DIMAPUR, JUN 18 (NPN): Following widespread opposition from student bodies, civil society organisations and church groups over the observance of International Day of Yoga on June 21, a Sunday, the state government has directed the School Education department to postpone the event to June 22.
In a communication addressed to the principal director, School Education, under secretary to the government, Yitsuchu Trakha, stated that the observance of the event should be postponed since June 21 falls on a Sunday.
The letter requested the department to issue necessary directives to all educational institutions at the earliest, stating that the decision was taken with the approval of the chief secretary, Government of Nagaland.
Opposition to government directives requiring educational institutions to observe International Yoga Day on June 21 has intensified, with student bodies and organizations contending that the programme falls on a Sunday, undermining the religious sentiments and constitutional rights of the people.NSF: In a statement, NSF president Mteisuding and editor & convenor of the Education Committee, Pithungo Shitio, expressed “grave resentment and unequivocal opposition” to the circular, arguing that Sunday occupies a sacred place in the Christian faith and is devoted to worship, prayer and fellowship.
The federation maintained that institutionalising such activities on a Sunday amounted to a disregard for the spiritual convictions of the people and was inconsistent with the religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. NSF also cited Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Condemning the directive, NSF called upon the department and the state government to immediately withdraw the notification and refrain from imposing such programmes on educational institutions.
It cautioned the department against any attempt to enforce or coerce compliance under the guise of official instructions and said the authorities would be held responsible for any untoward consequences arising from the directive.
NSF asserted that no government authority had the mandate to compel participation in activities that run contrary to the faith and convictions of the people. It further expressed concern that public resources and administrative machinery were being utilised for programmes that, according to the federation, neither addressed pressing challenges in the education sector nor contributed meaningfully to the welfare and aspirations of students and youth.
The federation also warned authorities, school administrations and other individuals concerned against exerting pressure, intimidation or undue influence on teachers, students or educational institutions to participate in the observance. Any such act, it said, would amount to a violation of rights and freedoms and could invite democratic resistance.
NSF directed all its units and subordinate bodies to remain vigilant within their jurisdictions and ensure that no such activities were imposed or carried out in educational institutions. NSF reiterated that the Naga homeland would not tolerate policies that suppress the faith, traditions and religious convictions of its people and said any such attempts would be met with strong opposition.
NBPU: Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union (NBPU) expressed deep concern and strong objection to the circular issued by the directorate of School Education.
In a statement, NBPU acknowledged the importance of physical health and wellness but maintained that yoga was not merely a system of physical exercise and was historically and philosophically rooted in religious and spiritual traditions that it considered incompatible with core Christian beliefs and practices.
The union stated that Christian teachings held that salvation, spiritual growth and communion with God came through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It therefore objected to any directive requiring or encouraging participation in yoga-related programmes and activities that conveyed religious, spiritual or philosophical concepts contrary to Christian convictions.
NBPU further pointed out that June 21 falls on a Sunday, observed by Christians as the Lord’s Day for worship, fellowship, prayer and proclamation of God’s Word. It also noted that the day coincides with Father’s Day, an occasion observed by many churches and families across Nagaland.
The union called upon Baptist churches, pastors, church leaders, Christian educational institutions, parents, youth and believers across the state to refrain from participating in the observance of International Day of Yoga and related programmes. Instead, it encouraged Christians to gather in their respective churches and dedicate the day to worship, thanksgiving, prayer and Christian fellowship.
Clarifying that its stand was not directed against any religion or community, NBPU said it upheld peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and religious freedom for all people. At the same time, it asserted that it was its responsibility to provide biblical guidance to the Christian community and safeguard the integrity of Christian faith and worship.
The union also urged the government and concerned authorities to respect the freedom of conscience and religion guaranteed under the Constitution of India and make appropriate accommodations for those whose religious convictions did not permit participation in yoga-related activities.
ENSF: Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) president Nuheymong Yim and secretary general James Konyak said that while the federation respected the diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions and acknowledged the importance of physical fitness and healthy living, it believed that the compulsory observance of Yoga Day in schools was not in consonance with the indigenous traditions, customs and cultural practices of the Nagas.
