A spiritual guru from Karnataka, Siddeshwara Swamiji, popularly known as Buddiji, has refused to accept the Padma Shri award that was conferred to him by the Union government.
In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi explaining his decision, the spiritual leader said that “I am very grateful to the Government of India for awarding me the prestigious ‘Padmasri’. But with all respect to yourself and to the Government, I want to convey my unwillingness to accept the great award (sic).”
In the letter that was tweeted by news agency ANI, he said that, “Being a SANYASIN I am little interested in awards. I hope you appreciate my decision of not accepting this highly valued Padmasri Award.”
Often referred as ‘Walking God of North Karnataka’, he was born and brought up in Karanataka’s Vijaypura.