Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a renowned spiritual teacher, global humanitarian, and advocate for peace. His vision of personal and social transformation has ignited a global movement in over 180 countries.
Gurudev, born in 1956, was raised in South India where he studied classical Indian literature and received a degree in modern physics. Since 1981, Gurudev has been teaching breath-based meditation techniques for health and well-being.
In addition to helping individuals find inner harmony, Gurudev has been instrumental in bringing leaders and communities together to promote peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and others. Most notably, in Colombia he inspired the FARC to pursue a nonviolent path and return to peace negotiations. His trauma relief workshops have benefitted over 30,000 war-affected individuals: Syrian and Ukrainian refugees and survivors in Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, including thousands of Yazidis and other religious minorities who have been victims of terrorism and persecution.
His core message of a one-world family has inspired people from diverse cultures, races, and ethnic groups to come together for local and global service projects and celebrations.
Gurudev has spoken extensively around the world and been an invited presenter at the United Nations, the European Parliament, the World Economic Forum, as well as universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Georgetown and the University of Southern California. He has received 38 governmental awards, including the highest civilian honors in Colombia, Mongolia, Paraguay, and India. Twenty-one universities have awarded him honorary doctorates for his humanitarian and conflict resolution initiatives.
Today, Gurudev remains active, sharing his transformational techniques for mental health and wellness through his international travel and vibrant social media presence, along with a large, enthusiastic group of trained Art of Living teachers and volunteers. His timeless message of inspiration and peace continues to touch the lives of countless people around the world.