6–10 July 2025 | Prasanthi Nilayam

As part of the Birth Centenary Year celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies (CSSSS) at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), in association with the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, will conduct a series of events from 6-10 July 2025 at Prasanthi Nilayam, under the overarching theme of “Celebration of Universal Human Values.” The celebrations will comprise three interlinked segments:

• 6–8 July: Summer Course in Indian Culture and Human Values
• 9 July: Sri Sathya Sai Human Values – The Clarion Call for Universal Transformation
• 10 July: Guru Poornima Celebrations

This special gathering will bring together over 2500 students and young adults from Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations and the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council.

Event Highlights

6–8 July | Summer Course in Indian Culture and Human Values
Designed to immerse young minds in the spiritual and cultural ethos of India, the Summer Course will feature talks by eminent speakers, interactive panel discussions, student-led reflective sessions, and cultural programmes. Topics will explore the application of human values across governance, leadership, sustainability, music, health, and more.

9 July | Sri Sathya Sai Human Values – The Clarion Call for Universal Transformation
This one-day event will include presentations by distinguished thought leaders, educationists, and administrators, focusing on the role of universal human values in education, governance, social cohesion, and ethical conduct. A key highlight of the conference will be the unveiling of the Prasanthi Declaration on Universal Human Values, a collective reaffirmation of the need to integrate human values at the heart of global transformation efforts.

10 July | Guru Poornima Celebrations
The final day will be dedicated to honouring the timeless tradition of the Guru. With devotional offerings, spiritual reflections, and collective gratitude. The day will pay homage to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Divine Teacher and Eternal Guide.

A Legacy of Transformation

The Summer Course is one of the most cherished traditions at SSSIHL, dating back to the early years when Bhagawan Baba personally guided students, imparting the essence of righteousness, devotion, and selfless service. Today, it serves as an induction programme at the start of each academic year, introducing all students and young adults to Bharat’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

More than just a series of sessions, the Course represents a foundational experience in SSSIHL’s integral education model, nurturing the intellect, character, and spirit of every Sai student. Rooted in love, discipline, and self-reflection, the Summer Course continues to shape students into ideal citizens and torchbearers of universal human values.

The International Day of Yoga was celebrated with deep reverence and spirited participation on 21st June 2025 at Prasanthi Nilayam, at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports, uniting students and staff from:

• Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL)
• Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (SSSHSS)
• Sri Sathya Sai Primary School
• Smt. Eswaramma High School

The event commenced with a sacred Vedam procession by students, charging the atmosphere with spiritual vibrations.

This was followed by the ceremonial Jyoti Prajwalana (lighting of the lamp) by:

• Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL
• Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL
• Invited dignitaries and eminent Yoga experts

Sri Satya Sai Mudigonda then delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting the spiritual significance of Yoga and its integration into the Sai system of integral education.

Yoga Highlights:

A structured Common Yoga Protocol session was conducted by Sri G. R. Praveena, offering participants a revitalizing blend of Surya Namaskara, asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques.

This was followed by vibrant and synchronized Yoga performances by the students of :

• Sri Sathya Sai Primary School
• Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School
• Smt. Eswaramma High School

Each of these performances was of exceptional quality, demonstrating physical agility, mental focus, and artistic coordination.

Talks & Reflections:

Sri G. R. Praveena delivered a thought-provoking address in Sanskrit, emphasizing the timeless wisdom of Yoga embedded in Indian tradition.

Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, the Chief Guest, gave an inspiring talk on the holistic and transformative potential of Yoga, encouraging its daily practice among students and faculty alike.

Felicitations:

In recognition of their invaluable contributions, Yoga experts and Physical Directors from the schools and university campuses were felicitated by the Vice-Chancellor. The honorees included:

• Sri Vinod Kumar
• Sri Rajendra Prasad
• Dr. Naveen
• Sri Vivek
• Sri Krishna
• Sri Mariyappan
• Sri Karan
• Sri Damodar

Special felicitations were also extended to:

• Sri G. R. Praveena – Yoga expert and composer of the Yoga theme song
• Sri Satya Sai Mudigonda – Coordinator of the International Day of Yoga program

Prize Distribution:

Winners of various Yoga-related competitions were honored in a prize distribution ceremony conducted by Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL and Sri Sivarama Krishna, Principal, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School

Conclusion:

The celebration concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the dignitaries, participants, volunteers, and staff for their selfless efforts and enthusiastic involvement.

