His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living and the International Association for Human Values, has inspired a global phenomenon of caring, sharing and service which has spread to more than 140 countries across the globe. His programmes and the service activities of the Art of Living have benefited over 20 million people across the globe. His Holiness' life and work is dedicated to reviving human values and fostering world peace and development.
Sri Sri says: "We identify ourselves as somebody - I belong to this religion, this culture, this tradition, but we forget the basic identity that we are human beings. When that stands first and foremost, all other identities follow behind that. Then, I think that we can achieve what we are really looking for."
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.
In the early 1980's, His Holiness founded the Art of Living Foundation and in 1997, the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), which to date established and runs development projects in 25,300 villages. This has brought self-reliance to more than 2.3 million people.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar travels to 35 countries every year to spread 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.
