Mahabodhi Society, Andhra University launch meditation centre in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: Mahabodhi Society and Andhra University inaugurated the Mahabodhi Mekapati Goutham Reddy International Centre for Meditation–Dhamma on the university campus on Saturday. Built at a cost of nearly Rs 4 crore by former MP Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy and his wife Mani Manjari, the centre was donated in memory of their son, former minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy, who passed away due to a heart attack while serving as the IT minister of Andhra Pradesh in 2022. The couple expressed their hope that the centre would serve as a platform to promote peace and happiness in society and benefit both university students and the general public. Officials said that this is the first meditation centre of its kind on a university campus in Andhra Pradesh and is expected to serve as a model for other institutions. They expressed gratitude to the university authorities and Mahabodhi Society members who supported the project.The opening was attended by Mekapati Goutham Reddy's family, including his wife Keerthi Reddy, daughter Ananya Reddy, son Krishnarjuna Reddy, and brothers Vikram Reddy and Prudhvi Reddy. During the event, a statue of the late Goutham Reddy was unveiled on campus, adorned with floral tributes. Following this, Buddhist monks conducted special prayers in the meditation hall, invoking peace and welfare for society.
The centre, spread over approximately 15,000 square feet, includes a Dhamma (meditation) hall, a Vipassana meditation hall on the upper floor, five rooms for Buddhist monks, separate dormitories for male and female Vipassana participants, and a lift facility. A Tripitaka library is also being established within the centre. The facility is designed as an international hub for meditation, offering a space for stress relief, knowledge, and peace, while promoting love and harmony in society. The inauguration ceremony featured special prayers led by Mahabodhi Society president Guru Bante Kassap Mahtir Bante, executive director Anand Thir Bante, and in-charge Bikku Dharma Datt Bante.