SSE Virtual Graduation Program
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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of change in the world, and it was no different at the Toronto-York Sai Centre. Since the physical centre is temporarily closed to respect the safety of the devotees, SSE quickly improvised and adapted to an alternative online format for the remainder of the year. Despite all the obstacles, through Swami’s grace, the classes were a smashing success. They remained as engaging as ever, and students were able to continue reaping the benefits of the SSE program even if they couldn’t do it in person. On Sunday, June 21st, 2020, the end of the SSE year, a graduation ceremony was held entirely on the Zoom platform, with Group 4 graduates and gurus participating via an online video meeting. All other students and gurus were invited to watch the program through a live stream. The program began with Veda Chanting, pre-recorded and edited by the SSE students along with Bhagavan’s 108 names were also chanted. The ceremony then proceeded with two speeches, one by a parent of an SSE graduate, as well as one by a former SSE student, who shared their personal and heartfelt experiences. Students who demonstrated consistent attendance and exceptional participation in class, both before and after the switch to the online platform, were also recognized. The graduates were then presented with their certificates, as well as the symbolic candle and rose, by their parents. The graduate certificate, rose, candle, and other items were all personally delivered to the graduates’ homes across the GTA the day before. Following the ceremony, a special ‘satsang’ (devotional songs) was live-streamed, with recordings from SSE bhajans from past years being played. The dedication, unity and resilience displayed by all SSE students, Gurus and coordinators through the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the values taught in the SSE program and the love of all students and team members to Swami and his divine teachings.