Prasanthi Nilayam, 22 November 2024:

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), a Deemed to be University, held its 43rd Annual Convocation at the Poornachandra Auditorium, in Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, in the Divine Presence on 22 November 2024 at 10 a.m.

SSSIHL was privileged to have Honourable Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director, U.S. National Science Foundation as the Chief guest for the event.

Dr. Panchanathan is a distinguished computer scientist and engineer, serving as the 15th Director of the NSF, a $9.06 billion federal agency that advances scientific discovery and STEM education. Appointed by the U.S. President in 2019, Dr. Panchanathan has over 30 years of experience across academia, government, and innovation. At NSF, he serves on several high-profile interagency councils, including the White House CHIPS Implementation Steering Council. His illustrious career includes leading Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise, publishing nearly 500 papers, and mentoring over 150 researchers. Dr. Panchanathan has received numerous accolades, including the IEEE-USA Public Service Award. He is a National Academy of Engineering member and a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. In August 2021, Dr. Panchanathan was conferred the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning for his exceptional contributions to the field of Computer Science and Engineering in the service of society.

The event commenced with a ceremonial procession led by the Registrar carrying the ceremonial mace. Dignitaries including the Chancellor, chief guest, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, and members of the SSSIHL Public Charitable Trust, Executive Council, and Academic Council entered the Poornachandra Auditorium to the accompaniment of Vedic chants from the Taittiriya Upanishad. The Convocation was declared open in the Divine Voice of the Revered Founder Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the Institute’s accomplishments during the academic year. Key milestones included launching five new NEP-aligned academic programmes for 2024-25 in cutting-edge fields such as Mathematical Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, and Biosciences, a testament to the Institute’s focus on quality education and innovation. He celebrated the accomplishments of Sri Ayyagari Sathya Sai Srikar, who secured top ranks in GATE 2024, and a research team led by Dr. M. Meera, which won First Prize in the AICTE AMRUT competition, underscoring SSSIHL’s commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and excellence.

Prof. Prasad highlighted remarkable achievements by various departments across diverse fields. These included cutting-edge research in sustainable practices and Corporate Social Responsibility, the development of AI-based diagnostic tools for cardiac care, innovative approaches to drought mapping, and national recognition in cybersecurity, the creation of a globally recognized method to detect PET microplastics, patented pharmaceutical innovations, impactful contributions to Sustainable Development Goals in literature, advancements like AMRx^®, an AI diagnostic tool for UTIs, and pioneering neurodegenerative disease research that earned the 2024 Economic Times Healthcare Award for Best Health Technology, sustainable food solutions, such as anti-inflammatory rice varieties; gamma fluorescence probes for precise cancer surgeries; and the prestigious “TAAL-RATNA-2023” award, conferred on Sri Nishikant Barodekar, a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Performing Arts.

He further announced the establishment of two new Centres of Excellence: The Sri Sathya Sai Centre for Sustainable Development and the Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies, as well as the launch of the official alumni association, “Sri Sathya Sai Students,” to enhance collaboration and engagement. Looking ahead, he outlined plans under the Institute’s 10-year Integrated Development Plan, including digital transformation initiatives and the Sri Sathya Sai Innovation and Research Foundation, which aims to empower students and faculty to create sustainable, technology-driven solutions aligned with the Institute’s values and societal welfare.

The grand ceremony saw the Hon’ble Chancellor, Shri K Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), admit 463 candidates to their degrees followed by the Vice-Chancellor administering the convocation pledge. The Hon’ble Chancellor and Hon’ble Chief Guest awarded 22 Gold Medals to students who achieved distinction in various disciplines and conferred the Ph.D. degrees to 14 doctoral research scholars with each recipient receiving a special memento blessed by the Founder Chancellor Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

In his inspiring convocation address, Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan expressed his gratitude for being part of this Divine event. Creatively expanding on the acronym “SSSIHL,” he described the alumni as Stellar minds, Selected to Serve and Impact Humanity through Love.

Reflecting on Swami’s teaching that “The End of Education is Character,” he outlined ten guiding “C’s” that encapsulate essential principles for a meaningful and impactful life, inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings. The first five C’s—Convocation, symbolizing new beginnings; Curiosity, the spark for creativity; Courage/Confidence, to turn challenges into opportunities; Convergence, emphasizing the integration of varied perspectives and diverse disciplines; and Collaboration, highlighting the power of teamwork—set the stage for embracing a life of purpose and service.

