MARGAO: Catholic parents from Navelim approached the local MLA Avertano Furtado to clarify whether Catholic schools must celebrate Yoga Day.
Furtado assured the parents that it was voluntary and that he had already taken up the matter with the Chief Minister. The parents then questioned him as to why schools had to file a compliance report with photographs and attendance list if participation was voluntary.
Furtado told the parents that he would speak to the Chief Minister again and issue proper clarifications afterwards. The parents requested him to withdraw the directives for the compliance report immediately.
“The parents are convinced that yoga has deep religious background and is not compatible with Christianity. We are of the opinion that one cannot impose / enforce his beliefs on another, especially the young impressionable minds of students. It definitely infringes on the freedom to practice one’s own beliefs and worship,” said Joseph Vaz, Convenor of the Navelim Civic and Consumer Forum. He likened Yoga to football, which could not be forced on children just because it is Goa’s most popular sport.
“The parents also felt like lost lambs, since this important topic was not taken by the Catholic authorities during their meeting with the Catholic MLAs. They also said their elders were more worried about permissions and money than spiritual degradation,” added Vaz.
The minority community that dominates Salcete hoped that the government made its stand clear lest the issue cause further confusion.
