January 2026

The Prize Distribution Ceremony of the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2026 for the Sri Sathya Sai educational institutions—a celebration of the excellent performances in sports, cultural and fine arts events during the academic year 2015/26 by students—was held on 15 January 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Makarasankranti, at Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh.

The programme commenced at 8:15 a.m. with a grand procession comprising the Institute brass band, a Veda chanting group of students, senior members of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) and a flag-bearing squad.

Introduction

The Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Beesetti Lohita, Doctoral Research Scholar, Dept. of Food & Nutritional Sciences, SSSIHL, in her introduction, remarked that the festival of Makarasankranti teaches us that after a period of intense effort, there must also be peace, joy and gratitude.

The first talk of the event was delivered by Dr. Chandrahaas C S, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Management & Commerce, SSSIHL. He likened the harvest Makarasankranti to the year-long effort students put into sports, cultural and fine arts events during the academic year 2025/26. He said the key lessons the Annual Sports & Cultural Meet teaches students are Self-Confidence, Self-Satisfaction (achieved by the singular goal of pleasing Bhagawan Baba), Self-Sacrifice (by giving up their physical comforts) and Self-Realization (the individual ego subsumed in group identity). The core of this, he concluded, is the faith students have in Him.

Brief Talks

Next up was a series of brief talks by students. They recalled the behind-the-scenes challenges, motivations, prayers and miracles that inspired them to come together in unity and surrender to participate in the Annual Sports & Cultural Meet, shaping them into instruments of peace and righteousness. Speakers included Mohan Sai S (XII Std.) and K Sai Dikshita (XI Std.) of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (SSSHSS), N Janavi from Smt. Eswaramma High School, and four students from SSSIHL – Akshra H, II B.Com. (Hons.) from Anantapur Campus, Ritick Raj Gupta, II M.Sc. in Data Science & Computing from Nandigiri Campus, Pulkit Khare, II M.B.A. from Brindavan Campus, and Kinthada Sai Sampath Kumar, B.S. (Hons./Hons. with Research) in Mathematics from Prasanthi Nilayam Campus.

Cups & Prizes

Following the talks, the Founder Chancellor’s Cups—symbolizing the grand effort put in by each institution—were presented by Sri K Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), Hon’ble Chancellor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The respective captains and vice-captains of each Sai educational institution and campus received them.

Sri R J Rathnakar, Managing Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, then presented trophies to the House and Individual champions of SSSHSS and each SSSIHL campus, respectively, under various sports, cultural and fine arts categories.

Sri Sathya Sai All Rounder Gold Medal

Every year, a student from each SSSIHL campus receives the Sri Sathya Sai All Rounder Gold Medal. Founded by Bhagawan Baba Himself, this esteemed award honours consistent exemplary conduct, discipline, devotion, outstanding academic performance, and involvement in activities such as sports, dramatics, Self-Reliance, and spiritual work. It truly exemplifies excellence in Sri Sathya Sai Values-based Integral Education.

Presented by Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, this year’s awardees were:

• Gouri Nandana S, II M.Sc. in Biosciences, Anantapur Campus
• Dhanireddy Nanda Vardhan Reddy, II M.Sc. in Data Science and Computing, Nandigiri Campus
• Yeddula Sai Tharun Kumar Reddy, II M.B.A., Brindavan Campus
• B Saisudharshan, II M.A. in Economics, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Founder Chancellor Best Teacher Award

Prof. Gowrishankar R, Dean of Academic Affairs at SSSIHL, then announced the Founder Chancellor Best Teacher Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research & Values-based Integral Education at SSSIHL. The award recognises the significant role teachers play in Sai educational institutions, shaping and guiding students not only academically but also moulding them into women and men of character.

Dr. Pradeep B E, Associate Professor, Dept. of Biosciences, received the award for academic year 2025/26 from Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL.

Next, the Physical Directors and Sports, Cultural, and Fine Arts Coordinators of each Sri Sathya Sai educational institution took namaskar of Bhagawan Baba and submitted the prize lists for the current academic year to Him.

Divine Benediction

This was followed by the Divine benediction of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. His discourse focused on the existence of Divinity in totality and beyond all boundaries. He explained the true nature of the five elements and their interconnectedness with all life on Earth. He asked students to recognise this all-pervasive power (of Divinity) within themselves and not to look for it externally. He said it is the true source of protection. He said that every act of God is for the benefit of all.

He appreciated the efforts students make during the Sports & Cultural events to please Him, but reiterated that the only thing that makes Him happy is that all of us are happy. The only way this can happen is to be full of love and joy, to serve others, and to become ideal examples by following the spiritual path.

