Sri Sri Ravi Shankar nominated for Nobel Prize

US Congressman Joseph Crowley, New York Democrat, has nominated spiritual and humanitarian leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, for the Nobel Peace Prize. Crowley represents the 7th district that has one of the largest Asian Indian populations in the country.

In a missive to the Nobel Committee, Crowley recalled that during his tenure as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, "I had the pleasure of meeting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize."

"I believed then and continue to believe today, that his dedication to providing assistance to those in need, teaching tools and techniques to create individual transformation and spreading a message of peace throughout the global community embodies the spirit of the Nobel Peace Prize," he wrote.

Crowley said that Sri Sri's "...commitment to helping those who may not help themselves is striking," and added that "he sets an example of goodwill for all of us, showing people the world over the value of service and devotion to a good cause, and I believe he should be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize."

The lawmaker, who is nominating Sri Sri for the second successive year for the Nobel Peace Prize, said, he was once again "honored to forward his name to the judges in Oslo, Norway, to be considered for this prestigious award that celebrates humanity."

Crowley said that Sri Sri through his Art of Living Foundation, "...has helped bring peace to thousands of people stretched from Louisiana to Kosovo to Kashmir," and noted that "...he has even touched the lives of New Yorkers, having his Art of Living Foundation help families affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center."