Biography of the Founder

"My vision is of a world that is crime-free, stress-free and violence-free."
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji has inspired a global phenomenon of compassion and service. A spiritual leader and humanitarian, his programs have impacted more than 25 million people worldwide.

In 1981, he started the Art of Living Foundation, an international nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization that works in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. In the United States, the Foundation’s programs are helping youth in inner cities turn away from gang violence, drugs and alcohol, toward greater generosity and service.



In 1997, he founded the International Association for Human Values, a humanitarian Non-Governmental Organization that advances human values in political, economic, industrial, and social spheres. In India, South Africa, and Latin America, the Association is working in poor rural communities to promote sustainable growth, and has reached more than 30,000 villages.

A leading figure in human development and social transformation, he is a multifaceted social activist whose initiatives include conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, prisoner rehabilitation programs, youth leadership, women’s empowerment, campaigns against female feticide and child labor, and education for all. In Kashmir and Sri Lanka, Sri Sri is working to further dialogue between opposing parties to resolve the conflicts peacefully.

Sri Sri travels to more than 40 countries a year to share his message that all the great spiritual traditions share common goals and values. He inspires leaders to balance business with ethics and social responsibility. His teachings of love, practical wisdom, and service promote harmony among people, and encourage individuals to follow their chosen spiritual path, while honoring the path of others.




Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Nick Name: Sri Sri, Guruji, His Holiness
Family Background: Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam(One World Family)-Father & Guru :)
Residence: Earth, Universe
Way of Life: Being
Credits: Founder- The Art of Living Foundation, IAHV, Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peth, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir, Sri Sri Rural Development Trust and many more
Mission: Bring Peace and Love back to the human hearts
Fans: Billions Around the world
Style Statements: No Breath, No Life. Know breath, Know Life.
Charms: Gracious smile, humor, concern, Creativity, witty, brave, focused and relaxed
Quote: The purpose of life is to serve
Achievement: Revealing powerful knowledge of meditation- Sudharshan Kriya to people around the world
Records: Billion smiles in every corner of the world!
Nobel Prize Nomination: 2 times(2006 & 2007)
Honors:
* Mahaveer Award for Peace and Non-Violence, England, 2007
* Peter the Great First Grade Award for contribution to the Russian Federation Russia, 2006
* Mongolian Prime Minister's Award for contribution to the nation Mongolia, 2006
* Fervent Global Love of Life by the Cultural and Education Foundation of Human Life, Taiwan, 2006
* Bharat Shiromani Award, New Delhi, India, 2005
* Dara Shikoh National Award for Harmony, India, 2005
* Global Humanitarian Award, Illinois, USA, 2005
* Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University, India, 2004
* The Illustrious Visitors Award, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2004
* Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day, Ohio, USA, 2003
* Phoenix Award, Atlanta, USA, 2002
* Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day, Austin, Texas, USA, 2002
* Title of Yoga Shiromani (Supreme Jewel of Yoga), India, 1986

Looks Great in: All the out fits :)
Marvelous: Veena Player
Definitely On His Day’s To-Do List: Meditation, conversing love with people
Mostly Found with: (Many) People
Home Page: www.artofliving.org

Jai GuruDev