YES+ has given me a feeling of purpose in life. I see that when I am stress-free, happy and natural, that all the people in my life start becoming that way as well.
"My vision is of a world that is crime-free, stress-free and violence-free."
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a multifaceted humanitarian who has build one of the largest volunteer based organisations in the world with a presence in over 140 countries. The icon of non-violence and universal human values, Sri Sri seeks global peace through service and dialogue.
He is a leading figure in human development and social transformation whose initiatives include conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, prisoner rehabilitation programs, youth leadership, women’s empowerment, campaigns against child labour, and education for all.
- At the young age of 17, he obtained an advanced degree in modern science
- Received six honorary doctorates and appointed honorary professor from prestigious institutions
- Has reached out to an estimated 300 million people worldwide
- Travels to more than 40 countries a year
- Received numerous awards, including state honours from the Governments of Mongolia, the Russian Federation, India and the United States
In 1981, he started the Art of Living Foundation, a multi faceted non profit educational institution, an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations participating in a variety of committees and activities relating to health, education, sustainable development. Sri Sri’s commitment to the tenets of non-violence, compassion and service has inspired millions to advance the cause of sustainable peace, community development and harmonious coexistence among different peoples and cultures.
- In Europe and the United States, the Foundation's programs are helping inner city youth turn away from gang violence, drugs and alcohol.
In 1997, he co- founded the International Association for Human Values, an international humanitarian and educational non-governmental organization (NGO) in special consultative status with the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. IAHV is engaged in facilitating intercultural dialog peace initiatives trauma relief programmes and providing emergency relief from man made or natural disasters. The association partners with governments, educational institutions, other NGOs, corporations, and individuals, to develop and promote programs of personal development to encourage the practice of human values in everyday life.
- Sri Sri's Prison Programs have helped transform the lives of an estimated 150,000 inmates around the world.
- In South Asia, South Africa, and Latin America, the Association's sustainable development programs have reached more than 30,000 rural communities.
Sri Sri has been invited to address the World Economic Forum at Davos on two occasions, The World Health Organization, the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, the first World Congress of Imams and Rabbis in 2005 among other forums.
- More information about Sri Sri is available at www.SriSri.org