AU Gets State’s First Large-Scale Meditation Centre

The Mahabodhi Mekapati Goutham Reddy International Centre for Meditation–Dhamma was inaugurated at Andhra University on Saturday. Organisers described it as the first large-scale meditation facility within a public educational institution in Andhra Pradesh.

The Mahabodhi Society and Andhra University jointly developed the centre at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore. Former MP Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy and his wife, Manimanjari, donated the facility in memory of their son, Mekapati Goutham Reddy. The family said they hoped the centre would promote peace and well-being among students and the wider community.

Family members present included Keerthi Reddy, Ananya Reddy, Krishnarjuna Reddy, Vikram Reddy, and Pruthvi Reddy.

Spread across nearly 15,000 sq ft, the building houses a Dhamma hall and a Vipassana meditation hall. It also includes separate dormitories for men and women, five rooms for Buddhist monks, and modern amenities, including a lift. A Tripitaka Library will be added soon to support study and research.

Addressing the gathering, Rajamohan Reddy highlighted the growing relevance of meditation in contemporary life. He noted that the increasing influence of social media has contributed to rising stress and anxiety among young people.

The ceremony featured special prayers led by Guru Bhante Kassapa Mahathera, president of the Mahabodhi Society, along with other monks. A statue of Mekapati Goutham Reddy was also unveiled on the premises.

The Mahabodhi Society will manage the centre. It plans to offer programmes in mindfulness and social-emotional learning, Vipassana training, yoga sessions, student counselling services, and research initiatives focusing on human values and Buddhist studies.