KUWAIT: The government of India conferred the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’ award on Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait on January 25, 2025 for her efforts in promoting yoga in Kuwait and the region. She is the first Kuwaiti national to receive a Padma award and among the select eight international recipients of Padma Shri this year, Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a press statement on January 28.
Padma Shri award is one of the highest civilian awards of India and is awarded for distinguished service in any field. The award is given in various disciplines/fields of activities, art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. The award is traditionally announced on the occasion of the Republic Day of India. The award is conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/April every year.
Shaikha Al-Sabah is credited with the inception of the first licensed yoga studio in Kuwait. The studio named ‘Daratma’ combines Arabic word ‘Dar’ (home) with Sanskrit word ‘Atma’ (soul) thus epitomizing a deep connection with India. She has been a pioneer in the field of yoga education in Kuwait. She is also the co-founder of Shems Youth Yoga in Kuwait. Due to her efforts, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of Kuwait introduced a yoga education license in Kuwait which is now accessible to all. Her contributions have also played a key role in promoting yoga within the region, the release added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Shaikha Al-Sabah during his visit to Kuwait in December, 2024 and conveyed his deep appreciation for her stellar efforts. It may be noted that based on Prime Minister Modi’s proposal of a ‘Yoga Day’ in his address to the UN General Assembly in September 2014, the resolution on ‘International Day of Yoga’ piloted by India was co-sponsored by 177 countries, including Kuwait and adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly. Since 2015, the world celebrates the International Day of Yoga on June 21 every year. The Indian embassy in Kuwait has been organizing the International Day of Yoga in Kuwait on June 21 every year.