Maharashtra Government and Art of Living’s SSRDP Partner to Transform 150 Government-Aided Schools

Bengaluru, Aug 01, 2025: In a move aimed at enhancing the quality of education and promoting holistic development, the Government of Maharashtra and The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (SSRDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform 150 government-aided schools across 10 districts in the state.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, senior government officials, and Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of the Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust.

The partnership is designed to improve infrastructure and learning outcomes in government schools by incorporating digital tools, capacity-building programs, and wellness practices. Key interventions include the establishment of digital smart classrooms and computer labs, development of STEM and science laboratories, teacher training on modern pedagogy, and implementation of yoga, meditation, and emotional resilience sessions for students.

In addition to educational enhancements, the initiative includes physical upgrades such as classroom renovation, improved sanitation facilities, library updates, and the installation of solar units to ensure consistent power supply. Creative and sports-based development programs will also be introduced to encourage overall growth among students.

Each of the 150 schools will undergo a baseline assessment to develop tailored intervention plans. The implementation will be phased over a three-year period, with support sourced from corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships and philanthropic contributions mobilized by SSRDP.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis said, “We are committed to transforming education in Maharashtra. Through this partnership with the Art of Living SSRDP, we aim to create environments that nurture not just academic excellence but also emotional, digital and moral intelligence in our students.”

Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of the Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust, added, “This MoU embodies Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji’s vision of holistic education that empowers every child emotionally, physically and intellectually. Together with the Maharashtra Government, we will reimagine these schools into vibrant centers of learning and inspiration.”

The Art of Living SSRDP has also extended an invitation to corporates, philanthropic institutions, and community stakeholders to support this initiative, aiming to make the selected schools models of inclusive and empowered education.