Ishwar Sharma, aged 11, from Kent, is a young yoga champion with autism and ADHD who has led daily yoga classes for 40 children across 14 countries during lockdown.
Inspired by seeing his Dad practising yoga daily, Ishwar started taking up yoga when was three years old, and is already a three-time World Yoga Champion. Wanting to help other children with yoga, particularly those with special needs like himself, he began hosting free online classes which were already proving a success before the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. Since then, his virtual sessions have been even more vital, with Ishwar passionate about promoting both the mental health and physical health benefits of practising yoga.
In a personal letter to Ishwar, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“You have brought the joy of yoga to hundreds of children globally during lockdown. I was particularly inspired to hear how you have helped children with special needs enjoy the activity you enjoy and excel at.”
Ishwar said:
“I am honoured and humbled by this recognition. There has been unprecedented mental health issues amongst children due to the pandemic. I feel it is a recognition for yoga as a discipline which helps in balancing mental and physical health. This award has motivated me to continue my endeavour to spread the message of yoga all over the world. I do hope that yoga and meditation will be included in national school curriculum in the future.”
My Bump Pay Dorset DevilsThe daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.
