Surya Namaskar:Exercise Or Religious Practice?

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    • Publish Date: Sep 18 2016 4:40PM
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    • Updated Date: Sep 18 2016 4:47PM
Surya Namaskar:Exercise Or Religious Practice?

Observing that 'Surya Namaskar' is just a form of an exercise good for the body, the Bombay high Court declined to grant an interim stay on a resolution by the Bombay Municipal Corporation(BMC) making yoga and 'surya namaskar' (sun salutation) mandatory in the civic schools. It is not the first time that 'Surya Namaskar', one of the most popular asanas in the yoga, has come under the scanner. In fact, following protests from certain quarters, this asana was dropped from the Yoga Day celebrations on June 21. What do our students and teachers feel about it? We find out

There can't be two views about Surya namaskar. It is a form of exercise which has several health benefits. I am sure even students would have no objection to practice this form of yoga. To label it as a religious practice is unfortunate and uncalled for.

Chhavi Singh, class X, APS, Ahmedabad 


Surya namaskar is a form of yoga which has no connection with any religion. In fact, rather than confining it just to this exercise, schools should make yoga compulsory. It will act as a stress buster for the young minds who are surrounded with pressures from every quarters-homeworks to peer group, top scorer to give their best. It will help them relax, improve their concentration as well as keep them mentally fit. 

 

Aditi Bhattacharya, class IX, DAV Shresta Vihar, New Delhi


Surya Namaskar is only a part of yoga and good for our health. I do not see any good in banning. In fact instead of having it only in municipal schools, all schools across India should introduce Surya Namaskar. It will refresh and energise us for the day at school.

   

Vijit Kumar, class IX,  Mitra Academy, Bengaluru


Surya Namaskar has been prevalent since the medieval period. It has been a vital yoga aasana, which not only ensures physical fitness but also improves one’s mental health. Therefore, it should only considered as an exercise and not be seen as a propaganda for promoting religion. I agree with the decision made by the high court.

Dhanvi Shah, class VIII, Gopi Birla Memorial School, Mumbai


Experts speak


It is indeed a form of exercise which traces its origins to ancient India. Some political groups with vested interests are unnecessarily twisting it for their parochial political gains. Anything born in ancient India can't become communal and anti-minority.

Meera Nair, teacher, Sakar English School, Ahmedabad


Surya Namaskar is the best exercise for a healthy body and mind. The Mumbai high court's intervention has come at the right time. In fact, schools should expand its horizon by including life skills for the children for their overall growth.

Ruma Bhattacharjee, teacher, Raisina Bengali Sr Sec Sch, Mandir Marg, Delhi


People seem to have a problem with surya namaskar because it is yoga. Why don't we just call it an exercise. Then there is no problem with doing it. If it is being taught in school, it is for the well being of children. So for the sake of their well being, there should be no problem in calling it by another name and teaching it to them.

Seethalakshmi G H, teacher, Poornaprajna High School-Yelahanka, Bengaluru 


Surya Namaskar is an ancient form of exercise and is an integral part of Indian tradition. In the first place, this matter should not have been taken to the Court. No authority can ban a form of exercise. Mutual co-existence and respect towards individual choice is in danger. I support practice of Surya Namaskar wholeheartedly.

Sobha Nair, principal, SIA, Mumbai


The Surya Namaskar controversy

The Surya namaskar asana has been shrouded under controversy since a long time with some Muslim groups saying their faith does not allow such a practice. According to them, imposing surya namaskar compulsorily will amount to violations of the Right to Education and Freedom of Religion. 


What are the health benefits of Surya Namaskar

  • Surya namaskar, ideally done facing the early morning sun, helps our body to soak in its benefits — sun rays are a rich source of vitamin D and helps to strengthen our bones and also helps to clear our vision.


  • This asana, apart from improving one's posture, also gives a proper workout to the body and so helps in losing unwanted flab.

  • Regular practice of this asana can also help in losing the excess belly fat.

  • The postures in Suryanamaskar stretches our muscles and makes our body very flexible.

  • The moves and postures of the asana help all our internal organs function better — the various poses regulates our blood flow, benefits the digestive system and makes it more efficient.

