About VVKI
Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI) is the registered public charitable trust under the aegis of The Art of Living, constituted to promote spiritual, educational, cultural, and social development projects for the benefit of the public. VVKI drives several service initiatives and projects for The Art of Living, including social, environmental, community development, and competency enhancement across the country.
VVKI comprises departments - Social Projects, GyanKshetra (Temple of Knowledge), Dharma Sthambha Yojana (DSY) and Corporate Programs and Government Programs.
In the social projects vertical, the team focuses on Water Conservation, Afforestation, Natural Farming, Education, Skill Development, Waste Management, Women Empowerment, Gaudhan, and Rural Development.
The River Rejuvenation Projects Team ties up with the Government and collaborates with other stakeholders, including the rural population, to restore river water and groundwater in vast spans of land that are dry for various reasons. By providing natural and scientific solutions, the department ensures adequate quantities of water, leading to farmers being self-sufficient, engaging in natural farming, afforestation, and agroforestry.
The Afforestation Department is on a mission to make a difference on Planet Earth by reviving green cover. This is achieved by planting trees in various locations such as government-owned lands, dry forests lands, nurseries, and around recharge structures and river basins. These efforts aim to conserve water, prevent soil erosion, mitigate climate change and reinstate ecological equilibrium.
VVKI is deeply committed to nurturing our environment and actively engage in various areas to achieve this goal. Some of our key initiatives focus on providing natural farming training to farmers, recycling organic waste into compost, organizing cleanliness drives and harnessing the potential of cow dung to create organic bricks and paint.
The Natural Farming initiatives rekindle ancestral agricultural wisdom, which was the foundation of ancient times. Farmers, previously dependent on chemicals, are now trained in utilising cow dung, indigenous seeds, mixed cropping, and other natural farming methods. This transition conserves water, enhances yields, and enriches the nutritional content of the produce.
The Art of Living runs schools in Tribal and Rural areas to improve literacy and create employment opportunities. Spread out in the bordering villages between Jharkhand and West Bengal; these schools provide value-based education emphasizing hygiene, culture preservation, non-violence, technology, and environment friendliness. Vocational skills and innovative programs for teachers and children to inculcate responsibility are also imparted.
The Social Projects
The Social Projects department includes projects that empower village women, develop basic employment skills for rural youth and install renewable energy units like solar technology through corporate sponsorship as part of their CSR activities.
As part of the Rural Development initiatives, cleanliness drives, sanitation, establishing Adarsh Gao and Good Governance are undertaken including providing employment opportunities through skills training and many other ways to uplift the living conditions.
Gyankshetras
Gyankshetras are established across India at such locations where people are introduced to spirituality, nurture human values, inculcate self-discipline and become healthy and well-rounded personalities. Devotees and course participants get together to meditate, attend courses and knowledge sessions, do weekly follow-ups, and attend Satsang. The volunteers initiate many community service projects from these centers of joy, peace and wellness by enrolling more people on this path.
Dharma Sthambha Yojana (DSY)
Dharma Sthambha Yojana (DSY) unit connects the various social service projects described above of VVKI with thousands of socially aware individuals who wish to contribute a small part of their earnings for the betterment of the community. Thus, DSY effectively channels the monetary contributions impacting, empowering our people, society and country.
The Government Programs
The Government Programs Department caters to employees across various levels in the Central, State governments, Public sectors, Armed and Police Forces, and Training Institutes. The programs are structured considering the needs and daily challenges the working professionals face in these sectors. The programs incorporate practical, simple, effective and ancient techniques to make an impact at the personal and professional levels.
Corporate Programs
Corporate Programs have unique programs addressed to employees in large, medium and small enterprises through Leadership, Teambuilding and Change Management workshops. These combine personal development processes, advanced leadership techniques and powerful breathing tools to help individuals excel personally and professionally. These programs also enhance leadership, decision-making, communication, intuition, innovation, and people management skills of professionals of VVKI’s several clients in the private sector.
Our Vision
Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI) envisions a sweeping social transformation in India through The Art of Living programmes and diverse service initiatives. We aim to empower individuals, families, and entire communities, enabling them to realise their full human potential. Our goal is to create a stress-free India, inspiring urban and rural dwellers to become catalysts for change; combating poverty, alleviating suffering, and conquering disease, one village at a time.
Our Mission
- To empower individuals to find inner peace through impactful Art of Living Programme that transcend boundaries.
- To inspire these individuals to become agents of positive change within society by fostering a spirit of service.
- To establish a comprehensive framework for nationwide development efforts, encompassing a wide spectrum of service activities.
- To enable individuals to catalyze transformation on a larger scale, making a lasting impact on communities and beyond.
