Croydon schoolboy prodigy honoured by Prime Minister for charity work during Covid-19 pandemic
An eleven-year-old Croydon yoga prodigy has been honoured by the Prime Minister for his bringing joy to many during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ishwar Sharma, who has autism and ADHD, led daily yoga classes for 40 children across 14 countries during lockdown.
He has been awarded the Prime Minister’s daily Points of Light award for his charitable work.
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.”
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.
Ishwar, who is a year 6 student from Whitgift School said: “I am honoured and humbled by this recognition.
“I am grateful to the Prime Minister for recognising my efforts.
“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.
“I thank my parents, yoga gurus and teachers who have been supporting me in this journey.
“I do hope more people will adopt a yogic life style as a way of life and reap the benefits.”
Ishwar’s aim when starting out with his classes was to enable kids to overcome the mental pressures of the pandemic, whilst helping developing physical and mental stamina.
He also hosts free classes for those with special needs like himself,.
Last year Ishwar won the Global yoga championship organised by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and donated the full prize money to Covid-19 charity.
He has also been awarded the British youth citizen award and Global child prodigy awards amongst many others.
The Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live.
Ishwar is the 1646th person to be recognised by the award.