RSS Seeks to Introduce Yoga in Educational Curriculum

Yoga, the spiritual, physical and mental practice of discipline has had a cult following ever since its innumerable benefits were recognized at every corner of the world. Things have only got better with International Yoga Day being recognized, the draft resolution for which was co-sponsored by 130 countries - an all-time record for a resolution of such kind. (About 130 Countries Support India's UN Resolution on Yoga) Recently RSS, terming yoga the country's "civilizational contribution" to the world, called for its inclusion in educational curriculum in India. Praising the United Nations move to name June 21 as the 'International Day of Yoga', it also urged that steps be taken to promote it in social life.

(United Nations Adopts PM Modi's Proposal, Declares an International Yoga Day) Shabnam Paul, Yoga Teacher & Fitness expert says, "Times have changed and so have today's children. They hardly have an interest in exercise, which will be highly beneficial amid high level of stress they face.  The benefits of yoga are never ending with a combination of body, mind and soul. Yoga not only has many health benefits but can keep them focused and relaxed which I feel is the most important part of life. Teach them young watch them grow." A resolution to this effect was adopted at the Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), which is the Sangh's top decision and policy-making body. "The ABPS urges the Union and state governments to carry forward this initiative by introducing yoga as a part of the curriculum in education, supporting research in yoga and taking all possible efforts for promoting yoga in social life," the resolution said. ABPS also appealed to "all the countrymen, including swayamsevaks, people of Bharatiya origin and yoga followers" to endeavour earnestly for spreading yoga for making the globe happy, healthy and sustainable. Stating that the declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day had brought "cheer and immense pride" to all the Indians and millions of yoga practitioners around the globe, the resolution said, "Yoga is Bharat's civilizational contribution to the world." It expressed joy that the proposal for an International Yoga Day moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UN General Assembly speech last year had received an unprecedented response. Yoga is not limited to physical exercise but is essentially a holistic way of life leading to the union of body and mind and intellect and soul, the RSS resolution said. Neeru Vasudev, English Teacher at Kalka Public School says, "I think yoga can definitely benefit students to de-stress and relax themselves in a competitive world. They can focus better on their goals by keeping away from the distractions and negativities. Yoga can be a good initiative in schools for students to excel and perform well.

With Inputs from PTI