and friendly relations among peoples of the world." Bhuriben Trust – The Yug Prabha newspaper, Halol, India stated in a 2007 article, "Yogishri Amrit Desai was honored in his home town of Halol for his humanitarian works known to offer scholarships to the poor and approximately 5,000 women are helped financially through the Bhuriben Trust he established... Helpless and poor patients receive free medicines and medical treatment... [H]e has financed the building of the new children’s school in Halol." Awards Doctor of Yoga Science, 1974 – From Jagadaguru Shankaracharya Maharaj, Dwarka, spiritual leader of Hinduism, for outstanding contributions to humanity. Yogacharya, 1980 – From Swami Kripalvananda, Desai's guru and founder of Kayavarohan Tirtha Shiva Temple, Malav Ashram, and Lord Lakulish Yoga Institute, in recognition of years of intensive study, teachings and practice of philosophy and spiritual principles of yoga. Jagadacharya, 1986 – From the World Religious Parliament, New Delhi, India, established by Swami Vivekenanda in 1894. This honourable title, equivalent to Jagadaguru Shankaracharya, was awarded to five world-renowned teachers for spreading Hindu philosophy and wisdom worldwide. Maharishi, 1986 – From the 105-year-old Sadguru Swami Gangeshwaranandji Maharaj, Udasin, chancellor of Udasin Sanskrit University, Benares, founder of 12 ashrams in India and 600 Ved Mandirs. Vishwa Yoga Ratna, 1987 – Conferred by the Vishwa Unnayan Samsad (World Development Parliament of India) to 10 world-renowned teachers from 10 countries (India, USA, England, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, France), this one-time award was presented by the President of India in recognition of lifelong dedication and service in the field of Yoga. Desai was selected to represent the USA. Padma Vibhushan Nomination, 1992 – Nominated by the late Prime Minister of India, Chandra Shekhar, with a positive response from then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao for 1993. Unity in Yoga Plaque, 1993 – In appreciation for years of dedicated services to yoga in the Americas. Presented by Unity in Yoga Teachers Association celebrating 100 years of Yoga in America. Post-Kripalu Patanjali Award, 2010 – For Excellence in Yogic Research and Teachings in North America, from the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA). Inaugural Fellow, Council for Yoga Accreditation International (CYAI), 2012 – The council recognised four inaugural Fellows who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement and contribution to the field of Yoga. Maharishi Sandipani Award, 2013 – From the Ujjain Yog Life Society International, at the 4th International Yog Conference, held in January 2014