Muslim organisations have strongly opposed the directive, calling it unconstitutional and against the principles of secularism
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The Rajasthan government’s directive to conduct Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) in all schools on February 3, a day before Surya Saptami, has ignited a heated debate. While the state’s Education Minister, Madan Dilawar, has hailed the initiative as a celebration of Indian tradition and a step toward physical and mental well-being, Muslim organisations and the Congress party have voiced strong opposition, calling the move unconstitutional and divisive.
The Rajasthan Education Department has instructed over 78,000 government and private schools to conduct Surya Namaskar simultaneously on February 3 at 10:15 am. The event aims to break last year’s record, where 1.33 crore students participated. This year, students, teachers, and school staff have been directed to perform at least seven rounds of Surya Namaskar.
Education Minister Madan Dilawar emphasised the cultural and health benefits of the practice. “Surya Namaskar is an important part of Indian tradition. Doing it every day not only keeps the body healthy but also calms the mind and brain,” he said. Dilawar also appealed to the public to join the event, aiming to create a world record.
The government plans to make Surya Namaskar a regular practice in schools post-Surya Saptami. Dilawar stated, “It has been decided to celebrate Surya Saptami every year. This time, due to the birth anniversary of Lord Devnarayan on February 4, schools will remain closed. Hence, the event has been scheduled for February 3.”
Muslim organisations in Rajasthan have strongly opposed the directive, calling it unconstitutional and against the principles of secularism. Mohammad Nazimuddin of the Rajasthan Muslim Forum stated, “This decision is unfair and unconstitutional. It cannot be made compulsory; it should be voluntary. Muslim children will not participate in this.”
Nazimuddin cited a High Court ruling that Surya Namaskar cannot be made mandatory in schools. He emphasized that the practice holds religious significance for Hindus and cannot be imposed on students of other faiths. “All Muslim religious and social organizations have jointly decided to oppose this decision. Our children will not participate in Surya Namaskar,” he added.
The Congress party has also criticized the BJP-led government’s decision, accusing it of promoting the agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasara said, “The government is not interested in education. They are running the RSS agenda and exposing themselves. Instead of focusing on improving the quality of education, they are diverting attention to such issues.”
Dotasara urged the government to focus on innovative educational reforms rather than imposing cultural practices. “Something new should be done in the field of education. Attention should be paid to what can be improved. We will raise this issue in the Assembly and hold the Education Minister and BJP accountable,” he said.
The controversy has reignited discussions about the intersection of culture, religion, and education in India. While the government argues that Surya Namaskar is a cultural and health practice, critics view it as a religious ritual that should not be imposed in a secular education system.
Supporters of the initiative highlight the physical and mental benefits of Surya Namaskar, which includes a series of yoga postures and breathing exercises. They argue that the practice is non-religious and promotes discipline and well-being among students.
However, opponents stress that the practice has Hindu religious connotations, particularly its association with sun worship. They argue that making it mandatory violates the constitutional right to freedom of religion and could alienate students from minority communities.
This is not the first time Surya Namaskar has sparked controversy in India. Similar debates have arisen in other states where governments have attempted to introduce the practice in schools. Courts have often ruled that such practices should be voluntary, respecting the religious sentiments of all communities.
In Rajasthan, the issue has become a flashpoint between the BJP government and opposition parties, as well as religious groups. The controversy underscores the challenges of balancing cultural promotion with religious inclusivity in a diverse society like India.
As the February 3 event approaches, the Rajasthan government faces the challenge of addressing the concerns raised by Muslim organisations and opposition parties. While the initiative aims to promote health and tradition, its implementation must respect the diverse religious and cultural fabric of the state.
Education Minister Madan Dilawar has reiterated that the event is voluntary, but the directive to schools suggests otherwise. To avoid further polarisation, the government may need to clarify its stance and ensure that participation is not coerced.
Mohammad Nazimuddin says, “Our children will not participate in Surya Namaskar because it goes against our religious beliefs. The government must respect our sentiments and uphold the constitutional principles of secularism.”
As the debate continues, the Surya Namaskar controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between cultural promotion and religious freedom in a pluralistic society. The outcome of this issue will likely have broader implications for how India navigates its diverse cultural and religious landscape in the years to come.