NEW DELHI: Kuwaiti royal Sheikha Shaikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah has been awarded the Padma Shri for yoga advocacy by Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The honor recognizes her unwavering dedication to promoting yoga across Kuwait.
The focus keyphrase yoga advocacy abroad fits her journey perfectly. She began practicing yoga in 2001 and later founded Daratma, Kuwait’s first licensed yoga studio, in 2014. Her work transformed yoga from a niche interest to a culturally accepted wellness discipline in the Gulf region.
Through persistent advocacy, Sheikha Shaikha helped establish a formal yoga education license in Kuwait—a first in the nation. In 2021, she expanded her efforts with “Yomnak lil Yaman,” a fundraising campaign aiding Yemeni refugees through yoga-led community events.
Her dedication drew praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting in December 2024. Modi commended her efforts to promote yoga among the youth, calling her “an inspiring bridge between traditions.”
Interestingly, her influence extends beyond the mat. Sheikha Shaikha has used yoga as a tool for cultural diplomacy, wellness education, and social outreach. Her story exemplifies yoga advocacy abroad not just as a practice, but a movement with international impact.
In addition to spreading wellness, she’s breaking stereotypes—introducing ancient Indian traditions to modern Middle Eastern audiences. That makes her one of the rare voices combining royal legacy with grounded service.
India’s Padma Shri award honors her unique role in globalizing yoga. With growing international interest, such recognition also signals India’s soft-power strategy through cultural exports.
As more leaders like Sheikha Shaikha emerge, yoga advocacy abroad is set to play a larger role in global wellness diplomacy.