Following a few pieces by the Institute brass band, prasadam distribution and bhajans, the event concluded at 11 a.m.

11 January – The Main Event

The Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions held the main event of the Annual Sports & Cultural Meet on 11 January 2026 at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

This annual event is a heartfelt tribute from over 3500 students (from primary school to Ph.D.) of Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions to our Beloved Revered Founder Chancellor, SSSIHL, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The institutions include four campuses of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (Primary section, Girls wing and Boys wing), Smt. Eswaramma High School, and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.

The presentations are the culmination of various sports, cultural and fine arts competitions held across all campuses of the Institute and other Sai educational institutions throughout the academic year 2025-26. This year also marked the Birth Centenary Year of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The signature feature of this event is that every teacher and student is involved in some capacity. This process is one of several ways in which the conscious effort of man-making and character-building at Sai educational institutions truly succeeds. It prepares students to navigate the toughest of situations without sacrificing their principles and values. At the same time, it helps build strong inner qualities such as a sense of unity and teamwork, determination, discipline and hard work.

Preparations began a month in advance.

The Morning Session

The morning session commenced at 8 a.m. with Bhagawan Baba’s car entering the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, flanked by the motorbike escort team of SSSIHL. The procession was led by Sai Melodies, the women’s brass band of SSSIHL Anantapur Campus, playing the devotional bhajan “Jai Ho Sai Ram.” It was ceremonially escorted by women equestrians riding two majestic horses. A flag salute was given by all the House and Institute Captains of SSSIHL, schools and allied institutions. This was followed by an escort by the Slow March Squad, a special contingent led by the men’s brass band of the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, SSSIHL.

Following the ceremonial welcome to Bhagawan, which concluded with the students chanting the Vedas, the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of SSSIHL, along with senior members of the Sai educational institutions and students representing each institution, offered salutations to Bhagawan.

The March Past that followed included each Sai student marching in unison towards the dais at Shanti Vedika where Bhagawan Baba sits, offering their salutations to Him.

This was followed by the hoisting of the University flag, which represents unity and the promise to uphold the honour and glory of Sri Sathya Sai’s mission. Students then took the Sports Meet oath. This was followed by the unveiling of this year’s mascot – the Exotic Pigeon, a timeless symbol of peace, purity and hope. As the mascot flew into the main torch next to the Gods of Hill View, it marked the commencement of the 2026 Annual Sports & Cultural Meet.

Students of all the Sai educational institutions—gathered on the ground—then gave a collective bow to Bhagawan Baba, celebrating the 100th year of the advent of the Divine Master.

The brass bands of the Primary section of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and SSSIHL Anantapur Campus then played a piece, with the Institute Band members joining in unison, as they marched past Shanti Vedika, saluting their Divine Master. They were followed by the Institute brass band, which offered its salutations. This signalled the commencement of the day’s presentations.

The Presentations

The women students of SSS Educational Institutions, SSSIHL Anantapur Campus and SSSIHMS College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences were the first to present. Their theme, The Art of Sports: A Grateful Offering, depicted the philosophy of sports beginning with art; and art paving the path.

Their six presentations were named The Flexifits, The Numinous Nrutta, The Frisky Flips, The Dancing Damsels, The Festive Flags and The Racing Riders. They included a display of synchronised asanas, the ancient Bhārateeya art of Nātya, a colourful aerial display, traditional folk dance, five-foot flags handled with dexterity and diligence, and a beautiful human formation that read: Forever Yours.

This year, the students of SSSIHL Men’s Campuses–Prasanthi Nilayam, Brindavan and Nandigiri–presented a combined performance of twelve items, split into two sessions.

Their morning presentation began with a larger-than-life installation of Ardhanarishvara, representing the divine union of Lord Shiva (masculine principle, Purusha) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (feminine principle, Prakriti or Shakti), which was rolled into the stadium. The Resonant Drummers then ignited the arena with a powerful symphony of rhythmic Chinese drums, ably accompanied by a variety of instruments. This was followed by Sky Sentinels, a Zipling event, then Utplavangamaah (meaning High Jumper), a teeterboard-based gymnastics item, and Gear Grind, a vibrant cycling presentation featuring a host of solo and group stunts and an innovative cycling football game.

Aerovyuh, the next item, showcased a medley of agile body movements and skillful gymnastics on the ground and on a giant German wheel. This was followed by their final presentation of the morning, Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art depicted through choreographed duels with traditional weapons, reflecting discipline, devotion, and martial excellence.

The grand formation around Sai brought together all the students from this morning’s presentation before paving the way for the final item.

