No harm in celebrating Yoga day on a Sunday, say Mumbai colleges

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has uploaded two circulars on its website asking universities to celebrate Yoga Day in a “befitting manner” and to send an “action taken” email regarding preparations before June 8.

Although it is not mandatory, colleges have been asked to stay open on June 21 and to celebrate International Day of Yoga.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has uploaded two circulars on its website asking universities to celebrate Yoga Day in a “befitting manner” and to send an “action taken” email regarding preparations before June 8.

While they are still to receive official instructions from the varsity, college principals said they did not mind organising the event.

“I am a strong supporter of yoga and I think it is a good idea to promote it. Only, it is right in the middle of the admission season,” said Madhu Nair, dean of commerce faculty, Mumbai University.

In fact, most college principals seemed to be open to observing Yoga Day, even if it fell on a Sunday. “Yoga is our country’s brain-child and we should take pride in celebrating it,” said Manju Nichani, principal, KC College, Churchgate.

“If Independence Day had fallen on a Sunday, we would have celebrated it. So then why hesitate for our cultural activities? Yoga has a lot of health benefits,” said Neelam Arora, principal, Lala Lajpat Rai College, Mahalakshmi.

However, some felt it was best to let the institutions decide the time and date. CA Vidyadhar Joshi, principal of VG Vaze Jr College, Mulund, said, “If it were mandatory, we would have no option but to celebrate on a Sunday. But institutions should be given an opportunity to implement a flexible schedule.”