The suspended teacher strongly denied the accusations, asserting that students were practicing Shashankasana—a standard yoga asana involving a forward bend while kneeling. He insisted no religious intent was involved and that the pose was part of routine physical education.
BHOPAL – A government school teacher in Madhya Pradesh’s Burhanpur district has been suspended after allegations surfaced that he was making students perform postures resembling namaz during a yoga class.
The incident has sparked protests from Hindutva groups and some parents which prompted an inquiry by the district administration, media reports said on Tuesday.
According to reports, the teacher, identified as Jaboor Ahmed Tadvi, was accused by some parents and local residents of teaching “namaz-like postures” under the guise of Surya Namaskar and yoga during physical education activities.
Members of the Hindu Jagran Manch also protested the incident, leading to an inquiry by the district administration.
The teacher strongly denied the accusations, asserting that students were practicing Shashankasana—a standard yoga asana involving a forward bend while kneeling. “This is a recognised posture in yoga, often called the ‘moon pose’ or ‘rabbit pose.’ I was strictly following the government’s yoga curriculum and guidelines,” reports quoted him as saying. He insisted no religious intent was involved and that the pose was part of routine physical education.
The controversy escalated after the Hindu Jagran Manch, a Hindutva organisation, arrived at the school and staged a protest, demanding action against the teacher for allegedly promoting religious practices in a secular institution.
The District Education Officer has initiated an investigation, and the teacher remains suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The incident has sparked debates on cultural sensitivity in the country’s educational milieu, with some viewing the suspension as precautionary, while others question whether a standard yoga posture was misconstrued. Authorities assured a fair and transparent investigation, emphasising that school activities must remain neutral and aligned with official curricula.