No Sports Meet is complete without the signature item of motorbike stunt riding. This year, the students of Anantapur Campus, SSSIHL, returned for their final ensemble, featuring forty bikers performing synchronised riding and stunts, including criss-crosses, circular formations, and jumping over ramps and rings.

The morning’s presentation ended with Mangala Arati offered to Bhagawan Baba.

The Evening Session

The evening session of the 2026 Annual Sports & Cultural Meet began at 4:15 p.m. with the ceremonial procession welcoming Bhagawan Baba to the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium. It was led by the motorbike escort team of SSSIHL, followed by two majestic horses ridden by equestrians, and the Brass Band of Brindavan Campus, SSSIHL, playing the devotional song “Hum Tere Hai Sai”. As the Slow March Squad reached the dias, students chanted the Vedas, and the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of SSSIHL, along with senior members of the Sai educational institutions and students representing each institution, offered salutations to Bhagawan.

The Presentations

Students of Smt. Eswaramma High School had the honour of performing the opening act. The I to XI Std. girls presented a delightful blend of innocence, rhythm and devotion (Radha Krishna Dance); eye-catching formations adorned with glittering fabric (Drape Scape); and a dance set to the sacred hymns of Lord Shiva (Shiv Tandav). They were followed by the I to VIII Std. boys, whose items, Elf Dance and Buugeng, showcased gymnastics and Japanese martial arts.

They were followed by a series of presentations by students of SSS Higher Secondary School (Primary section & Girls wing). From The Dauntless Heroes on the Swing (acrobatic swirls and whirls under the banner that reads: Power and Fortitude come from Within) to the Celestial Dance of the Acqua World, the tiny tots of the Primary School immersed themselves in the oceanic bliss of the marine world, taking the audience along for the ride.

Other items ranged from a kathak-based dance to an ode to the Gods – especially Hanuman and Shiva. The highlight of their performance was the sheer range of colours, costumes and props – most of which were handmade by the students themselves. This was evident in the multitude of human formations the entire group created as a final offering, spreading love and joy among the spectators.

Presentations by students of SSS Higher Secondary School (Boys wing) and Smt. Eswaramma High School (VIII-X Std. Boys) followed. Soulful Bhangra dancing was followed by synchronised acrobatic movements, including aerial stunts and formations, by the Celestial Ascendants. The Astral Aligners then took the stage. The deft blend of art and science was evident as these students balanced geometry and symmetry with music with grace and maturity.

They concluded their performance with Garba and Dandiya Raas – Gujarati folk dances central to the Hindu festival of Navratri, symbolising profound spiritual and cultural concepts.

For the final performance of the day, students of SSSIHL Men’s Campuses–Prasanthi Nilayam, Brindavan and Nandigiri–narrated the spiritual process of transformation, using Giant Puppets depicting the Dashavatara.

Sai-Shin-Kai, a team of over a hundred martial artists, then took the field for a martial arts display that combined the disciplines of Karate, Kung Fu and Taekwondo, featuring stunts and nunchaku and sticks.

Airborne, a trampoline basketball spectacle, highlighted a rush of lift, momentum, and nerve—stacked with insane rebounds, liquid-like flips, and thunderous dunks. This gave way to Rope Mallakhamb (popularly known as Rope Yoga), a display of powerful and graceful stunts that depict strength, balance, flexibility, endurance and body control.

Echoes of the Ayudhas – Stories of the Lord told through His Weapons, a thematic presentation that portrayed the changing role of dharma and recollected the leelas of the Gods through their sacred ayudhas (divine weapons of the Gods or implements used in daily life) across the Yugas.

As night fell over Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, a groundbreaking performance using wirelessly controlled LED suits (a first at the Annual Sports & Cultural Meet) displayed changing formations that conveyed stories with light and colour. The “Illuminators” smoothly shifted from cosmic designs to significant shapes, honouring teamwork, devotion, and the influence of light. Through coordinated movements, they employed advanced technology to animate timeless tales of collaboration and faith in a contemporary and captivating manner.

All participating students then came together in grand formation to sing a devotional song to their Divine Master.

Mangala Aarati offered to Bhagawan Baba brought the Sports Presentations for the 2026 Annual Sports & Cultural Meet to an end.

13 January | Cultural Presentation – SSSIHL Anantapur Campus

Godfidence: The Ground Reality – A docudrama

A deeply moving docudrama that retraced cherished moments from decades of Sports & Cultural Meets—when human effort on the ground was transformed by divine presence.

Through music, narration, dance, and soul-stirring memories, the students revisited a legacy shaped by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s love and encouragement.

