DIMAPUR, June 19 � While Nagaland Government is all set to observe International Yoga Day in various district headquarters on June 21, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed its deep reservation over the Union Government�s decision to organise the Yoga Day on Sunday.
Nagaland and Assam Governor PB Acharya, in his message to the people on International Day of Yoga, stated that the world has finally taken cognisance of the importance of �yoga� for a sound mind and a healthy body. �It is a victory for our ancient saint Patanjali and an honour and recognition to the memories of his great soul,� he said while stating that it is a triumph of India�s contributions to the good health and sound mind formula for the human beings of the world.
In a statement, NBCC maintained that first and foremost, Sunday is a holiday for Christians across India and holding such an event on the day would only hurt the religious sentiments of people and the sanctity of its religious practices. It said it was unfortunate that such events were being observed on Sundays adding enforcement of any sort of such event would tantamount to violation of religious freedom as envisaged in the Constitution.
Despite practice of yoga being projected as secular, NBCC pointed out, it was deep rooted in religious beliefs and practices of Hinduism. Discouraging students from attending such programme, the NBCC also asked school authorities not to force it on them.
Further, it called on the Union Government do desist from making yoga compulsory but to allow freedom of choice to promote harmony and peace to sustain the very foundation of secularism in the country.
The NBCC also urged on the State Government to refrain from forcing any of its institutions, including schools and colleges, from organising or participating in the programme on June 21.
In the State capital Kohima, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports Khriehu Liezietsu will be the chief guest at Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima at 7 am. Similar programmes will also be held at St Mary Cathedral, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, St Paul Phesama and Indoor Badminton Stadium.
Nehru Yuvak Kendras will also observe the International Day of Yoga under the theme �Yoga for Harmony and Peace� at Gym Training Centre, Sakazou, Dove Club Chiechama and Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.