The Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies, a constituent of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), in association with the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (SSSSO) and the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council (SSSGC), has commenced a four-day programme at Prasanthi Nilayam on the theme Celebration of Universal Human Values.
The event features a three-day Summer Course on Indian Culture and Human Values, held from 6th to 8th July, exclusively for young adults, culminating in the Sri Sathya Sai Human Values Conference on 9th July.
The evening proceedings began with the serene chanting of Vedam by students of the Brindavan Campus, followed by an illuminating keynote address by Ms Nivedita Bhide, All India Vice President, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari.
Radiating simplicity and humility, Ms Bhide centred her talk on the timeless wisdom of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, highlighting them as the bedrock of Bharatiya identity and the perennial source of inspiration for righteous living.
She explained that Dharma is the key through which the vision of oneness woven into these epics can be understood and internalised. She elaborated on four components of Dharma evident in the stories:
- The Atmic Principle – Recognising the divinity inherent in all creation and seeing oneness among all beings.
- I am the Atman – Expanding one’s identity to encompass family, institution, society, nation, and the world.
- Duty towards Family vs. Duty towards Nation – Learning to discern our rightful duty when faced with dilemmas.
- Sacrifice for the Greater Good – Willingly offering individual interests at the altar of collective welfare.
Following the talk, the audience was treated to an exceptional and mellifluous Rama Katha offering by the students. Each song emerged as a jewel in the crown of the eternal saga of Lord Rama, taking devotees on a vivid journey that brought each episode to life. The soulful music elevated the collective spirit, filling the hall with profound devotion.
A special highlight of the evening was the performance of the principal roles of Lava and Kusha by two non-Telugu-speaking boys who, with remarkable dedication, have stayed back in Prasanthi Nilayam during their summer vacation, offering bhajans daily before His Sannidhi. Despite the complexity of the language and the depth of the compositions, the young boys rendered their parts with such effortless grace that their performance came as a refreshing breeze. This complete presentation—replete with costumes and traditional gaiety—was staged after nearly two decades, making the evening all the more memorable.
The programme stood as a profound testament to the transformative power of culture, devotion, and the universal human values that are the very essence of Bharat.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18NhB2o3mg
https://www.sssmediacentre.org/gallery/686bda13f62482dfe0c0aa9e
