Bhogapuram, August 17, 2026: Global spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar inaugurated the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation (GMRVF) Skill Development Centre at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh. The Centre is designed to train up to 1,000 youth annually and connect them with employment opportunities in India and overseas.
During his visit, Gurudev interacted with trainees and staff, learning about the Centre’s training programmes and the aspirations of participating youth. He also visited Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, where G.M. Rao, Chairman, GMR Group, briefed him on the airport’s development and infrastructure.
The Skill Development Centre, established by GMRVF, the CSR arm of GMR Group, focuses on young people from remote and underserved communities. It combines classroom instruction with practical training and industry partnerships to provide job-oriented skills and support pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, “Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport brings together the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh with a vision for a brighter future. True development is about creating opportunities and improving lives. This airport has the potential to become a powerful catalyst for the growth of North Andhra, creating greater opportunities in tourism, trade, investment, employment and entrepreneurship.
It is heartening to see a world-class infrastructure project that is rooted in the identity and spirit of the region. I commend Shri G. M. Rao Garu and the GMR team for creating not merely an airport, but a landmark that reflects excellence, service and the spirit of Andhra Pradesh. May this airport become a gateway of growth and prosperity, opening new possibilities for the people of North Andhra and strengthening India’s journey towards a developed nation”, he further added.
Mr. Ashwini Saxena, CEO - GMRVF, said, “Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s visit to the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation Skill Development Centre at Bhogapuram and his interaction with the trainees is an inspiring moment for the young people who are preparing themselves for a future of greater opportunities. His message on the transformative power of education, skills and youth empowerment aligns closely with GMR’s vision of making infrastructure development more inclusive and meaningful for the communities it serves.
The Skill Development Centre has been established with this very purpose to ensure that the growth around Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport creates opportunities not only in aviation and allied sectors, but across the wider economic ecosystem. With the capacity to train 1,000 youth annually, industry partnerships and a dedicated International Placements Wing, the Centre will provide young people from remote and underserved communities with the skills, exposure and pathways needed to pursue sustainable livelihoods in India and overseas” he further added.
The facility includes six classrooms with audio-visual facilities, an IT laboratory, library, seminar hall, mess and dining facilities, and practical training workshops. Its International Placements Wing will support employment opportunities for trained youth in India and overseas.
GMRVF began its CSR interventions in Bhogapuram alongside the construction of the airport, with initiatives focused on health, wellbeing and livelihoods. The Skill Development Centre is part of this broader community development work, alongside a Mobile Medical Unit serving surrounding communities.
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