New Delhi: On the evening of April 28, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Attended by dignitaries including the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister, the event celebrated exceptional contributions across fields. Among the recipients was Kuwaiti yoga guru Sheikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah, who received the Padma Shri for her remarkable work in promoting yoga globally and fostering human welfare. Sheikha, the founder of Kuwait’s first licensed yoga studio, Daratma for Yoga Education, has become a beacon of cultural unity.

Sheikha Ali Jaber’s efforts have elevated yoga beyond physical exercise, transforming it into a universal language that bridges diverse cultures. Her initiatives have promoted wellness and strengthened intercultural ties, earning her widespread acclaim. During the ceremony, President Murmu remarked, “Padma Awards not only recognize individual achievements but inspire us to advance our culture, education, and humanity. Sheikha Ali’s contributions to yoga and human welfare are a matter of pride.” Expressing gratitude, Sheikha said, “Yoga has transformed my life. Through it, I strive to spread love, harmony, and health worldwide.” Her work underscores yoga’s role in fostering global unity.

Beyond teaching yoga, Sheikha has inspired people to embrace mental peace, physical health, and balanced lifestyles. Her welfare initiatives have built connections across cultures, amplifying yoga’s teachings on the global stage. Analysts view her award as a testament to India’s growing influence through yoga and a nod to Kuwait’s role in its global spread. This recognition highlights yoga’s dual nature as both a physical practice and a spiritual journey, reinforcing its universal appeal.

The Padma Awards ceremony honored luminaries for their outstanding contributions, with Sheikha Ali’s recognition shining a light on yoga’s transformative power. Her Padma Shri not only celebrates her tireless efforts but also underscores India’s cultural diplomacy and the global resonance of yoga as a force for harmony and well-being.