The morning culminated with the offering of Mangala Arati, invoking divine blessings for the well-being of all.

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As part of its ongoing extension and community outreach initiatives, the staff and students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus conducted a one-month skills enhancement programme for visually challenged students residing at the “Meenakshamma Inclusive Development Centre” a privately-run hostel in Anantapur.

This initiative was catalysed by Ms. Rama Devi, a visually-challenged alumna and a long-time resident of the Sri Sathya Sai Women’s Hostel, who brought to light the pressing need for skill development among this group. The Meenakshamma Inclusive Development Centre, managed by Smt. & Sri Venkata Narayana, a devout couple, provides accommodation and support to approximately 40 underprivileged girls—most of whom are fully visually challenged and currently pursuing intermediate or undergraduate studies.

The objectives were

• to provide basic computer literacy using assistive technology (talkback-supported systems)
• to develop spoken English and communication skills
• to create awareness among SSSIHL volunteers of the challenges faced by visually impaired students and to foster a spirit of selfless service

Planning and Preparation

A preliminary visit by the Director and a faculty team in April 2025 confirmed the feasibility and need for such a programme. Following this, a call for volunteers was made. Seventeen faculty members and research scholars came forward to offer daily training sessions, each lasting 90–120 minutes over four weeks. The programme was coordinated by Ms. K. Hemalatha, Asst. Director, Physical Education, with four rotating teams conducting sessions from 1st May to 30th May 2025.

Implementation

The programme was divided into two core modules:

• Computer Basics (using talkback): turning on a PC, navigating applications, typing in MS Word, creating resumes, and making PowerPoint presentations.
• Conversational English: confidence-building exercises, basic grammar and sentence structures, interactive speaking tasks.

The students were grouped into two batches that alternated between modules every three days to ensure focused attention and learning continuity.

Outcomes

• Students successfully gained the ability to operate a talkback-enabled desktop system, create documents and presentations.
• They showed marked improvement in spoken English; one student confidently delivered a vote of thanks in English on the concluding day.
• The programme significantly impacted both beneficiaries and volunteers.
• The experience deepened the volunteers’ appreciation for their own privileges and strengthened their resolve to serve society.

Future Directions

The visually challenged students and the management at the Centre have requested continued support. The campus aims to design a sustainable follow-up training module as part of its regular outreach activities, with the continued grace and inspiration of our Founder Chancellor Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The Department of Languages and Literature – English, of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), conducted a two-day national conference titled Lit Treat Edition V: “Language, Literature, and Beyond – Exploring New Frontiers in English Studies” in collaboration with Literary Voice, a peer-reviewed, UGC CARE Group II indexed journal of English Studies. The conference took place on the 14th and 15th of March, 2025, at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, bringing together eminent scholars, researchers, and students to engage in thought-provoking discussions on contemporary literary studies.

The inaugural session commenced with the traditional invocatory Vedam chanting by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. A video presentation showcasing the Department of Languages and Literature – English at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning introduced the faculty, research scholars, and students while highlighting their participation and achievements at various national and international events. Prof. Rani P.L., Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Director of the Anantapur Campus, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, welcomed the gathering and set the stage for the conference by emphasising the universality and timelessness of literature.

Following this, the Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, addressed the audience, noting that world literatures reflect the complexities of human experiences. The Hon’ble Chancellor of the Institute, Sri K. Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), delivered his inaugural address, underscoring the evolution and transcendence of literature beyond social, technological, and cultural influences. Subsequently, Dr. Bhagyashree S. Varma, Associate Professor of English at, the University of Mumbai, and Reviewer of Literary Voice, was invited to deliver a brief note on behalf of the journal.

The morning session featured two plenary talks. The first, delivered by Prof. Bharathi Harishankar, Vice Chancellor of Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, was titled “The Expanding Horizons of English Literary Studies.” She explored the evolution of literature through dynamic perspectives in contemporary times. The second plenary talk, presented by Dr. Poonam Nigam Sahay, Head, and Associate Professor of English at Ranchi University, was titled “Engaging the Indian Learner with Novel Instructional Strategies: Understanding and Concerns.” Dr. Sahay emphasized the necessity of dynamic, student-centred approaches and innovative instructional methods to foster inclusivity and equity in education. The first day concluded with parallel technical sessions featuring research paper presentations by postgraduate students and research scholars from various institutions across India.

