The Art of Living Foundation is a volunteer-based, humanitarian and educational non-governmental organization (NGO). It was founded in 1981 by H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Art of Living Foundation has centers in more than 156 countries. Art of Living offers several stress-elimination and self-development programs based on breathing techniques, meditation and yoga.

Art of Living Foundation has been an educational and humanitarian organization in the U.S. since 1989. Accredited as a United Nations non-governmental organization in 1996, it works in special consultative status with the UN's Economic and Social Council.

The majority of the officers of the organization, along with most of its teachers and staff, are volunteers. Many of its programs are conducted through, or in conjunction with a partner organization, the International Association for Human Values (IAHV). It's programs draw on Advaita Vedanta tradition and practices. The Foundation operates as a charitable or a non-profit organization with chapters in many parts of the world.

The Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust (SSIAST) established by H.H. Sri Sri Ravishankar under the Art of Living foundation, aims to provide opportunities in education, research and extension in different branches of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Home Sciences, Forestry, Co-operatives, Agribusiness and other allied fields.

SSIAST programs facilitate interaction with farmers or anyone who is interested, to apprise them on the causes for decline in crop productivity and escalation in production costs that eventually result in higher consumer prices. Their seminars, lectures and demonstrations have been instrumental in creating an awareness among the farmers about the dangers and disadvantages of chemical farming. The Trust is marching forward in search of remedial solutions for some of the major environmental degradation factors through numerous experiments in collaboration with our farmers and scientists. The farmers are aware now, more than ever, how chemical farming has not only been a cause of their dwindling income and soil infertility but also damaged their land and water resources. SSIAST has been actively working with various central and state govt departments implementing several of their programmes focusing on chemical free agirculture.
 

India Inc is marching towards becoming a competitive economy in the world with make in India concept attracting number of big business houses of the world to India as a destination for manufacturing. This is done in the belief that GDP of the nation will grow and provide greater employment for masses. This is increasing the demand for land for setting up industrial units as well for new human settlements due to rapid urbanization.

Agriculture sector in India has been facing serious problems due to shrinkage of arable land, increasing number of small and marginal holdings, increasing dependence on external inputs. In the meanwhile increased migration of landless farm workers to the cities has made agriculture a very difficult proposition for farmers. Climatic aberrations are further adding fuel to the fire by making situation of farm based livelihoods truly miserable. This is a challenging situation for farmers. Today, there is a greater need of farmers coming together so that they will improve their bargaining power for getting a better deal from the government and as well from many other stake holders such as banks, commodities market, agriculture input providers, power houses, insurance, health and transport in order to make farming a remunerative enterprise lest this nation will have to face one day acute shortages of quality food.

In view of this, Sri Sri Institute of Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, a trust working under the guidance of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar Guruji has initiated “Sri Sri Kisaan Manch” (SSKM). This is providing a unique platform for the farmers to get their problems solved through collective effort in the Globalized economy. Farmers of India can now represent through SSKVM and be confident of their problems being heard by the Government. Since these groups of farmers will be emerging under Sri Sri Kisan Manch will have durable structure and will turn out to be the best ally of the farming community in finding the lasting solutions for the farming sector by negotiating with the government for better policy regime.

Download FORMS: Sri Sri Kisan Manch Membership Form

Rules and Regulations of the Sri Sri Kissan Manch (SSKM):

• Title - The manch should be called "SRI SRI Kissan Manch".
• The manch will be a functional unit of Agri Trust in the village.
• The membership fees for SSKM will be Rs. 100/- (Rupees One hundred only).
• The membership fees collected by the SSKM from the member will be deposited in the account of SSIAST Trust Bangalore.
• The SSKM will be working under the guidance of an executive body of three nominated members.
• The nominated body will be of president and two executives.
• The nominated executive body will be holding the positions for two years.
• New body will be nominated after completion of two years of the previous body.
• The body will be implementing the different programs given by the Agri Trust Bangalore
• The body will have freedom to take any village development relevant programs with the permission of the state Agri Apex body and the SSIAST Trust.
• The SSKM will be following the principles of The Art of Living
• The body will be spear heading the issues of farmers and farm development/village development.
• The body should take responsibility of model village development.
• The body should set an example for all the villagers.
• Maximum support from Government Programs for farmers should be obtained.
• Any other issues related to Agro - Economic development can be addressed under this unit.
• Implement the programs given by Agri - Apex/Dist/Taluka committees.

Functions of SSKM:

• Art of Living programs
• Natural Farming techniques
• Agro based post harvest skills