Yoga should not be linked to caste, creed, religion: Rajnath Singh

LUCKNOW: Amidst objections by certain minority groups to doing Yoga, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said there is "no compulsion" in this regard and that the practise of Yoga should not be related to any caste, creed or religion.

"On International Yoga Day on June 21, there is no compulsion for doing Yoga. Those who want can do it and those who do not want may not... But we appeal that maximum people should participate on Yoga Day. A booklet has been released on what to do on that day," Singh told reporters here.

Asked about All India Muslim Personal Law Board's decision to launch a campaign against any move to make 'Surya Namaskar' and Yoga compulsory in schools, he said, "I don't want to comment on the Board's stand... I only want to say that Yoga should not be related to any caste, creed and religion. It's good for mental and physical health."

He underlined that it was due to a proposal mooted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of representatives of various countries that June 21 has been declared by United Nations as International Yoga Day.

An AIMPLB executive meeting here yesterday had resolved to approach the apex court against any move to have compulsory Surya Namaskar and Yoga in schools.