The second day commenced with the traditional invocatory Vedam chanting by the students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Nandigiri Campus, followed by a video presentation offering a behind-the-scenes look at the inception and organization of the conference. The plenary session featured an insightful lecture by Prof. Jibu Mathew George, Professor of English Literature at The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, on “The Ontology of Religious Narratives and Doctrines.” Prof. George introduced the audience to emerging research in religious studies, elaborating on his concept of ‘equi-reversible ontology,’ which examines the interplay between theist and atheist perspectives on religion through literature. The morning session concluded with three parallel technical sessions focusing on distinct themes.

The post-lunch session featured an intellectually stimulating quiz conducted by the department’s first-year postgraduate students. The quiz challenged participants’ knowledge of classical and contemporary literature. This was followed by a cultural session, which included a soulful musical rendition of slam poetry, creatively composed and performed by first-year BA English Honours students from the Nandigiri Campus. The poetry celebrated the magnificence of creation and the benevolence of the Creator.

The conference concluded with the Valedictory Session. Dr. Vivek Chauhan, Associate Professor of English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, delivered the welcome address. Seven participants were awarded the Best Paper Presentation Award from each of the technical sessions. A student representative then presented a comprehensive report on the conference proceedings. Dr. Bhagyashree S. Varma delivered the Valedictory Address, offering insightful reflections on the significance of such academic engagements. Dr. Maitali Khanna, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Languages and Literature, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, delivered the concluding remarks and Vote of Thanks. The conference formally concluded with the ceremonial Mangala Arati.

The Lit Treat Edition V, conducted by the Department of Languages and Literature – English, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, in collaboration with Literary Voice, successfully fostered intellectual exchange and provided a platform for scholars to explore emerging frontiers in English studies. Through plenary talks, research presentations, interactive discussions, and cultural performances, the conference enriched participants’ understanding of literature’s evolving role in contemporary academic discourse.

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Watch Recording:

Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGcgvVUYr58
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeDxZo0eQC4&t
Day 2 Valedictory:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rJ6YRv0_Dc

8 March every year is celebrated world over as International Women’s Day. The Women’s Campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, in collaboration with the SSSIHL Gender Sensitization Cell, marked the day in an enriching manner with a series of engaging activities that included – Mindfulness sessions and relaxation techniques, friendly badminton matches, a rally called Women on Wheels and other team games.

Prof Rani P L, the Director of the Campus, set the context in her introductory remarks, highlighting the status and role of women as envisioned by the Founder Chancellor Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The mindfulness activities were led by Dr Kironbala Arora, a certified yoga practitioner, and Mrs. K Hemalatha, the Assistant Physical Director of the Campus. Different modes of clapping and tapping to open up the nerve centers were practiced, followed by a demonstration of yogic postures appropriate for women-related health issues by a small team of select Faculty, research scholars, and students. The pranayama session followed by a guided meditation brought in much calm, silence, and peace to the morning.

The morning session was planned to draw attention to self-care and relaxation techniques, which are easy to practice, and aligned to the Fit India Campaign. The evening session, themed “Women on Wheels” commenced at 4:15 PM with a bicycle and scooter rally led by research scholars & faculty. The celebrations continued with a friendly badminton match and team games to build camaraderie and physical stamina.

Through these thoughtfully planned activities, the event reinforced the importance of mindfulness, well-being, and women’s empowerment, making the occasion both meaningful and memorable.

The Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA), in collaboration with Mount Carmel College, organized a three-day conference on “Eco-tourism: Harnessing Travel to Discover Nature, Promote Conservation, and Sustainable Development” from 19th to 21st February 2025 at the KSTA Auditorium, Bangalore. The conference brought together scholars, researchers, and students from diverse disciplines to discuss the role of eco-tourism in fostering environmental awareness, conservation efforts, and sustainable economic development.

As part of the conference, a Paper Presentation Competition was conducted, in which 31 teams participated, including three teams representing the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus. Demonstrating their research acumen and commitment to sustainability, two of these teams secured the top honors in the competition.

