Education Minister, Madan Dilawar, remains resolute in his stance, extolling the virtues of Surya Namaskar as a holistic exercise fostering physical and mental well-being.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – In the heart of Rajasthan, a region steeped in rich cultural diversity, a contentious debate is raging, pitting religious freedom against state-mandated practices. At the center of this controversy lies the BJP-led government’s directive to introduce Surya Namaskar (Sun salutation), a yoga exercise, in all government schools across the state.
Proponents champion it as a holistic approach to the well-being of students. But the the Muslim community views it as a grave challenge to their deeply-held religious beliefs.
The echoes of dissent reverberated as soon as the state education department issued the order on January 15. Muslim organisations swiftly voiced their objection, asserting that Surya Namaskar, with its components resembling acts of worship, clashes fundamentally with Islamic tenets. Leading the charge, Jamiat Ulema Hind vehemently opposed the mandate, arguing that such practices tantamount to idolatry, forbidden in Islam.
In response to the government’s decree, Muslim groups mobilised, launching petitions and appeals to safeguard their constitutional right to religious freedom. However, their efforts encountered a formidable hurdle when the Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by the Rajasthan Muslim Forum. Justice Mahendra Goyal, presiding over the case, cited technicalities, stating that the petitioner lacked proper registration and did not adequately represent the affected students.
The court’s decision has dealt a significant blow to the hopes of Muslim organisations seeking legal recourse. Nevertheless, the fight for religious freedom persists, with lawyer Kashif Subedi’s petition still pending, albeit deferred for further deliberation.
Amidst legal battles, Education Minister Madan Dilawar remains resolute in his stance, extolling the virtues of Surya Namaskar as a holistic exercise fostering physical and mental well-being.
The crux of the matter lies in the clash between the state’s educational mandate and the deeply-ingrained religious beliefs of the Muslim populace.
For many within the Muslim community, the imposition of Surya Namaskar represents not only a violation of their religious rights but also a potent symbol of marginalisation and exclusion. It underscores a pervasive sense of alienation in a society that claims to espouse secular values yet fails to accommodate the diverse religious practices of its citizens.
In the face of adversity, Muslim organisations have remained steadfast, tirelessly advocating for their rights and beliefs. Their resilience in the face of legal setbacks underscores the enduring spirit of dissent and resistance within the community.
However, the controversy over Surya Namaskar transcends mere legal wrangling; it serves as a stark reminder of the broader societal tensions simmering beneath the surface. It lays bare the fault lines of communalism and religious intolerance that threaten to undermine the secular fabric of Indian society.
As the nation grapples with these profound challenges, the struggle for religious freedom in Rajasthan serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for dignity, equality, and respect for all faiths. In the words of Maulana Fazle, a prominent advocate for Muslim rights, “Our fight is not just against a government mandate; it is a fight for the soul of our nation, a fight to preserve the sanctity of our beliefs and the dignity of our community.”
