Madhya Pradesh: Mass Surya Namaskar in schools

Bhopal, Jan 25: Several thousand school students took part in the mass 'Surya Namaskar' programme organised across Madhya Pradesh today and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the state's policy on Yoga, which was included in the physical education syllabi.

Participation in ''Surya Namaskar'' was voluntary as the High Court ruled against it being made compulsory following protests from Jamait-e-Hind and other Muslim organisations.

Pamphlets against participation in the Yoga programme were distributed by an organisation in the state capital, while token protest against its introduction in schools was made in Seoni town, reports received here said. State ministers took part in the programme at different district headquarters.

At the state-level function at the T T Nagar stadium here which began with ''Vande Mataram'' recitation, the Chief Minister also performed 'Surya Namaskar' and announced a slew of concessions for popularising Yoga.

Under the policy on Yoga, unveiled by the Chief Minister, a Yoga Parishad would be formed in the state, facilities would be provided for setting up Yoga centres to such organisations devoted to popularising and imparting training of Yoga and an award of Rs one lakh would be given for outstanding work in popularising Yoga.

Declaring that Yoga had been included in the physical education syllabi of educational institutions, Mr Chouhan said Yoga teachers would be selected for imparting training. The government was committed for creating awareness about Yoga, which helps to keep the body and mind in good health.

He lamented the tendency to forget the knowledge about the benefits of Yogic exercises which were known from ancient times.

Dwelling on the positive aspects of Yoga, Mr Chouhan exhorted the students to regularly perform Surya Namaskar and other Yoga exercises to keep them fit.

UNI