About Sri Sri

The Art of Living Foundation, established by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981, is 

a unique global service project that formulates and implements lasting solutions to 

conflicts and issues faced by individuals, communities and nations. One of the largest volunteer-based organizations in the world, the foundation¹s work has touched more 

than 300 million people spanning over 140 countries.

Reminding us that diverse traditions and cultures have their roots in the same basic human values of peace, compassion, truth, belongingness and non-violence, the foundation has been serving society with a non-denominational, secular and holistic approach.

The Art of Living initiatives strive to uphold the dignity of every human being on this 

planet, offering each individual a stress-free mind, a healthy body and the opportunity to 

maximize their potential for personal and spiritual growth.

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s message of compassion, commitment to society, 

and a cosmic understanding of life, has resounded in the lives of millions worldwide. 

Through the regeneration of human values, he seeks global peace and development by 

bringing about sustained individual commitment to joyful living, selfless service and 

self-awareness. His commitment to humanity is evident in his extensive travel to 175 

cities in 2004, inspiring youth to work together towards a better society.

Born in 1956 in Papanasam, India, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar studied with many

 renowned spiritual masters and became a scholar of Vedic Literature. By the age of 

seventeen, he obtained an Advanced Degree in Modern Physics, and later received an 

Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India.

In 1982, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the Art of Living Foundation, which

 is now the world’s largest volunteer NGO, active in over 140 countries. In 1997, His 

Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the International Association for Human Values 

(IAHV), which to date has development projects in 25,300 villages, bringing self-reliance 

to millions of people. Through the IAHV, large volunteer relief efforts have been delivered across the globe including in Afghanistan, in Bosnia, in India after the earthquake in Gujarat, in 

New York for those who were affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and in Asia in the 

aftermath of the recent tsunami disaster. IAHV volunteers continue to provide trauma 

relief and stress management in Iraq.

Sri Sri travels to more than 35 countries every year, to reinforce the message that all 

religions and the great spiritual traditions share common goals and values. His simple 

message of love, practical wisdom and service encourages harmony, and teaches 

everyone to follow their chosen religious or spiritual path while honoring the path of 

others. Those who have listened to him acknowledge the universal inclusiveness of his 

appeal.

Sri Sri is the recipient of numerous honors including the "Dara Shikoh - National Award 

for Harmony 2005" by the Inter Faith Harmony Foundation of India, “2005 Global 

Humanitarian Award” by the state of Illinois, “Guru Mahatmya” award by Government of Maharashtra, India (September 1997), the title of “Yoga Shiromani (Supreme Jewel of Yoga)” by President of India (1986), Phoenix Award awarded by the Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. (April 2002), the Title of the Illustrious Visitor, Argentina (2004), and many more.