Mass 'Surya Namaskar' in schools; MP unveils policy on Yoga

Bhopal, Jan 25 (UNI) Several thousand school students today participated in a mass 'Surya Namaskar' programme, organised across Madhya Pradesh.

Though the participation was voluntary as the High Court, following protests from Jamait-e-Hind and other Muslim organisations, had ordered that this could not be made compulsory.

Along with token protest against its introduction in schools, in Seoni town, some pamphlets were also distributed here by an organisation advising people not to participate in it.

Meanwhile, reports reaching here said state ministers participated in the programme at different district headquarters.

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

He also announced his government's policy on Yoga, which was was included in the physical education syllabi.

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

Declaring that Yoga had been included in the physical education syllabi of the educational institutions in the state, Mr Chouhan said Yoga teachers would be appointed for imparting training.

The government was committed for creating awareness about Yoga, which helps to keep the body and mind in good health, he said.

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

Dwelling on the positive aspects of Yoga, the Chief Minister exhorted the students to regularly perform 'Surya Namaskar' and other Yoga exercises to keep fit.

UNI