New Delhi: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Saturday declined the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, recommending it for some other ‘great’ person.  Â
Sri Sri Shankar took to tweeter to tweet his refusal. “Rajnath Singhji called to inform me about Padma Awards. I thank Govt for considering me. Instead of me, I’d like them to honour someone else,” he tweeted.
Baba Ramdev – who was reportedly being considered by the Modi-led govt for the Padma award to be given on the occasion of 66th Republic Day, said he was grateful for being chosen for the honour but it should be given to someone else and not to an ascetic.
Baba Ramdev, in a letter to the Home Minister Rajnath Singh, humbly refused to accept the Padma award adding that since he is a ‘sanyasi’, he should refrain from getting “rewards or honours”.
Ramdev further said this honour should be given to some other personality who is more deserving. “I urge you (the govt) to give this honour to somebody doing something great. I would be grateful to you,” he said.
The yoga guru was recently made brand ambassador of Haryana. As per Haryana Cabinet Minister for Health Anil Vij, the decision was taken in view of Ramdev’s contribution in the field of yoga and ayurveda.
The letter by Baba Ramdev
