Peace Within, Peace in the World
A Legacy of Peace & Service:
The Global Work of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a globally recognized spiritual leader, humanitarian, and ambassador of peace whose work has touched over 800 million people worldwide. As the founder of the Art of Living and the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), he has led groundbreaking initiatives in mental wellness, conflict resolution, and social transformation for more than four decades.
“We want to create a safer world for the current and coming generations—more smiles and less tears; more joy and less heartache; a resilient world, free from mental health challenges.” - Gurudev
Born in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, on May 13, 1956, Gurudev showed an early inclination towards wisdom, reciting the Bhagavad Gita at the age of four and being found in deep meditation even as a child. By 17, he had earned a degree in modern physics, bridging the worlds of science and spirituality.
A Visionary in Wellness and Spiritual Wisdom
After a period of ten days in silence, he emerged with Sudarshan Kriya, a transformative breathing technique that has since helped hundreds of millions worldwide
• lead more peaceful lives
• embrace non-violence, and
• strengthen their commitment to service and caring.
In 1981, he founded the Art of Living, a charitable and educational organization, alongside eminent trustees like Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice P.N. Bhagwati. For what started as a small organization, the past 44 years have been a remarkable journey.
Art of Living now has a presence in 180 countries and stands as a beacon for human values of love, friendliness, compassion, and a spirit of service. Now, it has become a movement of 37,000 active program leaders and over a million volunteers working to build conscious and caring communities.
The organization is based on both Gurudev’s practical wisdom and a scientific appraisal of the Vedas, the ancient knowledge of India. He has brought to life the deep and intricate principles of Vedanta and presented them in a simple way that people can use in daily life. Through simple techniques of breathing and yoga, people become able to experience the limitlessness of consciousness and find inner peace.
Scientific research from Stanford, Yale, Cambridge, and UCLA has shown the efficacy of these programs in reducing anxiety, depression, and trauma and supporting mental well-being.
His focus has been on building character— developing stronger individuals, who can in turn serve society.
“I am not here to build institutions, I am here to build people.” - Gurudev
Building a More Peaceful World, Together
Gurudev has created more than 57 programs to help both victims and perpetrators of violence to find the peace that they have never known before, even in places of raging conflict, prisons, and areas devastated by war. From Kashmir, Assam, and Ayodhya in India, to Colombia, Syria, the Ivory Coast and beyond, his programs have inspired militants, terrorists and gang members to lay down their weapons and choose a path of peace to rebuild their communities.
The world faces escalating violence and conflicts, which in turn give rise to further, unending cycles of retaliation and extremism. Through his message and work, Gurudev offers another path to tackle these pressing problems. In this path, helping individuals be at peace with themselves and committed to serving others becomes the most powerful antidote to violence and the foundation for lasting peace in society.
Breaking the Cycle of Extremism
Radicalization and armed conflict have long trapped communities in cycles of violence and instability. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has pioneered a human-centered approach to de-radicalization, proving that transformation is possible—even for those once deeply entrenched in extremism. His work focuses on inner transformation, mental resilience, and social reintegration, enabling individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
Global Impact: From Armed Conflict to Community Leadership
• India: In Assam, over 240 former militants renounced violence, choosing organic farming and entrepreneurship over armed resistance. In Naxal-affected regions, peacebuilding initiatives reached 500,000 people across 1,000 villages, helping former rebels reintegrate into society.
• Colombia & Panama: Programs facilitated reconciliation between insurgents and victims’ families, fostering national healing. In Panama, gang leaders once involved in organized crime became mentors for at-risk youth.
• Africa & the Middle East: In Cote d’Ivoire, young men from warring tribes—once sworn enemies—sat side by side, finding common ground through shared healing. And across terrorism-affected regions, Gurudev’s initiatives have helped rebuild trust between communities and authorities. Learn more about this initiative: A United Africa: Ivory Coast and the Art of Living
This proven, scalable model is reshaping peacebuilding worldwide, showing that transformation is possible—even for those once committed to violence.
