Bengaluru, April 28: In a powerful recognition of its grassroots initiatives and transformative work, The Art of Living Social Projects – SSRDP was awarded Best NGO of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Global CSR & ESG Awards held in New Delhi on April 25. Celebrated for pioneering efforts in border village development, skill-based rehabilitation of prison inmates, and the holistic transformation of government schools, the organization stood out among changemakers and visionaries from across the globe.

Accepting the award, Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of The Art of Living Social Projects, lauded the collective spirit behind the achievement and reaffirmed the organization’s steadfast commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive India.

From Margins to Mainstream: Revitalizing India’s Border Villages

Guided by the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects is spearheading transformative change in India’s most remote border regions — blending education, sustainability, and empowerment into a model of holistic progress.

Key Impact Highlights:

• Solar Electrification: Over 66,000 solar lamps distributed, brightening the lives of 165,000+ villagers.

• Solar Smart Schools: 190 schools equipped with technology, enriching education for 17,000+ children.

• Skill Development: 20,000+ youth trained in solar technology and vocational leadership programs.

• Women and Youth Empowerment: Tailored programs fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and grassroots leadership.

• ITI Lab Upgradation: Enhanced government training centers to boost employability skills.

• Strategic Partnerships with the Indian Army: Strengthening youth leadership and resilience in border communities.

These initiatives are transforming isolated villages into resilient, self-reliant communities — fostering peace, inclusion, and opportunity.

Powering Livelihoods Through Skill and Self-Reliance

In the sphere of skill development, the organization has unveiled a transformative canvas — empowering individuals with sustainable, dignified livelihood opportunities.

Major Milestones:

• 4,20,000+ youth trained across 48+ job roles in 120+ skill centers.

• 3,10,000+ rural beneficiaries impacted across 500+ districts in 23 states.

Through strategic collaborations with governments, corporates, and educational institutions, The Art of Living Social Projects is redefining rural empowerment.

Lighting Up Young Minds: Free Schools for a Brighter Tomorrow

In underserved regions across India, free schools operated by the organization are nurturing first-generation learners with an integrated curriculum that combines academics, life skills, yoga, and digital learning.

Impact Snapshot:

• 1,00,000+ students educated across 1,262+ free schools spanning 22 states, with nearly half being girls.

These schools are not merely educating — they are transforming generations and breaking cycles of poverty.

Healing and Hope: Reimagining Prison Rehabilitation

Echoing Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s insight that “Inside every culprit is a victim crying for help,” the organization’s Prison Reform Initiative is reshaping correctional centers into spaces of healing and hope.

Key Achievements:

• 6,700+ inmates trained across 28 prisons in India.

• 8,00,000+ inmates impacted globally across 65 countries.

With emotional healing, vocational training, and workforce reintegration, the program empowers former inmates to rejoin society with dignity and purpose.

A Legacy of Transformation

The Art of Living Social Projects – SSRDP transcends traditional development models. Rooted in compassion, innovation, and sustainability, it is crafting vibrant, resilient communities and laying the foundation for an empowered future.

About The Art of Living Social Projects – SSRDP:
Inspired by the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the organization uplifts rural India through sustainable technologies, values-driven initiatives, and strategic partnerships — ensuring every farmer, student, and entrepreneur thrives in a prosperous ecosystem.