Bengaluru, October 30, 2025: The Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (AOL-SSRDP), founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar under The Art of Living, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Svenska Institute of Technology to train India’s youth in Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) operations and mechanics.
The MoU was signed by Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST, and Shri Mangesh Vaidya, Managing Director of Svenska Institute of Technology. The collaboration aims to train and place over 500 youth annually in leading companies across India’s expanding heavy vehicle, logistics, and infrastructure sectors.
Under the initiative, AOL-SSRDP will identify, counsel, and prepare candidates from rural, semi-rural, and urban communities, while Svenska Institute will deliver industry-certified, hands-on training in HEMM operations, mechanics, and engineering — including excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, and dump trucks. Training will combine classroom instruction with real-world learning using Svenska’s simulators and actual machinery.
Shri Prasana Prabhu said, “The Heavy Earth Moving Machinery sector is vital to India’s infrastructure growth, yet faces a severe shortage of skilled professionals. This partnership with Svenska bridges that gap — creating pathways for youth to gain hands-on expertise and contribute to the nation’s development.”
Shri Mangesh Vaidya, Managing Director, Svenska Institute of Technology, stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with AOL-SSRDP. With advanced infrastructure and practical training modules, the initiative ensures world-class technical learning.”
The partnership aligns with India’s Skill India and Viksit Bharat missions, focusing on sustainable livelihoods through skill-based education. It seeks to equip youth with both technical proficiency and life skills, enabling them to thrive in emerging industries such as construction, logistics, and green mobility.
Beyond HEMM training, AOL-SSRDP operates an extensive network of Sri Sri Kaushal Vikas Kendras and Centres of Excellence, offering courses in solar energy, drones, EV technology, carpentry, plumbing, and cybersecurity. To date, AOL-SSRDP has trained over 4.75 lakh youth across 147+ centres and upgraded 45 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) nationwide.
The initiative also emphasizes holistic growth through leadership development, yoga, and Sudarshan Kriya practice to foster focus, resilience, and emotional well-being among trainees.
The success stories of beneficiaries reflect the impact of AOL-SSRDP’s approach. Ritika Tidke from Odisha, once a 10th-grade student, is now a certified DGCA Drone Trainer. Papu Buniya from Maharashtra leveraged solar and electrical training to secure a stable livelihood, while Siddhesh Hardas from Karnataka transitioned into EV technology and entrepreneurship.
Through partnerships like this, Art of Living Social Projects continues to advance its mission of empowering communities through skill development, education, sustainability, and rural transformation. The collaboration with Svenska Institute adds another dimension to its work — building a skilled, confident, and self-reliant generation ready to contribute to India’s economic and infrastructural growth.
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