Namaz is also a form of Surya Namaskar: Madhya Pradesh Minister

Bhopal, Jan 12: In yet another religion-based controversy, Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister Paras Jain on Sunday, Jan 15, courted a controversy by saying minorities should also offer Surya Namaskar.

According to news reports, Jain said that "Namaz" is also a form of Surya Namaskar.

The minister, while raking up the controversy, also made it clear that reluctant students can opt not to participate in the event. [Mass Surya Namaskar in MP]

To avoid being in the eye of storm, Jain said the Surya Namaskar has nothing to do with religion and is being done to spread awareness about health.

Since 2007, in the BJP-ruled CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan led-Madhya Pradesh government, a mass event of holding Surya Namaskar is organised annually in all the government-run schools and colleges, on the occasion of National Youth Day and also the 151st birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. [12 Benefits Of Doing Surya Namaskar Every Morning]

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Ministers, MPs, MLAs and other government officials will also participate in the 9th mass Surya Namaskar in the state. [12 Poses Of Surya Namaskar]

MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan also paid his tribute to Swami Vivekananda on Twitter.

Here are some of his tweets:

Reverential salutes to the pride & ideal of India Swami Vivekanand. pic.twitter.com/9GXtxzViuL

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) January 12, 2015

Swami Vivekanand made Indians realize the immense divine powers within them and to use them for self-elevation and nation re-building.

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) January 12, 2015

Swami ji, an ardent votary of women’s emancipation, said they are epitome of Mahakali or the Supreme Energy.

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) January 12, 2015

About Dharma Swami Vivekanand said that realizing the inherent divinity in us is true religion. A path that the world must follow today.

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) January 12, 2015

On this auspicious day of Swami Vivekanand Jayanti & Yuva Divas, sharing my thoughts on the "Awakening Towards Yoga" http://t.co/0wE5RIYGRz

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) January 12, 2015

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