The remaining five C’s centered on navigating a rapidly changing world with clarity and commitment. These included Change, the only constant, especially with technological advances like AI; Communication, to inspire through words and actions; Commitment, to transform society by uplifting lives; Conduit, embracing the role of being an instrument of the Divine; and Character, the ultimate virtue that integrates all other values. These principles guide alumni to live impactful lives rooted in love, service, and character.

Dr. Panchanathan, concluded by congratulating all the student graduates emphasizing their responsibility to serve humanity with love and uphold the institution’s values and urging them to lead lives rooted in these principles to contribute meaningfully to society.

This was followed by the Divine Benediction of our Revered Founder Chancellor, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. In His discourse, Bhagawan emphasized the true purpose of education: to build character, wisdom, and societal contribution, not merely to acquire degrees for personal gain. Bhagawan expressed concern over modern education, describing it as mechanical, lacking values, and fostering selfishness. He urged students to cultivate noble thoughts, join good company, and harmonize their thoughts, words, and deeds. Students were encouraged to uphold truth, righteousness, and human values, even in challenging circumstances. Education, He stressed, should inspire ideals, not desires, and guide students to become exemplary citizens who bring honor to their families, institutions, and society. Bhagawan concluded by exhorting students to lead meaningful lives, inspire their peers, and contribute positively to society.

The event concluded with the National Anthem played by the Institute’s Brass band. This was followed by Mangala Aarati to Bhagawan.

As part of the 43rd convocation, a Drama entitled “Tat Twam Asi” will also be streamed on the Prasanthi Mandir Live YouTube channel at 4.45 pm., 22^nd November 2024.

View the recording of the 43rd Annual Convocation of SSSIHL: https://www.youtube.com/live/SH5UbjrbWqA

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.

Media contact: [email protected]. Tel: +91 8555 287239

Prasanthi Nilayam, 19 November 2024:

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed to be University) will hold its 43rd Annual Convocation at the Poornachandra Auditorium, Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh in the Divine Presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Friday, 22 November 2024 at 10 a.m.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad will deliver the inaugural address. Honourable Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation will give the Convocation address as the Chief Guest.

The grand ceremony will see the Chancellor, Sri K Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), admit candidates to their undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and doctoral research degrees.

The event will be streamed Live on: Prasanthi Mandir Live – SSSMC

In the evening, the students will present a convocation drama titled “Tat Twam Asi”, which will also be streamed Live from the Sai Kulwant Hall, on the Prasanthi Mandir Live YouTube channel.

Full release to follow the events.

For further information on the event, and the schedule, visit: sssihl.edu.in

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.

Media contact: [email protected]. Tel: +91 8555 287239

Team SAI (Smart Alternative Innovators) from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Anantapur campus, under the esteemed guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. M. Meera won the First prize at the AICTE Millet Recipe Unleashing Talent (AMRUT) competition finals held in New Delhi on 25 October 2024.

Organized by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in collaboration with various partners AMRUT is a prestigious national initiative aimed at promoting millet-based culinary innovation across India with a focus on:

• Millet Promotion: Raising awareness of the health benefits and environmental sustainability of millet.
• Recipe Innovation: Fostering creative, nutritious millet-based recipes.
• Talent Discovery: Identifying and nurturing culinary talent nationwide.

The team, consisting of research scholars Sai Dharshini S, Alisha Pradhan, Sparsh Sumnirom Subba, and Beesetti Lohita from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, competed in two rigorous stages. In Stage 1, participants were required to propose a concept, develop a prototype, create a demonstration video on YouTube, and submit a brief report. Shortlisted teams progressed to Stage 2, which involved live cooking and a presentation at the grand finale in New Delhi.

Team SAI’s Winning Concept: Multi-Millet Muesli
Team SAI’s exceptional entry, Multi-Millet Muesli, under the Breakfast and Starters category with > 70% millet content earned widespread acclaim for its innovation, nutritional density, and appealing flavor profile. Blending millets with nuts and honey, this recipe was celebrated for its health benefits and unique taste, securing Team SAI a first-place win and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. They stood out among the 88 finalists, who were selected from an initial pool of nearly 1,298 participants in the “Millet-based Breakfast and Starters” category.

Recipe Highlights:

• Key Ingredients: Millets, nuts, honey
• Nutritional Benefits: High in dietary fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients
• Flavor Profile: Sweet and nutty with an attractive presentation

This multi-millet muesli recipe demonstrates the potential of millets in functional foods, addressing diverse dietary needs due to their low glycemic index and rich nutrient profile. By incorporating nuts and honey, the recipe offers enhanced protein and natural sweetness, making it a nutritious and appealing choice.

