Unperturbed by the on-going debate on Yoga Day, the ruling Congress Government in Karnataka has given a thumbs up to the celebrations. State Health Minister UT Khader has made it clear that his Government is not averse to Yoga Day celebrations.
Khader, a Muslim Minister in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet, backed the initiative and said, “We will follow the guidelines and do the exercise with back to the Sun. We will promote Yoga Day and follow it.”
“If anyone has a problem they should turn around and do it. They can face the other side and do the exercise. With yoga, there is no downfall or upliftment of any community. It’s just a matter of health,” the Minister added.
Commenting on Muslim organistaion’s Opposition to it, Khader said, “I am a Health Minister. In my opinion health, education and food should be above religion. Thus I consider this as an exercise and there is nothing wrong in doing exercises. It is the duty of the Government to clarify the assumptions of our religious leaders about yoga.”
Describing yoga as an ancient gift, he said, “Yoga is a gift given by our ancestors. It is now internationally recognised. We have always said what medicine can’t cure, yoga can. We don’t know what guidelines are there from Central Government about Surya Namaskar. Whatever is directed from Central Government we will implement it.”