In a significant stride toward strengthening India’s skill development ecosystem, The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (AOL-SSRDP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Svenska Institute of Technology to provide industry-ready training in Heavy Vehicle Mechanic and Operator skills.
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 India’s rapidly growing heavy vehicle and logistics sectors.
Under this partnership, AOL-SSRDP will identify, counsel, and prepare candidates from rural, semi-rural, and urban regions, while Svenska Institute of Technology will deliver certified, hands-on training in Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) operations and mechanics — including excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, and dump trucks. The training will combine classroom instruction with practical sessions using Svenska’s advanced simulators and real heavy machinery.
“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,” said Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST.
“We are delighted to collaborate with AOL-SSRDP. With advanced infrastructure and practical training modules, the initiative ensures world-class technical learning,” added Shri Mangesh Vaidya, Managing Director, Svenska Institute of Technology.
Nationwide Impact Through Skill Development
AOL-SSRDP is transforming lives across India through its skill centres, Sri Sri Kaushal Vikas Kendras, and Centres of Excellence, offering training in solar energy, drones, EV technology, carpentry, plumbing, cybersecurity, and now, HEMM operations. The initiative focuses on creating a self-reliant and employable youth workforce, bridging the gap between education and industry demand.
The program’s success stories include:
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Ritika Tidke (Odisha) — a 10th-grade student turned certified DGCA Drone Trainer.
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Papu Buniya (Maharashtra) — once from a humble background, now earns lakhs annually through solar and electrical work.
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Siddhesh Hardas (Karnataka) — trained in EV technology, now exploring entrepreneurship.
Beyond technical skills, AOL-SSRDP integrates Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, and meditation into its curriculum, nurturing emotional resilience, leadership, and well-being — ensuring that youth graduate not only as skilled professionals but as balanced and confident individuals.
About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST)
Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, AOL-SSRDP and AOL-SSIAST have made deep social impact through:
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Skill Development: 4.75+ lakh youth trained at 147+ centres; 45+ ITIs upgraded.
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Education & Health: 473+ Smart Schools reaching 95.5K+ children; 50+ medical units operational.
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Rehabilitation: 10,000+ inmates skilled in 49+ prisons.
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Sustainability: 152 water bodies restored; 3 million farmers trained in natural farming; 100 million trees planted globally.
Through these initiatives, The Art of Living’s social projects continue to nurture people, the planet, and future generations — turning skill empowerment into a movement of holistic nation-building.
