Goa Catholics oppose Sun Worship
Goa: The Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) has complained to state governor and other high officials against event that allegedly forced students to take part in an event that involved the mass display of surya namaskar or sun worship exercise.
The CAG has written also written to state chief minister, the archbishop, the education minister as well as the chairman of the National Minorities Commission complaining about the event held recently, Times of India reported.
The CAG said catholic students were compelled to take part in surya namaskar as part of the event organized by the education department along with the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs (DYSA).
The complaint said the act was against religious freedom as provided for in the constitution of India.
"The education department's circular to the schools was not very clear and hence almost all the catholic schools made it compulsory for the students of IX, X and XI. The physical education teachers of each school went overboard to please the eduation department and DSYA and even threatened students that if they didn't take part, then they would be barred from answering the forthcoming exams," said CAG in its complaint.
It also cited verdict of Madhya Pradesh High Court against the state making 'sun worship' (surya namaskar) compulsory in minority schools, after a case was filed bishops in the state.
They pointed out that that Madhya Pradesh government had to given an undertaking to the court that surya namaskar is voluntary for the schools.
The NGO have further asked for investigation and action taken against all those found guilty of forcing children to participate in the mass display of surya namaskar.
Both Goa and Mandhya Pradesh are ruled by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is considered the political arm of Hindu groups that works to make India a Hindu nation.
Source: Times of India/ UCA News