Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: The Naga Students Federation (NSF) and the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) on Thursday opposed observance of International Yoga Day in schools across Nagaland on 21, which falls on Sunday.
In a statement, the NSF voiced its strong opposition to the circular issued by the directorate of school education department, directing educational institutions across the state to observe the 12th International Day of Yoga on Sunday.
The federation viewed the directive for observance of the day on Sunday as a blatant disregard for the religious sentiments and spiritual convictions of the Naga people.
Calling the directive “unwarranted”, the federation urged the department and the Nagaland government to immediately withdraw the notification and desist from imposing such programmes upon educational institutions and the Naga people.
It cautioned the department against any attempt to enforce or coerce compliance with the directive under the guise of official instructions.
It also warned that the imposition will be viewed with utmost seriousness and the concerned authorities will be held solely responsible for any untoward consequences arising thereof.
In an open letter to the principal director of the school education department, the CNTC expressed deep concern over the circular and said the matter has raised concern among the public.
Appreciating the initiatives aimed at promoting physical health and well-being, the council questioned the wisdom and sensitivity of scheduling such a programme on a Sunday in a predominantly Christian state, where the day is held sacred and devoted to worship and religious observance.
It said the issue is not about observance of a programme but about a public authority organising and encouraging participation in an activity on a day that holds profound religious significance for the overwhelming majority of the people of Nagaland.
The CNTC urged the department to immediately revoke the circular and consider rescheduling the programme.
It said failure to review the matter may give rise to widespread public dissatisfaction and avoidable tensions, the consequences of which will be neither in the interest of the department nor the people.