The Indian government is poised to bestow the Padma Shri, its fourth-highest civilian honor, upon two individuals residing outside India: Kiran Vyas, a France-based Indian-origin yoga teacher, and Ravi Prakash Singh, an agriculture scientist based in Mexico.
Kiran Vyas, aged 79, is the founder of the Tapovan Open University of Yoga and Ayurveda in Paris. His decision to settle in France was driven by the goal of popularizing and gaining acceptance for Ayurveda, the “science of life,” in Europe. The Indian embassy in Paris congratulated Vyas on his Padma Shri, acknowledging his impactful journey in education, Ayurveda, sustainable living, and environmental consciousness.
Ravi Prakash Singh, based in Mexico, is renowned for his significant role in enhancing food production and nutritional security in India and various other countries. He gained recognition for introducing high-yield wheat that positively impacted millions globally. Singh’s contributions to science and engineering earned him the Padma Shri. Grateful for the honor, Singh, an alumnus of BHU, expressed his appreciation, highlighting his extensive work in developing over 730 wheat varieties in collaboration with entities across 49 countries. Indian Ambassador to Mexico, Pankaj Sharma, extended congratulations to Dr. Ravi Prakash Singh during a recent event.
The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honors, are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Padma Shri specifically recognizes distinguished service in various fields of activities and disciplines.
