NJCF opposes mandatory yoga observance

The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has expressed concern over the institutional promotion and compulsory observance of yoga in educational settings.
Taking note of the recent notification calling upon all schools under the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) to observe the 11th International Yoga Day on June 21 and to register for the Yoga Sangam Programme, forum’s president Rev Dr N Paphino and secretary Rev Moses Murry in a statement acknowledged the intent behind promoting health and well-being among students.
They however pointed out that yoga, while widely regarded as a physical discipline, was fundamentally rooted in religious and philosophical traditions that were distinctly Hindu in nature. For many within the Christian community, they claimed participation in such practices raised questions of conscience and faith.
Hence, they strongly urged that participation in yoga-related activities be made entirely optional, with no form of pressure or discrimination directed at those who choose not to participate.
Further, they called for schools be given the autonomy to opt out of the event based on the faith convictions of their institutions and communities, and that government and educational authorities remain sensitive to the diverse religious backgrounds of students and refrain from mandating practices that might conflict with personal or communal beliefs.
Asserting that they stood committed to the constitutional values of secularism, religious freedom, and educational integrity, the NJCF leaders call upon the authorities to ensure that the schools remain environments that fostered inclusiveness, mutual respect, and freedom of conscience.