Children to channelise the energy of the cosmos through SURYA NAMASKAR!

The Bhajan Lal led- BJP government in Rajasthan has mandated the inclusion of Surya Namaskar in the curriculum of all state schools starting from February 15, 2024. Madan Dilawar, the Minister of School Education, made this announcement in Kota recently, emphasizing that the BJP government aims to instill values alongside academic knowledge in students. The incorporation of values into education is a key focus of the initiative.

Minister Madan Dilawar highlighted that February 15 and 16 mark Surya Saptami, and the government plans to celebrate this occasion extensively in all schools. Programmes and events will be organised to commemorate Surya Saptami on the specified day.

CONGRESS ACCUSES BJP OF RSS INFLUENCE

The BJP government’s decision has sparked political debate in the state, with the BJP applauding it as a cultural tradition of India, while the Congress party criticising the state government, alleging it to be influenced by RSS schemes and characterising it as a slip government.

MUSLIM COMMUNITY RESIST THIS IMPLEMENTATION

In this context, following the directives of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani, the State Executive of Jamiat Ulema Rajasthan convened a meeting. The meeting concluded with a resolution condemning the government’s mandate for collective Surya Namaskar participation in all schools by students, parents, and others. This action was deemed as blatant interference in religious affairs. Additionally, they appealed to the Muslim community to refrain from sending students to school on February 15 and to boycott the event.

LEGAL BATTLE BREWS OVER SURYA NAMASKAR

Simultaneously, a collective plea has been submitted to the Rajasthan High Court by various Muslim organizations, including Jamiat Ulema-eHind, urging for the cancellation of the February 15 event. On Wednesday, the High Court dismissed the challenge presented against the Rajasthan government’s decision to implement Surya Namaskar in schools. The court ruled that the Muslim Forum is not a registered institution, emphasizing that only registered organizations or individuals can file petitions in the High Court. Alternatively, petitions can be filed personally. In response to the petition submitted by AIMIM, the court scheduled a hearing for February 20.

The State Executive of Jamiat Ulema-e-Rajasthan emphasized that Surya is revered as a deity in Hindu society. They asserted that reciting verses and performing actions like Pranamasana and Ashtanga Namaskar are forms of worship unacceptable in Islam. The Muslim community cannot accept this imposition. They pledged to resist this vehemently through lawful means.

IS THIS TRULY A SUBJECT WORTH DEBATING?

The merits of Surya Namaskar are extensively deliberated within the yoga community, as well as among physiotherapists, fitness professionals, and enthusiasts. These experts commonly assert that Surya Namaskar constitutes a traditional yoga sequence comprising 12 postures, each synchronized with deep breaths. They advocate for its ability to enhance flexibility, strength, overall fitness, mental focus, and stress reduction. Regular practice is believed to foster physical and mental equilibrium. Its popularity as a fitness regimen stems from its diverse range of stretches and exercises, which are not only straightforward but also efficacious in delivering health benefits. Furthermore, its accessibility, devoid of heavy equipment, makes it a feasible form of exercise for many individuals.

SIGNIFICANCE OF SURYA SAPTAMI

Shukla Paksha Saptami in the month of Magh is known as Surya Saptami and the day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Surya (Sun God). It is believed that on this date the Sun God started illuminating the entire world, hence this day is also celebrated as Surya Jayanti. The day is also celebrated as Arogya Saptami where people pray for health and wealth.

SUN SALUTATION STEP-BY-STEP

1 PRANAMASANA
Begin at the edge of your mat with feet together, distributing weight evenly. Expand your chest, relax shoulders. Inhale, lift both arms from sides; exhale, palms meet in prayer position at chest.

2 HASTAUTTANASANA
Inhale, extend arms up and back, keeping biceps near ears. Aim to stretch entire body from heels to fingertips.

3 HASTAPADASANA
Begin at the edge of your mat with feet together, distributing weight evenly. Expand your chest, relax shoulders. Inhale, lift both arms from sides; exhale, palms meet in prayer position at chest.

4 ASHWA SANCHALANASANA
Inhale, extend right leg back as far as possible. Lower right knee to fl oor, gaze upward.

5 DANDASANA
Inhale, step left leg back, aligning body straight.

6 ASHTANGA NAMASKAR
Exhale, gently lower knees, hips, then slide forward, chest and chin to fl oor. Raise posterior slightly. Ensure hands, feet, knees, chest, and chin touch fl oor (eight points).

7 BHUJANGASANA
Shift forward, lifting chest into Cobra pose. Elbows can remain bent, keeping shoulders away from ears. Gaze upward.

8 ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA
Exhale, raise hips and tailbone, forming an inverted ‘V’ shape with the body.

9 ASHWA SANCHALANASANA
Inhale, bring right foot forward between hands. Lower left knee to fl oor, press hips down, and look up.

10 HASTAPADASANA
Exhale, bring left foot forward, keeping palms on floor. Bend knees if needed.

11 HASTAUTTANASANA
Inhale, roll spine up, lifting hands and slightly arching backward, pushing hips outward.

12 TADASANA
Exhale, straighten body, lowering arms. Relax and observe sensations in the body.

Rajasthan state will commemorate Surya Saptami, with Surya Namaskar planned in both government and nongovernment schools. Education department officials have received instructions regarding the Surya Namaskar program, ensuring regular practice for students in all schools starting Friday. The aim is to collectively perform Surya Namaskar on February 15th, setting a new record for the entire state. MADAN DILAWAR, EDUCATION MINISTER

Surya Namaskar is a comprehensive exercise regimen for the entire body, offering numerous benefits. It is important to recognize its benefits irrespective of any religious connotations. By embracing Surya Namaskar, we can enhance not only the physical but also the mental well-being of our children. Encouraging its practice can enhance flexibility, aiding in daily activities. BRAJENDRA KUMAR, YOGA INSTRUCTOR

There is confusion within the Muslim community regarding Surya Namaskar. Yogasanas encompass various exercises such as Bhramari, Kapalbhati, etc and Surya Namaskar is just one among them. It does not involve any religious worship. Some individuals are misleading people for their own political motives. M. SADIQ KHAN, FORMER STATE PRESIDENT OF BJP IN RAJASTHAN (MINORITY MORCHA)

Surya Namaskar should not be seen as a religious ritual; it is a method to fortify our bodies. It offers numerous benefits. When practiced daily, it brings relaxation and a sense of calm to the mind, reducing tension levels automatically. Considered as an exercise, it elevates the body’s energy levels. RAMAKANT SEN, YOGA TEACHER

Surya Namaskar is a great way to shape the body and keep the mind calm and healthy. If Surya Namaskar is done five to twelve times daily, then there is no need to do any other exercises. This exercise is helpful in reducing the problems of aging, it makes the body flexible and provides relief from pain. MANOJ LAMBA, PHYSIOTHERAPIST, DEEP HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTER