Ramdev requested Singh to select some other personality, Ravi Shankar took to Twitter to inform about his decision. (Source: Express photo)
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who are tipped to receive Padma awards, have written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh declining the honour. The Indian Express had reported Friday that the two would be among the recipients this year. Ramdev’s letter says, “I have come to know that the government desires to honour me with Padma Vibhushan. I express my gratitude… I am a sanyasi and I consider it my sacred duty to work selflessly towards my sanyas dharma, along with rashtra dharma and seva dharma… I want to request you, with politeness and gratitude, to confer this honour to any other great personality.” Ravi Shankar tweeted, “Rajnath Singhji called to inform me about Padma awards. I thank Govt… Instead of me, I’d like them to honour someone else.” His Art of Living foundation quoted him as saying, “There are other deserving people.” The Padma awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day. A senior Home Ministry official said, “Since the list has not been released, we can’t comment on it.”