SRI M-spiritual teacher, social reformer, educationist and author-was born Mumtaz Ali into a Muslim family on 6 November 1949 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. His transformational journey from young boy to yogi, is a story of single-minded discipline and dedication. He established the Satsang Foundation twenty years ago as a meeting point for spiritual seekers of all persuasions. Conversant with the principles and beliefs of most major religions, Sri M's teachings seek to transcend the outer shell of all religions by exploring the core of their teachings and nurturing the innate goodness in every human being. Sri M's autobiography, Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi's Autobiography, was published in 2011 and became an instant bestseller. Further, Journey Continues: A Sequel to Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master was published in 2017. Sri M has also authored several texts on the Upanishads, on meditation and a novel, Shunya. His latest book, On Meditation: Finding Infinite Bliss and Power Within, was published by Penguin Random House in 2019. All his books have been translated into numerous Indian languages. Among the many awards and honours he has received for his contribution to society, Sri M was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, in January 2020 for distinguished service of high order in spirituality.