President Murmu Awards Kuwaiti Yoga Legend Padma Shri for Uniting Cultures

President Droupadi Murmu has granted the coveted Padma Shri to Her Excellency Shaikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah, a Kuwaiti yoga practitioner, for her remarkable efforts in advancing the cause of yoga and promoting cultural harmony. This award recognises her devotion to propagating the ancient Indian practice of yoga and her contribution towards bridging cultural divides by charitable work. Here is an in-depth description:

 

Key Highlights

 

Awards for Yoga Advocacy:

 

Shaikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah is the owner of Daratma, the first officially licensed yoga studio in Kuwait, opened in 2014.

 

Her studio merges the Arabic term "Dar" (house) and the Sanskrit term "Atma" (soul), reflecting an in-depth union of cultures.

 

Cultural Bridging:

 

Shaikha has labored selflessly through her philanthropic efforts to unite individuals and build cohesion across diverse populations.

 

Her work has been pivotal to the introduction of yoga education licenses in Kuwait and making the sport accessible to everybody.

 

International Impacts:

 

The work of Shaikha reaches beyond yoga because she has introduced fundraising campaigns such as "Yomnak lil Yaman" to help refugees and displaced Yemenis.

 

She works towards humanitarian causes and worldwide harmony.

 

Historical Importance

 

Shaikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah becomes the first Kuwaiti citizen to be awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards.

 

This honor reflects the increasing worldwide influence of yoga as a means of wellness and cross-cultural exchange.

 

Prime Minister Modi's Appreciation:

 

In December 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Shaikha in Kuwait and complimented her on her enthusiasm for yoga and fitness.

 

The sitting accentuated her contribution to the popularization of yoga among the youth and enhancement of India-Kuwait relations.

 

Future Vision:

 

Shaikha continues to pursue mastery and learning in yoga, researching retreats in India and increasing the outreach of her studio.

 

Her vision is towards sharing harmony, balance, and awareness by means of the ancient practice.

 

This award recognizes Shaikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah's commitment to yoga and efforts in bringing cultures together, highlighting the transformation capability of this ancient practice.

 

Sources: The Print, Indians in Kuwait, Times Kuwait