“I thought I would go to Heaven by killing. Now I know that Heaven is right here on Earth by loving.” - Former Al Qaeda operative
Healing Cities: Cities4Peace
Urban violence disrupts lives and erodes trust. Cities4Peace bridges the gap between law enforcement, community leaders, and marginalized groups, fostering sustainable peace.
Key Impact
• Los Angeles, CA: Trained LAPD officers and former gang members, with 91% reporting improved focus, 96% increased mental clarity, and 82% greater well-being.
• Washington, D.C.: Partnered with the city to train 45 Violence Interrupters, engaging 15,500+ residents in wellness initiatives.
• Cyprus: Sponsored by the UN Peacekeeping Force, facilitating peace dialogues between Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
Restoring Hope: Supporting Refugees
War and displacement leave deep psychological scars. Gurudev’s programs provide trauma relief, resilience training, and social cohesion initiatives for refugees and host communities in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.
Key Impact
• 16,249 war-affected children received resilience training.
• 636 high-risk youth underwent deep trauma-relief and empowerment programs.
• 167 Youth Peace Ambassadors trained to lead local initiatives.
• 2,811 parents completed Healing & Empowerment programs.
• 477 frontline workers trained in stress management to prevent burnout.
By addressing the trauma of war, these initiatives not only help with immediate suffering but also prevent long-term radicalization. Many program graduates go on to lead local initiatives, ensuring that the seeds of peace continue to grow within communities affected by conflict.
“It was as if a wave of positivity entered my life. My mother says people around me can see the change.”
— Islam, 12, Jordan
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Through the Prison Program
Incarceration often fails to break the cycle of violence—without inner transformation, aggression, despair, and crime persist behind bars and beyond. Gurudev’s Prison Program provides incarcerated individuals with tools to release deep-seated stress, overcome aggression, and cultivate peace, helping them reintegrate into society as positive, contributing members.
Key Impact
• 65 countries implementing the program, benefiting 800,000 prisoners and correctional staff.
• 38% reduction in prison violence, as reported in an independent study.
• 61% drop in recidivism, breaking the cycle of crime and reoffending.
• 50,000+ inmates in South Africa participated, aiding post-apartheid societal healing.
“I used to look forward to fights. Now, I can easily walk away from a fight.”
— Participant, South African Prison
Promoting Peaceful Coexistence & Bringing Relief to Warzones: Jordan,
Iraq, Israel, Lebanon & Syria
Art of Living program leaders have been working to create an ecosystem of peace in strife-torn areas across the globe including Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.
An initiative to bring together youth from Israel and Palestine to promote dialogue and greater understanding helped build bridges between the two groups and resulted in their commitment to helping spread peace in their communities. Learn more about this initiative: “Breaking the Walls” Youth Peace-ProjectJews & Arabs, Israeli & Palestinians
In Iraq, since 2003, Art of Living has trained thousands of Iraqi youth leaders, empowered women leaders and helped bridge community divides for a more inclusive and prosperous society. In 2014, Art of Living Program Leaders mobilized the global community to help save thousands of Yazidis trapped in the Sinjar Mountains. The Art of Living continues to bring relief to refugees and internally displaced people in the region. Learn more about this initiative:
Art of Living work with Yazidi girls
Mediation for Peace
Gurudev’s holistic approach integrates mediation, dialogue, and emotional healing, creating sustainable pathways to peace for both individuals and communities. Below are two examples of powerful interventions for peace.
Colombia: A Non-Violent Ceasefire That Helped Stop a 52-Year Civil War
For over half a century, Colombia was torn apart by one of the world’s longest-running civil wars between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the national government. The conflict claimed over 220,000 lives and displaced seven million people. After meeting with Gurudev in June of 2015, FARC shocked the world by announcing a unilateral ceasefire and a new commitment to the Gandhian principles of nonviolence. A year later, on June 23, 2016, the Colombian government and FARC announced a bilateral
ceasefire, marking Colombia’s first day of peace in over five decades.
