India’s diplomatic missions in several Muslim-majority nations will hold mega-events this month to celebrate Yoga, notwithstanding the raging debate at home whether the ‘asanas’ are un-Islamic.
The first “International Yoga Day” on June 21 will see global celebration of India’s “soft power”, with New Delhi asking India’s missions around the world to organize events on that day.
Indian embassies even in Muslim-majority countries like Afghanistan, Jordan, Turkmenistan and Tunisia have organised yoga sessions with Gurus who would teach ‘Asanas’.
Pakistan has not yet granted visas to Yoga Gurus whom New Delhi wants to send to lead the ‘Asana’ sessions at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
Sources in New Delhi, however, said that the High Commission would still hold yoga sessions within its premises.
Modi Government, which projected it as its big achievement, would hold mega-events at home and abroad to observe the day. The government has invited diplomats from 152 foreign missions in the country for the mega event.
Some Muslim groups in India, however, pointed out that Surya Namaskar, a part of Yoga, was not permitted by Islam. The biggest congregation of yoga practitioners outside India would take place in Dubai nine days before the International Yoga Day.
Over 10,000 expats from India and other countries, besides locals, will converge on Dubai’s Zabeel Park next Friday for yoga practices.