Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of Art of Living, was born on May 13, 1956 in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, India. His birth name was Ravi Shankar Ratnam. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in spirituality and meditation, often spending hours in meditation and contemplation.

At the age of four, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was initiated into the ancient practice of Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique that would later become a cornerstone of the Art of Living courses. He also showed a natural inclination towards music and began learning the veena, an Indian classical instrument, at the age of six.

As he grew older, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar continued to delve deeper into his spiritual practices and also pursued higher education. He completed his degree in Vedic literature and Sanskrit from St. Joseph's College in Bangalore. He then went on to study at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, where he spent several years learning and practicing meditation and other ancient spiritual techniques.

In 1982, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the Art of Living Foundation, with the aim of bringing peace and harmony to individuals and societies through simple and effective spiritual practices. The foundation has since grown into a global organization, with millions of followers and volunteers in over 150 countries.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also known for his efforts in promoting interfaith harmony and peace through various initiatives and programs. He has been awarded numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to society, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.

Despite his busy schedule and global reach, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar remains humble and grounded, often emphasizing the importance of inner peace and harmony in one's daily life. His teachings and guidance continue to inspire millions of people around the world to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was born on May 13, 1956 and has dedicated his life to spreading peace and harmony through the Art of Living Foundation. His teachings and initiatives have touched the lives of millions and continue to bring positive change to individuals and societies around the world.