Karnataka-based seer, Siddheshwar Swami, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express his unwillingness to accept the prestigious Padma Shri award.
In the letter, he mentioned that he was grateful to the Indian government, but he has little interest in awards.
“I am very grateful to the Government of India for awarding me the prestigious ‘Padmasri’ award. But with all respect to yourself and to the government I want to convey my unwillingness to accept the great award. Being a sanyasin I am little interested in awards. I hope, you appreciate my decision of not accepting this highly valued Padmasri award,” wrote Siddheshwar Swami, according to the Indian Express.
According to media reports, he has clarified that his refusal has nothing to do with politics. He has never accepted honours in his life. He even refused to receive Hon. Doctorate Award announced by Karnataka University a few years back.
The preachings of Jnanayogi Shri Siddheshwar Swamiji are reportedly described as hard teachings delivered in a pleasant and enjoying manner.