– Raheem Khan
Jaipur: The Rajasthan Muslim Forum held a press conference here Thursday to oppose the Rajasthan government’s directive mandating Surya Namaskar in all schools on February 3.
Addressing the media, Mohammad Nazimuddin, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Rajasthan and General Secretary of RMF, criticised the move, stating that under the guise of exercise, the government was attempting to impose the beliefs and rituals of a particular culture on students of diverse religious backgrounds. He called the order a blatant violation of religious freedom and an unacceptable infringement on democratic principles.
Nazimuddin condemned the directive issued by the Secondary Education Directorate, which instructed all Deputy Directors of Secondary Education and District Education Officers to ensure that government and private schools extend their prayer meeting time to 20 minutes to accommodate Surya Namaskar on Surya Saptami.
Hafiz Manzoor Ali, Vice President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Rajasthan, stated that in Hindu tradition, the sun is worshiped as a deity, and Surya Namaskar includes actions like Pranamsan and Ashtanga Namaskar, often accompanied by the chanting of religious shlokas. In Islam, worship is reserved for one God, making participation in such practices unacceptable. He urged the government to revoke the order immediately.
Dr. Shahabuddin, Vice President of SDPI Rajasthan, emphasised that India is a secular country where citizens have the right to freedom of thought, belief, and worship. He cited Articles 25, 26, and 28 of the Constitution, which prohibit religious instruction in government and government-aided institutions and prevent students from being compelled to participate in religious activities. He argued that making Surya Namaskar compulsory violates these constitutional rights and hurts the sentiments of those who adhere to monotheistic beliefs.
He further referenced a landmark Supreme Court ruling from August 11, 1986, in Bijoy Emmanuel & Ors V/S State of Kerala & Ors (AIR 1987 SC 748), which held that no individual could be forced to sing the national anthem or any song. He noted that similar attempts to mandate Surya Namaskar and Saraswati Vandana in schools had been struck down by High Courts in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Goa. He warned that the Rajasthan government’s directive could foster religious division and negatively impact young students.
Abdul Latif Arco, General Secretary of Mansoori Teli Mahapanchayat, clarified that the opposition was not against physical exercise but against the imposition of religious practices in schools. He pointed out that Surya Namaskar is deeply rooted in a particular religious tradition and shouldn’t be made mandatory in educational institutions attended by students from diverse religious backgrounds. He also reminded the government that Rajasthan High Court had previously ruled that Surya Namaskar should remain optional.
Responding to questions, Mohammad Nazimuddin criticised the government’s focus on creating a world record for Surya Namaskar instead of prioritising improvements in education. He argued that Rajasthan should strive for excellence in quality education rather than religious demonstrations. He highlighted that many schools in the state still lack adequate teachers, proper infrastructure, clean drinking water, functional toilets, and basic classroom furniture, calling for urgent government action to address these fundamental issues.
Mohammad Shaukat Qureshi, Secretary of All India Milli Council Rajasthan, also voiced his concerns.
Representatives from various religious, social, and human rights organizations unanimously demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Surya Namaskar directive.
