The Kuwaiti Yoga practitioner H.E. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Padma Shri award for her contribution to the field of Yoga from the President of India Shri Droupadi Murmu. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is the first Kuwaiti national to receive India’s highest civilian award and one of just eight international recipients this year.
She is the founder of founder of Daratma, Kuwait's first licensed yoga studio. The name "Daratma" combines the Arabic word "Dar" (home) with the Sanskrit word "Atma" (soul), representing a profound connection to India
She has been a pioneer in yoga education in Kuwait. Due to her efforts, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in Kuwait introduced a yoga education license, which is now accessible to all. Her contributions have also been instrumental in promoting yoga throughout the region.
The Padma Shri is one of India’s highest civilian honors, recognizing exceptional service in various fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature, education, sports, and civil service.