Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Age, Wife, Family, Biography, Controversy, Facts, and More
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is one of the most influential spiritual leaders and humanitarian figures of our time. He is the founder of the Art of Living Foundation and has touched millions of lives across the globe through his teachings on meditation, spirituality, and social service. In this blog post, we will take a detailed look at his life, career, controversies, and lesser-known facts.
Personal Life and Background
- Full Name: Ravi Shankar
- Known As: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Gurudev
- Profession: Spiritual leader, humanitarian, and peace ambassador
- Date of Birth: May 13, 1956
- Birthplace: Papanasam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Hinduism
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Hometown: Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, India
- Parents:
- Father: R.S. Venkat Ratnam
- Mother: Vishalakshi Ratnam
Education
- School: MES, Bangalore (1973)
- College: St. Joseph's College, Bangalore (1973)
- Degree: Vedic Literature and Physics
The Beginning of a Spiritual Journey
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was born into a spiritually inclined family in Tamil Nadu in 1956. Even at a young age, he exhibited remarkable talents. By the age of four, he could recite passages from the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Sanskrit scripture, and was often found deeply immersed in meditation. His interest in spirituality grew under the influence of various religious leaders and texts, which would shape his future as a globally recognized spiritual figure.
Founding of the Art of Living Foundation
In 1981, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the Art of Living Foundation in Bangalore, India. The foundation is an international non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organization aimed at promoting stress-free and violence-free societies. The cornerstone of the organization is its unique breathing technique known as Sudarshan Kriya, which was developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during a period of silence and meditation in 1982 in Shimoga, Karnataka.
The Art of Living Courses and Reach
The Art of Living offers self-development programs, stress-relief techniques, and yoga that help millions to cope with mental, physical, and emotional stress. The foundation operates in over 155 countries and has touched the lives of more than 370 million people through its courses and humanitarian projects.
Contributions to Peace and Global Harmony
As a peace ambassador, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been instrumental in resolving conflicts in several regions around the world. His work spans across areas affected by war, terrorism, and natural disasters. Some notable examples include:
Conflict Resolution: He has mediated peace talks between conflicting parties in regions like Iraq, Ivory Coast, and Kashmir. His approach has earned him a reputation as a neutral figure who prioritizes peace above all.
Humanitarian Relief: The Art of Living Foundation has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts. It has provided trauma relief to victims of terrorism, wars, and natural disasters globally.
Environmental Projects: Under his leadership, the organization has engaged in numerous environmental conservation projects, including tree plantation drives, river rejuvenation efforts, and rural development programs.
Awards and Honors
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has received numerous awards for his humanitarian and peace-building work. Some of the most prestigious accolades include:
- Padma Vibhushan (India's second-highest civilian award) in 2016
- Colombia’s Highest Civilian Award
- Paraguay’s Highest Civilian Award
- 16 Honorary Doctorates from various international institutions
- Dr. Nagendra Singh International Peace Award (India)
- Tiradentes Medal (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
He is also a member of several prominent committees, such as:
- Chancellor of Sri Sri University
- Chairperson of the Quality Control of India Yoga Certification Committee
- Member of the Amarnath Shrine Board (appointed by the Government of India)
Major Initiatives and Programs
Sudarshan Kriya
Developed in 1982, Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful rhythmic breathing technique that helps harmonize the body, mind, and emotions. It is central to the Art of Living courses and has been scientifically validated for its benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Youth Empowerment
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's programs for youth aim at addressing pressing issues like drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and violence. These programs have successfully transformed the lives of countless young people, particularly in countries like the United States and India.
Free Education and Rural Development
He has established over 435 schools that offer free education to underprivileged children in India. His organization has also been involved in rural development initiatives such as electrifying villages with renewable energy, providing clean drinking water, and building sanitation facilities.
Controversies
Despite his global popularity, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been involved in a few controversies:
Privatization of Government Schools: In 2012, he sparked a debate when he suggested that government schools were breeding grounds for Naxalism (a far-left radical communist movement in India) and proposed the privatization of these institutions.
World Culture Festival 2016: The National Green Tribunal accused the Art of Living Foundation of causing environmental damage to the Yamuna floodplains during the World Culture Festival in March 2016. The foundation has consistently refuted these claims, and the issue remains a topic of debate.
Lesser-Known Facts About Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
- At the age of five, he created a small Shiva Lingam and imitated the worship rituals performed by his grandmother.
- He was inspired by Sudarshan Chaturvedi, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, and later took spiritual guidance from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
- Under his leadership, over 71 million trees have been planted in 36 countries as part of his environmental initiative.
- His prison rehabilitation programs have reached over 700,000 inmates worldwide.
- He organized the World Culture Festival in New Delhi in 2016, attended by 3.75 million people from 155 countries.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's teachings emphasize the idea of the world as one large family, advocating for "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The world is one family).
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Message of Peace
As a peace ambassador, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's main message revolves around promoting inner peace and creating a stress-free, violence-free society. He continues to spread his teachings through public forums, conferences, and workshops, encouraging individuals to recognize their highest potential and contribute positively to the world.
Conclusion
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s life is a testament to the power of inner transformation and the impact of humanitarian service. From pioneering spiritual techniques like Sudarshan Kriya to playing a pivotal role in global peace talks, he has become a beacon of hope and a symbol of peace worldwide. Despite facing a few controversies, his work continues to inspire millions, and his vision of a violence-free society remains at the heart of his mission.
For those seeking guidance in both personal and social transformation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s teachings provide a valuable blueprint for living a peaceful and purpose-driven life.
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