As part of the Summer Course held at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Brindavan Campus, there was a panel discussion on the topic “Sai Student as Manager- Blessings, Opportunities and Challenges”. The panelists were below alumni members

1) Mr Srinivasa Rao (MBA batch of 1989-91)
2) Mr Karthik Shenoi (MBA batch of 1993-95)
3) Mr Raghavendra (Moderator) (MBA batch of 1993-95)
4) Mr Nikhil CS (MBA batch of 2012-14)
5) Mr Parikshit Menon (MBA batch of 2013-15)

The moderator opened the session stating that early on when a MBA graduate commences his/her career, an initial handicap is faced when we compete with graduates from colleges that enjoy larger recognition. The panelists shared anecdotal experiences on how they overcame initial challenges and broadly below were the points.

1. Grit in staying the course
2. Going the extra mile
3. Acknowledging that success is predicated on serendipity / right time, right place/ chance etc and with Bhagawan’s Grace a luck break come at some point of time
4. After a few years of worklife, only our work speaks and not the brand of the MBA

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The next topic discussed was how the Integral Education system that students of SSSIHL  imbibe during the years in Sai Institutions help in professional and personal lives. The panelists covered using instances in their lives / careers, on how Integral education helped. Below points were highlighted.

1. Ability to handle stress  via meditation / bhajans/ satsangh etc
2. The ability to set higher work standards for ourselves given inherent work ethic
3. Better time management given that we learnt during our hostel/ college day
4. The multifaceted skills that we learn in sports meet / extra curricular activities helps us forge better interpersonal skills
5. The involvement in SSSSO/service activities adds meaning/richness  to life as we progress higher in Maslow hierarchy of needs
6. Qualities such as empathy, kindness etc makes us better leaders / colleagues

The moderator then invited the panelists, to elaborate on the acronym MANAGER given by Bhagawan Baba and the members responded by way of incidents in professional lives where aspects such as Role of rules, Guidelines to Goodness played out. Post above, there was an interaction between the students and the panelists. Various questions came up from the assembled students, which were responded to by the panelists.