The recognition of yoga by the world community and marking 21 June as International Yoga Day is indeed a matter of great honor and acclamation for India. India is known as the land of sages and has a secularism deeply embedded in its constitutional values. India has a distinct position in the world arena for its secular credentials, however the parochial and condemned virtue of religious intolerance has become a hindrance in its path of glory.
The dubbing of yoga as communal by some critics is reprehensible and uncalled for. Whereas “Surya Namaskar” has nothing to do with religion the hue and cry by some only depicts narrow mindedness. It is ironical that an ancient practice which is acknowledged and accepted by the world community is being calumniated by some to score political brownie points.
On the other hand it is also expedient that the Government should pull up its sleeves and try its level best to sensitize the people, especially the minorities without comprising with the indispensable aspects of yoga like surya namaskar etc.
Kapil Phadte, Margao