Awards / Accolades
- "Padam Vibhushan", Highest Annual Civilian Award, India
- Highest Civilian Award, Orden De La Democracia Simon Bolivar, Bogota, Colombia
- Global Humanitarian Award - American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, USA
- Bharat Kirtimaan Alankaran 2022, World Book of Records
- Saint of Modern India - Suryadatta National Lifetime Achievement Award 2022
- Order of the Pole Star, the Highest Civilian Awards
- Honorary Order of the Yellow Star (Ridder), Highest Civilian Award, Suriname Highest Civilian Award from the Goverments of Mongolia, Paraguay, Colombia and Suriname
- Honored by the City of Tampa, Florida, USA by declaring June 18, 2015 as "A Day of Happiness"
- Humanitarian Award from the Municipality of Lima, Peru 25 Honorary Doctorates by Universities Across the World
- 27 Cities have been declared as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Days in the US & Canada
The beginning
Born in 1956 in Southern India, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was a gifted child. By the age of four, he was able to recite parts of the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Sanskrit scripture and was often found in deep meditation. Gurudev’s first teacher, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, had a long association with Mahatma Gandhi. By the age of seventeen in 1973, Gurudev had graduated with degrees in, both, Vedic literature, and physics.
Founding The Art of Living and the International Association of Human Values
Gurudev founded The Art of Living as an international, non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization. Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools and accounts to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. Appealing not only to a specific population, these practices have proven effective globally and at all levels of society. The Art of Living programs are currently offered in 180 countries. In 1997, Gurudev co-founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), a sister organization of The Art of Living. The IAHV coordinates sustainable development projects, nurtures human values and initiates conflict resolution.
Inspiring service and globalizing wisdom
A noted humanitarian leader, Gurudev’s programs have provided assistance to people from a wide range of backgrounds – victims of natural disasters, survivors of terror attacks and war, children from marginalized populations, and communities in conflict, among others. The strength of his message has inspired a wave of service based on spirituality through a huge body of volunteers, who are driving these projects forward in critical areas around the globe.
As a spiritual teacher, Gurudev has rekindled the traditions of yoga and meditation and offered them in a form that is relevant to the 21st century. Beyond reviving ancient wisdom, Gurudev has created new techniques for personal, and social transformation. These include the Sudarshan Kriya which has helped millions of people to find relief from stress and discover inner reservoirs of energy and inner silence in daily life.
Hear it from the source
With the blessing of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the "Nala Jodo Abhiyaan" initiative was started in two districts of Nagpur, Maharashtra. Under the Art of Living'g supervision & collaboration with the Maharashtra Government, all the nalas were connected. The benefit of this is that no crop flows with the water during floods. All the drains get water now. 10,000 acres of agriculture land have been irrigated, and people are taking two crops. The design of Nala Jodo Abhiyaan, created by The Art of Living, has been accomplished in our district. All the farmers are happy & grateful for the work done. I am fortunate to be a part of this initiative. Our productive work has set an example for the country and farmers. All the nalas are filled today, and we have enough water for irrigation.
Chandrashekhar Bavankule
Bharatiya Janata, State Party President, Maharashtra
Earlier in Nisatkheda, the water supply was minimal due to construction & development work. The Art of Living team sent a proposal to address this issue, and we began working. The Art of Living has a team of experts who work passionately and enthusiastically.
There was no technocal error as they took care of minor things like slope management, and water shouldn't overflow an anybody's farm. It was a great experience, and I would also like to work with them in the future.
Akshata Vyas
CSR Lead at President Ltd, Nagpur, M.H.
We have been briefed about the Art of Living Jaltara project being carried out from last two years by Art of Living in Jalna district. The project has already been executed by them in 50 villages of Jalna and the results hav been found very encouraging.
Farmers who had taken the Art of Living Jaltara pit in their farms have reported increase in income, in crop yield and increase in water levels in the wells. The project has also generated additional employment in the villages.
We appericiate the excellent work being done by Art of Living and support them in their endeavour.
Dr. Vijay Rathod, I.A.S.
Collector & Dist. Magistrate
Shri Thiru S.A. Raman speaks highly of the scientific approach adopted in the river rejuvenation work. The water table in the region has risen by 12 feet - a fact verified by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply & Drainage Board. The local ladies who have contributed to this effort are proud of their contribution in the upliftment of their village. The success in Vellore has generated confidence in the project and well placed officials have recommended that other districts also implement this water conservation work in their respective areas. Shri Raman has commented that The Art of Living has helped Vellore regain the power of water.
Thiru S.A. Raman
IAS District Collector & Magistrate, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
The Art of Living's Naganadhi River Rejuvenation Project is a multi-stakeholder project which is quite uniue. It provides sustainability in the long run, demonstrates how systematic small initiatives can lead to sustainable climate-resilient development generates multi-seasonal livelihood opportunities for economically backward villagers, thereby helping realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of Gram Swaraj. Surface, subsurface and underground components of the riverine ecosystem and the overall environmrnt in that particular region have been restored. The dream of restoring Naganadhi has come true and surface run-off has exceeded 365 days!
