Exclusive! Sri Sri Ravi Shankar speaks out!

The spiritual guru responds to Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com's quick-fire questions with prompt answers.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the presiding spirit behind the Art of Living movement with its global imprint, is an unusual guru.

Born in Tamil Nadu, he lives in Karnataka, and has a flourishing AOL institution in Geneva. He found his own ground while following Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Today his Art of Living Foundation connects with the children and the youth.

Sri Sri, 57, knows Tamil, Kannada, English, Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi and can follow German. A man who can speak eloquently on topics as diverse as the Vedas to the need for a strong leadership in modern India, he is a frequent flier who takes his AOL to the world's troubled spots to provide succour and solace.

Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com conducted a rapid fire question and answer session during a brief encounter with the guru. Without hesitating, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar agreed to speak his mind as naturally as possible.

Please see Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's answers below: