#dnaEdit: In the fitness of things

The strident protests from a section of Muslims, which saw religious design in something as innocuous as surya namaskar, has forced the BJP-led government at the Centre on the back foot. It has now decided to exclude the controversial asana on World Yoga Day on June 21. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s victory — it has been at the forefront of the opposition to surya namaskar — must be seen in the broader context of politics and governance in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose message “sabka saath, sabka vikas,” had become a rallying cry for his party, has, after coming to power, consistently failed to assuage the fears and insecurities of the minorities who perceive his government as the Hindu rule. The increased incidence of riots targeting Muslims, the beef ban, reckless comments by the hardliners in BJP and the rhetoric of the Sangh Parivar, seen as fire-breathing by the non Hindutvas, have vitiated the atmosphere to a point when even a healthy initiative by the government is regarded as a threat to the religious beliefs of Muslims. 

True, yoga draws inspiration from Hindu religious texts, most notably, Patanjali Yoga sutras, but it’s global appeal has transcended both geographical and religious boundaries. Its primary objective — achieving a harmony of the body and mind and activating the energy fields in the human constitution — has drawn immense following, drawing into its fold people from different cultures and walks of life. What began as an exotic import from the East, today has millions of followers in the US, UK and is fast gaining ground in the Gulf. Yoga is a multi-billion dollar industry, bringing unprecedented fame and money for the many gurus who have come up with their own brand of exercises. In India, especially in the metros, the profusion of yoga institutions is enough proof of  its increasing acceptance among the youth, middle-aged and the elderly who are realising the importance of a healthy way of life.

All the while, yoga never required any government intervention or thrust to widen its appeal till the Modi government came along and turned it into an even bigger branding exercise with the UN approval. The grand spectacle on June 21, will be frowned upon as an assertion of Hindutva principles, defeating the purpose of encouraging and propagating a healthy lifestyle. With the politicisation of yoga and the religious motives attributed to it, the Modi government is likely to miss a golden opportunity to bring together diverse elements and constituents. It’s almost going the Good Governance Day way, when the BJP courted controversy for celebrating it on Christmas last year, raising the hackles of Christians. 

The Prime Minister should have learnt his lessons by now. He cannot afford to envision a future for the country, which doesn’t factor in the needs and aspirations of a heterogeneous society. That others are seeing it as one more event is in itself a testimony that a section of society is yet to come on board. Modi has to first gain the confidence of the people — and their number is not insignificant — who believe that “asanas are being shoved down their throats”. After all, the UN resolution emphasises upon keeping all initiatives and contributions voluntary. This is a wonderful initiative and opportunity which cannot be frittered away in mundane politics and rhetoric.