Spiritual leader Siddheshwar Swamiji of Vijaypur has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi refusing to accept the Padma Shri award which was conferred upon him on Thursday.

Siddheshwar Swami's letter reads that he is declining the award because he has no interest in such tangible titles since he embraced spirituality.

"I don't need titles, I am a sanyasi," Siddheshwar's letter read.

Spiritual leader Siddheshwar Swamiji of Vijaypur has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi declining to accept the Padma Shri award which was conferred upon him. pic.twitter.com/UfQHUTgRFn — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2018

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu earlier, Siddheshwar reiterated that he does not want titles while adding, "there are many people, let them by honoured with such awards".

Meanwhile, speaking about Padma awardees in his Mann Ki Baat address today, PM Modi said, "I am sure you all felt proud after reading about the Padma awards. We have honoured those who may not be seen in big cities but have done transformative work for society."