Sri Sri Ravi Shankar receives Fiji’s highest civilian honour

Renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been honoured with Fiji’s highest civilian award- the “Honorary Officer of the Order of Fiji,” in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to global peace, social harmony, and the exceptional humanitarian services carried out worldwide by his organisation-the ‘Art of Living’. 

This prestigious award is conferred based on outstanding contributions to humanity both in Fiji and globally. After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar became the third Indian to receive this esteemed honour.

The award was presented to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar by Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere, in a ceremony held in Fiji. Fiji is now the sixth country to bestow its highest civilian honour upon Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, following similar recognitions from countries such as Colombia, Mongolia, Paraguay, and Suriname, as well as India’s Padma Vibhushan.

During his visit to Fiji, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was accorded a grand welcome by the local people with traditional customs. He also attended a reception organized at India House by India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. P.S. Karthigeyan, where he held official meetings with various ministers and officials, discussing the potential support of Art of Living’s yoga and meditation programs to enhance the mental and physical health of the Fijian people.

At a gathering held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, the capital of Fiji, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressed thousands of school children and young people, encouraging them to take a pledge to stay away from drugs. During this visit, thousands of Fijians were seen deeply immersed in the music, wisdom, and meditation sessions held in Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s presence.

For over four decades, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has positively impacted the lives of 500 million people across 184 countries through 57 diverse programs on breathing and meditation, including initiatives in education, healthcare, disaster relief, prison reform, river rejuvenation and natural farming. He has mediated for peace and harmony in conflict regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Ayodhya, Northeast India, Kosovo, and even remote areas of Iraq and Colombia.