After Ramdev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also declines Padma Award

New Delhi, Jan 24: Yoga guru Ramdev and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Saturday politely declined to accept the Padma awards slated to awarded on the occasion of the 66th Republic Day due to be observed this Monday.

In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Ramdev spoke about media reports saying the Narendra Modi government was considering his name for Padma Vibhusan, the second-highest civilian award in the country, but felt that an ascetic should refrain from rewards and honours.

Ramdev, however, expressed his gratefulness for being nominated for the prestigious award.

Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, LK Advani are also among the recipients

Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs later said that it would respect Ramdev's opinion and refrain from conferring him the award, said television reports.

Soon after Ramdev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also declined to receive the award, saying in a tweet it would be nice if the government gave the award to somebody else. He thanked the central government for considering him for the award.

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.

— Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) January 24, 2015

Oneindia News