DIMAPUR, June 20 � Taking a cue from Nagaland Baptist Churches Council against observation of the International Yoga Day on Sunday, prominent civil society organisations, including two student organisations, have voiced strong opposition against the directive of Department of School Education for directing all schools to observe the event on the day.
In a press release, the Angami Baptist Church Council reminded everyone that June 21 is a special Sunday being �Fathers� Day�.
The Nagaland Revival Church Council has expressed deep anguish and resentment over the acceptance of a Christian State of Nagaland on yoga which is a part of Hindu culture and religious practices.
Opposing the directive of the department, Eastern Naga Students� Federation (ENSF) pointed out that �if yoga can create sound mind and good health, it should be an individual choice to indulge in it�. The ENSF directed all schools within Eastern Nagaland against issuing such directives to its students in observing the event.
Angami Students� Union has expressed dismay at the Education department directing all the schools to celebrate the IYD on Sunday. The ASU requested parents to refrain their children from participating in the celebration which falls on a Sunday.
Nagaland Tribes Council said it failed to understand the enthusiasm of the government to celebrate the IYD and issue directives to the schools. It reminded that the Government of India had categorically stated that participation in IYD was not mandatory and cannot be imposed on any citizen.
