In 1982, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the Art of Living Foundation, which is now the world’s largest volunteer non-governmentalorganisation (NGO), active in over 140 countries.
In 1997, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), which to date has development projects in 25,300 villages and has opened more than 150 schools for the underprivileged, bringing self-reliance to millions of people. Through the IAHV, large volunteer relief efforts have been delivered across the globe, including Afghanistan, Bosnia, India (after the earthquake in Gujarat), New York (after the 9/11) and Asia (in the aftermath of the recent tsunami disaster). IAHV volunteers continue to provide trauma relief and stress management in Iraq.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s message of compassion, commitment to society and a cosmic understanding of life has resonated in the lives of millions worldwide. Through the regeneration of human values, he seeks global peace and development by bringing about sustained individual commitment to joyful living, selfless service and self awareness. Every year, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addresses people in more than 40 countries, including gatherings such as the World Peace Summit in New York, the World Economic Forum in Davos, and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. As an internationally accredited peacemaker, he has received innumerable awards and honours, and his recent nomination for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize reflect the depth and extent of the gratitude felt for his inspiration, wisdom and presence.
