About us
The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust (AOL–SSIAST) was founded on 9th February 2009 under the guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Global Humanitarian and Spiritual Leader. As a flagship initiative of The Art of Living, AOL–SSIAST is committed to reviving natural farming practices, conserving indigenous seeds, restoring ecosystems, and empowering farmers with knowledge, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods.
Guided by the timeless blessing “अन्नदाता सुखी भव:” — "May the food-giver be happy" — AOL–SSIAST has sparked a national movement in sustainable agriculture, blending ancient wisdom with innovative eco-friendly solutions.
Through its initiatives in Natural Farming, Farmer Empowerment, Indigenous Seed Conservation, Afforestation, and Liquid Waste Management, the organization has created large-scale impact across India and beyond. With 3 million+ farmers trained, over 5.5 lakh acres converted to natural farming, 100 million trees planted globally, and 150+ JalShuddhi systems installed, the movement is driving sustainability, biodiversity, and rural resilience.
Natural Farming
Promoting Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), rooted in desi cow-based inputs and locally available resources, the initiative enables farmers to shift away from chemical dependency. This chemical-free, cost-effective model not only restores soil health and biodiversity but also improves farmers’ income and food security. Already, 5,56,157 acres have been transformed into natural farming lands.
Environment & Afforestation
SSIAST is committed to reviving degraded ecosystems and restoring ecological balance through large-scale afforestation, Miyawaki forests, and agroforestry practices. By mobilizing communities and volunteers worldwide, the initiative has become a powerful movement for environmental renewal.
With 100 million trees planted across 36 countries and 26 Indian states, the efforts have significantly contributed to carbon sequestration, improved soil quality, and biodiversity conservation. Notably, 38.7 lakh Lakshmi Taru saplings with ecological and medicinal value have been distributed, along with 2.5 lakh seed balls (recognized in the World Book of Records) to regenerate barren lands. These initiatives not only heal the planet but also foster community participation in long-term sustainability.
Farmer Training & Empowerment
Farmers are equipped with practical knowledge and hands-on skills through structured capacity-building programs and demonstration farms. Training emphasizes eco-friendly techniques, crop diversity, and resource optimization. With 3 million+ farmers trained and 2,300+ certified trainers nationwide, the movement ensures knowledge transfer on a massive scale. In suicide-prone regions, 1,15,000 farmers have been supported, fostering resilience and hope.
Indigenous Seed Conservation
The initiative safeguards traditional seed varieties, which are crucial for biodiversity, climate resilience, and food security. By promoting indigenous seeds over hybrid or genetically modified ones, the program ensures continuity of age-old farming wisdom and strengthens farmers’ self-reliance. Efforts like 2.5 lakh seed balls, recognized in the World Book of Records, and widespread seed conservation campaigns have further expanded ecological sustainability.
Liquid Waste Management – JalShuddhi
The JalShuddhi program provides affordable, eco-friendly liquid waste treatment systems, addressing one of the most pressing sustainability challenges. These systems recycle wastewater safely, reducing pollution and supporting cleaner communities. With 150+ JalShuddhi units already deployed, the initiative demonstrates scalable solutions for rural and semi-urban areas.
Our Vision
To create a sustainable and self-reliant farming ecosystem where every farmer prospers with dignity, nature flourishes in balance, and future generations inherit a healthy planet nourished by wisdom, compassion, and responsibility.
Our Mission
- To revive and promote natural, chemical-free farming rooted in indigenous knowledge, local resources, and cow-based inputs.
- To empower farmers through training, capacity-building, and livelihood support.
- To conserve indigenous seeds and protect biodiversity for food security and climate resilience.
- To restore ecosystems through afforestation, agroforestry, and sustainable resource management.
- To implement eco-friendly waste management solutions that strengthen rural and urban sustainability.
Our Inspiration
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has touched the lives of millions, uniting people from diverse cultures, faiths, and backgrounds into a global spiritual family that spans over 180 countries. He highlights the critical role of agriculture in sustaining human life, saying:
Agriculture is the backbone of human existence. For any civilization to prosper, agriculture has to be healthy and sustainable.
For Gurudev, this is more than just a statement — it is a call to action. Through The Art of Living and its initiatives, including AOL–SSIAST, this vision comes alive, driving meaningful change for farmers, rural communities, and the environment.
Awards & Global Recognition
Gurudev's vision and humanitarian efforts have been recognized with some of the world’s highest honors, including:
- Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
- Orden De La Democracia Simón Bolívar, Colombia's highest civilian honor.
- Global Humanitarian Award, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, USA.
- Bharat Kirtimaan Alankaran 2022, World Book of Records.
- Saint of Modern India – Lifetime Achievement Award 2022, Suryadatta Group.
- Order of the Pole Star, one of Mongolia’s highest honors.
- Honorary Order of the Yellow Star, Suriname.
- Highest civilian awards from the Governments of Paraguay, Colombia, Mongolia, and Suriname.
- 25 Honorary Doctorates awarded by universities across the world.
- 27 cities in the US & Canada have declared official "Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Days."
- Honored by the City of Tampa, Florida, by dedicating June 18, 2015 as "A Day of Happiness."
Biography of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a world-renowned spiritual teacher, humanitarian, and ambassador of peace. His vision of a stress-free and violence-free world has inspired millions of people to lead lives rooted in service, compassion, and human values.
Born in 1956 in Southern India, Gurudev was a prodigious child — able to recite verses of the Bhagavad Gita at the age of four and often seen in deep meditation. He studied under Sri Sudhakar Chaturvedi, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, and by the age of 17 had earned degrees in both Vedic literature and Physics.
In 1981, Gurudev founded The Art of Living, now one of the largest volunteer-driven organizations in the world. Its programs — combining ancient practices like meditation and yoga with modern applications — have transformed lives in over 180 countries. In 1997, he also co-founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) to advance sustainable development and conflict resolution globally.
A Figure of Peace
Gurudev has been at the forefront of peace-building and conflict resolution in some of the most sensitive regions of the world. He has facilitated dialogue and reconciliation in Colombia, Iraq, the Ivory Coast, Kashmir, and Bihar, bringing hope to communities torn by violence.
He continues to address international forums, interfaith dialogues, and conflict resolution platforms, calling for multicultural education, human values, and interfaith harmony as antidotes to fanaticism and strife.
Through his teachings, initiatives, and vast volunteer base, Gurudev has rekindled ancient traditions like yoga and meditation in a form relevant to the modern age. His unique techniques — including the powerful Sudarshan Kriya — have helped millions worldwide find inner peace, resilience, and joy.