AIMPLB protests Centre's Surya Namaskar in schools order

Lucknow: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Tuesday opposed the directive of the Central government to organise 'Surya Namaskar' programme in schools to mark the 75th anniversary of Independence Day.

The programme is being organised in schools across the country between January 1 and 7 to mark Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. However, the AIMPLB has opposed the move, saying Surya Namaskar is a form of Surya puja (worship of the Sun) and Islam does not allow it.

Defying all logic, AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani said in a statement issued on Tuesday,” India is a secular nation and the customs of the majority community cannot be 'imposed' on all religions. I urge Muslim students to boycott the Surya Namaskar programme.

Worshiping the Sun as a deity is not allowed in Islam and other religions. Therefore, the government



should withdraw the order while respecting the secular values of the Constitution. If the government has to organise any programme in schools on Independence Day, then it should organise a programme of songs and music related to patriotism so that people of all religions can take part in it. Such a programme should not be organised in schools so that people of other religions face trouble in participating."

The Centre has started the Surya Namaskar initiative as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The 75 crore Surya Namaskars project is also a tribute to 75 years of India’s independence. The yogic practice of Surya Namaskar literally means ‘sun salutation’. The project started on January 1 and will last till February 20, 2022.

As per the Union AYUSH Ministry, with 30 participating states, 21,814 participating institutions, the numbers are growing.