Bhubaneswar: As part of the annual Founder’s Memorial Series, SAI International School, a leading K-12 institution in India, hosted yet another wonderful version of the Founder’s Memorial Talk called “A Journey of Purpose” this year, to honour the life and legacy of its inspiring Founder, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo.
The talk was given by Guruji Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, an eminent scholar, spiritual thinker, and humanitarian, whose powerful speech encouraged thousands of students, educators, and parents to fulfill their lives with compassion, consciousness, and purpose.
The event was a fitting tribute to Dr. Sahoo’s everlasting dream of value-based education, combining knowledge, compassion, and living with a purpose. The Founder’s Memorial Series was commemorated this past year from August to October 2025 with various creative, reflective, and service projects that involved students of all grades at SAI International.
Eventually, it culminated in this year’s Memorial Talk where SAIoneers gathered in large numbers to celebrate the ideals which continue to guide the journey of the institution.
A special moment in the event came when Guruji Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy unveiled the Coffee Table Book detailing the life and legacy of Late Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, along with Vijisha Sahoo and Vishal Aditya Sahoo, Members of the Founder’s Office, SAI International Education Group and Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group. The book summarizes the incredible story of Dr. Sahoo his path as a visionary leader, his pioneering work in education, and his motivation to make a world filled with joy, purpose, and lifelong learning.
In his highly enlightened keynote address, Guruji Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy shared, “A purposeful life is not measured by achievements alone, but by the light one spreads in the lives of others. True education awakens both intellect and compassion; it helps one rise beyond the self and contribute toward humanity. Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo’s life is a shining example of such purpose, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations toward service, integrity, and higher consciousness.”
Guruji also shared touching anecdotes about his student, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, describing him as “a visionary with a mission to achieve.” He recalled the inspiring story of how the SAI campus came into being, how a barren stretch of land was transformed into an institution of excellence through sheer determination, faith, and service. Guruji highlighted the strength of the organisation, commending the timely and seamless management of the day’s event as a reflection of the founder’s ethos. He concluded with a powerful message on ‘Seva’ (selfless service), emphasising that true greatness lies in serving others with humility and love.
The audience was profoundly moved as Guruji talked about self-realization, gratitude, and the importance of nurturing one’s inner self, along with academic excellence. His words mirrored SAI’s holistic education perfectly: it reminded everybody that through education, character is built and a sense of purpose in life is learnt.
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of the SAI International Education Group, said, “The Founder’s Memorial Talk is a sacred occasion for us, a moment to pause and reflect upon, aligning ourselves back towards the values our beloved Founder, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, had envisioned for every SAIoneer. His mission was to create global leaders rooted in empathy and happiness, and we are determined to uphold that legacy. Guruji’s enlightening words today have beautifully reinforced this journey of purpose that continues to define SAI International.”
Adding a deeply emotional dimension, Vijisha Sahoo and Vishal Aditya Sahoo reflected on their father’s vision and the values he instilled in them. They shared, “Papa always had a dream, a dream to make education meaningful and filled with happiness. Though he was a successful Chartered Accountant, he often felt that something was missing. It was only when he envisioned SAI that he truly found his calling. SAI was not just his work; it was his purpose.”
They also spoke about their deep personal bond with their father, reminiscing how his warmth, guidance, and unwavering faith continue to inspire them to carry forward his legacy with the same dedication and compassion.
The session also included an interactive segment with students, where Guruji engaged warmly with young SAIoneers, addressing their thoughtful questions.
Tarun, a student, asked, “What do you think is the role of humility and empathy in youth empowerment?” Guruji responded by explaining the difference between sympathy and empathy, encouraging students to cultivate a heart that truly understands others rather than merely feeling pity.
Another SAIoneer from SAI International Residential School asked, “How can Seva be inculcated in the lives of the current generation?” To this, Guruji replied, “Parents play a crucial role — they must guide their children to help and serve others from a young age.”
Then, a SAIoneer asked, “What is the keyword that students should follow in their daily lives to achieve success?” Guruji beautifully answered, “Follow your teachers’ guidance first, and then your parents’ — they are your truest mentors in life.”
The Founder’s Memorial Series is an annual celebration of the dream of Dr. Sahoo, an educational movement for happiness, purpose, and human connection. Each year, the SAIoneers re-dedicate themselves to live by his guiding principles and make a meaningful contribution to the world.
