The Deemed University has established a unique place in the realm of higher education and has been acclaimed by leading public personalities as evidenced from their convocation addresses. A few excerpts are given below:
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, President of India (Convocation, November 2006)
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna told Arjuna, "See the flower, how generously it distributes perfume and honey. It gives to all, gives freely its essence. When its work is done, it falls away quietly. Try to be like the flower, unassuming despite all its qualities". This characteristic is being imbibed and followed by every student of the Institute in all areas of activities.
Sri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice President of India (Convocation, November 2003)
This campus has a unique serenity and sublimity of atmosphere. There is a refinement and a soothing power about this campus. Every teacher and student, every administrator and worker here seem to know intuitively that this Institute is also a centre of Higher Behaviour and a seat of Higher Understanding. This Institute is known for imparting integral education. Welfare of the poor and the downtrodden through several humanitarian projects is the running theme of this Institute which shapes the outlook of the students and forms a part of their mental make-up; they are trained to think in terms of giving more to the society than to take from it.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, President of India (Convocation, November 2002)
The purpose of real education is to initiate a learning process that transforms students into good human beings with knowledge and value systems. Is value based education possible? Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning has given an answer in the affirmative. I am in a place where learning takes place in a divine environment. Here students get education with a value system. I would like to congratulate SSSIHL for this noble education.
Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister of India(Convocation, November 1998)
The students of this Institute are not just students, but seekers of truth. The divine guidance of Bhagavan Baba has elevated even education to the level of worship of God. The education imparted here is of the liberative kind. It addresses both 'apara' and 'para' aspects of man & society. The higher learning which the pupils here receive facilitates their integral development, and enables them to become better human beings with a finer, culturally richer character.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, Union Finance Minister, Govt of India (Convocation, November 1995)
I offer my heartiest congratulations to those students who, after a diligent pursuit of their studies, have earned their degrees and diplomas. May their path be blessed. Under the direction and guidance of Bhagavan Baba, they have gone through a holistic programme of education with its emphasis on the ideals of Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa in the contemporary setting. These are the very ideals which India and the world need to live up to so as to build a new commonwealth of brotherhood and a world order free from the fear of war, want and exploitation
Rt. Hon. Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius (Convocation, November 1993)
It is indeed rare to find Institutions of higher learning like the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, where students receive free education, where voluntary service prevails, and where the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom is combined with duty and devotion. What is unique at this Institute is that it is founded by Bhagavan Baba; it is inspired by His teachings, and is guided by His concept of a wholesome education based on the fundamental values of Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-violence.
Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, President of India (Convocation, November 1992)
I am deeply impressed by the infrastructure, atmosphere, equipment and human resources organized for imparting education at Vidyagiri. The Campuses at Prasanthi Nilayam, Brindavan and Anantapur are an invaluable asset in the crucial task of promoting Integral Education. Indeed, these constitute a blessing of far-reaching significance. There is much to be learnt here by the student, the teachers, educationists and policy-makers.
Sri P V Narasimha Rao, Prime Minister of India (Convocation, November 1991)
This Institute is a pioneering and unique seat of Learning; spiritual and ethical values permeate this Deemed University. The atmosphere here is calm, solemn and serene, and is surcharged with spiritual ethos. It is in such an environment that our ancient Rishis transmitted knowledge to their disciples. It is for this reason that I feel happy to be here. For myself, I would like to humbly study this Institution, understand the process of how it grew from strength to strength, and then see what can be done to extend the influence and the halo of this Deemed University far and wide in India.
Sri R Venkatraman - President of India (Convocation, November 1990)
To the Graduates, I would like to say: ... You have received all-round instruction through the System which your Institute appropriately calls “Integral Education”. But above all, you have received here a sense of Human Values - Values which are common to all the religious faiths of the world, indeed common to human-kind.