Arguing that yoga is religion-neutral, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has made out a case for introducing “this Indian way of holistic life” in school curriculum at an early stage so that it can be internalised.
In an editorial in the latest issue of its English weekly Organiser, the RSS said: “Balanced lifestyle is no longer a style statement but a necessity and has to be mentally accepted and physically exercised across culture, class, gender and nationalities. The best way to make this possible is introducing yoga as part of curriculum. Realising it at [an] early stage of life will make it easier to internalise it.”
The editorial complements the latest edition which is packed with yoga-related stories and seeks to drive home the point that while the whole world is recognising yoga as India’s civilisational contribution to humanity, some people in India are trying to rake up controversies by bringing in religious connotations.
Fractured mindset
“Denouncing the celebration on the ground of opposing certain hymns or celebrating it on Sunday only echo our fractured mindset and all the more highlight the need for yogic life. Even Surya Namaskar is not a form of worship but well known as a capsuled form of yoga which anyone can practise in a short span of time. If leading a healthy life is a human right, then it should be available to all human beings, irrespective of religion.”
‘Significant step’
The editorial describes the call by the Islamic religious and educational institutions from Deoband, Darul Uloom, to support the celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21 as significant. “Hope other members of the ‘secular brigade’ recognise the spiritual significance of Yoga,” it said
Source: thehindu