Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, hosted Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo, Vice President, JICA, on 9 December 2025. He was accompanied by:
- Mr. Vipul Mishra, Senior Development Specialist, JICA
- Mr. Shogo Suzuki, JICA Representative
The visit sought to familiarise the delegation with the Sri Sathya Sai Values-based Integral Education Model and provide them with an opportunity to experience the campus environment and interact with members of the academic community. It also served as a valuable occasion for the SSSIHL fraternity to gain a deeper understanding of the mandate of JICA and the significance of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) initiatives in India, thereby broadening their exposure to global development frameworks.
The event was attended by Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar; Dr. R. Raghunatha Sarma, Director, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, Mr. Pavan Kumar, CEO-SSSRIF, Deans, and senior faculty members, along with the student and research scholar community.
Hostel Visit & Student Interaction
The delegation began their visit with a tour of the student hostels, where they interacted with students and experienced the unique blend of discipline, academics, spirituality, and service that defines the SSSIHL hostel system. The interaction offered valuable insights into the practical implementation of Sri Sathya Sai’s values-based model of integral education.
Academic Session at the Campus Auditorium
The formal academic engagement took place at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus Auditorium, attended by all students, research scholars, and faculty members.
Integral Education at SSSIHL
Dr. Suma Rao, Associate Professor, Dept. of Management & Commerce, and Chairperson, Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies, presented the vision and framework of Sri Sathya Sai Values-based Integral Education. She emphasised character development, value-based learning, and the harmonious integration of the head, heart, and hands, highlighting SSSIHL’s commitment to offering completely free education to all students as a core expression of its mission of selfless service.
Research & Innovation at SSSIHL
Prof. Pallav Baruah, Dean, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, highlighted the university’s research ecosystem, state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary research culture, and meaningful societal impact.
Keynote Address by Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo
Mr. Matsumoto delivered a thought-provoking address on “Introduction to Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to India by Japan International Cooperation Agency”, covering:
- Japan’s global development philosophy
- JICA’s long-standing partnership with India
- Key ODA-supported sectors such as sustainability, infrastructure, education, and health
The session concluded with an engaging interaction between the speaker and the audience, followed by a vote of thanks acknowledging the delegation’s valuable insights and contributions.
Visit to the Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF)
The delegation visited CRIF for an overview of:
- Advanced instrumentation and analytical capabilities
- Ongoing research activities across sciences and engineering
- SSSIHL’s commitment to high-impact, socially relevant research
The guests expressed appreciation for the cutting-edge infrastructure and the institute’s emphasis on integrating values with scientific excellence.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
- Strengthened understanding of JICA’s developmental priorities
- Valuable exposure for students and faculty to global development frameworks
- Reinforcement of SSSIHL’s commitment to values-driven education and research for social good
The visit of Mr. Matsumoto Katsuo and the JICA delegation was a significant and enriching engagement for the SSSIHL community. Their interactions with students, faculty, and researchers, along with their insights into Japan’s developmental initiatives, added great value to the day’s proceedings. The institute deeply appreciates their time, perspectives, and interest in understanding the unique values-based educational model of SSSIHL.
