Published Thursday, June 09, 2011 @ 1414 hrs.

The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is organising a Summer Course on the theme of Indian Culture and Spirituality from the 10th June to 12th June 2011 at Prasanthi Nilayam. Students and staff from all the Campuses of the Institute will be participating in this programme.

This two and a half day programme, though shorter in duration compared to the 15 day long Summer Courses conducted by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, is designed and structured along similar lines. Bhagawan used to organize annually, the Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality, first in the 1970s for 7 years and later after a break again in the 1990s for another 7 years. The primary focus, as was then, remains the same now too: To expose the students of the Institute to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Bharath, to create awareness among them of the lofty ideals and profound teachings of life illustrated in our sacred scriptures and epics, and draw out the distilled essence of our ancient wisdom for practice in their day-to-day life.

Bhagawan referred to Indian Culture as Bharathiya Samskruti, because as He explains, Bharath is not just the country defined by some man-made geographical boundaries. Bharath stands for Bha (God) and Rathi (Love). It is a land that promotes and nurtures love for God. The Bharatiya culture stood for Sanatana Dharma that prescribed the eternal blueprint for creation. It stood for unity of all mankind as one family (Vasudaiva Kutumbakam) and always prayed for universal welfare (||Samasta Lokaa Sukhino Bhavantu||). It recognized the Divine principle immanent in all creation and therefore stressed on the principle of Unity in Diversity.

There could be no better way to commence the academic year of an Institution, which offers values-based education and is designed by Bhagawan Baba on the lines of the ancient Gurukula System. The Summer Course orients the students to Bhagawan’s educational philosophy and gives them deep insights into what their “take aways” could be from this unique Institution. This prepares them well to make the best of the rare opportunity that lies ahead of them.

The objective of giving the students vital inputs in our rich culture and spirituality will be achieved in part, through lectures delivered by elderly devotees and persons of esteem and reputation in society. The topics range from the salient features of our Indian culture, the philosophy and concepts of the ancient Gurukula System, to the Relevance of Sai Education Philosophy in the Contemporary World, the Role of Values and Ethics in Education and to the Life sketch of Bhagawan as an ideal Student and an ideal Master and the blending of science and spirituality in the curriculum of the Institute.

Other components will include specially produced video shows on Bhagawan Baba, Interactive sessions in groups with intra and inter group presentations based on select Discourses of Bhagawan Baba from the earlier Summer Courses conducted by Him, sharing of experiences with Bhagawan Baba by devotees, cultural programmes, quiz programme, vedam chanting and bhajans.