Divine Discourse

24 February 2005, Appointment of University Vice Chancellor, Prasanthi Nilayam

Published English.

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Students and teachers, it is truly your good luck and fortune! If you reflect on the Vice Chancellors and the teachers you have had, you will realise that it is verily your good fortune. The first Vice Chancellor of this university was . The seeds sown by him have sprouted today and have acquired great reputation and esteem. Today, his son is taking charge of this university as its Vice Chancellor. was a great scholar. His son is also a great scholar and a great intellectual.

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In the future, this Institute will attain great heights and will become the leader for the whole country. There may be some ignorant people who will have doubts as to how such a university in a rural village can become a leader. But note that it is bound to become one! You all think that this university will excel only in academics. This is not merely an educational Institution. In the future the concept of "" will gain great repute and acceptance. " " will be shared by this Institute with all the people.

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Secular education is merely the gross or the superficial manifestation. The undercurrent is . This will gain emphasis and will come to the forefront very soon! The initiative has already been taken in . Great scholars have associated themselves in this process. It is not that it depends on the individuals, but their capacity also counts.

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Lincoln would pay his obeisance to his parents before leaving the house every day. You too must respect your parents and make them happy. That is why since ancient times, it has been said, . .

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Do not do all this merely to win praise. Humility is a must. Only those who behave like this can be called students. They will reach great heights. Such students are needed today. We have a good lot of them. is willing that He should give them more and more opportunities to manifest the noble qualities within them. You think that you have secured high ranks. Do not limit yourself to those ranks. Be true to yourself.

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Many spend a lot of money and go abroad. There is nothing great in that. Stay here and be prestigious. I will never be happy if you humiliate your own country and acquire a good name abroad. Students, I am so happy to see all of you. You too are deriving so much happiness looking at . I am ready to give up even My life to foster you all. Keep up your good conduct. That is very important.

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was a great scholar. His son too rejected great and attractive offers and chose to work in the villages in India. He may look very simple from outside. But you cannot comprehend his honour and dignity. Modern students wear all sorts of coats. However, he wears simple clothes. He has sacred qualities, which are so dear to . This University has been gifted with such people right from the beginning.

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In this world, there are many educated people. But they sell their education for money. Spirituality is not a commodity for sale. Spiritual education is very necessary today. too was occupying a very high position, that of the Chief Vigilance Commissioner, before coming here. He resigned and came straight to . It is these sacrifices that brought him such good name and repute. (Not by action, not by progeny, not by wealth; but by sacrifice alone can man attain immortality).

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Today, too sacrificed everything and came to . The other day, we had sent some members from the Central Trust to invite him to take up this position. Hearing them, he just forgot himself. He and his wife immediately consented to come over here and accept the responsibility. Such men of sacrifice will surely win great repute.

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Students, your Love is most valuable to Me. I am unmindful of any other wealth. See that this Love does not diminish. Humility is the breath of God. It is (education) that should be shared with everybody. From tomorrow, will make all efforts to share the richness of his past experience with you all. will continue to stay here. Just because another Vice Chancellor has come, he will not leave and go. Our former Vice-Chancellors, Prof. and S.V.Giri, have decided to settle down here and share their knowledge with all.

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( concluded His Discourse with the , " ").

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