The Akhila Odisha Yoga Sikshaka Mahasangha on Sunday demanded that the State Government introduce ‘yoga siksha’ at all levels, from secondary schools to universities, at the earliest.
“Nudity, violence against women, corruption, liquor consumption, terrorism and suicides are now destroying the society. If men and women develop their mental attitude, no such violence activities would occur. Yoga is the only means that would help people and society in this direction,” said Mahasangha convenor Yogacharya Dr Bishwaranjan Rath.
Citing a sermon of the Gita, he said Yoga has the power to keep body, life, mind, wisdom and soul balanced and, thus, yoga and moral education need to be introduced in all levels of education from secondary schools to universities.
Mahasangha president Dr Rajesh Manik expressed strong resentment over non-implementation of Yoga in educational institutions in the State while foreign countries are promoting yoga education rapidly now.
He said the Mahasangha would be forced to create campaign for promotion of Yoga.
The organisation demanded that regular Yoga Teachers be appointed in place of Physical Education Teachers in all schools and colleges and Yoga be taken as a compulosory subject at Plus Two level. The organisation also demanded Yoga Department opened at all universities and yoga treatment provided at all medical college and hospitals.