“Thank you for everything you (Gurudev) have done for the peace process. You have been a great support and friend of this process. All your help is very useful and your spiritual guidance is so important and I will be grateful forever,” – The President of Colombia H.E. President Santos to Gurudev after the event.
“If it wasn’t for you, Gurudev, peace in Colombia would not have been possible…thank you Gurudev for the work you have done for our continent.” – The Honorable Juan Carlos Losada Vargas, Member of the House of Representatives, Colombia
Learn more about this initiative here:
The Guru and the FARC
Ayodhya: From Centuries-Old Religious Conflict to Harmony
The Ayodhya Ram Temple dispute dates back more than 500 years and involved a complex legal history over one of India’s significant holy sites. At the center of the conflict was a disputed holy site. On it stood a 16th-century mosque, Babri Masjid, which was built on top of an even older Hindu sacred site, the birthplace of Lord Rama. For centuries, the conflict persisted between Hindu and Muslim communities, resulting in a wake of violence that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives over the years.
With the continuing riots and hostilities tearing communities apart, India’s then prime minister invited Gurudev to help resolve the conflict. Later, the Supreme Court of India also requested Gurudev’s mediation to reach a harmonious, amicable solution and resolution. As part of the court-appointed Ayodhya mediation panel, over nine months Gurudev met with over 1,000 leaders from both sides. Their recommendations were pivotal to the landmark agreement delivered by the Supreme Court. Thanks to Gurudev’s bridge-building efforts, both sides pledged agreement and the verdict was peacefully accepted nationwide, avoiding a repeat of earlier riots and violence.
Humanitarian Vision & Social Impact
Beyond peacebuilding, Gurudev’s initiatives address critical social challenges, enhancing mental well-being and resilience in communities worldwide. These programs provide practical solutions to those facing stress, trauma, and adversity.
Support for Veterans and Their Families
Traditional PTSD treatments for veterans often fall short—only 50% show signs of recovery. Gurudev’s breath-based meditation programs offer a powerful, scientifically backed alternative to help veterans heal from chronic and traumatic stress.
Impact:
• Active in Veterans Affairs Hospitals and Centers across 30 U.S. cities.
• Research from the Palo Alto VA confirms that SKY Breath Meditation is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms both immediately and one year post-treatment.
• Featured in award-winning documentary Almost Sunrise and the critically acclaimed Free the Mind.
With over 150 trained facilitators in the U.S., India, and Europe, this program is transforming the lives of veterans by addressing stress from multiple deployments, traumatic loss, and reintegration struggles—helping them reclaim peace and purpose.
Relief for Healthcare Workers and Institutions: Healing Breaths
Healthcare professionals face immense physical, mental, and emotional strain, with 76% reporting burnout and rising concerns about workplace stress.
The Healing Breaths program offers evidencebased techniques to reduce anxiety, enhance resilience, and improve well-being. Partnering with healthcare organizations and medical associations, this initiative fosters a culture of well-being and sustainable stress management.
Impact
• 15,000+ healthcare professionals served in the US since 2016
• 20+ US healthcare institutions engaged
• $100,000+ raised for PPE and institutional support globally
Scientific Outcomes
• 29% increase in life satisfaction
• 78% reduction in burnout
• 218% improvement in REM sleep
• 41% decrease in anxiety
“After the course, I was feeling better than my baseline. I was able to cut my blood pressure meds by a third.” — Dr. Robert McGregor, Chief Medical Officer, Akron Children’s Hospital
Empowering Children K-12 - Sky
Stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem hinder students’ ability to learn and thrive. Without healthy coping mechanisms, young people often turn to destructive behaviors. SKY Schools equips students with practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and develop emotional intelligence, fostering a positive learning environment.
