August 15

Born Aurobindo Ghose in 1872 in Bengal, he excelled academically before joining the early revolutionary movement against British rule. After a visionary spiritual experience in 1908, he withdrew to Pondicherry to develop Integral Yoga, seeking to unite material life with spiritual evolution. A prolific writer, his works include "The Life Divine," "Savitri," and numerous essays on culture and education. He founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, attracting disciples worldwide. His vision combined activism, spirituality, and poetry, shaping Indian thought in the 20th century. Sri Aurobindo died in 1950, leaving a rich philosophical and literary legacy.

Born in Beth Israel, Pennsylvania in 1926, John Silber earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Texas. He joined the faculty of Boston University in 1953 and became its president in 1971. Under his tenure, the university experienced significant growth in enrollment, endowment, and academic reputation. Silber was known for his outspoken style, conservative views, and commitment to academic excellence. He ran for governor of Texas in 1990, bringing national attention to his leadership style and educational philosophy. Silber authored several books on Hegelian philosophy and higher education. He retired in 1996 and continued to write and lecture until his passing in 2012.