Proposed Sri Sri (Deemed-to-be University)

Sri Sri (Deemed to be University) (SSDU) proposed by the Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir (SSRVM) Trust under the visionary guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,  emerges as a deeply timely and strategically vital response to the most pressing challenges and aspirations of 21st-century Indian higher education.

As the nation seeks to harness its demographic dividend and assert global academic leadership, SSDU offers a future-ready response to India’s evolving educational aspirations. Rooted in India’s ancient wisdom, it blends intellectual rigor with spiritual grounding, digital innovation with human values, and academic excellence with inner development and social responsibility.

Designed as a next generation institution, SSDU brings together the depth of Indian Knowledge Systems with contemporary frontier disciplines, combining whole person education with interdisciplinary inquiry and local service with global relevance. The university’s foundation rests on a deeply humanistic philosophy, where learning is as much about inner clarity as it is about outer capability, where students are cultivated as leaders of character and consciousness, and where academic excellence is inseparable from spiritual depth and societal contribution. Strategically situated within the vibrant, holistic and ecological environment of the Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru, the 300 acre campus is already recognized as a global hub for spiritual learning, ecological harmony, and intercultural dialogue.

More than an academic institution, Sri Sri (Deemed to be University) aspires to be a living ecosystem of consciousness. It draws its strength from the cultural, spiritual, and ecological ethos of its unique location while embracing modern academic infrastructure, digital technology, and progressive pedagogy. Students at SSDU will experience not only intellectual development, but also emotional depth and purpose driven engagement. At the heart of SSDU’s institutional identity is its commitment to the values and vision articulated by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. His emphasis on joy in learning, ethical clarity, compassionate leadership, and service to humanity defines the pedagogical and cultural framework of the university. The SSRVM Trust, with a proven legacy of over two decades across 120 institutions including Sri Sri University, Cuttack and specialized colleges in Ayurveda and Nursing, brings institutional credibility and seasoned academic governance. The Trust's long standing experience positions SSDU as an institution ready to meet both the highest academic standards and the deepest aspirations of impactful education.

SSDU’s academic vision aligns fully with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, India@2047, and the United Nations Sustainable Development GoalsAs the world’s largest democracy seeks to expand access to quality education, strengthen research and innovation, integrate Indian Knowledge Systems, and enhance global competitiveness, SSDU offers a new kind of model, onel that promotes academic excellence, civic responsibility, and ethical global citizenship. It seeks not only to educate for employment, but to inspire lifelong purpose, wisdom in leadership, and socially conscious innovation. 

Vision
To emerge as a globally recognized university rooted in Indian wisdom and guided by modern scientific inquiry nurturing skilled, ethical, and compassionate individuals committed to lifelong learning, social responsibility, and purposeful leadership in a rapidly transforming world. A University from India for the World!
Mission

  • To reimagine higher education by integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with global disciplines, cultivating thought leaders who embody scientific inquiry, human values and ethical purpose
  • To deliver student-centered learning that creates lifelong learners & empowered individuals equipped with future ready skills, including critical thinking, digital fluency, collaborative problem-solving, and entrepreneurial agility.
  • To nurture both inner and outer excellence through a curriculum and pedagogy that blends intellectual rigor with emotional well-being, ethical reflection, and community-driven service.

  • To create a globally networked, innovation-driven academic ecosystem that contributes to sustainable development and transformative societal impact.

     

The university’s founding vision is rooted in seven interwoven principles. These principles respond directly to the call of the National Education Policy 2020, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

 

  1. Inner Transformation – nurturing awareness and emotional balance.
  2. Whole-Person Education – integrating knowledge, skills, and values.
  3. Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges – drawing from Indian Knowledge Systems.
  4. Conscious Innovation – fostering creative, ethical, and sustainable innovation.
  5. Global Citizenship – cultivating cultural literacy and intercultural competence.
  6. Ethical Leadership – inspiring character, service, and responsibility.
  7. Planetary Responsibility – aligning education with ecological stewardship and global harmony.

Sri Sri (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, is a nationally strategic and globally relevant institution conceived from inception as a model “Distinct Category” university under UGC guidelines. It stands at the confluence of ancient Indian wisdom and frontier innovation, offering an academic, cultural, and operational blueprint that is profoundly original, future-oriented, and rooted in India's civilizational ethos. A unique blend of heritage and innovation defines SSDU’s approach to teaching, research, and societal relevance.

As a custodian of India’s cultural and linguistic heritage, SSDU embeds values-based education into every dimension of institutional life. Its pedagogy emphasizes contemplative practices, ethical clarity, and experiential learning through seva (selfless service), nature immersion, and ethical leadership modules. Through an integrated vision: academic, vocational, digital, spiritual, and societal Sri Sri (Deemed to be University) does not merely comply with UGC’s “Distinct Category” mandate; it exemplifies it. It is a conscious, comprehensive, and scalable model of 21st-century Indian higher education.

Ultimately, Sri Sri (Deemed to be University) is far more than an educational institution: it is a national resource, a global beacon, and a moral force in an era that demands new models of learning, leadership, and living. It represents not just a proposal for a new university, but a proposal for a new kind of university: one that is technologically advanced and ethically grounded, civilizationally rooted and globally aspirational. From Indian Knowledge Systems to Artificial Intelligence, from sustainable farming to international diplomacy, from ancient mantras to modern medicine, SSDU embodies India’s full spectrum of wisdom and possibility. It prepares students not just to earn, but to elevate; not just to lead, but to serve. It aspires to produce not mere degree holders, but visionary citizens. Not just employees, but ethical entrepreneurs. Not just researchers, but seekers of truth.

