Student organisations in Nagaland oppose the International Day of Yoga directive scheduled on Sunday.
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DIMAPUR — Multiple student organisations in Nagaland have opposed a circular issued by the Directorate of School Education directing all government and private schools to observe the 12th International Day of Yoga on June 21, which falls on a Sunday.
The organisations stated that Sunday is a sacred day for Christians and noted that the date also coincides with Father's Day this year.
Ao Students' Conference: In an open letter to the Principal Director of School Education on June 17, Ao Students' Conference (AKM) expressed deep displeasure.
AKM argued that the circular was issued without due regard for the significance of Sunday. It raised concern over the mandatory submission of GPS-tagged photographs, which AKM noted puts undue pressure on institutions to comply.
It urged the department to immediately withdraw the circular.
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Ongpangkong Students' Conference: Joining the opposition, the Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) highlighted that enforcing administrative directives that demand active participation on this holy day deeply wounds religious sentiments.
OKM endorsed AKM’s demand for the immediate retraction of the circular and appealed to parents, students, and institutional heads to refrain from participating.
Angami Students' Union: The Angami Students' Union (ASU) stated that scheduling and mandating absolute enforcement of such activities on a Sunday is a direct distortion of the faith and religious sentiments of Christians.
It added that scheduling the official mandates on June 21, which marks Father's Day, belittles an occasion highly regarded within the Christian social fabric.
The union described the mandatory nature of the programme, including requirements for immediate action taken reports and GPS-tagged photos, as excessive and coercive.
It pointed out that in a Christian-majority state, special constitutional provisions under Article 371(A) safeguard the religious and social practices of the Nagas, and demanding mandatory compliance on a holy day stands as an insult to the Naga identity.
Pochury Students' Union: The Pochury Students' Union (PSU) expressed strong objection to the directive. The PSU directed all educational institutions within the Pochury community to strictly abstain from observing or conducting any programme in connection with International Yoga Day on June 21.
The union cautioned all heads of school authorities to uphold the directive, warning that any institution found disregarding it shall be deemed to have acted against the collective interest of the community, and appropriate measures would be taken against violations.
Dimapur Naga Students’ Union: The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) expressed strong objection, stating that scheduling school-related activities on Sunday disregards the religious sentiments and traditions of Nagaland.
The DNSU urged the Directorate of School Education to immediately withdraw the directive or reschedule the programme to a working day. It also appealed to parents and guardians to exercise their discretion and urged schools to refrain from making attendance compulsory.