News

We are delighted to share that Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) has been selected by the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India, to establish an IKS Research Center. Notably, this centre is one among five institutions approved across India in this round of proposals.

The proposed center will focus on Historical and Civilizational Sciences, Contemporary Social and Cultural Sciences, Political, Economic and Strategic Sciences, drawing from Sanskrit literary traditions and related sources of Indian knowledge.

Funded by the Ministry of Education and supported by the University, the IKS Centers aim to promote interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, education, and dissemination of Indian Knowledge Systems, aligning with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).

The Sanskrit faculty at the Department of Languages and Literature who made the proposal, look forward to collaborating with various departments to foster indigenous traditions, knowledge, and research.

We humbly acknowledge this milestone as a blessing from Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, especially in His Centenary Year—a fitting tribute to His vision and values.

Together, we aspire to make the IKS Research Center at SSSIHL a vibrant hub of learning, innovation, and cultural enrichment, contributing meaningfully to academia and society.

View results

Prof. (Hon.) B. Andallu, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, delivered a Keynote Address on “The Role of Foods in the Fight Against Cancer (with special reference to spices)” and a Plenary Presentation on “Herbal Remedies for Diseases Caused by Oxidative Stress” at the 6th International Conference on Food Science and Nutrition, held virtually on 8 August 2025, organized by Aver Conferences.

Her sessions highlighted the crucial role of phytochemicals in disease prevention and health promotion, with special emphasis on the therapeutic potential of herbs and spices. Prof. Andallu elucidated how oxidative stress is a major factor in metabolic and degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, inflammatory conditions, and cancer, and how natural products offer multimodal therapeutic benefits. Citing examples like turmeric, ginger, fenugreek, basil, and curry leaves, she explained their roles in antioxidant defense, cancer inhibition, and anti-inflammatory action.

Her deliberations, which underscored the importance of functional foods—fruits, vegetables, and spices as storehouses of bioactive phytochemicals—were well received by participants and contributed meaningfully to global discussions on integrating natural products into healthcare strategies.

India Inc. is currently facing a severe shortage of competent leaders across various organizational levels. There is an urgent need to fill this leadership vacuum, especially in middle management levels as they are expected to take up larger leadership roles in the future. The one-day executive development program on ‘B E S T’ Leadership for Excellence – The Bharatiya Way, is conceived as powerful experiential learning package to cultivate effective leaders in corporates.

For Whom

The programme is designed for executives with around 5 years experience, who are keen to take larger leadership roles in their organisations.

Objective

The objective of the program is to build leadership capabilities in executives using the B E S T framework of leadership, based on Bharatiya Jnana Parampara – Indian Knowledge systems. Indian ethos has a rich tradition of leadership understanding and the B E S T framework represents the distilled wisdom of these insights.

Outcome

After going through the program, the participants will be able:

• To assess their real leadership potential
• To understand the importance of role model leadership
• To appreciate how they perceive things
• To comprehend the role of empathetic communication

Program details

The program is divided into four sections, each detailing an aspect of the B E S T leadership framework.

• Session 1: To Be. In this session, participants will be able to assess their true leadership potential through an interesting exercise – KOHAM?
• Session 2: To Exemplify. In this session, the importance of leadership based on role modelling will be understood through the game – ARTHASHASTRA.
• Session 3: To See. In this session, participants will be able to understand the power of perception and to see clearly for leaders, through the activity – DRISHTI.
• Session 4: To Tell. In this session, the need for proper communication for leadership will be understood through the exercise – VACHAS.

Interested in bringing this transformative program to your organization? Write to us at [email protected] and sign up for future sessions

Resource persons

Prof N Sivakumar is Dean and Professor of Management and Commerce at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Bangalore. With more than 3 decades of teaching and life skills training experience, he brings in a blend of modern management and Indian ethos, though his insightful research.
[email protected]
9448928884

Mr Rajeev Rajan is Assistant Professor of Management and Commerce at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Bangalore. With 15 years of teaching and training experience, he brings the power of blended learning to great impact
[email protected]
9972527130

With the Divine Blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Brindavan Campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) witnessed the joyous inauguration of four new facilities on 5 August 2025. The event marked a significant milestone in the continued growth and enhancement of infrastructure to support the Institute’s mission of integral education—the harmonious blending of academic excellence and character development.

The new facilities were inaugurated by Sri R.J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (SSSCT), and Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, in the Divine Presence and sanctified ambience of Bhagawan’s Brindavan Ashram.

Dining Hall, Brindavan Hostel, SSSIHL

A spacious Dining Hall capable of accommodating over 500 students was inaugurated, offering a serene, uplifting environment that serves not only as a place for meals but also as a Prayer-cum-Dining Hall—fostering both physical nourishment and spiritual enrichment.

