Summer Course in Bhāratīya Culture and Spirituality 2026
Antar Jāgaraṇa – Inner Awakening: The Guiding Light in Life’s Journey
The Summer Course in Bhāratīya Culture and Spirituality 2026, organised by the Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), concluded successfully after three days of inspiring discourses, interactive case studies, panel discussions, devotional sessions, and reflective learning. Instituted by Revered Founder Chancellor Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in the early 1970s, the Summer Course continues to be a distinctive feature of SSSIHL’s Integral Education system, nurturing students through the harmonious integration of academic excellence, character development, and spiritual wisdom.
Held from 26–28 July 2026 at Prasanthi Nilayam, this year’s Summer Course centred on the theme “Antar Jāgaraṇa – Inner Awakening: The Guiding Light in Life’s Journey,” inviting students to embark on a lifelong journey of self-discovery, righteous living, and selfless service. The three-day event was attended by over 3000 students and staff of all SSSIHL campuses, XI-XII Std. students of Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School (Girls and Boys Wings) and Smt. Eswaramma High School,
The three-day Summer Course was graced by Sri K. Chakravarthi, IAS (Retd.), Chancellor, SSSIHL; Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL; Dr Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL; and Dr G. S. Srirangarajan, Controller of Examinations, SSSIHL.
The programme was honoured by the presence of Sri R. J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, and senior members of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust (SSSCT), Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (SSSSO), Sri Sathya Sai Global Council (SSSGC). Senior functionaries of the Sai institutions and organisations, senior faculty members and staff of the Institute and its Schools also participated in the programme.
Day 1 – 26 July 2026 | Awakening the Inner Light
The Summer Course commenced with addresses by Dr Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL, Dr G. S. Srirangarajan, Co-Chairperson, Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies and Controller of Examinations, SSSIHL, and Sri R. J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, who set the context for the theme and reaffirmed Bhagawan’s vision of values-based integral education. The keynote address by Sri Amol Anil Muzumdar, Head Coach of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, explored Inner Awakening and Inner Resilience, while an interactive case study on “Choosing Śreyas over Preyas: Lessons from Naciketā” encouraged students to choose lasting good over fleeting pleasure.
Read:Day 1 report and photographs→ https://www.sssihl.edu.in/summer-course-2026-day-1/
Day 2 – 27 July 2026 | Practice and Dharma
The second day focused on the transformative power of Abhyāsa (practice) and Dharma. A case study on “Inner Awakening and Abhyāsa: Lessons from Lord Hanuman”, moderated by Dr Sai Shyam, featured Dr V. Bhaskaran, Dr K. J. Srinivas, Dr Priyamvada C., and Sri Sai Ganesh Muthuraman, Software Engineer, Google.
The evening panel at Sai Kulwant Hall, moderated by Prof. Rani P. L., brought together Ms Sai Swaroopa Iyer, Ms Sai Geetha M. N., Dr Lathasree, and Ms Vidyulatha Narayan, who reflected on “Dharma as the Compass for Daily Life” and its relevance in personal and professional life.
Read: Day 2 report and photographs → https://www.sssihl.edu.in/summer-course-2026-day-2/
View: Day 2 Proceedings from Sai Kulwant Hall
Day 3 – 28 July 2026 | Discovering the Self
The concluding day explored the timeless questions of identity and purpose. Smt. Vishakha Hari, Carnatic Vocalist and Distinguished Harikatha Exponent, delivered a deeply inspiring discourse on “Ko’ham? (Who am I?) – Rediscovering Our True Identity and Self-Worth.” This was followed by a case study on Śvetaketu, moderated by Dr Maitali Khanna, featuring Prof. Deepa Seetharaman, Ms Sai Archana M., Sri J. Prem Anosh, and Sri Vinod Cartic, which explored the Mahāvākya Tat Tvam Asi and the role of humility in true education.
The valedictory address by Sri J. Sai Deepak, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Delhi High Court, and Author, inspired students to apply Bhāratīya wisdom and Dharmic values in addressing contemporary challenges and contributing to nation-building.
Read: Day 3 report and photographs → https://www.sssihl.edu.in/summer-course-2026-day-3/
View: Day 3 Proceedings from Sai Kulwant Hall
A Journey Beyond Three Days
Across three days, the Summer Course brought together eminent scholars, educators, professionals, industry leaders, and spiritual practitioners, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with India’s timeless wisdom traditions through lectures, case studies, discussions, devotional programmes, Vedam, bhajans, and workshops. The sessions reinforced Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision that education must culminate in character, compassion, and selfless service.
As students return to their respective campuses, they carry with them not merely the memories of three enriching days, but a renewed resolve to practise the values they have reflected upon.
The Summer Course reaffirmed that Antar Jāgaraṇa—Inner Awakening—is not a destination, but a lifelong journey of self-discovery, righteous living, and dedicated service to society, enabling each individual to become a beacon of light in the world.
Event Page – https://www.sssihl.edu.in/summer-course-2026/
Schedule: https://www.sssihl.edu.in/sssihl-summer-course-2026-event-schedule/
