Ramdev writes to Rajnath, refuses Padma award - Times of India

NEW DELHI: Yoga guru Ramdev on Saturday declined any Padma award for him reportedly being considered by Modi's government on the occasion of 66th Republic Day.

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In a letter to Union home minister Rajnath Singh, Ramdev referred to media reports that the central government was considering his name for Padma Vibushan, the second highest civilian award but felt that as an "ascetic" he should refrain from getting "rewards or honours".

Ramdev also said that he felt humbled and grateful for being nominated for the prestigious award.

Ramdev has been closely associated with the Sangh Parivar and campaigned for the BJP in the run up to 2014 polls.

Ramdev was one of many the government had named as slated to be awarded the prestigious Padma award this year. The Padma list is usually finalized by the Prime Minister's Office a day or two before they are announced on the eve of Republic Day.

Below is the statement issued by Ramdev.

Read this in Hindi: रामदेव ने पद्म पुरस्कार लेने से किया इनकार

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