It further contended that the directive infringed upon the freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. ENSF maintained that activities carrying cultural, religious or philosophical connotations should be promoted on a voluntary basis rather than through mandatory directives, particularly in educational institutions attended by students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
Stating that educational spaces should remain sensitive to the cultural and traditional sentiments of the people they serve, ENSF said that while individuals were free to participate in yoga and related activities, making such observance compulsory could be perceived as disregarding the unique identity and traditions of the Naga people.
ENSF said it had censured the notification and declared its invalidation throughout the eastern region and directed all its federating units to monitor the situation, abstain from participating in any activities related to the event, and report any school observing the programme in the region.
ANCSU: In a representation addressed to the ex-officio director of Higher Education, All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) president Kivika Yeptho and general secretary Sotilo Tep expressed strongest objection and unequivocal opposition to the notification.
ANCSU stated that Nagaland was distinguished by its unique historical, cultural and religious identity, with an overwhelming Christian population. The union expressed concern that the event was scheduled on June 21, which falls on a Sunday, a day observed by Christians as the Lord’s Day for worship, spiritual fellowship and religious observance.
The union also pointed out that June 21 coincides with Father’s Day, an occasion dedicated to honouring fathers and strengthening family relationships. It said directing colleges to mobilise students, teachers and staff for institutional programmes on such a day reflected a lack of sensitivity towards the religious practices and family commitments of the people of Nagaland.
ANCSU, therefore, demanded immediate withdrawal of the directive and urged the directorate of Higher Education to act with wisdom and sensitivity in preserving social harmony.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) that while it respected the freedom of individuals to practise yoga or any other form of physical exercise voluntarily, it strongly objected to what it termed an attempt to institutionalise and impose such programmes without due regard for the religious, cultural and social identity of the people of Nagaland.
NPCC stated that Nagaland, being a predominantly Christian state, attached great importance to faith and religious observances. It alleged that the circular reflected a growing tendency of the BJP-led government at the Centre to promote a “one-size-fits-all” cultural agenda across the country, disregarding India’s diversity.
NPCC pointed out that this year’s International Day of Yoga falls on Sunday, June 21, a day dedicated to worship and spiritual fellowship for Christians across the state. It also noted that the day coincides with Father’s Day, an occasion celebrated by families and churches to honour fathers and father figures.
Maintaining that national integration could not be achieved through cultural imposition, NPCC said India’s strength lay in its diversity and that true secularism required equal respect for the beliefs and traditions of all communities. It further contended that educational institutions should remain centres of learning and character-building rather than platforms for advancing political or ideological agendas.
The committee urged the state government to review the directive and ensure that no educational institution, teacher or student was compelled, directly or indirectly, to participate in activities that might conflict with religious beliefs or important community observances.
CNTC: Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) president Hukiye K. Yepthomi and general secretary Akum Pongen has urged the Department of School Education (DoSE) to immediately revoke its circular directing educational institutions.
In an open letter addressed to the principal director of School Education, CNTC while appreciating initiatives aimed at promoting physical health and well-being, questioned the wisdom and sensitivity of organising such a programme on a day of significant religious importance.
CNTC said the issue was not merely about the observance of a single event but concerned the implications of a public authority encouraging participation in an activity on a day that held profound religious significance for the majority of the people.
The council stated that the decision had generated concern among citizens and raised questions as to whether adequate consideration had been given to the religious sentiments and convictions of the people.
CNTC urged the department to reconsider the scheduling of the programme, stating that such a move would reaffirm its commitment to respecting the beliefs of the people and preserving mutual trust between public institutions and society. It cautioned that failure to review the matter could lead to widespread public dissatisfaction and avoidable tensions.
Stating that it was duty-bound to safeguard the interests and sentiments of the people, CNTC said it reserved the right to pursue appropriate democratic and constitutional avenues if the concerns raised remained unaddressed. It further urged the department to take corrective measures in the larger interest of social harmony and mutual respect.
DUCCF: Expressing strong resentment over the directive, Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) said the date coincided with a sacred day of worship and fellowship for the Christian-majority population of Nagaland as well as Father’s Day, thereby intensifying public concern across the state.
