Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is recognized globally as a spiritual leader, humanitarian and peacemaker. He has touched the lives of more than 450 million people around the world by resolving conflicts through dialogue; teaching powerful breathwork and meditation practices to alleviate stress and anxiety and build resilience; and by his example of selfless service.
Gurudev’s vision of a violence-free world is drawn from the foundational values underlying all faith traditions. His message is universal, touching people of all religious beliefs and practices. His many friends among the leaders of the Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish communities are a testament to the recognition he has received for his work and message.
Gurudev has created trauma-relief and meditation programs for at-risk youth, war veterans, prisoners and survivors of disaster. He is also engaged in peace-making efforts internationally and in conflict-affected areas such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Iraq. In addition to his 21 honorary doctorates, he has also received 38 governmental awards, including the highest civilian awards in Colombia, Mongolia and Paraguay. The President of India has also bestowed him with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s highest annual award of exceptional and distinguished service. In the United States, he has received the International Humanitarian Award from the Simon Wiesenthal Center. He has been an invited speaker at the United Nations, the European Parliament, the World Economic Forum, TED, and the Israeli Presidential Conference, as well as many think-tanks and universities such as the Atlantic Council, American Enterprise Institute, Harvard, Stanford, Georgetown, and The Wharton School.