brought together 106 participants from the UK Sathya Sai

Organisation, the British Institute of Sathya Sai Education (BISSE) and the

Sathya Sai School in Leicester. The UK National Chairperson of the Sathya Sai

Organisation, , Rev. Rosemary Perry, opened the conference.

 

After a meditative and inspiring film on Educare, presented by the National

Youth Coordinator, Mathan Arulvel, five key speakers addressed the participants.

Mr Ishver Patel, Central Coordinator for the UK and Ireland highlighted the

Regional Education Consultation held in England in January 2007, the National

Sathya Sai Education Conference held in September 2007, and finally the

objectives of the present Pre-World Conference – all preparing the Sai

educationists in the UK and Ireland for the World Education Conference in July

2008. Mrs. Carole Alderman followed this with a brief account of BISSE

activities and an update of recent changes in its administrative structure. Dr.

Prabodh Mistry, the representative for Sathya Sai Schools to the UKCC, gave an

update and overview of the Sathya Sai School in Leicester. Mrs. Lakshimi

Puvanendran presented a succinct and comprehensive account of every aspect of

SSE in the UK and Mr. Jiten Patel, Head of Training

in BISSE, summarised SSEHV in both the community and in wider society, and

described resource development and training.

 

This was followed by four workshops on the theme: ‘Principles’,

‘Authenticity’ , ‘Accountability’ and ‘Service’. The programme

closed with a Human Values song from one of BISSE’s repertoire and sung in

unison: “Happy are they who in friendship, willingly work together.â€

 

Germany

 

A National Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Conference was held in Bad Wildungen on 5

April 2008 with the participation of national and regional SSE Coordinators,

teachers who are implementing Human Values in their classes and conducting SSEHV

Programmes all over the country, teacher-trainers of the ESSE Institute and

Young Adult Coordinators – a total of more than 30 participants. The meeting

was inaugurated by the Central Coordinator Petra von Kalinowski, followed by her

detailed presentation of the Global Overview of Sri Sathya Sai Education.

Another presentation laid stress on the “Sathya Sai Schools all over the

world†and gave some vivid examples of their educational programmes.

 

In different workshops the participants reflected on Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai

Baba’s Divine Teachings which lay the foundation of Sathya Sai Educare.

Another session was devoted to the issue of maintaining authenticity in Sai

Educational Programmes and the accountability of the teacher’s work and how

all these could contribute to the service to mankind which epitomised

Bhagawan’s teaching of Love All, Serve All.

 

Spain

 

Twenty-nine participants from the mainland/Balearic Islands and Canary Islands

joined a Pre-World Education Conference held in Madrid on 19 and 20 April 2008.

The speakers pointed out that Sai Educationists in Spain had been active with

educational programmes for the past thirty years and the Pre-Conference had

served well to unite all these individuals. It was a delightful surprise to many

to be aware of the progress and achievements that had been made in the area of

Sathya Sai Education in different parts of the country and how this had helped

in their individual transformation. Everyone felt that the Pre-World Conference

had given a new momentum in the area of Sai Education.

 

Africa and the Middle East

 

Six national Pre-World Conferences were held in South Africa, Mauritius, Zambia,

Kenya, Oman, and Kuwait by the end of April 2008. Reports from the early

conferences already held demonstrate how the universality of SSSEHV transcends

culture, religion and ethnicity.

 

South Africa

 

The South African Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Education Conference held in Durban

on the 17 February 2008 was attended by 600 delegates. Organised by the Sathya

Sai Institute of South Africa, delegates included the institute faculty members,

principals and teachers of all four Sathya Sai Schools, Sathya Sai Education

Council members, members of the Boards of Management of Sathya Sai Schools and

eminent educationists.

 

Among the recommendations made were: to encourage more qualified youth to join

SSE Teacher Training Courses; to set up a Teacher Resource Centre to facilitate

teacher training courses in other parts of the country, namely Cape Town,

Johannesburg and the Natal Midlands area. In the area of SSEHV, it was resolved

to adopt a State School and to introduce Bhagawan’s Educare principles into

the teaching process; to train 220 public school teachers this year; and to

address the specific needs of children with learning disabilities.

 

Mauritius

 

A Pre-World Conference was held on the 27 April 2008 at Anandam, Mauritius, with

200 participants in attendance. Notable among the participants were senior

officers from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, the Ministry of

Women, Family Welfare and Child Development, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, the

Queen Elizabeth College, the Indian Ocean Centre, Islamique Des Mourides, and

eminent educationists from the Indian Ocean Island.

 

Presentations highlighted the role and function of the Indian Ocean Centre for

SSEHV, the ongoing SSE and SSEHV programmes and the needed refinements in the

light of the draft Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation Guidelines in circulation for

Sathya Sai Schools and Institutes.

