NEW DELHI, April 29: Sheikha Sheikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was honored by the Indian government on Monday with the prestigious Padma Shri Award, in recognition of her efforts to promote yoga and its associated mental and physical health benefits across Kuwait, the Gulf region, and the Arab world.

In an official statement to KUNA, Kuwaiti Ambassador to India, Meshal Mustafa Al-Shamali, expressed his pride in Sheikha Sheikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's achievement. He emphasized that this honor reflects the strong, diversified bilateral ties between Kuwait and India. Al-Shamali conveyed his happiness at the recognition of Sheikha’s remarkable work in the field of yoga, an initiative that has greatly contributed to the cultural exchange between the two nations.

Sheikha Sheikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is the first Kuwaiti citizen to receive the Padma Shri, a civilian honor awarded by India to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields. The award was presented by Indian President Droupadi Murmu at an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

In her statement to KUNA, Sheikha Sheikha expressed that the award was a significant source of personal pride. She highlighted how her passion for yoga and fitness has fostered cultural exchanges between Kuwait and India, further strengthening the relationship between the two countries and promoting mutual respect and understanding.

The Indian government’s decision to award Sheikha Sheikha the Padma Shri was announced during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. This honor recognized her contributions to promoting public culture and social work, particularly in the realm of health and wellness through yoga.

The Padma Shri ceremony also acknowledged other distinguished individuals in fields such as science, engineering, commerce, industry, medicine, literature, education, sports, and civil service.

Sheikha Sheikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is the founder of the Atma Yoga Institute, which promotes yoga in Kuwait. The practice of yoga, which originated in India thousands of years ago, has seen a global resurgence, particularly following the efforts of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2014, Modi proposed the idea of declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly, a suggestion that was implemented in 2015. Yoga, which combines physical postures with breathing techniques and meditation, is now practiced by millions worldwide.

Sheikha Sheikha’s work has played a pivotal role in spreading the practice of yoga in the Arab world, helping to bridge cultural gaps and enhance well-being in the region.