Chancellors Room, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning Administration Block

SRI SATHYA SAI STUDENTS

THE ALUMNI SOCIETY (https://ssss.sssihl.edu.in/)

It was around the Vijay Dasami of Oct 2010. Swami expressed a desire that a formal alumni body be set up to provide structure to the varied alumni activities across the globe. We saw the will of Bhagawan unfolding on Apr 18th 2024. Under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prof B Raghavendra Prasad and guidance of Sri R J Rathnakar, Managing Trustee Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, the alumni diaspora now has a formal organisation in the form of a legal society structure named ‘SRI SATHYA SAI STUDENTS’ in place. The body has representatives appointed across the regions to spread Bhagawan’s message & create a collaborative network with more than 10,000 alumni – His Students in whom Bhagawan invested so much personally. The body will include alumni from the university as well as both the primary and higher secondary schools.

“As alumni of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute, you have to stand out as exemplars to the world. Your conduct should be ideal and exemplary in every respect. That is what I expect from you, and this is what will give Me Joy” – Sri Sathya Sai Speaks (Vol 22 – 14th Jan 1989, Sankranthi)

Benefits of a formal alumni structure:

Communication: The alumni body would act as a channel of communication bringing together all the global alumni communities for the many alumni events and seva opportunities. There are also plans for deeper collaborative opportunities that will benefit from the alumni network.

Service Projects: The alumni body would be the official gateway to contribute back to the alma matter and express gratitude to our beloved Bhagawan. The alumni body provides an opportunity to come together as alumni groups to organize seva projects and events in Prashanti Nilayam & through local chapters in respective regions.

Identity: As the alumni community grows in number, reserved seating in Mandir, specially during festivals will require identification process which will be through an I-Card system issued by the alumni society. The registered alumni will also have opportunity to be part of the alumni AGMs. The alumni body currently operates out of the administrative block of the University at Prashanti Nilayam and has three full time employees who work towards achieving the objectives of the alumni organization.

The immediate goals set for the alumni body are:

1. Supporting the infrastructure development of the Sathya Sai Institutions – laboratories, classrooms and hostels
2. Contributing towards the academic excellence of various departments, till the final placement of the students
3. The local chapters will continue to support initiatives of the Sri Sathya Sai Organization in the areas of Educare, Medicare and Sociocare.

Key Long term objectives of the alumni association are as follows:

1. To support the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions towards fulfillment of their objectives as set-forth by Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (SSSCT).
2. To institute studentships, scholarships, stipends, medals, prizes etc.
3. To institute endowments, academic chairs, travel support to faculty & students to attend international/national academic events, awards etc.
4. To establish, support and maintain skills development centers, academic infrastructure, research facilities and centers of excellence at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL).
5. To establish, support and maintain hostels for students and residential infrastructure for faculty.
6. To establish, maintain, develop, and donate for the establishment, maintenance and development of book banks / libraries and online knowledge resources of Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions.
7. To organize lectures, seminars and symposia on arts, sciences, commerce, sports & cultural events, and other subjects of general academic interest to students.
8. To work with SSSCT, SSSIHMS, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations (SSSSO) and Sri Sathya Sai Global Council (SSSGC) in furthering Sai Mission by improving the society and contribute to nation building.
9. To assist by organizing educational programs for teaching crafts, engineering and similar vocational skills and industrial training including on-the-job training.
10. To provide relief in times of natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, famines etc. in coordination with SSSCT, SSSSO, SSSIHL, SSSIHMS and SSSGC.
11. To establish, run and aid free public reading rooms and libraries.
12. To provide amenities for holding discourses, discussions and debates on Indian philosophy, culture and traditional practices.
13. To establish innovation and incubation center at SSSIHL and ensure its smooth functioning. The purpose is to nurture the societally relevant innovations from SSSIHL and enhance the start-up eco-system to make these innovations available for the larger benefit of the society. The proceeds from the incubation center will further the Sri Sathya Sai Education System at SSSIHL.
14. To provide internship and placement opportunities to students at SSSIHL.
15. To enable and support various alumni service activities (rural, education and health), alumni meetings at Prasanthi Nilayam and/or any of the campuses of SSSIHL.
16. To help needy alumni and their families.

Thoughts of the founding members of the alumni society

Brother Venkatesh Iyer

“I believe that as alumni we have a responsibility to give back to the alma mater in whatever manner we can – whether financially, and/or by sharing our knowledge, exposure, experience and networks with the institutions and the students as well as faculty. The alumni association gives us a wonderful opportunity to formally engage with the Institute and do our bit for our alma mater. By being part of the alumni association, we get regular updates on what is happening in the Institute and what opportunities exist for engaging or supporting.”

Sister Sujana Pandit

As Sai brothers and sisters, we are a family. We must always be there for one another – in times of joy and grief, during good times and bad. Like an extended family, we should always stay connected and feel free to reach out to anyone when the need arises. Also, as recipients of Swami’s love and free education, we must play our part to give back to society through service and prove worthy of His grace.

Sister Soujanya Pudi

It is a blessing to be part of the founding committee members of Sri Sathya Sai Students. It is humbling to be representative of an institution where the founder Chancellor was our beloved Bhagawan. The EC members are committed to the task of bringing together the alumni community as each person in the community is part of the Divine, touched by His Love.

Prasanna Sai

We all must remember that Swami always accepted our gratitude programs and alumni projects as a loving mother during Alumni meets of the institutions. It is therefore our duty to stay in contact with our Alma Mater to sustain being “His student” for life. We should contribute in whatever manner possible towards advancement of current students at these institutions. The Joy of doing such Seva is so endearing, I am convinced that such selfless service takes us closer to Swami.