Gurus & Saints of India
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a
renowned spiritual leader and multi-faceted humanitarian whose mission of
uniting the world into a violence-free family has inspired millions of
people worldwide. The icon of non-violence and universal human values, Sri
Sri seeks global peace through service and dialogue.
Born in 1956 in southern India, Sri Sri's appeal transcends class, race,
religion and nationality. Millions of people revere him as their spiritual
leader, and look up to him for inner peace and promoting ecumenical values.
In 1981, Sri Sri started the Art of Living Foundation, an international
nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization. The Foundation, now
active in more than 140 countries, offers educational and self-development
programs designed to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. In
Europe and the United States, the Foundation's programs are helping inner
city youth turn away from gang violence, drugs and alcohol. Sri Sri's Prison
Programs have helped transform the lives of an estimated 150,000 inmates
around the world.
In 1997, Sri Sri founded the International Association for Human Values, a
humanitarian nonprofit organization that advances human values in political,
economic, industrial, and social spheres. In South Asia, South Africa, and
Latin America, the Association's sustainable development programs have
reached more than 30,000 rural communities.
While his self development programs have popularized traditionally exclusive
ancient techniques, Sri Sri's social initiatives address an array of issues
such as conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, prisoner
rehabilitation, youth leadership, women's empowerment, female foeticide,
child labor, and access to education. 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 of
social responsibility, and that all great spiritual traditions share common
goals and values. His teachings of love, practical wisdom, and service
promote harmony among people, and encourage individuals to follow their
chosen spiritual path, while honoring other paths.