-By Chandan Anand, Group Editor, ArdorComm Media
March 3, 2025
“It’s essential that we equip our students not only to survive but to succeed in a skill-based, AI-driven world” said Mrs. Rajita Kulkarni
Q: I’d like to understand more about your organization. How is your university evolving, and what new developments are happening?
A: Sri Sri University is part of the Art of Living Foundation, founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji. Our education system covers all levels, from early-stage education to higher education and PhDs.
We have three verticals:
- Free School Vertical – We have around 1,300 schools educating nearly 950,000 children across 25 states in India.
- Urban Education Vertical – This includes 120 institutions, including schools, colleges, and an Ayurveda hospital, providing education to about 60,000 students.
- The University – This is Gurudev’s vision to create a confluence of Eastern and Western education.
At Sri Sri University, we have 10 faculties, 60 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and nearly 300 scholars pursuing PhDs across 35 subjects. We have about 3,500 students on campus and over 10,000 enrolled in various online and offline programs. We are also proud to be one of the nine universities in India to receive dual accreditation status from NCVT.
Q: Today’s theme is ‘Digital Bharat.’ What does this mean for higher education?
A: It’s a very relevant theme. We are in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This year, AICTE declared 2025 as the ‘Year of AI.’ Just last week, Sri Sri University celebrated AI Week, where we hosted over 30 programs with 17 industry partners, benefiting nearly 1,000 students. Around 100 faculty members participated in technical sessions and faculty development programs on AI.
It’s essential that we equip our students not only to survive but to succeed in a skill-based, AI-driven world. All our programs are designed with industry collaboration.
We have AI programs in partnership with IBM, Microsoft, and Intel. Our recent MoU with Intel will help us introduce AI programs for all our students. Industry-oriented education, research, innovation, and incubation are crucial to preparing students not only for employment but also to become job creators.
We take pride in our incubator, which has nurtured about 180 startups. But beyond skills, we emphasize human values, mental well-being, and happiness. A degree alone does not guarantee success if a student is not happy. Our students practice meditation, pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya, and service activities daily. Giving back to society is a core value at our university.
Q: You’ve highlighted the importance of spirituality and holistic development. Why should emerging universities and institutions prioritize this?
A: That’s a very important question, Chandan. Data shows a concerning reality—one in three students globally struggles with mental health issues, and about 30% of teachers experience depression.
Imagine a depressed teacher trying to educate a depressed student—what learning can happen in such an environment? That’s why mental well-being must be a priority. In India, AICTE has mandated the Art of Living program as part of the induction process in most IITs, NITs, IIITs, and several other institutions.
Just yesterday, I was at the QS Conference, where 500 chancellors and vice-chancellors from around the world gathered. I was on a panel where four out of five institutions represented had implemented Art of Living programs for their students.
I’m also happy to share that our Art of Living program is offered as a four-credit course in 140 universities in the U.S., including Stanford, USC, and UC Berkeley. Prioritizing student well-being is critical, and as education leaders, it is our responsibility to support it.
Q: What role do alumni play in an institution’s success, and what new initiatives have you introduced for them?
A: That’s a great question, Chandan. Alumni are the crown of any institution—they are its ambassadors and torchbearers.
As a young university, we have a growing alumni community, and we are extremely proud of them. Many of them are making significant contributions in their fields.