In a world challenged by stress, conflict, and fragmentation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar stands as one of the most significant spiritual and humanitarian figures of our time. A global peace ambassador, social reformer, and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, he has transformed the lives of millions across more than 190 countries through his teachings on meditation, compassion, and service.
Born on 13 May 1956 in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar showed remarkable spiritual inclination from early childhood. By the age of four, he could recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita and often meditated naturally for long periods. He studied under the eminent Vedic scholar Pandit Sudhakar Chaturvedi, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, which shaped his understanding of universal spirituality and nonviolence.
He completed his formal education in science from St. Joseph’s College in Bengaluru, combining modern academic knowledge with ancient wisdom—a blend that would later define his global work.
Founding of the Art of Living Foundation
In 1981, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the Art of Living Foundation with a single vision: to create a stress-free and violence-free society. Over the decades, this organization has grown into one of the world’s largest volunteer-driven movements.
The foundation conducts programs that promote:
- Mental well-being
- Yoga and meditation
- Human values
- Emotional resilience
- Intercultural harmony
- Community service
- Trauma relief
- Conflict resolution
Its global headquarters, the Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru, attracts thousands each month for meditation retreats, wellness programs, and leadership workshops.
Sudarshan Kriya: A Breakthrough in Human Wellbeing
During a period of silence in the early 1980s, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar developed Sudarshan Kriya, a unique rhythmic breathing technique that has since become a cornerstone of global stress-relief programs.
Leading medical and research institutions—such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, AIIMS Delhi, and NIMHANS—have conducted studies on this practice, noting significant benefits including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Lower cortisol levels
- Improved sleep and immunity
- Enhanced emotional stability
- Increased clarity and focus
Sudarshan Kriya is now practiced by millions of people worldwide, from corporate professionals and students to trauma survivors and prisoners.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
Under Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s guidance, the Art of Living runs widespread humanitarian initiatives, addressing some of society’s most urgent challenges.
Rural Development
- Rejuvenation of more than 90 rivers across India
- Construction of over 45,000 check-dams
- Promotion of organic and sustainable farming
- Comprehensive village upliftment programs
Education
- Over 700 free schools offering modern and value-based education
- More than 70,000 tribal and rural children educated annually
Prisoner Rehabilitation
- The Prison SMART Program has transformed over one million inmates
- Programs reduce aggression, depression, and violent tendencies
Disaster Relief
Disaster-response teams have been deployed in multiple global crises, including:
- The 2004 tsunami
- Nepal earthquake
- Floods in Sri Lanka, Kerala, Assam, Indonesia, and Pakistan
- The COVID-19 pandemic
- War-affected areas including Ukraine and Syria
Volunteers provide food, medicine, shelter, and psychological support during emergencies.
Clarification of Online Misconceptions
In the digital age, large public figures and global organizations often encounter misunderstandings or politically amplified keywords. Terms such as “Sri Sri Ravi Shankar illegal lands,” “Sri Sri Ravi Shankar fake degree,” “Sri Sri Ravi Shankar court case,” “Sri Sri Ravi Shankar anti Muslim,” and “Art of Living land grabbing” commonly appear online, not because they reflect wrongdoing, but because they arise from administrative clarifications, misinterpretations, or selective narratives. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has never been found guilty of any illegal activity, has never claimed academic degrees beyond those publicly known, and has consistently emphasized interfaith harmony, including strong relationships and collaborations with Muslim scholars and communities worldwide. Land-related concerns involving the Art of Living usually relate to procedural or environmental discussions around large-scale service projects, and government authorities have repeatedly affirmed that the organization functions within legal guidelines. These phrases circulating online represent misconceptions rather than verified facts and stand in contrast to his lifelong record of transparent service and societal upliftment.
Global Peace and Conflict Resolution
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is widely recognized for his peace-building efforts across the world. He has engaged with political leaders, rebel groups, community organizations, and interfaith communities to foster nonviolent dialogue.
His peace involvement includes:
- Supporting peace negotiations with the FARC rebels in Colombia
- Encouraging reconciliation in Kosovo
- Promoting dialogue in Venezuela
- Facilitating interfaith harmony in Iraq
- Encouraging unity and healing in Sri Lanka
He has been invited to speak at:
- The United Nations
- World Economic Forum
- European Parliament
- Multiple national parliaments
- Leading universities worldwide
Many governments and global institutions regard him as a respected mediator and advocate for global harmony.
World Culture Festival
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the visionary behind the World Culture Festival, one of the largest cultural gatherings in history.
2016 – New Delhi
- Over 3.5 million attendees
- Representatives from more than 155 countries
- A stage featuring 36,000 performing artists
2023 – Washington DC
A global celebration of cultural diversity, peace, and human unity.
These festivals showcase his commitment to bringing the world together through culture and shared values.
Educational Institutions and Youth Empowerment
Sri Sri University (Odisha)
A globally recognized institution offering programs in:
- Business and management
- Architecture and engineering
- Yoga and naturopathy
- Osteopathy
- Sanskrit and Indic knowledge systems
- Public policy
Youth Leadership Programs
The Art of Living provides:
- Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP)
- YES! and YES!+ programs for school and college students
- Drug de-addiction initiatives
- Entrepreneurial and soft-skills training
These initiatives empower young people to become confident, socially responsible leaders.
Teachings, Philosophy, and Writings
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s teachings emphasize:
- Inner peace as the foundation of outer peace
- Living in the present moment
- Spreading compassion and service
- Managing the mind through breath and meditation
- Universal human values beyond religion and nationality
His numerous books, including Celebrating Silence, An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker, and Love is Not an Emotion, have been translated into many languages and continue to inspire readers across the globe.
Awards and Global Recognition
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been honored with:
- Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award
- Highest civilian honors from countries including Colombia, Paraguay, and Mongolia
- Honorary doctorates from universities around the world
- International awards for peace, interfaith harmony, and humanitarian service
- Multiple cities worldwide declaring “Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day”
These recognitions reflect his influence as a global humanitarian and spiritual leader.
A Continuing Legacy
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar continues to travel across continents, meeting leaders, students, scientists, rural communities, victims of conflict, and spiritual seekers. His mission remains unwavering: to create a world rooted in peace, joy, cooperation, and human unity.
Through his teachings, his humanitarian work, and the millions of volunteers who carry his vision forward, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has established one of the most impactful spiritual and social movements of the modern era. His legacy lives through every river revived, every school supported, every mind healed, and every life uplifted.
