Yesterday evening, Bhagawan, emerging from His Divine Abode at 1730 hrs. drove down straight to the University Auditorium where stage was set for the new incumbent of the Vice Chancellorship of Sri Sathya Sai University, Prof. J. Sashidhar Prasad to take over.
In the auditorium, bhajans began at 1655 hrs. and the hall was filled to capacity with Faculty, Staff and Students of the Univerisit along with senior administrators from various other sister institutions made it to the occasion. Bhagawan arrived at 1740 hrs., ceremonially received with Poornakhumbham and Vedic chanting along with senior functionaries of the University. Arriving onstage flanked by the outgoing and incoming Vice Chancellors followed by their consorts, Bhagawan officially lit the lamp commencing the proceedings. As Bhagawan sat onstage, bhajans continued for some more time before Bhagawan nodded for the proceedings to begin. Compeering the function, introducing the occasion, research scholar from Dept. of Physics, Sri Jagdish Chandra spoke about the evolution of the University tagging and crediting the same to Mother Easwaramma's selfless ambition. Prof. US Rao, Principal, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus who spoke next while officially welcoming both the Vice Chancellors to the changing over ceremony, expressed grateful thanks to Bhagawan while invoking HIm with a prayer to continue His shower of Blessings to the University. Sri Sashank Shah, a research scholar from the Dept. of Business Administration spoke at the credentials of the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Vishwanath Pandit. Speaking on the veteran, Sri Shah highlighted the illustrious academic career of Prof. Pandit, who with a rare blend of humility, devotion and academic brilliance guided the University to greater heights. The speaker highlighted Prof. Pandit's tireless efforts that resulted in organising a high profile Business Meet in Prasanthi Nilayam last october, attended by luminaries from India Inc. led by the highest banking official from the country, Dr. Duvvuri Subba Rao, Governor, Reserve Bank of India who delivered the key-note address. Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, who spoke next, who was his usual simple self, spoke on his self evolution from a man simply knowing Sathya Sai Baba into a devotee who came over seeking His blessings. Lucidly narrating phase wise evolution of his becoming a devotee and later, a visiting faculty on sabbatical from Delhi University Prof. Pandit thanked Bhagawan profusely for making him a worthy instrument in HIs mission leaving Bhagawan to rate his performance at the helm of affairs of the University for the past almost two years. Prof. G Venkataraman speaking next, formally introducing the new Vice Chancellor, hailed Prof. Prasad to be a core research oriented person who has over 300 publicatiions to his credit in various journals of national and international repute. Specialising in 'liquid crystals' the Professor equally developed his research interest in other physics related areas, said the former Vice Chancellor. He also highlighted on Prof. Prasad's rare achievement of winning a grant worth Rs. 100 crores for his erstwhile University as its Vice Chancellor, which according to the veteran professor is a commendable achievement considering the prevailing bureaucratic hurdles. The Former Vice Chancellor, ending his speech on a positive note, commenting on Prof. Prasad's earlier stint as VC of Mysore University, said the new VC would enjoy the coordination and co-operation of the entire University; he further advised the new Vice Chancellor to put all problems before the Chancellor who would take care of everything so that he would be having lesser problems and higher challenges. Prof. Sashidhar Prasad, the new incumbent, the 9th Vice Chancellor of the University, in his brief speech highlighted on his personal growth as a Sai devotee who had a rare connection with late Prof. Kasturi. Being the son of a former Vice Chancellor of Mysore University, Prof. D. Javare Gowda , the new Vice Chancellor highlighted his ninety three year old father's words of appreciation at his selection by Bhagawan, quotion him, "You are chosen by the Living God, best thing that could happen". Former Vice Chancellor SV Giri who was the last one to address, who spoke on the uniqueness of the institution and the educational system imparted at the hallowed portals.This was followed by felicitation of the outgoing Vice Chancellor and his consort. Bhagawan presented a golden bracelet to the new incumbent, Prof. Sashidhar Prasad. Arathi was offered after two aalaap bhajans and Bhagawan left the dais for Mandir at 1925 hrs. Laddu Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage. Back in the mandir, bhajan was on and Bhagawan arrived at 1730 hrs. Ascending the portico Bhagawan called for Arathi and as Arathi was being offered Bhagawan alighted to come onstage for a brief darshan before moving off the dais to retire to Yajur Mandiram at 1940 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage. Source :http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/darshanupdateJune2010.html Om Sai Ram