The Warden, Dr. T. Ravi Kumar, reminisced about the sacred traditions that were initiated at the Brindavan Campus, such as the daily Brahmārpaṇam prayer and the chanting of the Sai Gayatri mantra before every meal—practices that invoke Bhagawan’s presence and elevate the act of eating into an offering.

Both Sri R.J. Rathnakar and Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad fondly recalled the golden era of Divine proximity, highlighting the hall’s role as a tribute to Bhagawan’s vision of reverence in daily living. The facility stands as a symbol of love, grace, and sacred tradition, in alignment with the values cherished and nurtured by the Institute.

Seminar Hall, Brindavan Campus, SSSIHL

A state-of-the-art Seminar Hall with a seating capacity of 156 was inaugurated, built to serve as a vibrant centre for intellectual exchange and student engagement.

Equipped with a high-end interactive digital panel, advanced audio-visual systems, and ergonomic seating, the hall has been designed to support seminars, workshops, guest lectures, and a variety of academic events. The modern and aesthetically pleasing space reinforces SSSIHL’s ongoing commitment to delivering excellence in education and providing students with access to contemporary tools and platforms for learning and professional development.

Office of the Centre of Excellence in Actuarial Data Science (CADS)

In a significant academic advancement, the Office of the Centre of Excellence in Actuarial Data Science (CADS) at SSSIHL was formally inaugurated.

This Centre aims to position SSSIHL at the forefront of Actuarial Science education and research in India. The inauguration highlighted the Centre’s national and international accomplishments, including:

• India’s first two PhDs in Actuarial Science awarded in 2021
• CAS University Award 2022 – First Indian university recipient
• CAS Gold-Level Recognition 2023 – Only university in Asia with this distinction
• SOA UCAP Advanced Curriculum 2023 – Sole recipient in India

The Centre has produced over ten Fellows and Associates of international actuarial bodies like IFoA, CAS, SOA, and IAI, along with hundreds of students who have cleared multiple professional examinations.

Students have also made a mark globally, winning the IFoA and CAS Case Study Competitions 2024, demonstrating exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. The Centre embodies SSSIHL’s drive towards academic innovation, research leadership, and global competitiveness rooted in values-based education.

Faculty Room for the Department of Management and Commerce

A newly designed 6-seater Faculty Room was inaugurated to serve the faculty members of the MBA programme.

Furnished with modern amenities and a professional yet comfortable setting, the new facility enhances the academic work environment and promotes collaborative teaching and research. The development reflects the Institute’s continued dedication to providing world-class infrastructure for faculty growth and academic excellence, thereby strengthening the overall teaching-learning ecosystem.

Conclusion

The inauguration of these facilities signifies a renewed commitment to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision of holistic, values-based education. Each space has been created with attention to purpose, sanctity, and utility, serving as a nurturing ground for academic brilliance, moral strength, and spiritual refinement.

These developments not only enrich the physical infrastructure of the Brindavan Campus but also serve as living testaments to the Institute’s mission—to mould students into responsible, competent, and compassionate citizens who lead with love and serve with selflessness.

View Photos

The Department of Physics successfully conducted a 2-Day Hands-On Workshop on ADI LTspice® and Pocket Lab on 11th and 12th July 2025, at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, in collaboration with Analog Devices (ADI) as the Knowledge Partner.

The workshop was aimed at equipping participants with practical skills in analog circuit simulation using ADI LTspice® and sensor interfacing with ADI Pocket Lab. It saw enthusiastic participation from across academia, drawing 74 registered participants comprising undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty members from various institutions. The hands-on format and application-oriented sessions created a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Highlights of the Workshop

The workshop featured expert-led sessions delivered by facilitators from Analog Devices, ensuring that the content was both technically sound and industry-relevant.

Day 1 was dedicated to LTspice® simulation techniques, where participants learned the fundamentals of circuit drafting, signal chain and frequency response analysis, as well as advanced simulation methods such as Monte Carlo analysis and the use of the LTPower Analyzer. These sessions laid a strong foundation for analog circuit modeling and analysis.

Day 2 transitioned into the domain of embedded systems using the ADI Pocket Lab platform, focusing on sensor interfacing and real-time data acquisition. Participants explored concepts such as ADC architecture, interpretation of datasheets, and practical implementation of experiments using multi-sensor boards. The sessions were thoughtfully designed to bridge theoretical concepts with practical skills in analog system design and embedded hardware applications.

The workshop also facilitated interactive learning through live demonstrations, guided experimentation, and one-on-one mentoring. It served as a platform to connect academic learners with cutting-edge tools and practices used in the industry, marking a significant step toward strengthening experiential learning and academia–industry collaboration at SSSIHL.