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to AICTE for this wonderful platform to showcase our innovation. We also appreciate the support of the Institute Innovation Cell, our mentors, colleagues, and all those who contributed to our success.

The AMRUT competition not only highlights the nutritional and environmental value of millets but also encourages culinary innovation and creativity. As Team SAI continues to advocate for millet-based food science, they aim to inspire others in the field and advance the discourse on sustainable, healthful eating.

View Recording (Courtesy Media AICTE)

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) will host the National Winter School for Women in AI/ML and Computational Biology 2024 (NWSW-2024). This in-person, six-day event, scheduled from 2nd to 7th December 2024, is a comprehensive program designed to empower women in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Computational Biology.

Organized by the Centre for Excellence in Mathematical Biology (CEMB) at SSSIHL, in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science and the Department of Biosciences, the Winter School offers foundational training in Mathematical Biology, Python programming, Bioinformatics, AI/ML, and Deep Learning. With a focus on bridging the gap between biology and computational techniques, the program includes expert-led sessions and hands-on training.

Hosted exclusively for women at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, Puttaparthi, the National Winter School is open to undergraduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., and post-doctoral students, as well as faculty and industry professionals.

For more details

Register on or before 10 November 2024: https://forms.gle/UfBHds2XP2mvF5hy5

View Schedule:

As part of the ‘Special Campaign 4.0’ initiative, the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, organized the following events.

Tree Plantation Activity

As part of the 78th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2024, the Campus Green Cell conducted a plantation drive titled “Anantha Prema Tharu,” during which 100 saplings were planted in and around the college. The saplings consisted of a diverse range of native species selected for their adaptability and positive impact on the local ecosystem. The drive not only aimed to enhance the greenery of the campus but also sought to engage students in meaningful activities that foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Peepal Tree Transplantation

On September 13, 2024, a significant environmental initiative was undertaken with the transplantation of a Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) that was over 30 years old. The event was organized by the Green Cell, Anantapur Campus, in collaboration with the Green Army, an NGO based in Anantapur, and founded by Mr. A. G. Anil Kumar. To safeguard, the infrastructure and the tree, it was carefully uprooted and relocated to a more suitable location, allowing it to thrive without impacting nearby structures. This relocation ensured a healthier environment for the tree and enhanced the safety of the campus facilities.

Awareness Program on Waste Management and Waste Segregation 

On September 29, 2024, an Awareness Program on Waste Management and Segregation was held with the primary goal to educate students on effective waste management practices. The program highlighted the significance of waste segregation and aimed to promote sustainable behaviors among attendees. Around 530 students participated in this informative session, where key strategies for efficient waste management were discussed, focusing specifically on the 3R’s framework: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Cleanliness drive

As part of the nationwide initiative “Swachhata Hi Seva 2024,” a campus cleaning drive was organized on October 2, 2024. This event aimed to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability within the campus community while fostering a sense of responsibility among students and faculty members. Participants collected waste, including plastic bottles, paper, and other materials. The collected waste was meticulously sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable categories, emphasizing the importance of effective waste management practices.

Compost generation

Organizing compost generation activities is an excellent way to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. As part of this initiative, students collected fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, garden waste, and other organic materials, which were later used to prepare compost. A biowaste shredder was also employed to chop or crush the organic waste into smaller pieces, facilitating quicker decomposition during this composting process. This activity enables students to convert waste into compost, producing organic manure for plants.

In September 2024, the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus, hosted two pivotal events designed to enhance athletes’ understanding of nutrition and fitness strategies. The first, a pre-workshop session titled “Nutritional Assessment of Young Women Athletes: The ABCD Approach,” was held on September 25. This session addressed the specific dietary and health challenges faced by young female athletes from local institutions. Two days later, on September 27, a one-day National Workshop titled “Achieving Peak Performance: Evidence-Based Strategies in Sports Nutrition & Fitness” brought together experts and students to discuss advanced strategies for improving athletic performance through individualized nutrition plans. Both events underscored the critical role of nutrition in optimizing performance and ensuring long-term health.

The Pre-Workshop, organized in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Physical Education, saw participation from over 100 female athletes. Of these, 30 were from SSSIHL, while the others represented institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) and KSN Government College for Women. The athletes were accompanied by their coaches and physical directors. Alongside expert presentations, participants engaged in hands-on nutritional assessments, and fitness tests, and explored educational posters on topics such as carbohydrate loading, continuous glucose monitoring, and the role of proteins in athletic performance.

