The imposition of Yoga in academic and government institutions, Vande Mataram and Good Governance Day from Christian perspective.
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Dear Believers in Christ,
Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is coming again to judge everyone according to their deeds.
I am neither a scholar nor a writer who speaks from an academic perspective with great wisdom or persuasive words. As I share my thoughts, I am not trying to prove that I am "holier than thou," nor am I trying to judge anyone. Rather, I believe this is an opportunity for all of us to pause for a moment, examine ourselves and ask whether we are truly living as Christians.
As you read this article, I humbly request that you do not read it with the intention of finding reasons to criticise, condemn or judge me. Instead, I encourage each one of us to read it with the attitude, "What can I learn from this?"
Some concerns that I would like to share are as follows:
1. Imposition of Yoga in Academic and Government Institutions
When I was growing up, I had never seen or heard of International Yoga Day being observed compulsorily or imposed by either the Central or State Governments. However, in 2014, the Government of India proposed the observance of the International Day of Yoga and the United Nations endorsed the proposal later that year. Hence, it was first observed on 21 June 2015. Since then, it has increasingly been promoted and observed across institutions throughout the country.
Some may argue that yoga is merely a form of physical exercise and therefore harmless. However, I believe it goes beyond physical and mental exercise. Yoga is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and religious practice. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning "to yoke," "to unite," or "to join." In Hindu philosophy, yoga generally refers to the process of uniting the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality or supreme consciousness (Brahman). It is a spiritual discipline aimed at self-realization, liberation (moksha) and union with the divine.
For Christians, however, these teachings and philosophies do not align with the Bible. While yoga in Hindu philosophy is often understood as a spiritual path toward realizing unity between the individual soul and ultimate reality, the Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of God's grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, not through self-realization or union with the divine.
Therefore, since yoga is deeply associated with Hindu spiritual beliefs, Christians should carefully discern their participation in such practices.
One day, I met a Christian mother whose daughter studied in a Hindu-majority school. When Yoga Day was announced, she boldly informed the school authorities that she would not send her daughter to participate and requested that no such practices be imposed upon her child because they were Christians.
I believe we need such courage and conviction to stand for our faith and abstain from practices that conflict with our biblical convictions.
2. Imposition of Vande Mataram
As Christians, we are law-abiding citizens of India. We are called to live in peace and show love, respect and tolerance toward people of all faiths. However, this does not mean that we must compromise our Christian faith and convictions.
The meaning of the song Vande Mataram, particularly in its later stanzas, includes references such as:"You are Durga, bearer of ten weapons; You are Lakshmi, who dwells upon the lotus; You are Saraswati, giver of knowledge. I bow to you."
Beyond the first two stanzas, the song portrays India using imagery associated with Hindu goddesses such as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. These references arise from Hindu religious traditions and devotional expressions.
There is nothing wrong with loving our nation and being patriotic. However, making the singing of such a song compulsory for people of all religions raises concerns. It is worth asking why it should be imposed upon everyone regardless of their religious convictions.
3. Good Governance Day on December 25
In recent years, the Central Government designated December 25 as Good Governance Day. Instructions were issued in certain places for schools and government offices to observe the day. This has raised concerns among many Christians because December 25 is Christmas Day, one of the most sacred days for Christians around the world. Why was this particular date chosen? Were the authorities unaware of its significance? Certainly not. Such decisions naturally lead many Christians to question the reasoning behind them.
4. Digital India Day and Other Similar Directives
A similar concern arose when government programmes related to Digital India were scheduled on Good Friday. This resulted in some government officials and educational institutions having to work on a significant Christian holy day. Additionally, there have been instances in which regional educational authorities scheduled classes, examinations or official activities during Christian holidays. In some cases, this led to protests and legal interventions seeking the restoration of those holidays.
These are examples that many Christians perceive as attempts to diminish the significance of Christian observances and traditions within India.
Our Response as Christians
I strongly believe that politicians, bureaucrats, administrators and public leaders are elected or appointed to represent the people and serve as their voice. Their responsibility is to uphold justice, protect the rights of all citizens and ensure that every community is treated with fairness and respect.
However, there are times when the concerns and voices of ordinary people seem to go unheard. Decisions are sometimes made without adequately considering the convictions and sensitivities of minority communities. As Christians, while we respect and pray for those in authority, we must also graciously and courageously express our concerns whenever our faith and biblical convictions are challenged.
At the same time, our greatest concern should not merely be what is happening around us but what is happening within us. We must examine our own hearts and ensure that we are not compromising our faith for personal gain, comfort, popularity, position or approval. God calls us to remain faithful to Him regardless of the pressures we may face.
This should be a wake-up call for all of us to examine our walk with Christ. In many ways, we may be tempted to compromise our faith and convictions for the sake of acceptance, pleasure, money, influence or position. Let us have the courage to stand for the truth without compromising our faith in God. It is better to be disliked by people and remain right with God than to gain human approval while compromising biblical truth.
In Daniel 3:17–18, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego boldly declared to King Nebuchadnezzar that they would not worship his golden image. They trusted God to deliver them, yet remained faithful even if He chose not to rescue them. Likewise, Daniel's personal test of faith is recorded in Daniel 6. Even after knowing that the decree had been signed, Daniel chose obedience to God over his own safety or comfort.
Living in a crooked and perverse generation, it is easy to compromise our Christian faith and gradually loosen our grip on biblical principles. We may be tempted by popularity, recognition, validation, pleasure, power or wealth. Yet we must remember the heroes of faith who endured countless trials but remained steadfast in their commitment to God.
The Apostle Paul exhorts believers: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...” (Romans 12:2). Likewise, Peter reminds us: “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” (1 Peter 1:15). Jesus asks us: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36)
One day, we will all stand before God and give an account of our lives. What we do and how we live today have eternal consequences. Unless we receive Christ as Lord through faith and live in obedience to His will, the Day of Judgment will be a day of sorrow and regret for many but by then it will be too late.
Therefore, while we still have time, let us examine our hearts, guard them diligently and set them right before God. Let us remain faithful to Christ uncompromising in our convictions yet gracious in our conduct, loving toward all people while standing firmly upon the truth of God's Word.
May we never trade our Christian identity for acceptance, comfort, popularity, power, wealth or worldly success. Instead, may we be found faithful when our Lord returns. May God grant us wisdom, discernment, courage and steadfastness to stand firm in our faith until the very end.
In Christ,
C. Hamyan Phom
Pastor, Naga Christian Fellowship Mumbai