The feedback received from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees appreciated the depth and clarity of the technical content, the seamless coordination of the sessions, and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with industry-grade tools. Many participants highlighted that the workshop helped demystify complex topics through clear explanations and well-structured exercises.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the expert facilitators and delegates from Analog Devices for their wholehearted support:

• Mr. Sivaramakrishnan S. – Director, Automotive Software Engineering, ADI
• Mr. Krishna C Vishnubhatla – Senior Manager, Design Evaluation
• Mr. Biswajit Mohanty – Technical Lead at Analog Devices
• Mr. Kummari Saikumar – Senior Applications Engineer
• Mr. Muley Harshal – Senior Applications Engineer
• Mr. Srivastav Chetan – Applications Engineer
• Mr. Shaikh Wasim – Product Applications Manager
• Mr. Krishna Kumar Samruth – Hardware Design Engineer
• Mr. Nambrath Vishnu – Product Application Engineer

The 2-Day Hands-On Workshop on ADI LTspice® and Pocket Lab effectively achieved its goal of offering practical exposure to analog simulation and sensor integration. It provided participants with a valuable opportunity to build competencies relevant to teaching, research, and engineering practice. The success of this workshop reflects the institute’s commitment to enhancing academic excellence through meaningful partnerships and hands-on learning initiatives.

During the Summer Vacation of 2025, Shri Nishikant Barodekar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Performing Arts, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, undertook an international Musical Homage Tour (14 May – 24 June 2025) in memory of his revered Guru, Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose sudden passing in December 2024 left an indelible void in the world of music.

A global icon, Ustad Zakir Hussain was celebrated for his unmatched mastery of the tabla, his deep contributions to Indian classical music, and his extraordinary ability to connect with audiences worldwide. In response to this loss, Shri Nishikant embarked on a deeply personal and spiritual journey to honour the memory and legacy of his Guru through music.

The Musical Homage Tour was conducted:

• Across 5 countries—Singapore, the Philippines, the United States of America, Canada, and Trinidad & Tobago—over a period of 6 weeks (14 May – 24 June 2025)
• Included 9 public concerts, 11 Satsang, and one comprehensive tabla workshop spanning 6 sessions.

The tour commenced in Singapore with a grand tribute concert on May 18, 2025, held at the One North Auditorium in Buona Vista. The event featured live performances by local artists, a powerful tabla solo by Shri Nishikant, and the screening of a short film capturing the life, art, and influence of Ustad Zakir Hussain. The concert was attended by around 350 people.

On the same day, a Satsang and musical offering were organised by the Singapore Sri Sathya Sai Centre, bringing together devotees in a spiritually charged atmosphere of bhajans and reflections.

In the United States, the first leg of the tour took Shri Nishikant to Austin, Texas, where a tribute concert was held on May 25, attended by approximately 100 guests. This was followed by a significant performance in Houston, Texas, on June 1, which drew a large gathering of nearly 400 people.

An additional event, titled Tabla & Beyond, was conducted on June 9 for a focused audience of scientists and doctors, introducing them to the therapeutic dimensions of rhythm and percussion. This session saw 80 participants engaging with the healing power of music through tabla.

The tour continued to Raleigh, North Carolina, where a tabla solo and an interview were held on June 16. This was followed by a satsang organised by the Raleigh Sri Sathya Sai Centre on June 17, with nearly 200 attendees. Both events allowed the audience to not only witness the artist’s technical brilliance but also to feel the devotional core that defined the tour.

The final leg of the tour brought Shri Nishikant to the Caribbean Islands, where a grand homage concert was conducted in Trinidad & Tobago on June 20, 2025. This event drew an audience of over 500 people and was one of the most impactful programs of the tour.

In recognition of the performance’s excellence and cultural depth, The Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago) published an article on 1 July 2025 titled “Tabla maestro headlines concert of Indian classical music”, highlighting Shri Nishikant’s role in bringing the rich legacy of Indian classical music to the Caribbean audience.

In addition to the concert, a 3-day tabla workshop was also held in Trinidad, comprising six intensive sessions. A total of 70 students participated, benefiting from Shri Nishikant’s rich experience and insights into both the technical and spiritual aspects of tabla.

In conclusion, the Musical Homage Tour was a journey of devotion, gratitude, and cultural outreach. It served not only as a tribute to a legendary Guru but also as a vehicle for sharing the timeless beauty of Indian classical music with diverse audiences across the globe. The tour stood as a testament to the deep bond between Guru and disciple, and to the power of music as a universal language of love, reverence, and transformation.

View Photos