"Perform Surya Namaskar": Directive To J&K Colleges Triggers Controversy
NDTV
Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti termed the directive as the government's "PR misadventure" and the reflection of a "communal mindset".
A J&K government order asking faculty and students of all colleges to perform Surya Namaskar on the occasion of Makar Sankranti has triggered a controversy. This is for the first time when students in the Muslim majority region have been asked to participate in Surya Namaskar which many Muslims say is unacceptable and against basic tenets of their faith. GOIs PR misadventures aim to demean & collectively humiliate Kashmiris.Forcing students & staff to perform suryanamaskars by issuing orders despite their obvious discomfort with imposition of something laden with religious connotations gives an insight into their communal mindset https://t.co/tgk9xidZz0 If tomorrow muslim CM issues an executive order that everybody should observe fast on ramzan, how will that sound for non-muslim community members? Babus, should stop imposing religious practices over people, they have no right to interfere in these matters. pic.twitter.com/KclY6oJrEo The oppression does not reflect in this order or “desire” as much as the slavery reflects in the pen of the undersigned.They told them to bend, the so called “leadership” of Kashmir crawled. But what about the society as a whole? What does the signature in this case reflect? pic.twitter.com/bHgvfivffi
"To mark the holy occasion of Makar Sankranti on 14th January 2022, Government of India has desired that on the occasion a large scale virtual Surya Namaskar be organised under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations,'' reads an order by Director Colleges, J&K Higher education department.
The order asks faculty and students to make it a people-centric program with the tagline "Surya Namaskar for vitality''.
"Kindly ensure that all faculty members and students actively participate in this program,'' reads the order.
