Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an Indian spiritual leader and humanitarian, widely recognized as the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, established in 1981. Born Ravi Shankar Ratnam in Tamil Nadu, he is often addressed as “Sri Sri” or “Gurudev” by those who follow his teachings. His public work presents spirituality in a non-sectarian, secular spirit that seeks to transcend religious boundaries while remaining rooted in ancient wisdom. Through this orientation, he has come to be regarded as a contemporary guide for those seeking inner peace and ethical living in a complex world.

At the heart of his contribution is the development and dissemination of Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing technique that forms the cornerstone of Art of Living programs. This practice, along with other systematic breathing and meditation methods, is taught as a means for stress relief, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. The emphasis on the breath serves as a bridge between body, mind, and what is understood as deeper consciousness, making spirituality accessible through direct, experiential methods rather than abstract doctrine.

Under his leadership, the Art of Living Foundation has grown into a global organization operating in many countries, offering courses that range from basic stress-management workshops to advanced spiritual programs. These initiatives are complemented by extensive humanitarian work, including rural development, education projects, disaster relief efforts, and prison programs. The same vision of inner transformation informing personal practice is extended outward into social service, suggesting that individual clarity and compassion can naturally flow into collective well-being.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also associated with the International Association for Human Values, which supports social and development projects and promotes peace, non-violence, and interfaith harmony. He has been involved in dialogues and initiatives related to conflict resolution and peace-building, reflecting the conviction that inner calm and outer peace are deeply intertwined. Through satsangs, writings on spirituality, and global travels to address diverse audiences, his work consistently points toward a practical spirituality—one that invites seekers to discover that personal transformation and social responsibility are two sides of the same coin.