Bhubaneswar: SAI International Education Group, a renowned educational institution in India, paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo throughout the months of August and September 2023 with their ‘Founder’s Memorial Series.’
According to an official press release, today, the institution orchestrated ‘Advaya’ – An artful experience for parents and students, fostering bonds between them. This event was followed by the ‘Founder’s Memorial Talk’ held within the school premises, where over 5,000 attendees – including parents, teachers, and students, who had the privilege of listening to keynote speaker Devdutt Pattanaik. He shared valuable insights on the theme ‘Happy Minds, Bright Future.’
During August and September 2023, an air of reverence and inspiration enveloped the hallowed halls of SAI International as the school community came together to commemorate the Founder’s Memorial Series. This poignant occasion serves as a testament to the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, the esteemed Founder-Chairman of SAI International. It transcends mere remembrance, becoming a time of deep reflection, where his resolute spirit and dedication to nurturing young minds and moulding future leaders are celebrated. The Founder Memorial Series represents the school’s commitment to perpetuating the eternal teachings envisioned by the Founder, in order to cultivate rational, empathetic, and resilient leaders who drive positive change in society.
Devdutt Pattanaik, the keynote speaker of ‘Founder’s Memorial Talk’, during his speech, shared, “In the journey of life, a happy and relaxed mind is the compass that guides us towards a brighter future. For students, cultivating happiness is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity to inculcate it amidst them, as backed by mythology. Happiness is subjective and immeasurable and one prominent emotion that we should all teach our kids is the power to be content. Mythology, with its timeless stories and wisdom, serves as a reservoir of life lessons, offering profound insights on how to navigate the complexities of existence.”
He further reflected upon the difference between ‘Bigyan Ka Sach’ & ‘Vishwas Ka Sach’, and spoke of how Royal Society’s motto ‘Nullius In Verba’ is taken to mean ‘take nobody’s word for it. It further explained to the students how this stands as an expression of the determination of fellows to verify all statements with facts determined by experiments and to maintain their independence.
Following his inspiring address, SAIoneers engaged in an enriching and witty Q&A with him, seeking guidance on how to cultivate inner peace and the essential factors to consider for a bright future. The winners of the ‘Founder Debate Cup 2023,’ an intellectual showdown of debaters hailing from of Classes IX-XII, were also felicitated on this momentous occasion.
Dr Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, expressed, “Our school’s core mission is the promotion of happiness within education. Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo has consistently underscored the significance of the ‘Happiness Quotient’ (HQ) in one’s life, placing it in higher regard than mere intellectual prowess (IQ). As I step into the role of carrying forth the legacy of SAI International, I do so with a deep sense of purpose and reverence. It is my solemn mission to walk the path envisioned by our revered Founder-Chairman, where happiness and knowledge intertwine seamlessly. Dr Sahoo’s dream of infusing education with happiness has not only been realized but continues to flourish. Our unwavering commitment to this noble ideal remains resolute. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the parents, who have stood as pillars of unwavering support in our journey towards cultivating happy, empathetic, and resilient individuals.”
With deep reverence and gratitude, Vikram Aditya Sahoo, Member of the Founder’s Office shared the profound life lessons he gleaned from the founder, lessons that continue to illuminate his path and resonate within the hearts of the thousands of SAIoneers. Reminiscing the Founder, he expressed, “Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo wove threads of wisdom that have left an indelible mark on us all. He taught us the need to prioritize family, recognizing that amidst our ambitions and pursuits, the bonds of kinship are the truest anchors of our existence. He illuminated the power of dreams, reminding us that they are the beacons guiding us through the darkest of nights. He cautioned us that not following our hearts and chasing our dreams could be one of the gravest risks we might ever take.
The Founder showed us the delicate equilibrium between pride and being proud, urging us to stand tall with humility. He emphasized the importance of remaining firmly rooted and treated success and failure as mere impostors. But perhaps his greatest legacy left behind is the impact he created on countless lives he touched, who would set forth to move ahead to make a difference to the world.”
