Shri Mataji 

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Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was born on March 21st, 1923, in Maharashtra, India. During her youth, she played a big role in the Indian independence movement, working alongside Mahatma Gandhi. 

 

In 1970, Shri Mataji founded Sahaja Yoga Meditation. Since then, she has traveled around the world spreading her message of meditation and peace. She conducted free programs and welcomed people of all backgrounds, ages, and cultures. Today, Sahaja Yoga is found in over 175 countries. 

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Shri Mataji was honored many times throughout her life for her work in peace and meditation. She was invited 4 times to New York between 1990 and 1994 to the United Nations to speak on world peace. In 1995, she was invited by China to speak at the United Nations International Women's Conference. She was also nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize. Claes Nobel himself recognized her work during a 1997 London speech.