 

Zambia

 

A Pre-World National Education Conference was held at The African Institute of

Sathya Sai Education (TAISSE) in Zambia from 7 to 9 January 2008. In attendance

were 30 teachers from the three Sathya Sai Schools in Ndola, TAISSE faculty

members, and 20 senior officers of the Sathya Sai Organisation. Speakers

included Mr. Victor Kanu, Mrs. Genoveva Kanu, Sathya Sai School Administrators

and senior teachers.

The Pre-World Conference discussed the principles and practices of Sathya Sai

Education. Regular training workshops were suggested for Sathya Sai School

teachers so that they could become conversant with the principles and the

philosophy of Sathya Sai Educare.

 

Oman

 

The Sultanate of Oman held a Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World National Sai Education

Conference on 28 March 2008 in Muscat. Organised by the Education Wing of the

Sri Sathya Sai Organisation in Oman under the leadership of the National

Chairperson Mr. G. Venkatesh, 82 participants attended the conference including

teachers from Middle East Nursery School, SSE and SSEHV teachers and Sathya Sai

Organisation Office-bearers.

They presented various aspects of Sathya Sai Education, beginning with the

Divine Teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba which underlie Sathya Sai

Educare. The participants explored the historic development of the Sathya Sai

Education programmes and institutions; Two well-structured group discussions

followed these presentations to prepare the delegates to participate effectively

at the World Education Conference in July.

 

Latin America

 

Sri Sathya Sai Education has been taken to heart in Latin America. There are

currently 8 Sathya Sai Educational Institutions and 14 Sathya Sai Schools in 11

countries in south and central America.

 

Bolivia

 

February and March 2008 saw three Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Conferences organised

in La Paz, Sucre, and Cochabamba by the National President of the Sathya Sai

Organisation in preparation for the Sri Sathya Sai World Education Conference in

July. Luz Marina Genera, member of the ISSE in Colombia facilitated a meeting

for 30 participants who discussed the themes of true education, the Sathya Sai

Educare, the role of teachers as exemplars of Human Values, and teaching

methods, techniques, and evaluation.

 

Asia-Pacific (Outside India)

 

Four national Pre-Conferences were held in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and

Singapore by the end of April 2008.

 

Australia

 

A National Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Conference was organised by the Australian

Institute of Sathya Sai Education in March 2008 in Sydney. Sai educationists

attending the meeting included current staff and students of the Institute of

Sathya Sai Education, Advanced Diploma students, SSE teachers, and professional

teachers in the Sathya Sai School.

The research findings were presented by Advanced Diploma students of the

Australian Institute on the impact of SSEHV on education, health, parenting and

youth. The National Education Coordinator, Mrs. Padma Ayyagari presented a new

vision of a unified, harmonised and consolidated Sathya Sai Education programme

for Australia.

 

New Zealand and Fiji

 

Sri Sathya Sai Organisation in New Zealand held a national Sri Sathya Sai

Pre-World Education Conference in the Mangere community within Auckland on 19

and 20 April 2008. Thirty-eight participants including senior members of the

Institute of Sathya Sai Education NZ, SSEHV Teachers, the Sai School Principal,

and Institute of Sathya Sai Education (ISSE) teachers attended the conference.

 

The major themes discussed were spiritual principles underlying Sathya Sai

Educare; a comparison of SSEHV and SSE; a critique of current curriculum and

practice; educational standards and quality assurance; coordination between Sai

education functions and other activities of the Sathya Sai Organisation; and

priority action areas in Sathya Sai education.

On 6 April 2008, the Sathya Sai Institute of Human Values in Fiji organised a

Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World Education Conference at the Sathya Sai School, Drasa,

Lautoka, Fiji. Twenty-three participants were in attendance including the

Institute staff, Sathya Sai School teachers, SSE teachers and Office bearers of

the Sathya Sai Organisation of Fiji.

 

Singapore

 

The Singapore Sri Sathya Sai Organisation organised a Sri Sathya Sai Pre-World

Education Conference on 5 and 6 April 2008. The event was attended by 216

participants including Bal Vikas teachers involved in the SSE activities in

Singapore and teachers from the Sathya Sai School of Singapore.

 

The two invited keynote speakers, Dr. Art-ong Jumsai and Ms. Lorraine Burrows

from the Sathya Sai School and Institute in Thailand explained the purpose of

the World Education Conference and what was required from the deliberations in

each country. The spiritual principles underlying Sathya Sai Education were

explained and the need for enhancing teacher training and teaching-learning

resources were emphasised. Loraine Burrows, in addition to her talks on the

World Conference topics, also conducted a workshop on lesson planning.

 

Epilogue

 

Our Lord Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba gave His Guidance to convene Pre-World Sri

Sathya Sai Education Conferences. His Guidance became an Instruction to Sai

Educators all over the World. His Instruction became the Inspiration for the

assemblies of Sai Educators worldwide who met, shared, and communicated in a

spirit of selfless Love and Unity was achieved.

 

The Sai Educators are now prepared to effectively participate in the Sri Sathya

Sai World Education Conference and to receive the Divine Message of our beloved

Bhagawan.