The Art of Living Foundation hosted its Unsung Everyday Heroes Awards at Chinmaya Mission in New Delhi, blending celebration with reflection. The event marked 45 years of service by the organization and the 70th birthday of its founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. At its heart was a simple idea: those quietly transforming lives rarely seek recognition, yet deserve it the most.
The ceremony was attended by Delhi cabinet minister Kapil Mishra and Padma Shri awardee Dr Kiran Bedi. Mishra said such moments dissolve ego and highlight the power of ordinary individuals doing extraordinary work. "It is because of people like them that society and the nation continue to thrive," he said.
Bedi, who has been associated with the organization for over three decades, spoke about integrating its programs into police training. "If you dedicate your body, mind and resources fully to your work, you will find peace," she said, emphasizing self-driven service.
A total of 34 individuals and organizations from Delhi-NCR were honored for initiatives spanning education, disability inclusion, rare disease support and grassroots sports development. The event also featured the planting of Panchavati and Moringa saplings, symbolizing sustainability, and a live intuition process demonstration.
Part of a nationwide effort across over 490 districts, the awards recognize changemakers in youth leadership, sports and philanthropy. Rooted in a vision of a stress-free, violence-free society, the foundation continues to drive large-scale grassroots initiatives in education, water conservation, sustainable farming and youth empowerment.
