Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has declined the Padma award reportedly being considered to be conferred on him on the occasion of the Republic Day.

In a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has declined the Padma award, the Art of Living said in a statement.

It quoted him as saying,"I thank the government for considering me for the Padma award. There are many other deserving people. Instead of me, I would like them to honour someone else."