Yoga guru Ramdev expresses dismay over lobbying for Padma awards, Nobel Prize

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Saturday expressed disappointment over the political lobbying that goes into attaining national awards like the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and the Nobel Prize.

"Starting from Padma Shri to Padma Bhushan and Vibhushan to the Nobel Prize, it is true that the best of the lot win it, but it also goes without saying that major lobbying is indulged in to secure these awards. Political demagogues use their power for this," Baba Ramdev claimed.

He said he has a strong conviction in his sanyas dharma and believes that his fellow citizens' participation in yoga camps would give him more honour than lobbying for 'tainted' Padma awards.

"Medicine cannot cure illness. Almost 50 percent of the population sells themselves, even their properties, to buy medicines to cure themselves. Since June 21 has been declared by the United Nations (UN) as International Yoga Day, which is a matter of pride for the nation, my greatest achievement would be if more than ten crore of my fellow countrymen come out of their homes to celebrate the day. Throughout the year, there will be yoga and anti-obesity camps. More and more awareness need to be created in my country", he added.

Baba Ramdev had been tipped to receive a Padma award this year. But reports said that he had written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to decline the honour.