About us

Established in 2001, Sri Sri Rural Development Program Trust (SSRDP) under the aegis of Art of Living operates with a resolute focus on empowering India with a number of skill development programs and meaningful service initiatives. We aim to collaborate with best global practices, corporate thinking, accountability and highest governance standards, and transparency to create a model of sustainable development, which is a benchmark in the industry and can be replicated at scale. At Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (SSRDP), we believe that the partnership of rural India with corporates, young urban India, the Government and other partner organizations is the key to creating a permanent & irreversible change for good.

Our Vision

We believe that every person deserves to lead a secure, prosperous, and dignified life.

Our Mission

Creating a permanent and irreversible change in the lives of economically challenged persons in the next five years, taking the number of beneficiaries to 10 million from the current level of 3 million being supported through various programs.

Our Strategy

Identify & address green initiatives, Skills training & other need-based issues in India, through sustainable development projects, training and entrepreneurship development.

Promote entrepreneurs and create a platform and infrastructure for the youth to take up income-generating activities in their neighbourhood.

Act as a bridge between urban & rural India for inter-cultural, knowledge, technology and human exchanges.

Our Leadership

Prasana Prabhu

Chairman, SSRDP Trust

Prasana Prabhu is a visionary leader and strategist whose impactful journey bridges Indian media, spirituality, and large-scale social transformation. Currently serving as the Chairman of The Art of Living Social Projects – Sri Sri Rural Development Programme and Sri Sri Institute of Agriculture Sciences Trust, he has been instrumental in expanding the reach, depth, and innovation of the Foundation’s rural development, natural farming, and skill-building initiatives across India. Before assuming these roles, he held leadership of two key pillars of The Art of Living: Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI) and Sri Sri Publications Trust, where he spearheaded institutional expansion, innovation, and public outreach.

Prasana Prabhu played a key role in organizing The Art of Living’s Silver Jubilee (2006) and the iconic World Culture Festival (2016), which brought together 3.75 million people, 36,000 performers, and delegates from 110 countries. Under the guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, he has led impactful initiatives through The Art of Living Social Projects, including river rejuvenation efforts and Project JalTara. These initiatives have earned several accolades, such as the Best NGO of the Year (2025), the Best Civil Society Award (2023), and multiple CSR Impact and Water Conservation awards.

Air Marshal Vijay Pal Singh Rana PVSM, VSM (Retd)

Air Marshal Vijay Pal Singh Rana PVSM, VSM (Retd), served in the Indian Air Force for 37 years. He served at the apex level in IAF Administration, as ‘Air Force Officer in Charge Administration (AOA) and contributed immensely to field operations, including Operation Kargil and Operation Parakram. He holds post-graduation in Defense & Strategic Studies, Plant breeding & genetics and PG diplomas in Public Administration & Business Administration.

Vijay Hakay

Mr. Vijay has the responsibility of linking The Art of Living programs with all SSRDP project initiatives that involve people, be it rural training or skill training. He identifies honorary sevaks for an appointment, for being in charge at District and Taluk levels. He vigorously expands the scope of the World Bank-funded project on climate-resilient agriculture. Mr. Vijay also guides and influences Sarpanch federations towards the betterment of farmer incomes and quality of life, through collective farming and appropriate marketing practices.

Ravi Bhushan

Mr. Ravi has been conceptualizing and spearheading projects for alleviating farmer distress. This includes federating Farmer Producer Companies and creating FPOs, for value addition to farm produce and taking maximum advantage of the recent ground-breaking amendments to the Essential Commodities Act, APMC and Contract Farming rules, with a view to ensure that rural folk are better able to earn a livelihood and are not flocking to urban slums, to earn a living. With his experience as an advisor at NRLM and in contract farming, he guides SSRDP in setting up a structure that would be self-sustaining and self-funded.