  • It helps in combating insomnia as it relaxes the body and calms the mind.

  • It also reduces anxiety and restlessness and enhances our strength and vitality.

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Comments

Khushi Sharma BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (SWASTHYA VHR)

Surya Namaskar often misconcepted as a religious practice is a form of exercise,tracing it''s origin from ancient India. In the ancient times it was widely practiced and was performed early in the morning pointing towards the sun. Though in the modern times, th exercise hasn''t lost it''s value, many fitness freaks prefer this with the view to stay fit and healthy.

Sarath Kumar RM Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

According to me SURYA NAMASKAR is truly an exercise. It is very useful for students in maintaining their mind very sound and healthy. This exercise has to be taught in every school without considering it as a religious practice.

Sarath Kumar RM Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

Surya Namaskar can be practiced during free time as a part of relaxation rather than spending time in watching television or any other gadgets.

Ritvik Baweja Bal Bharati Public School

We often regard these yoga exercises as sacred or meant for only those who are religious people, but in reality they are meant for one''s good physical and mental health.

Vandana Subash City International School Wanowrie

Surya Namaskar is not something just related to Hindu religion.All religions believe in paying salutations to their sun god.Not only that,it is also an exercise which keeps the body under control and our mind calm.

Bhavana Jaison Atomic Energy Central School No 2

Surya namaskar is a yoga practiced from ancient times. It''s an exercise which gives work out for all the parts of our body . I don''t think there is any harm in practicing such exercises I school

Harini MS NAGARJUNA VIDYANIKETAN

Surya Namaskar is a very good exercise to be implemented in schools. It''ll freshen students'' minds early in the morning, and will help them to concentrate. It''s an exercise first and a religious practice later.

Humera Naaz St. Anthony Girls Sr. Sec. School

Surya Namaskar is an exercise and as well as an religious belief it depends on us how we take it, myself being a MUSLIM GIRL perform yoga & I enjoy doing it. Exercise is something which can help to improve our disorders regarding health. And thanking Sun or God is a belief. And when these 2 things joined together becomes SURYA NAMASKAR.

Harini.V Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

Exercises are not based on religions. Surya namaskar was practiced in ancient times in India. In ancient India there were majority of Hindus. So, it was done by Hindus. But it doesn''t mean that it was meant only for Hindus. This exercise can be practiced by anyone without any discrimination.

NAVYA MALHOTRA SWARAJ INDIA PUBLIC SCHOOL

it is sad that some people connect it to religion and thus try to create an unnecessary ruckus in the country

Sanjana Mehta G.D. GOENAKA PASCHIM VIHAR

Surya namaskar may have originated from the hindu religeon, but banning it in schools just because of this reason is frankly, stooping too low. Surya namaskar has significantly remarkable health benifits, and banning it on the grounds of its originating religeon is pure foolishness. It is actions like this that prove how narrow minded we are. Such decisions are more deterrent than for the welfare of the people.

Romana Shaikh Vidya Prabodhini English School

Surya namaskar is a very good exercise but some people are misusing it making it religiou matter and this case should not be taken to court any court has no right to ban a very old and good exercise

Kanishka MOUNT ABU PUBLIC SCHOOL(ROHINI SEC_

We live in a secular country.we respect each and every religion. though Surya namaskar have have originated from a particular religion but there is no problem to perform it ,if it is good for health if a person.Hence it must be done in school. It is sad to know that people connect education with religion

Himanshi Dhawan Saffron Public School

This is a mis-preconception that Surya Namaskar is a religious practice. Everyone wants to stay healthy and fit whether it''s a Hindu or a Muslim. Surya Namaskar is a part of yoga and should be done by all disregarding religion.

Vishnu Varthan J Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

Surya namaskar is a yoga. Doing surya namaskar makes our body physically fit, stress-less ,relaxes our mind etc. We should not indulge this in religion.

Brenda Marshal PADUA HIGH SCHOOL-MANKHURD

Surya namaskar is not a religious practice but it''s often called as a religious practice. It''s a part of yoga to free up your body and that''s why such things are often practiced in school for students to make their body parts free.

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