Recounting their journey from diffidence to daring, they reflected on how Bhagawan’s words inspired generations of Anantapur students to attempt feats of courage—be it dance, bike stunts, or acts of quiet determination—coining this inner strength as Godfidence.

Interwoven with timeless Sports Meet songs, alumni voices, and heartfelt performances, the docudrama celebrated not just memories, but the enduring impact of Swami’s guidance, affirming that with His grace, the impossible becomes possible.

14 January | Cultural Presentation – SSSIHL Men’s Campuses

Premāmṛita: The Nectar of Love, Expressed through Sound – A Musical Symphony

This symphony ensemble by over 120 students of SSSIHL Men’s Campuses at Prasanthi Nilayam, Brindavan, and Nandigiri, presented a thoughtfully woven journey of twelve musical offerings spanning Carnatic and Hindustani classical, fusion, band compositions, and an evocative a cappella rendition. From the auspicious opening Ganesha Vandana to soulful pieces that stirred nostalgia and devotion, each segment unfolded as an expression of love placed at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet.

Indian classical instruments, Western orchestral sections, and a full brass band blended seamlessly, reflecting unity in diversity and precision rooted in discipline. A standout moment was the serene a cappella rendering of “Ye Ga Vitthalabai”, marked by harmony, simplicity, and collective surrender. The offering culminated with the powerful Sports Meet theme “Kaliyuga Avataram”, bringing the symphony to an inspiring close.

More than a concert, Premāmṛita was love given back through melodious sound—each note shaped by gratitude, each silence filled with humility, and every moment offered in quiet reverence to the One who inspires it all.

15 January | Cultural Presentation – SSSIHL Men’s Campuses

Bhakti Swaroopa Hanuman – A Drama Presentation

Through the life of Ramabhakta Hanuman, this evocative drama reflected the true spirit of Bhakti as lived devotion. Framed by a dialogue between a Sai student and his teacher, the presentation wove timeless episodes from Hanuman’s life with the inner journey of a modern seeker.

Beginning with the first physical encounter between Lord Rama and Hanuman, when the devotee who has long heard and imbibed the Lord’s name at last beholds His form, capturing the essence of Sravanam in that transition from listening to seeing, from longing to experiencing. Through the incidents that follow, the nine forms of devotion come alive not as abstract concepts but as intense, human moments in which God seems to depend on His devotee, and the devotee in turn finds his very identity in serving the Lord. The narrative culminates with Atma Nivedanam in the final conversation between Rama and Hanuman, gently suggesting what true devotion looks like: to live as an instrument, content to be where the Lord wants, as He wants, for as long as He wants, thus edifying that Atma Nivedanam is not a final moment of submission but an entire life of surrender.

Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions will host the Annual Sports & Cultural Meet on, 11 January 2026 at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions include all four campuses of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (Primary section, Girls wing and Boys wing), Smt. Eswaramma High School, and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.

Bringing together the spirit of a year-long journey of sports, cultural and fine arts competitions across our campuses, this event holds a cherished place in the collective hearts of our students and staff. More than 3,300 students will present inspiring physical and cultural performances in two sessions scheduled for the morning and evening. At its core, this celebration is a humble offering of love, shaped by the values of Duty, Discipline, and Dedication, to our most Revered Master and Founder Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, as we joyfully mark His Birth Centenary Year.

From 12 to 15 January 2026, students from various campuses will present cultural programmes, including drama and devotional music, at Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam. The Prize Distribution Ceremony for the Annual Sports and Cultural Meet 2026 will be held on the morning of 15 January 2026, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Makarasankranti, at Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh.

Annual Sports & Cultural Meet 2026 Schedule

The Sports Presentations on 11 January 2026 will be streamed live on the SSSIHL YouTube channel.

The Cultural Presentations from 12 to 15 January 2026 will be streamed live on the YouTube channel of Sri Sathya Sai Media Centre (SSSMC), Prasanthi Mandir Live.

Notes for Editors (About Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), a Deemed to be University in Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India, is one of the few institutions in the world offering values-based education to students at the University level, ever since its inception in 1981. Ethics and morals form the undercurrent of every subject taught at the institute providing its students with a holistic framework of interpersonal development combined with academic excellence. With a merit-based, open admissions policy, SSSIHL welcomes students from all backgrounds—irrespective of income, religion, or region—and provides quality education free of charge.

SSSIHL has four campuses across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, attracting students from all over India and offering a range of programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research levels.

SSSIHL also provides a strong research environment, with exceptional academic practices, that have resulted in the growth of national and international collaborations. The Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF), based at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus is one of the few facilities in the country that houses advanced Characterisation / Analytical Tools to carry out Translational Research in various areas of Science and Technology.

For further information, visit: sssihl.edu.in.