The Nagaland government has deferred the official observance of the International Day of Yoga in educational institutions to June 22 following objections from student organisations, tribal bodies, church groups and political parties over conducting the programme on a Sunday in the Christian-majority state. The decision was announced through a revised order issued by the School Education Department on Sunday, directing the Directorate of School Education to shift all Yoga Day activities in schools and educational institutions from June 21 to June 22. The move came in response to widespread criticism of an earlier directive that had instructed both government and private schools across the state to organise International Day of Yoga programmes on Sunday, ensure participation of students and staff, and submit reports along with GPS-tagged photographs after the event.
Several organisations expressed concern over the timing of the observance. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) described the original directive as insensitive to the religious sentiments of the state’s predominantly Christian population. The federation argued that Sunday is a sacred day of worship for Christians and that holding official programmes in schools on that day could affect the community’s religious practices.The Central Nagaland Tribes Council also opposed the directive, stating that educational institutions should not be compelled to participate in activities that some sections of society may associate with religious or cultural traditions that differ from their own beliefs. Political parties, including the Nagaland Congress, joined the demand for withdrawal of the circular, while several church organisations raised concerns regarding the scheduling of the event on a Sunday.
The Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union (NBPU) stated that yoga has roots in religious and philosophical traditions that it believes are incompatible with Christian teachings. The organisation urged churches and educational institutions to refrain from participating in the observance.Following the growing opposition, the state government revised its decision and postponed the official programmes to Monday.Despite the deferment of school-based events, several Central government institutions, security forces and other organisations across Nagaland observed the International Day of Yoga on Sunday as part of nationwide celebrations held across the country. The development highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious observances and public programmes in Nagaland, where church institutions continue to play an important role in social and community life.