While affirming that individuals were free to practise yoga and participate in wellness-related activities voluntarily, DUCCF opposed any directive that made participation compulsory, particularly on a day of profound religious significance to the people of Nagaland.
DUCCF pointed out that Nagaland enjoyed special constitutional safeguards under Article 371A, which protects the religious and social practices, customary laws and traditions of the Naga people. The federation stated that the spirit and intent of the constitutional provision were meant to preserve the distinct religious, cultural and social identity of the Nagas, and maintained that any policy or programme disregarding these sensitivities should be reconsidered in consultation with stakeholders.
DUCCF further maintained that participation in Yoga Day programmes should remain purely voluntary and not be enforced through mandatory attendance requirements, submission of reports, GPS-tagged photographs or other compliance mechanisms.
Calling for collective action, DUCCF appealed to tribal hohos, churches, student bodies, women’s organisations, youth groups, civil society organisations, village councils, urban local bodies and political leaders to stand united in safeguarding the constitutional rights and religious sentiments of the people of Nagaland.
The federation also urged the state government and the state’s Member of Parliament to take up the matter and ensure that no citizen of Nagaland was compelled to participate in any programme that conflicted with religious convictions or constitutional protections.
DNSU: In a press release, DNSU president Hinoto P. Aomi and general secretary Michael Kath stated that Nagaland, being a predominantly Christian state, observed Sunday as a sacred day of worship, rest and fellowship. The union said scheduling school-related activities on a Sunday, regardless of their nature, disregarded the religious sentiments and long-standing traditions of the people of Nagaland.
DNSU maintained that educational institutions should not be placed in a position where students and teachers were expected to participate in official programmes on a day dedicated to religious observance.
While acknowledging that yoga was practised by many as a form of physical exercise, the union said no activity should be imposed in a manner that conflicted with the religious and cultural values of the people of Nagaland.
The union urged the department to immediately reconsider and withdraw the directive or alternatively reschedule the programme to a working day.
DNSU also appealed to parents and guardians to uphold the sanctity of Sunday and exercise their discretion regarding participation in school activities scheduled on that day. Further, it urged schools to respect the religious beliefs of students and their families and refrain from making attendance at such programmes compulsory.
ASU: Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president Diezevisie Nakhro and general secretary Rajuselie Chücha stated that while the union respected national and global observances, scheduling and mandating such activities on a Sunday– the Christian Sabbath- was contrary to the faith and religious sentiments of Christians in general and the Naga people in particular.
The union also pointed out that June 21 coincides with Father’s Day this year and said the observance of official programmes on the same day diminished an occasion that held special significance in recognising family values and parental roles.
ASU criticised the mandatory nature of the programme, including requirements for immediate action-taken reports and GPS-tagged photographs, describing them as excessive, coercive and unnecessary. It further alleged that the directive created undue pressure on educators and school administrations, compelling compliance under fear of professional repercussions.
The union maintained that the authorities were well aware of constitutional protections safeguarding religious beliefs and social practices, particularly under Article 371A, which provides special protection to the religious and social practices of the Nagas. ASU contended that enforcing mandatory participation on a holy day amounted to an affront to Naga identity and religious rights.
ASU appealed to church bodies, civil society organisations and the public to stand united in safeguarding religious freedoms and constitutional rights. ASU urged the government and the concerned authorities to immediately rescind the mandatory observance of the programme on the Sabbath and respect the socio-religious rights guaranteed to the people.
KSU: Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) said that such a directive, despite the long-standing recognition of Sunday as a sacred day, was highly unacceptable and contrary to the religious and cultural sentiments of the people.
Stressing the need to respect the religious beliefs of the Christian community and uphold the sanctity of Sunday, the union directed all educational institutions under Mon district to strictly refrain from conducting any extracurricular activities on Sundays.
KSU warned that any institution found defying the directive would be held responsible for its actions and would invite appropriate action from the union. It further called for fullest cooperation and strict compliance from all concerned.
RSU: Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) president Wakhanlo Semy and general secretary Alo Tep said that while the union respected national and international observances and supported physical and mental wellbeing, the decision to schedule and mandatorily enforce the programme on a Sunday– the Christian Sabbath– demonstrated disregard for the religious sentiments and spiritual convictions of the Christian community and the Nagas.
