India
In India, the Divine Will Foundation supports the Loka Seva Gurukulam System created with the inspiration of the noted philanthropist and social innovator, Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Founded by Sri Madiyala Narayan Bhat and expanded by Sadguru Sri Madhususdan Sai, The Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam runs a vast network of educational and healthcare institutions in the state of Karnataka in Southern India. This trust provides the highest quality value-based character and academic education (Apara Vidya) at level as well as the deepest spiritual education (Para Vidya) to children from the under-served rural areas. This network of residential campuses offers schooling from elementary to university levels completely free of cost.
While currently focusing on the state of Karnataka, each of the campuses serves as a model for similar institutions throughout India and other emerging nations. This network will be expanded to include over 30 campuses for elementary, pre-university and university students. Presently, there are over 5000 students on 24 campuses in 38 institutions located across 19 districts.
In June 2018, the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence was inaugurated. The school’s emphasis educationally is on technology, sciences, and the liberal arts with new tracts just having been added in the fine arts (drama and music) and a degree and certificate program in Vedic Studies. There is a particular focus on the student’s development in character and values with profoundly powerful and individual attention being paid to each student’s spiritual development. Also included are environmental studies as well as participation in a wide variety of sports and specific community service projects.
All campuses are designed to be “green” with a focus on using solar energy, water conservation, tree planting and similar environmental initiatives. All students at all institutions are provided with high quality, nourishing food and well-designed dormitory facilities. With a focus on values education, character building and supporting and improving society, the students receive a well-rounded education not just for making a living but also for living a meaningful life and contributing to society.
The ultimate goal of this unique educational initiative is said to be “Developing Brilliant Minds, Competent Hands and Compassionate Hearts” as well as ensuring each student’s personal self-transformation along their chosen spiritual path. Divine Will Foundation proudly supports this group of institutions through our collaborative efforts with the Prashanthi Bala Mandira Trust as well as the two unique programs of Each One Educate One and Each One Embrace One.
FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE!
In India, as in a number of developing countries, education is given freely by the government up to the age of 11, after that there is a fee. As many parents, especially those from rural India who are daily wage earners, cannot afford to educate their children. Since educational preference is usually given to the boys, this is even more the case for the young girls. These girls who are not fortunate enough to continue their education either go into child marriages or join the labor force.
This story if that of one of those young girls whose future has been changed:
“My mother raised me under very difficult circumstances in Orissa. I studied in Prashanthi School which was established by one of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s devotees in Orissa from Grade 2 to Grade 10. When my mother and I came to know about Sri Sathya Sai Prashantiniketanam Pre-University College at Chikkaballapur district, she wanted to enroll me here. But I wasn’t prepared to leave her and travel this far. However, I agreed due to her persistent requests.
After joining this College, I started experiencing life in a new way. Everything about this College is filled with positivity. The Campus environs, the academics, the teachers, the food, the hostel, the extra-curricular activities and above all the spiritual education that we receive here is beyond comparison. I used to think, I am not good enough in any aspect of my personality. But, this College has given me umpteen opportunities to explore and showcase my talents. Truly, I am the luckiest girl to be a recipient of this education. My mother is also very happy and grateful to Bhagawan Baba.”