In a time when education risks becoming transactional, Sri Sri (Deemed to be University) offers a different path: one grounded in inner awakening, social responsibility, and spiritual clarity. Its unwavering commitment to excellence, equity, ethics, and enlightenment positions it not only as relevant to India’s future, but essential to it. SSDU does not merely comply with NEP 2020: it embodies its essence. With its integrated vision of whole-person education, national development, and global leadership, Sri Sri (Deemed to be University) stands ready to shape the next chapter of India’s educational renaissance. It is a university not only of the future but for the future: and through its living model of conscious learning and societal impact, SSDU reclaims the deeper purpose of education itself.

Detailed Project Report (DPR)

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) presents the complete proposal for the establishment of the Sri Sri Deemed to be University (SSDU)  under distinct category as a new institution in accordance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023. It outlines the University’s vision, mission, institutional philosophy, governance model, academic framework, infrastructure development, financial sustainability, and phased implementation roadmap. 


For ease of reference, both the full DPR and a separate Executive Summary have been made available for download. The Executive Summary provides a concise overview of the proposal’s key highlights, objectives, and compliance framework submitted to the UGC.

Link to download the full DPR (PDF)

Link to download the Executive Summary

Application Submitted to UGC

The official application submitted to the University Grants Commission (UGC) includes all prescribed forms, annexures, and supporting documents in compliance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023. It represents the formal submission by the Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir Trust for the establishment of Sri Sri Deemed to be University (SSDU) under the Distinct Category as a New Institution. The complete application is made available here for download.

Link to download the full UGC application (PDF)

Proposed Academic Programmes & Curriculum Framework

Short summary of proposed degree programmes and distinct category disciplines 

The Sri Sri (Deemed to be University) proposes to offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes designed to respond to evolving global and national priorities. Guided by the principle of integrating the timeless with the timely, the University’s academic vision is rooted in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) while being fully aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

SSDU’s programmes emphasize interdisciplinary learning, experiential pedagogy, skill integration, and value-based education, fostering graduates who combine competence, creativity, and character. The curriculum is modular, flexible, and credit-based, designed to prepare learners for real-world challenges and future employment while nurturing innovation and purpose. Rooted in India yet oriented to the world, SSDU’s academic design blends knowledge, skills, and values to produce graduates capable of meaningful global impact.

Distinct to SSDU is its holistic pedagogy that integrates inner development with academic excellence, enabling learners to translate knowledge into meaningful action. This approach nurtures graduates who are intellectually rigorous, socially responsible, and capable of addressing complex challenges with wisdom and integrity.

A detailed list of proposed programmes is provided in the attached summary file. The accompanying document : “List of Programmes Devoted to Teaching or Research in Unique Disciplines”  highlights SSDU’s Distinct Category offerings as defined under Clause 2.12 of the UGC Regulations

Link to download the Program list (PDF)

Link to download list of programs in distinct categories

Governance & Academic Structures

As a newly proposed institution, the Sri Sri (Deemed to be University) (SSDU) has constituted interim governance and academic bodies to ensure preparedness for its initial phase of operations.

The Interim Board of Studies (BoS) has been established for all programs commencing in the first academic year, with expert representation from academia to guide curriculum design and academic quality.

Details of the SSRVM Trustees and Management Committee outline the role of the sponsoring body in providing strategic direction, institutional stewardship, and policy oversight.

Additionally, a UGC Advisory & Readiness Committee has been formed to provide academic and institutional guidance in preparation for the UGC Expert Committee’s evaluation, advising on documentation, quality presentation, and overall readiness for the inspection process.

Details of Interim Board of Studies (can be downloadable or on the webpage itself) - Doc 6

SSRVM Trustees (can be downloadable or on the webpage itself) - Doc 7 

UGC Advisory & Readiness Committee ((can be downloadable or on the webpage itself) - Doc 8 

Infrastructure & Facilities (Geo-tagged Evidence)

In accordance with UGC guidelines, this section provides geo-tagged photographs of the proposed campus infrastructure, including the main academic buildings and related facilities, with embedded location data for verification. A Virtual Campus Tour offers a visual overview of the academic blocks and key outdoor areas such as the playground.

Geo-tagged photos and virtual campus tour link

Affidavit, Legal Undertakings & Statutory Documents

This section includes the notarized affidavits and the Memorandum of Association (MoA) submitted to the University Grants Commission as part of the application process. These documents formalize the legal, administrative, and governance framework for the establishment of Sri Sri (Deemed to be University) in accordance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023

  1. [Download Affidavit – 1 (PDF)] - Doc 9
  2. [Download Affidavit – 2 (PDF)] - Doc 10
  3. [Download Memorandum of Association (PDF)] - Doc 11

Contact Details

  • Nodal Officer for UGC Expert Committee Coordination
    Divya Kanchibhotla
    Head, Higher Education
    Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir Trust
    3rd Floor, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Sciences & Research Campus
    21st KM, Kanakapura Road, Udayapura Post, Bengaluru – 560082
    Email: head.hei@ssrvm.org | Mobile: 8296897160

Disclaimer

  • This webpage hosts documents and materials submitted to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the purpose of the Expert Committee’s virtual visit and evaluation. All data and documents herein are authentic and correspond to official submissions made by the Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir Trust.