- Born in 1956 in southern India.
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Often found deep in meditation as a child. At the age of four, astonishes his teachers by reciting the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Sanskrit scripture.
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Starts lessons with his first teacher, Pandit Sudhakar Chaturvedi, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.
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Becomes a scholar in Vedic literature and obtains an advanced degree in modern science by the age of 17 from St. Joseph’s College, University of Bangalore.
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In his early twenties (1978-81), delivers lectures on Vedic sciences and literature all over the world on invitation from the Maharishi Europe Research University (MERU).
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Establishes the Art of Living in 1981.
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Cognizes the Sudarshan Kriya in 1982.
Conferred with:
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Doctor of Literature Honoris Causa, Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India, 2004
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Doctor of Philosophy (Holistic Medicine) Honoris Causa, Open International University for Complementary Medicine, Sri Lanka, 2006
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Doctor of Science Honoris Causa, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India 2007
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Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa, Maharaja Sayajirao University, India, 2007
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Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa, Nagarjuna University, India, 2008
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a universally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader. His vision of a violence-free, stress-free society through the reawakening of human values has inspired millions to broaden their spheres of responsibility and work towards the betterment of the world.
Sri Sri is a multi-faceted social activist whose initiatives include conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all and campaigns against female foeticide and child labour. He is engaged in peace negotiations and counselling in conflict zones around the world. His expertise in bringing opposing parties to the negotiating table in areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Kashmir and Bihar is widely acknowledged.
In 1981, Sri Sri established the Art of Living, an educational and humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisation that works in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Present in over 140 countries, it formulates and implements lasting solutions to conflicts and issues faced by individuals, communities and nations. In 1997, Sri Sri founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) to foster human values and lead sustainable development projects.
Sri Sri has reached out to an estimated 300 million people worldwide through personal interactions, public events, teachings, the Art of Living workshops and humanitarian initiatives. Not since Mahatma Gandhi has one person united people of different traditions and faiths into a spiritual communion across the length and breadth of India. Amidst various threats to India by the misguided Naxalite and Jehadi forces, there is one name that emerges as a universally accepted ambassador of peace. To the Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Dalits, Sikhs and the minorities alike, Sri Sri is the only Hindu spiritual leader in whom people have reposed faith and confidence.
He has brought to the masses, ancient practices which were traditionally kept exclusive and has designed many self-development techniques. These practices can easily be integrated into daily life to calm the mind and instil confidence and enthusiasm. These techniques have helped thousands overcome depression and violent and suicidal tendencies. One of his most unique offerings to the world is the Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique that facilitates physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.
Sri Sri travels to nearly 40 countries every year, exemplifying his call to globalise wisdom. His universal message is that love and wisdom can prevail over hatred and distress.
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