Impact
• 35 program leaders working in 34 U.S. schools, reaching 17,700+ students
• 950+ SKY Schools teachers trained since 2008, impacting 350,000+ students across North and South America and Europe
Results
• 800% increase in students on the honor roll
• 90% reduction in violent infractions
• 80% decrease in suspensions
• 77% of students reported greater resilience
• 70% improvement in emotional regulation and stress reduction
By fostering confidence, motivation, and wellbeing, SKY Schools helps students succeed academically and make healthier life choices.
Relieving Stress on Campus: Sky Campus Happiness
University students face unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, yet learning to manage the mind isn’t part of the curriculum. SKY Campus Happiness bridges this gap with a comprehensive well-being and resilience program designed to help students, faculty, and staff achieve their fullest potential.
Impact
• 275,000+ students reached across 107 university campuses
• Fostering happier, more mindful campus communities where students thrive with clarity, resilience, purpose, and belonging
Results After Participation
• 99% report improved mood
• 95% report increased energy
• 90% report better ability to manage responsibilities
“At Stanford, we have found that SKY Campus Happiness has played an important role in improving overall student well-being.”
— Director, Wellness & Health Promotion Services, Stanford University
Empowering Women Worldwide
Through our programs, over 115,000 women in developing nations have gained mental, economic, and vocational training, helping combat gender discrimination and elevating them into leadership roles.
• 111,000+ women trained in valuable vocational skills in rural India
• 5,000+ women in Iraq trained in computer skills, tailoring, banking, aviation, and hospitality
• 72,000+ adolescent girls educated in menstrual health and hygiene
Creating First Generation Learners & Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Care for Children
Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. This initiative provides free physical, mental, and emotional education to more than 100,000 children across 1,326 schools in underserved communities in India. Most are first-generation learners, paving the way for future opportunities. The program emphasizes confidence, leadership, interpersonal skills, and human values, ensuring long-term success.
Caring for our Environment
Impact
• 90% of students stay in school, compared to India’s national average of 37%
• Breaking generational poverty through holistic education and life skills
Gurudev’s initiatives prioritize environmental sustainability through river rejuvenation, afforestation, renewable energy, and sustainable farming.
Key Impact Areas
• River Rejuvenation Project: Revived 70 rivers, benefiting 34.5 million people in 20,000 villages.
• Planting Trees for the Future: Facilitated 100+ million trees in 36 countries and 26 Indian states.
• Harnessing Renewable Energy: Solar electrification has reached 165,000+ people in 720 villages, training 5,000+ young energy technicians.
• Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: 3 million+ farmers trained in organic, chemical-free farming across 23 states in India.
These efforts not only restore ecosystems but also empower communities through livelihood generation, resource conservation, and longterm sustainability.
Global Recognition
His work has been honored with the Padma Vibhushan from the President of India and highest civilian honors in Paraguay, Colombia, Mongolia, Suriname, and Fiji.
Gurudev has also been a driving force behind cultural diplomacy. He founded the World Culture Festival, an event series on an Olympic scale that celebrates humanity through music, dance, and celebration. Organized in Bangalore, Berlin, New Delhi, and Washington, D.C. so far, the Festival has attracted more than seven million attendees. The Festival has also featured
2025 and Beyond
addresses by legislators and heads of state and performances from around the world to celebrate our global heritage.
In 2023, Washington, D.C. hosted the most recent Festival on the National Mall, which drew 1.1 million visitors. These festivals are a testament to Gurudev’s vision of bringing people together as a “One World Family”.
It is easy to see life as a struggle, but through Gurudev’s knowledge and practical wisdom, millions of people have learnt to live life as a celebration. Even now, Gurudev continues to lead by example, inspiring individuals, communities, and world leaders to work toward a more peaceful, stress-free, and harmonious world.
1.1 million people gathered for World Culture Festival 2023, Washington, D.C.
Art of Living Foundation 2401 15th St. NW Washington, DC 20009
gurudev.artofliving.org artofliving.org