SSSIHL Brindavan Campus partners with United Way Bengaluru for new green initiatives

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.