Ramdev, Ravi Shankar say no to Padma award

New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) Yoga guru Ramdev and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Saturday declined to accept Padma awards, saying the honour could be given to someone else.

Ramdev declined the Padma Vibhushan - India's second highest civilian award - saying that while he was grateful for being chosen for the honour it should be given to someone else and not a "sanyasi".

In a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, he said he was grateful that the central government thought of his name, which he got to know from media reports, but the honour could be given to some other great person.

"I am a 'sanyasi' and want to serve the country without expecting anything," he said, adding that a recluse must remain the same while he is honoured or disrespected.

"I urge you to give this honour to somebody doing something great. I would be grateful to you," he said.

Meanwhile, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also declined to accept the Padma award, saying it could be given to someone else.

The world renowned spiritual leader tweeted that Rajnath Singh called him to inform about it but he declined to accept the award.

"Rajnath Singh called to inform me about Padma award. I thank government for considering me. Instead of me, I'd like them to honour someone else," he posted on Twitter.