Bengaluru: As the Art of Living completes 45 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak at the celebrations and during the 70th birthday of its founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, on May 10 at the Art of Living International Center on Kanakapura Road.PM Modi will inaugurate the newly constructed Dhyan Mandir (meditation hall) along with year-long projects focused on mental well-being, rural development, nature conservation and social transformation. Talking about the journey, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said: “The sign of a healthy society is to see a smile on every face. That is the goal we have been working toward for 45 years.”Where it all startedFounded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living has grown into a global, volunteer-driven humanitarian and educational organisation.Born in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu on May 13, 1956, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar started reciting the Bhagavad Gita at an early age, showing an inclination towards spirituality. By 17, he had graduated in modern physics, blending science with spirituality. During a 10-day period of silence, he developed Sudarshan Kriya, a breathing technique now practised globally.Over the past four decades, Art of Living has expanded to over 180 countries, with a network of 37,000 programme leaders and more than a million volunteers. Its initiatives include rehabilitation programmes for victims and perpetrators of violence, including former militants and gang members in regions such as Kosovo, Iraq and India. His work has been recognised with the Padma Vibhushan and several international civilian honours.In education, the organisation runs over 1,300 free schools in rural and tribal areas, benefiting more than one lakh children. Vocational training programmes have reached over 4.7 lakh youth across India. Environmental initiatives include rejuvenation of over 75 rivers and large-scale tree plantation drives, while prisoner rehabilitation programmes have reached over 8 lakh inmates globally.Additionally, campaigns on public ethics, anti-corruption, women’s empowerment and mental well-being have mobilised millions, reflecting a broader push towards building resilient and self-reliant communities.The Art of Living’s World Culture Festivals have been held in cities including Bengaluru, Berlin, New Delhi and Washington DC. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) in Geneva in 1997, a global platform for humanitarian initiatives.A global meditation for world peace, led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and open to all, will be held on May 13 and live-streamed worldwide.
