SAI International Celebrates Legacy of Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo with Advaya and 3rd Founder’s Memorial Talk Featuring Shri Amish Tripathi
Hyderabad : SAI International Education Group, a leading educational group in India, commemorated the legacy of its founder, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, through the ‘Founder’s Memorial Series’ held across August, September, and October 2024. Today, the institution presented Advaya—a creatively designed experience for children and parents aimed at deepening their bond, a connection SAI International values as a core part of holistic education. This year’s theme, “Blossoms of Joy,” celebrated the joy of learning and family engagement. The event was followed by the Founder’s Memorial Talk at the school, where over 5,000 attendees, including parents, teachers, and students, gathered to hear keynote speaker Shri Amish Tripathi, acclaimed author and mythologist, marking the third edition of the Founder’s Memorial Talk.
From August to October 2024, SAI International observed the Founder’s Memorial Series with heartfelt reverence, immersing students across all classes and faculty alike in honoring the legacy of Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, the visionary Founder-Chairman. Each month, students participated with enthusiasm across a variety of enriching activities, including competitions, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and hands-on workshops, all designed to bring Dr. Sahoo’s values and vision to life. This series was more than a remembrance—it was a celebration of his unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds and creating future leaders. Through these events, students deeply connected with his ideals of compassion, resilience, and purposeful leadership. Culminating in the highly anticipated Founder’s Memorial Talk by Shri Amish Tripathi, the series became a powerful tribute to Dr. Sahoo’s legacy and a promise to uphold his teachings in shaping impactful, thoughtful leaders. It stands as a pledge to carry forward his teachings, aiming to develop thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient leaders who will make a positive impact on society.
Shri Amish Tripathi, the keynote speaker of ‘Founder’s Memorial Talk’, during his keynote address, shared, ‘Finding success in a truly dharmic way and understanding one’s purpose and integrity is beyond just religious boundaries. The Four Bodhs—Wisdom, Compassion, Strength, and Justice, (particularly shedding light on Swayambodh) —blends both Western ideas and Indian values offering a universal pursuit of truth. Odia heritage, deeply rooted in the rich history of Kalinga and celebrated through traditions like the Bali Yatra, keeps us connected to our roots and identity. Embrace this legacy with purpose—it’s a strength worth honouring. That’s why, while countless civilizations have risen and faded, India’s vibrant legacy endures, standing the test of time.”
Following his inspiring address, SAIoneers engaged in an enriching & witty Q&A with him, where the students had heart-to-heart conversation with the guest and gained some valuable insights for a brighter and better future. The winners of the ‘Founder’s Debate Cup 2024,’ an intellectual showdown of debaters hailing from of Classes IX-XII, were also felicitated on this momentous occasion. Director Academics and Senior Principal, Shri Nilakantha Panigrahi; Headmaster, SAI International Residential School Shri Amitabh Agnihotri, accompanied by the Associate Directors, SAI International School, Shri Prakash Sahoo and Ms. Rashmi Pandey also graced the occasion with their presence.
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, shared, “Our core mission is to integrate happiness into education. Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo always emphasized the importance of the ‘Happiness Quotient’ (HQ), placing it above mere intellectual achievement (IQ). We are deeply committed to carrying forward his legacy and following the vision of our beloved Founder-Chairman, where happiness and learning go hand in hand. Dr. Sahoo’s dream of a joyful approach to education has not only taken root but continues to grow stronger. This year, we are proud to launch the SAI Happiness Month Programme under our ‘Founder’s Memorial Series,’ an annual celebration each October dedicated to this ideal. My heartfelt thanks to our parents, who have been steadfast partners in our journey to nurture happy, empathetic, and resilient individuals.”
Vishal Aditya Sahoo, a member of the Founder’s Office, shared his heartfelt gratitude and respect as he reflected on the invaluable life lessons imparted by the founder. These lessons, he noted, continue to inspire his journey and resonate deeply within the lives of thousands of SAIoneers. Remembering Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, he said, “Dr. Sahoo, wove wisdom into every interaction, leaving an undeniable impact on us. He taught us the importance of prioritizing family, emphasizing that amidst all our ambitions, the bonds of kinship remain our truest foundation and that people will always remember how you make them feel, so be humble and have your heart full of gratitude. He ignited in us the power of dreams, guiding us to see them as the light that leads us even through the darkest times. He reminded us that ignoring our hearts and dreams could be one of the greatest risks we might ever take and showed us the delicate balance of pride and arrogance. The way, he encouraged us to stay humble is something which can’t be described in words. My father taught me and all his SAIoneers to have unfettering faith, no matter what, just like his namesake: Bijaya.”