“He/She is a Sai Student” is a phrase that makes any student that has passed through the portals of SSSIHL glee with happiness and pride.
Why? What is so great about being called a Sai Student?
To most of us, it is the joy of being a student of our God and Master, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba (and let me tell you, the perks you enjoy are unlimited). To some others, it is the “status” they gain because of the level of standards that are maintained at SSSIHL (as instructed by the Founder-Chancellor Bhagawan Himself) and the numerous skills they pickup.
To me, it is that and more!
It is the responsibility I now have as a Sai Student that drives me. Let me quote Swami (as we fondly call Bhagawan) here real quick:
“I want you to be leaders to protect the world. Leaders, like lions, self-reliant, courageous, majestic and just.”
Basically, my responsibility and mission in life is to become a leader to save the world from the wrath it is falling into. Isn’t that awesome? I do not have to break my head and think “How am I to contribute to society?” I am already being told what, when, where and how to do! Moreover, it is not “I” that is doing anything; I am merely His instrument.
How different is a Sai Student from any other?
In very simple, raw words, they are God’s own students. Again, quoting Swami,
Naa Pedda Property, College Pillalu
meaning, My biggest property are the college students.
But let’s look at it from other aspects. Sai Students excel in every aspect, be it professional, personal, physical, emotional or spiritual. Why? Well, it is due to so many reasons, the Awareness courses that we take for all the semesters we study there being one and the subtle, camouflaged training of our teachers being another. To take care of our emotional and spiritual wellbeing, we sing bhajans every single day, which has a magic of its own. And to top it all off, exists our tightly packed schedule and compulsory physical exercises that keep us on our toes.
It may seem like this could be achieved elsewhere too. Yes, maybe. But I haven’t yet come across a university that does all this and more!
How does one become a Sai Student?
The is my favourite section because it is a simple yet profound aspect that Swami has reminded us multiple times.
Loosely, a Sri Sathya Sai University student does not imply that you are a Sai Student (WHAT!?). To be a Sai Student, you need to live His message, practise what you preach, and abide by the 5 human values - Sathya (Truth), Dharma, Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non-Violence).
So the good news is, it is never too late to become a Sai Student! Because His definition of His Student is very different from ours. So the choice is ours, whether to be a University Student or a Sai Student (or both).