Indian President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Shri award Monday to Sheikha Shaikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait.
The honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to promoting yoga in Kuwait and building a culture of wellness.
Sheikha Shaikha is the founder of Daratma for Yoga Education, Kuwait’s first officially licensed yoga studio.
She started her yoga journey in 2001, laying the foundation for a national movement focused on health and fitness.
In 2014, Sheikha Shaikha established Daratma, setting a new standard for promoting yoga in Kuwait.
Her pioneering efforts led Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry to create an official yoga education license.
The two discussed strategies to make yoga more popular among youth and promote wellness across generations.
Modi praised her passion for yoga, fitness, and her determination to inspire young people toward healthier lifestyles.
Beyond yoga, Sheikha Shaikha has contributed to humanitarian causes through initiatives like Yomnak lil Yaman.
Launched in 2021, Yomnak lil Yaman supports Yemeni refugees and internally displaced persons through fundraising efforts.
Sheikha Shaikha continues promoting yoga in Kuwait by leading classes, workshops, and educational programs.
Through Daratma, she empowers individuals to integrate yoga into their daily lives and embrace holistic health.
Her leadership demonstrates how yoga can unite communities, promote peace, and build resilience.
Today, Daratma stands as a beacon for promoting yoga in Kuwait, attracting students from diverse backgrounds.
With this international recognition, Sheikha Shaikha’s impact on wellness and charity work shines even brighter.
The Padma Shri award highlights her exceptional role in building bridges between cultures through the universal language of yoga.