A day after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board expressed its reservation over the Narendra Modi government's plans of including Surya Namaskar as part of yoga drill in schools on June 21, the controversial posture has been dropped from list of exercises.
Surya Namaskar, a yogic practice for comprehensive development of the body, is considered a crucial component for improvement of holistic health.
In December last year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted June 21 as international Yoga Day after Prime Minister Modi urged the world community to celebrate the ancient discipline on a global scale.
With over 175 nations supporting Modi's proposal, the move was seen as major diplomatic win for India.
But the controversy over making Surya Namaskar and 'Om' chanting compulsory in schools has cast a shadow over the proposed celebrations and forced the minority communities to question the government’s intentions.
Do you agree with the minorities’ viewpoint that that the government is enforcing 'Hindu practices' on them forcefully? Should Surya Namaskar be part of the yoga day celebrations? Take the Rediff Poll
Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters
