Introduction
On 3 November 2025, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) together with the AI World Society (AIWS) conferred the 2025 “World Leader for Peace and Security” Award upon Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
This recognition celebrates his global peace-building, reconciliation, and humanitarian efforts.
Background of the Award
The award marks the tenth edition of the recognitions by BGF / AIWS (2015–2025) highlighting moral courage, visionary leadership and the pursuit of global peace.
Previous awardees include high-profile global leaders and emphasise the importance of peace beyond traditional security measures.
Why Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was Chosen
The awarding body cited his leadership in fostering peace, reconciliation and humanitarian outreach across more than 180 countries.
He is recognised for “making peace a lived experience rather than an abstract idea” through his work with the Art of Living Foundation and other initiatives.
In his acceptance remarks he stated:
“Peace cannot come by words; it has to translate into action. … A moral and spiritual force is essential to quell the distrust and distress our societies face today.”
Key Contributions & Impact
Through the Art of Living Foundation (founded 1981) he has spearheaded programmes on stress-relief (such as Sudarshan Kriya), prisoner rehabilitation, river-restoration, free education for marginalised children.
The BGF highlighted his peace-intervention roles in conflict regions like Colombia, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Kashmir.
His global presence in over 180 countries was mentioned as one of the markers of his reach and influence.
Significance & Implications
The award reinforces India’s role not just in geopolitical security, but also in spiritual-humanitarian diplomacy; recognising non-state/faith-based leadership in global peace.
It underscores the evolving notion of “peace and security” in the 21st century: security is no longer only military/political, but also moral, cultural, psychological and inter-faith.
For Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, this offers validation of his approach—linking inner well-being, meditation, community service and conflict-resolution—to global frameworks of peace governance.
Context & Outlook
As technological change (AI, digital communications), climate stress, populist politics and social fragmentation intensify, initiatives emphasising inner-resilience, community dialogue and morality gain relevance. The award-mention of “ethical technology” and “inner harmony” signals this trend.
The BGF/AIWS reportedly plan further initiatives such as a World Leader Spirit Symposium and a World Leader Spirit Concert, with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar serving as a guiding moral voice.
Conclusion
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s receipt of the 2025 World Leader for Peace and Security Award represents a significant acknowledgment of non-traditional leadership in global peace-building. His model—integrating spirituality, service and dialogue—offers an alternative paradigm to conventional diplomacy. For those interested in humanitarian, reconciliation and moral-governance work, his example presents both inspiration and a template for impact.
(The above piece is written based on the story published by ANI. You can read the original piece
HERE )
