The government of Jammu and Kashmir has asked the higher education department to hold a large-scale virtual 'Surya Namaskar' on Thursday, prompting outrage from mainstream political parties.
The directive was given by the Higher Education Department's Directorate of Colleges, which directed the Nodal Principals of two colleges—GGM Science College Jammu and SP College Srinagar—to organise the event under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Program.
Gol has requested that a large-scale Virtual Surya Namaskar be held on the date of Makar Sankranthi on January 14, 2022, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations. To make it a People-Centered Successful Program with the Tagline "Surya Namaskar For Vitality," the order states, "kindly guarantee that all faculty members and students actively participate in this programme by enrolling on any of the following portals."
"However, it shall be guaranteed that COVID Appropriate Behaviour Guidelines are followed in letter and spirit," it continued. Regional political groups, on the other hand, have slammed the directive. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted on Twitter, denouncing the authorities.
"Why should Muslim students be obliged to do anything during Makar Sankranti, including yoga?" Makar Sankranti is a festival, and whether or not to celebrate it is a personal decision. Would the BJP be pleased if a similar order was issued requiring non-Muslim students to participate in Eid celebrations?"
Former Chief Minister and current President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) voiced similar sentiments about the government's policies.
"Gol's public relations mishaps are intended to dehumanise and collectively humiliate Kashmiris.
"Forcing students and employees to conduct suryanamaskars by issuing instructions, despite their clear discomfort with the imposition of something having religious undertones, reveals their communal mindset," Mehbooba said on her official Twitter account.
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