The National Workshop, held on September 27, featured several distinguished speakers. Keynote speaker Dr. Geetanjali Bhide delivered an insightful presentation on assessing athletes’ nutritional status, with a focus on dietary intake and biochemical evaluations. Dr. Abhirami Sivaprasad discussed the complexities of Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S), while Ms. Aswiny Mohandas highlighted the vital connection between gut health and athletic performance. A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Bhide, addressed the challenges faced by grassroots athletes in India. The workshop concluded with a presentation on holistic health by Ms. Stuti Pahuja and a valedictory address by Dr. Meera M., who emphasized the importance of personalized nutrition plans for achieving peak athletic performance.

The event also featured poster presentations from III BSc FNS students covering topics such as proteins and amino acids, functional foods and nutraceuticals, and the role of AI in sports nutrition.

Additionally, the students showcased a dynamic display of ergogenic aids, demonstrating their innovative research and practical applications in performance-enhancing supplements.

View Detailed Report:

Pre-Workshop

National Workshop

View Photos

Watch the Recording of the National Workshop:

Session 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFE5k7U-hvA

Session 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lPFWqyBrEY

The Department of Biosciences at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council, successfully celebrated International Microorganisms Day on 16 & 17 September 2024 at Prasanthi Nilayam. The two-day event featured a hands-on workshop, a prestigious memorial lecture, and an engaging exhibition.

Day 1 focused on a workshop in microbial handling and biosafety, teaching participants key microbiological techniques like media preparation, bacterial streaking, Gram staining, and antibiotic testing. A special session on microbial art allowed students to design bacterial cultures creatively. The workshop saw an active participation of 65 enthusiastic students from Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Smt. Eswaramma High School, and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield, enriching their technical skills and practical knowledge.

Day 2 included the Dr. K. Gopinatha Rao Memorial Lecture by Prof. V. Nagaraja who discussed the challenges of drug-resistant tuberculosis followed by a talk from Prof. D. Narasimha Rao on the human microbiome. The day concluded with the exhibition “Into the Microbial World,” featuring posters and live demonstrations of microbial cultures and innovative microbial technologies like Microbial Fuel Cells.

The event successfully fostered an appreciation for microbes’ roles in health, environment, and research, inspiring future exploration in microbiology.

View Detailed Report

Watch Recording: Dr. K. Gopinatha Rao Memorial Lecture

View Photos

This innovative FDP is designed for educators from business schools, colleges, and universities across India offering MBA, MMS, MS in Finance, M. Com, and related UG programs. Participants will develop proficiency in building interactive dashboards using four leading technologies: Power BI, Tableau, Shiny (R), and MS Excel.

Objective:
This FDP aims to enhance the professional growth of educators by equipping them with the skills to integrate cutting-edge technology into their teaching methodologies. By focusing on practical skills, this program helps educators create an engaging learning environment that encourages students to comprehend and utilize analytical tools effectively.

Expected Outcome:
Upon completion, educators will be proficient in creating interactive dashboards with Power BI, Tableau, Shiny, and Excel. They will also be empowered to guide their students in mastering these tools, fostering a more engaging and motivating learning process. The skills gained through this course will not only accelerate educators’ mastery of these tools but also boost their confidence in adopting future technologies.

Key Details:

• Resource Persons:
  • Dr. L. Goverthanan, MS, FCMA
  • Dr. Subramanian S. Iyer, MBA, FRM
• Dates: October 28 – November 13, 2024 (6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, excluding Sundays and Deepavali)
• Last Date to Register: October 25, 2024
• Registration Link: Click here

For more information and to view the flyer: Click here

Prof. (Hon.) B. Andallu, a distinguished faculty member of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the Anantapur Campus represented SSSIHL at the 5th International Hybrid Conference on Food Science and Nutrition, held on September 20, 2024, at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Spring Area, Orlando, Florida, USA. This prestigious event brought together leading food science and nutrition experts to discuss the latest advances in research.

During the conference, Prof. Andallu delivered a keynote presentation titled “Medicinal Potential of Phytochemicals in Spices: Extraction and Bioactivity Assessment by In Vitro Methods and Model Systems”. In this presentation, she explored therapeutic properties of phytochemicals found in spices and highlighted their medicinal potential.

In addition to her keynote address, Prof. Andallu also presented at a plenary session, where she discussed “In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Aniseeds (Pimpinella anisum L.) for Therapeutic Potential”. The Research contributions of Prof. Andallu demonstrated significant health benefits of aniseeds (saunf) and their potential as therapeutic agents.

Both presentations were highly appreciated for their depth and practical implications in food science and nutrition, contributing significantly to the academic discussions at the conference.