Winning Teams from SSSIHL

First Prize (₹7500)

• Participants: Bhagavatula Vibhuti, Netheti Vasantha, Emani Sri Lalitha (I MSc FNS)
• Topic of Presentation: From Nature to Canvas – Crafting Sustainable Painting Paper with Dried Leaves

Second Prize (₹5000)

• Participants: Amuktha Malyada, Dr. M. R. Geetha Bala (Department of Arts and Humanities)
• Topic of Presentation: Celebrating Nature and Culture – The Role of Ecotourism, Economy, and Literature

The event provided an excellent platform for participants to exchange ideas, collaborate with experts, and explore new perspectives on eco-tourism

SSSIHL congratulates the winning teams for their outstanding achievement and their continued commitment to research that aligns with sustainable development goals.

We are delighted to announce the launch of ChampStamp, the official sports and cultural events magazine of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam campus.

The inaugural edition was released by our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, on 12 February 2025 at the campus auditorium.

ChampStamp is a reflection of the vibrant campus life, capturing the spirit of unity, discipline, and creativity that defines our community. It chronicles the transformative journey of students through various events, highlighting the shift from “I” to “We” to “He.”

More than just a magazine, ChampStamp is a tribute to the power of sports and culture in fostering teamwork, personal growth, and collective achievement. It showcases the immense talent of our students while celebrating the core values of humility, gratitude, and service that lie at the heart of SSSIHL.

The launch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in documenting the essence of our campus life and the incredible transformations that unfold when we come together as one.

You can read the magazine here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/9413ae01aa.html

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Identifying the Issue

• Monitoring of humidity plays a crucial role in maintaining household, industrial processes as well as the health of the beings.
• Need to develop fast responsive sensing materials and flexible sensor designs

Objective of the Research

• Enhance humidity sensing properties of ZnO by forming heterostructures with semiconducting oxide glasses

Who should read this?

Researchers and scientists in materials science and sensor technology

Solution

• Study sensing properties by tuning structural and electronic properties

Key Features and Benefits

• Semiconducting oxide glasses are studied for heterostructure formation with ZnO.
• Heterostructures will significantly improve the sensitivity and reduce the response/recovery times of the humidity sensors.
• Changes in orientational growth and microstructure of ZnO particles due to addition of semiconducting glass particle.
• Enhanced humidity sensing and low response time (12 s) obtained for ZnO/glass heterostructure films

Impact

• ZnO-glass heterostructure-based humidity sensors exhibit 12 seconds response time and 16 seconds recovery time, making them suitable for real-time humidity monitoring.
• The unique microstructural features of ZnO nanoparticles and semiconducting ZnO/glass heterostructure mechanism enable fast humidity sensing
• ZnO-glass heterostructure-based humidity sensors demonstrate reliable operation at room temperature, making them suitable for various industrial and commercial applications

Team

Upesh Kumar Appikonda and Paramesh Gadige *

Title of paper: “Humidity sensing studies on ZnO/bismuth borate glass heterostructure thin films”

Read Paper Here: doi.org/10.1007/s10854-024-14202-y

The Training and the Placement team of the Department of Languages and Literature – English at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus organised a “One-day Workshop on Communication and Soft Skills Training for Employability” on December 21, 2024. The event was attended by all of the M.A. English language and literature students and the B.A. English (Majors and Honours) students.

The session was conducted by Mr. Prasanna Kannan, an accomplished academician, and entrepreneur, who is also a visiting faculty for Placement Training programs at SSSIHL. With extensive industry experience in senior positions at leading semiconductor corporations such as Texas Instruments and Intel Technologies, Mr. Kannan brings a wealth of knowledge in academic skills, soft skills, and business leadership.

The workshop focussed on four areas of employability – Goal setting and decision making, Effective communication, Revenue building, and Interviewing skills. Mr. Kannan outlined the three types of goals essential for a successful career and instilled confidence in students by emphasizing the mantra of successful individuals: never complain, condemn, or criticize oneself, but instead, take full responsibility for one’s life.

He emphasized the importance of ‘working to learn’ and ‘manifesting the future into existence through action’. The session consisted of hands-on activities guiding students through the resume-building process and the fundamentals of effective interviewing.

Dr. Sowmya Srinivasan, Assistant Professor and Department Placement Coordinator, DLL – English, coordinated the workshop, ensuring its smooth execution. The event was a resounding success, leaving students empowered and more confident in navigating their career paths.