The union pointed out that Sunday was devoted to worship, prayer, fellowship and family, and noted that this year’s observance also coincided with Father’s Day. It said the imposition of official programmes on such a day undermined the sanctity attached to these occasions.
RSU further criticised the mandatory nature of the programme, including requirements for action-taken reports and GPS-tagged photographs, describing them as excessive, coercive and unwarranted.
Maintaining that no authority had the mandate to compel participation in activities contrary to the faith and convictions of the people, RSU contended that the directive infringed upon religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India. It also referred to Article 371A, which provides special protection to the religious and social practices of the Nagas.
The union urged the government and the department to immediately withdraw the notification and refrain from imposing such programmes on educational institutions. It cautioned against any attempt to enforce compliance through official instructions and warned authorities, school administrations and individuals against exerting pressure on teachers, students or institutions to participate.
RSU also appealed to its subordinate bodies and members to monitor developments in their respective jurisdictions and report any attempts to impose participation through coercion or intimidation.
OKM: Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) president Tongpangmangyang Kichu and general secretary Sungkumjang Kichu stated that Nagaland, being a predominantly Christian state, observed Sunday as a sacred day of worship, rest and family fellowship. The conference said that enforcing official programmes requiring the participation of students and faculty on such a day hurt the religious sentiments of the people and was incompatible with Christian faith and traditions.
OKM expressed total solidarity with Ao Kaketshir Mungdang and endorsed its demand for withdrawal of the circular and refrain from issuing instructions that undermined the sanctity of Sunday.
It warned that failure to address the issue could erode public confidence in the administration and trigger widespread public resentment and democratic agitation.
Reaffirming its commitment to defending the religious liberties of the people and upholding the constitutional right to freedom of religion, OKM said secularism required the state to respect the religious fabric of its people. The conference also appealed to parents, students and heads of institutions to refrain from participating in the scheduled observance on Sunday.
PSU: Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) president Rongley Leyri and general secretary Tsiarhotho Thsangkhure stated that while the union respected cultural and personal choices and acknowledged the existence of diverse practices in a democratic society, the imposition of such a directive on a day of profound religious significance for Christians was insensitive and disregarded the sentiments and faith practices of the people of Nagaland.
The union pointed out that Sunday was universally observed by Christians as a day of worship, rest and spiritual reflection. It said that in a state where Christianity formed an integral part of the social and cultural fabric, scheduling a mandatory school programme on the Sabbath raised serious concerns regarding respect for religious sentiments and inclusiveness.
PSU directed all educational institutions within the Pochury community to abstain from observing or conducting any programme related to International Yoga Day on June 21.
The union also cautioned heads of educational institutions to uphold the directive in the interest of respecting the sentiments and values of the community. PSU reiterated that its stand was not against any individual or practice but was intended to safeguard the religious sentiments, cultural identity and social values of the community.
NPYF: NPYF Dimapur District said that while it supported initiatives promoting physical fitness, healthy living and student well-being, participation in programmes involving matters of faith, conscience or personal belief should remain voluntary.
The organisation pointed out that Nagaland enjoyed special constitutional protections under Article 371A, which safeguards the religious and social practices of the Nagas. It maintained that programmes perceived by sections of society as having religious or spiritual associations should be implemented with sensitivity and only after proper consultation with stakeholders, including churches, parents, educational institutions and civil society organisations.
NPYF stated that the requirement for schools to submit compliance reports and geotagged photographs created the impression that participation was mandatory rather than voluntary, undermining the principles of freedom of conscience, parental choice and respect for religious diversity.
It further asserted that no student, teacher, parent or educational institution should face direct or indirect pressure to participate in activities that may conflict with sincerely held beliefs. It suggested that objectives related to physical fitness could be achieved through alternatives such as sports, athletics, physical education activities and other widely accepted forms of exercise.
NPYF urged the authorities to review and withdraw any directive that effectively made participation in yoga programmes compulsory in schools. It maintained that any such programme should be strictly voluntary and should not require schools to submit compliance-based evidence of participation.
It also called upon the state government and other concerned authorities to uphold constitutional rights, religious freedoms and the unique identity of the people of Nagaland while formulating and implementing educational policies.