This is phenomenal achievement which has prompted Honourable Prime Minister P.M. Modi to mention this a couple of times in Mann ki Baat.
Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati
IAS Rtd. | Chairman & Managing Director NGT, Tamil Nadu
When I came to know about the benefits of JalTara, I decided to implement it on my farm. It has prevented waterlogging and preserved groundwater for a longer time.
Krishna Takle
Farmer, Pokhari Village, Jalna District
Under JalTara Yojna, recharge structures were constructed on my farm. Usually, during the summer season, we experience drought problems, but this time there is enough water available for farming all year long.
Digambar Baburao Takle
Farmer, Manta Taluka, Jalna District
After the implementation of the JalTara Project, the water level in my area has increased.
Gyaneshwari Kakde
Farmer, Manta Taluka, Jalna District
Before JalTara Yojna no effort was made to conserve water. After the implementation of JalTara Yojna, we have plenty of water in our hand pumps.
Suman Bai
Farmer, Murumkheda Village
Our village, Shivangiri, benefited from the JalTara Project. This strategy has raised groundwater levels and doubled our income. Today, farmers are happy.
Madan Pandrinath Jadhav
Farmer, Jalna District
In the framework of the JalTara project, we built recharge shafts close to wells. After the very first rain, we discovered that the water level had risen to 75%. The JalTara project is an excellent way to end water scarcity and should be implemented by everyone to increase groundwater.
Mahadev Nivratti Narvade
Farmer
JalTara prakalpa was started in our village last year. I want all the farmers to know about its benefits. Since we live in a mountainous region, the water levels in our village were very low. We dug many wells in our village, but none provided water.
The implementation of JalTara in our village benefited us in two ways: first, it increased water levels, and second, the land, which previously turned muddy due to rain, now remains dry as the water is absorbed by the recharge structures.
Every farmer should implement this project in their village.
Balasaheb Bahekar
Farmer, Jalna District
I had 6 acres of land, of which one acre produced crops. Previously, there was mud after rains. After the construction of JalTara recharge structures, the water level in my well has risen. I can grow more crops now.
Appasaheb Bahekar
Farmer, Jalna District
I have been farming for two years. JalTara came into existence in our village last year. I own 32 acres of land for farming where 40 JalTara recharge structures were constructed. Earlier, where there were 8-10 crore crops, now the land is producing 13-14 crore crops every year.
Narayan Vaidyanath Dighe
Farmer, Ambora, Jahangir Village
Our village's water situation deteriorated after the rains because the mud was everywhere. We needed more water to grow crops. After JalTara's implementation, the situation has improved as all the rainwater goes into recharge structures. Now there is no mud, and water levels have risen.
Balasaheb Lomte
Farmer, Jalna District
JalTara's technique benefited us. We didn't have to spend anything to implement the JalTara technique on our farm and reaped immediate benefits after recharge structures were constructed next to our wells as the water levels doubled.
Vikas Hamre
Farmer, Warud Village
Due to JalTara recharge structures, water levels in the well of my village have increased. I recommend that all the farmers in other villages should implement the JalTara technique on their farms.
Baburao Jaivanto Kakde
Farmer, Jaipur Village (MH)
I was hesitant to bring JalTara onto my farm because the water levels in my well were low during the summer and it was muddy everywhere during rains. In the years 2021–2022, the construction of JalTara recharge structures helped absorb the excess water in the soil and raised water levels in wells. Everyone should implement these to see the results.
Sugan Nitnavre
Farmer, Shivangiri Village (MH)
Earlier, there was too much mud on the farm. Excess water was soaked after constructing JalTara recharge structures. Water levels in my wells have increased. Soybean & chana crops production optimized.
Sulabai Chavhal
Farmer, Murumkheda Village (MH)
After JalTara recharge structures are constructed, crop yield has doubled. Earlier, we used to run the motor for two hours but still had no water. After the construction of JalTara recharge structures, the water level has now increased in the summer too.
I have been farming for 15 years. Due to a lack of water, crop production was very low, but now, after the implementation of JalTara, the crop yield has doubled. I believe the JalTara project will benefit all Maharashtra talukas and districts.
Appasaheb Chauhan
Farmer, Jalna District
Earlier, one of my wells dried up and was not in use. I implemented JalTara on my farm, but neighbouring farms faced the problem of excessive mud. After seeing me, they also implemented JalTara recharge structures, which led to an increase in 14 quintals of soybean yield.
Ashok Ambure
Farmer, Jalna District
Previously, 90% of the houses in this area were made of mud. Currently, 60 to 70 % of houses are built of concrete, and the remaining ones will be finished within a year. When I finish building my house, I'll give it the name 'JalTara'
Nivritti Kisarao Palve
Farmer, Palashkheda Village, Jalna