Chief Justice of India Justice N.V. Ramana on Monday said students should make their efforts to establish a progressive world being global citizens.
Speaking at the 40th convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, CJI Ramana told the students that they should not be trapped in individual needs or wants, and stay circumscribed by family, neighbourhood, village, community, and so on. “If you start practicing this, you will soon be living in a better world free of conflicts and violence,” the CJI said.
Emphasizing on both skills and values to live a just life, CJI Ramana motivated the students not to doubt their strengths and help those in need. “With your skills and values, you can change the world for the better,” he said.
Ramana noted with regret the modern education system’s focus on the utilitarian function of education and said such a system is not equipped to deal with the moral or the spiritual function of education.
According to the CJI, moral and spiritual education builds the character of students and allows them to develop a social consciousness and sense of responsibility. He said education is often understood to mean academic learning, however, being truly educated means much more. True education should result in a far more holistic positive change and advancement in the life of a student.
Reminding the social responsibility of the educated individuals, CJI Ramana said educated individuals have the responsibility to enrich society. One must educate all those around, and empower people, communities, and societies, he said.
Noting that November 23 marks the 96th Birthday of Sathya Sai Baba, he said the convocation was more special since it falls a day prior to the day when divinity graced the earth. “Whenever there is an occasion to visit Prasanthi Nilayam, I am filled
with joy, as it gives me an opportunity to visit this place of peace, wisdom, and learning. A visit to this place also provides me an opportunity to seek blessings from Baba,” he said.
CJI Ramana said he had the good fortune of having Baba’s darshan and has always carried with him the late godman’s words of wisdom. He also said he was happy to be here since his wife Sivamala was a student of
Another reason that I am happy to be here, is My wife, Sivamala, was a student of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. “She always shares very fondly about Swami’s teachings and the positive and spiritual impact on her life,” CJI Ramana said.
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