New Delhi:
Representatives of Muslim groups like Majlis Ulema e Hind, Jamat Ulema e Hind, and Daudi Bohra community met the yoga minister Shripad Naik today, and voiced their support to government's grand plans for yoga day on June 21. This comes as a huge face saver for the central government
A statement issued by these groups said, "Yoga has meaning 'to unite'... Allah likes the one who keeps complete health... Namaz has yoga in every act... Similarity meant to be essential and cannot be ruled out."
Abbas Ali Bohra, a community representative said "If some people are trying to make political gains by making this an issue then it is wrong for them to do that. I would like to request them to forget their differences and try and be united,"
Yoga day had run into rough weather when the Indian Muslim Personal Law Board opposed the move to make it compulsory in schools, saying that yoga asanas like Surya Namaskar are un-Islamic. The government had denied issuing any such directions, and is keen to for more participation in the event.
Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) minister Shripad Naik said, "They have promised us that many from the community will be participating."
Close to 40,000 people are expected to take part, and some students are enthusiastic about participating in the mega event.
At the Morarji Yoga Institute, students are busy practising their routine which will be watched by the Prime Minister and other special invitees. They carry on their practice away from any controversy.
So far, the International Yoga Day has got the support of 177 countries, which includes 47 from the Organisation of Islamic Countries.