Most seniors are used to explaining their senior research projects to Jefferson’s many visitors. Yesterday, several seniors had the chance to explain their work to Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, the CEO and chairman of GMR Group, a global infrastructure company in India.

Rao, who was in America to visit the Indian ambassador, was interested in stopping by Jefferson for a visit on May 7. Escorted by Principal Evan Glazer and assistant principal intern James Bermudez, Rao was shown the senior technology and research labs and freshman technology classrooms.

As part of GMR Group, Rao set up the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation (GMRVF), which aims to improve education and the quality of life in communities in India. Rao, who is interested in setting up science and technology schools in India, has been visiting other exemplar schools, in addition to Jefferson.

“We sat down afterwards, and we talked about what kind of help he would need,” Glazer said. “I think the intent was that I could provide him some advice on getting started, and perhaps his foundation would be able to support TJ in our renovation capital campaign, so we could be helping each other.”