October 2026

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Brindavan Campus, inaugurated new green initiatives on 5 October 2026 in partnership with United Way Bengaluru, a sustainability-focused organization that mobilises the caring power of communities through education, income stability and health. The initiatives comprise the construction of 130 recharge wells and the commencement of a Miyawaki forest, aimed at strengthening water conservation, restoring groundwater and expanding green cover.

The programme was held at the site of the former Botanical Garden, a space long associated with the Brindavan Campus’s natural environment. Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor of SSSIHL, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

The programme commenced with Bhajans and Vedam, followed by an introductory address from Dr. C S Chandrahaas. The Vice-Chancellor laid the foundation stone for the projects, and the ceremonial inauguration was accompanied by the chanting of the Bhu Suktam and Sai Gayatri.

Water Conservation and Green Cover

The 130 recharge wells, each approximately 12 feet deep and 4 feet wide, are designed to restore groundwater. Each well can return up to 1,28,000 litres of rainwater to the groundwater table annually.

Dr. Chandrahaas highlighted that the benefits of groundwater restoration would extend beyond the campus to surrounding communities, describing the initiative as an expression of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

The Miyawaki forest will use a dense mix of native species to create a compact, biodiverse forest and increase green cover on campus.

The second initiative is the development of a Miyawaki forest, based on the method developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki. The approach involves planting a dense mix of native species to establish a compact, biodiverse forest and expand green cover.

Partnership and Community Participation

United Way Bengaluru, which previously implemented 96 percolation wells on the Sri Sathya Sai Hospital premises, is partnering in the implementation of these initiatives. It will oversee safety during execution and provide two years of care and maintenance after implementation.

The Bavi community of Bengaluru will help dig the recharge wells, while Warli painters from Maharashtra will adorn all 130 wells with traditional Warli artwork. United Way Bengaluru will also run sustainability-awareness activities for the campus community.

Message on Sustainable Living

Addressing the gathering, Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad emphasised that environmental conservation begins with responsible everyday choices. He encouraged the community to walk short distances where possible, switch off lights and fans when not in use, and avoid unnecessary consumption.

Recalling his student days at Brindavan and the trees students planted then, the Vice-Chancellor reflected on how those trees have grown over the decades. He highlighted the long-term impact of caring for nature and each generation’s responsibility to nurture and strengthen what it inherits.

The inauguration marked a shared commitment to groundwater restoration, biodiversity, green cover, mindful consumption and community participation, contributing to a more sustainable Brindavan Campus and its surrounding community. The programme concluded with Mangala Arathi offered to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, organised International Microorganisms Day (IMD) 2026 from 17 to 19 September 2026 under the theme “अनन्त-अणु-वैभवम् – The Infinite Grandeur of the Microscopic World.” The three-day programme brought together academic learning, research communication, scientific competitions, creativity, and interactive activities centred on the microscopic world.

The programme commenced with the Welcome Address by Prof. N Srividya, Dean of Sciences, followed by Setting the Context by Dr. Sai Swaroop R. The inaugural academic session featured the Dr. K Gopinatha Rao Memorial Lecture by Prof. Steffen Backert on Helicobacter pylori, followed by a lecture by Dr. B E Pradeep on AMRx. Subsequent sessions included invited lectures by Dr. Suneesh Kumar P on H. pylori, Prof. Deepak Kumar Saini on antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance, Dr. Alladi Mohan on MDR and XDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Dr. Vivek Tiwari on brain disorders and neurobiology. These lectures exposed students to contemporary research spanning infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, tuberculosis, host–microbe interactions, and neurobiology.

Student Research Communication

Student research communication was a major component of the programme, featuring 45+ poster presentations and 12 oral presentations. The Agar Art Competition received 70+ entries, providing an innovative platform that integrates microbiology and creativity. The programme also featured a Microbiology Quiz with 36 student participants and the “Beyond the Microscope” Games with another 36 students.

The panel discussion on “Undergraduate Research in SSSIHL” was a particularly engaging part of the programme. A panel of five teachers answered students’ questions, and the discussion was effectively moderated by a III UG student. The interaction provided an open forum for students to engage with faculty on undergraduate research, mentorship, and research opportunities.

The three-day programme concluded with the valedictory address by Dr. Anusha E, Anantapur Campus, SSSIHL, followed by prize distribution. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Sri Saish Marihal, Doctoral Research Scholar.

Overall, IMD 2026 provided a vibrant, interactive academic platform that combined eminent scientific lectures, student research, competitions, games, microbial art, and meaningful faculty–student interaction. Enthusiastic participation across the various activities reflected strong student engagement and helped make the celebration both academically enriching and enjoyable.