Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was chosen for Columbia's highest civilian award and award was presented on June 24.
He was chosen for this award for spreading the message of peace in society, inter-mediation in war, reducing stress and combating violence through yoga and breathing exercises. It was also the consideration that ‘The Art of Living Foundation’ founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has helped communities and groups, which have been forgotten, to rehabilitate.