2026 Outstanding INNER Peace

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an internationally recognised humanitarian, spiritual teacher, and ambassador of peace. His vision of a stress-free and violence-free society grounded in human values has reached over 800 million people around the world through the programmes and service initiatives he has developed. His work encourages personal transformation that leads to greater social harmony and constructive engagement across diverse communities.

He is the founder of the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values, organisations active in more than 180 countries that implement education, conflict resolution, trauma relief, sustainable development, and community empowerment projects. His programmes have reached hundreds of millions of people worldwide with practical tools for well-being and resilience.

Gurudev has engaged in peacebuilding efforts in conflict zones around the world, including facilitating dialogue and negotiation among opposing groups in places such as Iraq, Colombia, Sri Lanka, the Ivory Coast, Kashmir, and Bihar.

He has introduced ancient practices validated by modern research to everyday life, including the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique that supports physical, mental, and emotional health. He has been honoured with some of the highest civilian awards in India and other countries in recognition of his leadership in advancing peace, non-violence, intercultural understanding, and human dignity.

Peace is not just the absence of conflict and bloodshed;
It is not something that can be bought from the marketplace
or achieved solely by high-level policies.
It’s a positive state of one’s existence that we all need to nurture within us.
It’s inner peace that can bring peace to the family, to the society
and ultimately to the world.

– Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Photo credit: Alex Anyfandakis (Peace Avocate Photography) & Sarah Miller Media