July 11, 2016

Before the commencement of the Sathya Sai World Youth Festival, this evening 200 youth from 49 countries graduated from the Sri Sathya Sai International Youth Leadership Programme (SSIYLP), which took place between 8th and 11th July 2016 at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL). Certificates were handed out in Sai Kulwant Hall to the delegates by the organisation leaders.

Happy Graduates

The SSIYLP was developed in 2014 to provide standardised leadership training to Sri Sathya Sai Youth based on Bhagawan’s teachings. The course covers both foundational knowledge and practical application in society, through nine modules – six online sessions, and three residential sessions at the SSSIHL, Prasanthi Nilayam. Areas of focus included Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s life and His teachings, overview and functions of the Sri Sathya Sai International Organisation (SSSIO), Sri Sathya Sai Baba teachings on leadership; challenges faced by youth, loving communications, team dynamics and project management. Graduates from the 2015 SSIYLP are working with their senior local leaders and SSSIO committees on a variety of projects for practical applications.

Mr. Deviesh Tankaria from UK and Ms. Selene Ricart from Argentina

Prior to the graduation ceremony, two speakers addressed the gathering at Sai Kulwant Hall. Mr. Deviesh Tankaria from the United Kingdom, who is Chair of the SSIYLP Committee, spoke on how the programme has inspired youth globally to implement Swami’s teachings and to take on leading roles in the SSSIO. Ms. Selene Ricart, Youth Representative for Argentina and a graduate from the SSIYLP 2015, spoke lovingly about the lessons she learnt and her experiences in the programme and how she has been practising what she learnt with determination.

Senior officers of the SSSIO addressing the students during the four-day programme

A short video on the overview of the Sri Sathya Sai International Youth Leadership Programme was then played before youth from the United Kingdom, Australia and the Netherlands offered a musical programme entitled Sevaks (servants) to Nayaks (leaders).

Sessions from the SSSIYLP