In 1982, 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, 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 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, 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.

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.


2006

* Peter the Great First Grade Award for contribution to the Russian Federation
Government of the Russian Federation - February, 2006
* Mongolian Prime Minister’s Award for contribution to the nation
Government of the Republic of Mongolia - February, 2006

2005

* "Dara Shikoh National Award for Harmony", New Delhi, India - 5th August, 2005
* "Global Humanitarian Award", Illinois, USA - 14th May, 2005
* "Bharat Shiromani Award", New Delhi, India - 20th April, 2005

2004

* Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India - 2004
* "The Illustrious Visitors Award", Buenos Aires, Argentina - 28th May, 2004
* "International Association for Human Values & Art of Living Foundation", Certificate of Recognition by the Senate of the State of California, U.S.A. - 10th October, 2004
* "International Association for Human Values 5H Women Empowerment Project Day", Proclamation by the Mayor of the City of Houston, Texas, U.S.A. - 7th October, 2004
* "International Association for Human Values 5H Women Empowerment Project Day", Letter of appreciation by the Governor of the State of Texas, U.S.A - 23rd September, 2004

2003

* "Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day", Official recognition by the Governor of the State of Ohio, U.S.A. - 16th August, 2003
* "5H Day", Proclamation by the Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, California, U.S.A. - 10th August, 2003

2002

* "His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day", Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. - 28th June, 2002
* "His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day", Beverley Hills, California, U.S.A. - 8th May, 2002
Phoenix Award awarded by Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. - 29th April, 2002
* "His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day", Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. - 29th April, 2002
* "5H Program", Certificate of Honour by Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco, California, U.S.A. - 23rd February, 2002
* "Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day", Proclamation by the Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas, U.S.A. - 10th January, 2002

2001

* "Art of Living Foundation Day", Proclamation by the Mayor of the District of Columbia, U.S.A. - 27th June, 2001
* "5H Program", Letter of appreciation by Senator Dianne Feinstein, California, U.S.A. - 12th May, 2001
* "International Association for Human Values", Letter of appreciation by Governor Gray Davis, California, U.S.A. - 12th May, 2001
* "5H Program", Certificate of Honour by Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco, California, U.S.A. - 2nd May, 2001
* "Walk for 5H 2001", Certificate of Congressional Recognition by Sheila Jackson Lee, Member of Congress, U.S.A. - 11th March, 2001
* "Empowering the villages in Gujarat, India Day", Proclamation by the Mayor, District of Columbia, U.S.A. - 11th March, 2001
* "Walk for 5H", Letter of appreciation by Senator Hillary Clinton, California, U.S.A - 9th March, 2001
* Letter of appreciation by the Mayor of the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.A. - 11th January, 2001

2000 and older

* "His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day", Proclamation by the Mayor of the District of Columbia, Washington DC, U.S.A. - 26th August, 2000
* "Guru Mahatma award" by Government of Maharashtra, India - September, 1997
* Advisory Board, Yale Divinity School, U.S.A. - 1990/1991
* Title of “Yoga Shiromani" (Supreme Jewel of Yoga) by the President of India - 1986