Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a spiritual leader and humanitarian who was born in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, India on May 13, 1956. He spent his childhood in the southern state of Karnataka and completed his education in Bangalore. His parents, R. S. Venkat Ratnam and Visalakshi Ratnam, were both involved in social and spiritual activities, which greatly influenced Sri Sri's upbringing.

As a young boy, Sri Sri showed a deep interest in spirituality and meditation. At the age of four, he began practicing Vedic chants and by the age of 17, he had completed his advanced studies in Vedic literature. He then went on to study at St. Joseph's College in Bangalore, where he earned a bachelor's degree in science.

After completing his education, Sri Sri traveled throughout India, learning from various spiritual teachers and gurus. He also spent time in the Himalayas, where he deepened his meditation practice and gained a deeper understanding of the ancient Vedic wisdom.

In 1982, Sri Sri founded the Art of Living Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to promote peace and harmony through various educational and humanitarian programs. The organization has since grown to have a presence in over 150 countries, with millions of people benefiting from its programs.

Sri Sri is also the founder of the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), a humanitarian organization that works towards creating a stress-free and violence-free society. Through his various initiatives, Sri Sri has worked towards bringing people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds together to promote peace and understanding.

Despite his busy schedule, Sri Sri continues to travel extensively, giving talks and leading workshops on meditation, yoga, and spirituality. He has been recognized for his contributions to society with numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India.

In conclusion, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is from Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, India. His deep spiritual roots and passion for promoting peace and harmony have led him to become a global leader and inspiration to millions of people around the world.