The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has protested against the UGC’s directive to involve students across the country in a Surya Namaskar programme to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence.

IANS | New Delhi | January 4, 2022:: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has opposed the proposed ‘Surya Namaskar’ in the ongoing programme of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, and has asked the Muslim students not to participate in it.

Khalid Saifullah Rahmani issued a statement and said, “Secretary School Education has in a circular directed to conduct Surya Namaskar in 30,000 schools as part of celebration of Independence, which is contrary to the rights given in the constitution.”

He said that the “government has directed schools to conduct it from January 1 and a musical programme is going to be conducted on January 26 on the theme.” He alleged: “Surya Namaskar is unconstitutional and is false patriotism as minority in the country do not believe in idol worship… so imposing it is not in sync with the constitution and asked the government to refrain from it and follow secular credentials of the country.”

Rahmani, while speaking on the phone said, “Minorities, including Christians do not adhere to idol worship and consider Sun as God …so we wanted to raise this issue to the government and raise our concerns.” He said, “Muslim children are not allowed and they should refrain from participating in the programme.”

The Ministry of Education, Government of India letter No. F.No. 12-5/2020-IS-4 dated December 16, 2021 has informed that “the National Yogasana sports Federation under the banner of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has decided to run a project of 750 million Surya Namaskar from 01 Jan 2022 to 07 Feb 2022. Musical performance on Surya Namaskar is also planned on 26 January 2022.” In many states the programme was led by the government functionaries on January 1.

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Courtesy: The Tribune.