Kohima: The government of Nagaland has ordered the School Education department to postpone the observance of International Day of Yoga from June 21 to June 22. The decision follows a surge of opposition from church groups, student bodies, and civil society organizations who argued that holding the event on a Sunday interferes with religious obligations.
In a communication to the principal director of School Education, under secretary Yitsuchu Trakha confirmed the postponement was approved by the chief secretary. The original directive had faced sharp criticism for clashing with the Christian Sabbath and Father’s Day. Various groups, including the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), expressed “grave resentment and unequivocal opposition” to the initial circular, labeling it an infringement on religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
Critics argued that the government should not use public resources to compel participation in activities that conflict with local religious convictions. The Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union also raised concerns regarding the spiritual nature of the event, asserting that mandatory participation in activities with philosophical concepts contrary to Christian teachings was inappropriate. Other groups, such as the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation, pointed to Article 371A, which protects the religious and social practices of the Naga people.
While many of the protesting organizations acknowledged the benefits of physical fitness, they maintained that such activities should remain voluntary rather than mandated through official reports and GPS-tagged photographs. The state government’s move to reschedule the event serves as an attempt to address these concerns and mitigate potential social tensions across the state.
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