The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has said that the Nagaland Government’s decision to postpone the observance of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) in educational institutions from June 21 to June 22 does not address its fundamental concerns regarding compulsory participation.
In a representation addressed to the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, the Federation expressed concern over the proposed observance of the programme, stating that while the event had reportedly been rescheduled, the issue remained one of “compulsion, imposition and the infringement of the rights and convictions of students, teachers and educational institutions.”
The representation comes a day after the School Education Department directed the Directorate of School Education to defer the observance of International Day of Yoga to June 22, noting that June 21 falls on a Sunday. The order stated that the decision had received the approval of the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland.
The rescheduling followed objections from several organisations, including the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), which had demanded withdrawal of an earlier circular directing schools to observe the programme.
The earlier circular instructed all government and private schools to observe the 12th International Day of Yoga on June 21, ensure participation of students and staff, and submit reports along with GPS-tagged photographs.
While acknowledging that individuals may voluntarily engage in Yoga according to their personal beliefs and convictions, the NSF maintained that participation should remain a matter of personal choice.
“While participation in Yoga may remain a matter of personal choice, any attempt by the State or its agencies to directly or indirectly impose participation in Yoga-related programmes upon educational institutions, teachers, students or staff raises a grave threat to freedom of conscience, religious liberty and the constitutional rights of the people,” the Federation stated.
The NSF said Yoga has historical, philosophical and religious associations rooted in traditions and beliefs distinct from those professed by the Naga people and cautioned against any form of coercion.
The Federation demanded that the Government immediately issue a clear circular stating that participation in the June 22 observance shall be strictly voluntary, that no educational institution shall be compelled or pressured to organise the programme, and that no teacher, student or staff member shall be directed or compelled to participate.
It further demanded that no administrative action or discrimination be taken against any institution, teacher or student choosing not to participate.
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The Federation warned that any attempt to impose the programme on educational institutions, students or teachers would be viewed with “utmost seriousness.”
“Should the Federation receive any report of coercion, intimidation, pressure or compulsory participation being imposed upon institutions, students or teachers, the Federation shall be constrained to initiate appropriate and stern democratic action against the same,” it stated.
The NSF urged the Government to issue the necessary clarification and ensure that the rights and freedoms of all concerned are fully respected.
