Heated discussion expected on introducing suryanamaskar in schools

The general body, which consists of all 227 corporators from the city, can either pass or reject the proposal.

BJP’s controversial proposal on introducing suryanamaskar in all civic schools is slated for a discussion in the general body meeting of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday. The discussion is expected to be a heated one as the Samajwadi Party (SP) has taken a strong objection to it.

More than 3000 students from 20 schools performed suryanamaskar, a form of Yoga on the 150th anniversary of Swami Vivekanand in Mulund Sambhaji ground, Mumbai (Praful Gangurde/Hindustan Times)

The general body, which consists of all 227 corporators from the city, can either pass or reject the proposal. BJP corporator Samita Kamble mooted a notice of motion stating that these are ancient Indian practices which are useful for leading a healthy life.

SP leaders, however, have demanded an amendment in the proposal. They want suryanamaskar to be deleted and the practise of yoga to be made optional for civic schools. “The word suryanamaskar has a religious tone. We want it to be deleted. Yoga should also be made optional for schools, not compulsory,” said Rais Shaikh, an SP corporator.

SP has also been garnering support from other opposition parties.